Staying in Montmartre for a quick stop in Paris?

Ipelletierbaker,
I love Montmartre. My wife and I stayed there when we visited last (2017). With the Metro, you are only 20 minutes from anywhere in Paris. You won't be walking to the Eiffel tower, but you can walk up to the views at Sacre Coeur and then eat and watch the artist at Place du Tertre. There's plenty of bakeries, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets (just like any other neighborhood in Paris). I say do it you will love it.

I hope you and your partner have a great trip to Paris!

For efficient transit, consider the Place de la Republique area. Five different Metro lines serve the square, speeding up access to many tourist sites (when the trains are running.) That includes a quick ride to Gare du Nord.

If your agenda includes central sites like the Orsay or Louvre and you have so little time, I would not get a hotel in Montmartre which is a fair commute to the center. Note that Montmartre is every bit as touristy as the Marais and no more charming IMHO. Both are quite beautiful and mostly inhabited by tourists and businesses that cater to them. For such a short trip I'd find something near the river in the Marais or Latin Quarter or St. Germain -- all of which are lovely but more convenient than Montmartre (and I have spent months at a time in Montmartre and enjoy it, but it isn't a convenient location for a two day visit)

I stayed in Montmartre during my Rick Steves "Paris and the Heart of France" tour. (the hotel was the B Montmartre). This was a short block from the Place d Clichy subway stop.
The easy access to 2 subway lines made going anywhere in city quite easy. There were many stores and restaurants nearby. I found it a fine location. The fact that Rick Steves also uses this neighborhood should be a good confirmation for you.

I agree with Janettravels44 and Southam. We have stayed in all those areas. Republic has great transport and metro line 1 is a great line to sights. I would go for convenience in a short trip.

Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate the insight. You've given me some things to think about. :)

For a short trip, and your first trip I would definitely stay closer to the Seine. You’ll want to wander and enjoy those central sights, with the Eiffel Tower shining over the evening’s proceedings. It’s true that Montmartre’s Metro access can get you anywhere, but you have at least one line change, probably two to get to significant tourist stuff. That’s kind of a pain, some of those changes involve significant walking/stairs. I also don’t find Montemarte to be that extra special. There’s plenty of nightlife, but much of it is pretty touristy. It can also be extremely popular and crowded on summer weekend nights. The metro stops here can get fiercely busy at these times as well. It’s a drag.

I agree with janet and awrzesinski. Two nights is a very short time. Notre Dame is the center and heart of Paris, the closer you are for such a short visit, the better.

You’ll be able to walk and enjoy so much more. Yes, the métro can get you anywhere, but it can take a fair amount of time, involves a lot of walking and stairs underground (so you’re missing out on Paris itself) and can be jam packed. I much prefer to stay where i can walk out my front door in the Marais, Latin Quarter or St Germain area and already be in the most beautiful and charming area of Paris, imo.

The best way to enjoy Paris is walking. There is so much beauty and fun experiences if you just walk and wander.

There are so many unique areas to Paris and so much to see that I think as long as you know this and do not try to squeeze too much into this trip you will be ok. My husband and I have been 3 times and will be there in May on our 4th trip. Each time we have stayed in a different area......and have loved walking and seeing that area’s highlights. We tend to go back to the Ile St. Louis....because of its central location to all of Paris. I am certain I might get some throwback on this but the 2 of us tend to use the metro less and less each time we go to Paris......and we believe it has many advantages.....1)....we don’t fight as many pickpocket attacks as they seem to loom over public transportation and 2)....we walk and see more of Paris on foot, not missing the special shops and street-life that you can overlook on the metro. Of course if we have a long trip we will take the metro for ease but love walking and seeing more of the city. We have stayed in the Eiffel Tower area, the Marais, the Tuileries area and the Ile St. Louis. They have all been wonderful experiences!

I agree with Jane that walking is the best way to see Paris. We also use the metro to get to an area and then spend the day walking. And being near the Seine means some enchanting strolls at night to see the city lit up along the river. Alas the glorious sight of Notre Dame illuminated at night is no more, but it is still the best location.

Personally, I felt isolated when I stayed in Montmarte. It's the only time I felt there was no point simply walking out the door and wandering.

Generally I stay in le Marais. If I can't find anything there, I'll go a little further toward Republique.

Walking distance to center is a really big deal, whether walking to sights in the day or an evening stroll and drink on the banks of the Seine, I fell freer and more connected to the city.

For me, I don't particularly like Montmartre (and I LOVE Paris), and I think it's too far from most sights for a first short visit. So, I'd look to stay somewhere closer to the center.

What Brad and Harold said.

In defense of Montmartre, it’s one of Paris’s most quirky and charming areas to wander around. It’s situated on a hill lording over the rest of Paris, with cobblestone paths, ivy coated facades, cafes, bakeries, and views of the rest of the city. Highlights include Abbesses metro station as it is not only the deepest, with the decorated spiral stair, it also has one of the two remaining Hector Guimard art nouveau glass entrances. The station dumps you into the lively Place des Abbesses with its lovely carousel. Additionally, there is Sacré-Cœur it is not only beautiful, but the views of Paris are amazing, and you can ride the funicular half the way up. The area was once home to many artists including van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, Renoir, Monet, Dali, and Pissarro. It’s one of the locations of Paris’s urban vineyards and a couple of windmills. There are several small museums, Le Moulin Rouge, I love you wall, and Place du Tertre. Those interested in the macabre can check out Cimetière de Montmartre lesser-known than Cimetière du Père-Lachaise but still enchanting. It’s true there are many steps, pushy bracelet guys, distractions at Place Pigalle, and numerous souvenir shops, but it is also lovely, artsy, and has a village-like atmosphere on top the butte. Ok, it may not be central or on the Seine, but a metro ride from Abbesses to Trocadéro is only about 20 minutes. Then you can pop up out of the ground and wham the Eiffel Tower! Now, this doesn’t make any of the other areas noted in this thread any less interesting. But to me, as long as you are in the ring of Boulevard Périphérique you are in Paris and the actual neighborhood is less important as they are all wonderful.

Parts of Montmartre may be nice but i agree with Brad and Harold. As Brad said, I feel isolated from, and not connected to, Paris when i’m there.

Thank you for all your thoughtful replies. We've settled on staying in the Marais, as our goal- like so many others mentioned- is to walk as much of the city as we can in our short time there. It seems that staying more central will allow us to stumble upon some hidden gems while still leaving time to see the necessary sights and enjoy a glass of wine or two. Not to mention the baguettes and and cheese and pastries...

You’ve made an excellent choice, enjoy!