The Place du Tertre at a glance
The Place du Tertre is a small square on the Montmartre hill, near the Sacré-Cœur. Painters, portrait artists, caricaturists and silhouette cutters work here in the open air. Visitors walk between the easels, watch the artists and can have a portrait made on the spot.
The square is part of most Montmartre routes. If you would rather see it with a guide, the Montmartre walking tour page covers walks that include it.
How the painters' square works
Not everyone with an easel has a spot.
Numbered places
The city lets painters, portrait artists, caricaturists and silhouette cutters work on numbered places. Each place is shared in turns with another artist, so the faces on the square change from day to day.
How a place is awarded
Places go to artists who apply and are chosen for their experience and technical skill. A permit runs for 7 years.
What is on offer
Portraits, caricatures and silhouettes are made while you wait. Painters show their own work as well. What you get depends on the artist.
Not every offer is permitted
You cannot assume that everyone who offers to draw you in the area holds a city permit. On the square itself, the spots are the permitted ones.
Our pick: draw it yourself
Instead of a portrait, sketch the square and its streets with a local artist.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Montmartre tours and walks
Guided walks through Montmartre and the Place du Tertre, plus dome climbs and food tours, with live prices and availability.
Portraits: what to know before you sit
There is no fixed city price for a portrait, and prices differ by technique, size and artist. Before you sit down, ask what the portrait will cost and what the format is. Agree on the amount first, and decide whether you want a pencil sketch, a caricature or a silhouette.
Look at the artist's samples and watch the work in progress. Many people walk the square once before they decide. A portrait takes time, so plan it when you are not rushing to the next ticket slot.
Getting to the Place du Tertre
It is on the hill, so you walk uphill at some point.
Metro
Abbesses is on line 12, Anvers on line 2 and Pigalle on lines 2 and 12. Abbesses is not next to the basilica, so expect a further walk uphill.
Getting there →Funicular
The funicular runs daily from 06:00 to 00:45. A single ticket costs €2.55 in 2026. It saves you the outer steps, which number roughly 220.
Funicular guide →Bus
Line 40 crosses the hill. A single bus ticket costs €2.05.
Combine it with the rest of Montmartre
The square works as a stop between the basilica and the quieter streets.
Sacré-Cœur
The basilica is free to enter and open from 06:30 to 22:30. The dome climb costs extra and is sold on site.
Sacré-Cœur guide →Musée de Montmartre
The museum at 12 rue Cortot has gardens and exhibitions. Hours and prices are on the Montmartre page.
Things to do in Montmartre →Cafés and a bite
The square has cafés around it. Check the menu and prices before you order. For a tasting walk with cheese and wine, see the food tour page.
Montmartre food tour →
Place du Tertre: frequently asked questions
How much does a portrait cost on the Place du Tertre?
There is no fixed price. It depends on the artist, the technique and the size. Ask before you sit and agree on the amount first.
Is the Place du Tertre free to visit?
Yes. You can walk the square and watch the artists at no cost. You pay only if you buy a painting or have a portrait made.
How long should I plan for the square?
A walk around takes little time. Add time if you want a portrait or a coffee, and more if you combine it with the basilica and the museum.
Who decides which artists work on the square?
The city assigns numbered places to artists on application, based on experience and technical skill. Each permit lasts 7 years.
Is this the official site of the square or the city?
No. This is an independent guide, not run by the city of Paris, the basilica or a tour operator.