Curving its way up the slopes of Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement, Rue Lepic is one of Paris’s most romantic streets.
This street, stretching from Place Blanche near the Moulin Rouge to Place du Tertre, where artists and tourists congregate, offers couples a walk through centuries of Parisian history and culture.
I love Rue Lepic, despite crowds and touristy shops and brasseries. I promise you’ll love it, too!
Why Rue Lepic Appeals to Romantic Hearts
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The appeal of Rue Lepic lies in its blend of village charm and urban sophistication.
As you walk up this gently sloping street, the energy of modern Paris gradually gives way to the atmosphere of old Montmartre. The narrow cobblestone path, lined with traditional Parisian architecture, creates a good setting for romantic walks.
The street’s relaxed pace naturally encourages couples to slow down and discover hidden treasures together.
The authentic neighborhood feel makes Rue Lepic feel like a secret shared between lovers.
Unlike the tourist-heavy boulevards below, this street maintains its residential character, where locals still shop at corner markets and gather at neighborhood cafés.
Beware, though, you must be willing to overlook the tourist crowds wandering around. Since Montmartre is such a beautiful neighborhood, it’s easy to understand why everybody and their dog wish to visit it during their trip to Paris.
Essential Sights Along the Way
Your walk up Rue Lepic will reveal several important landmarks that have captured artists’ imaginations for generations.
The main attraction is the Moulin de la Galette, one of the last remaining windmills in Paris. This historic windmill, painted by both Renoir and van Gogh, represents Montmartre’s rural past and continues to attract visitors.
Cinema lovers will recognize the Café des Deux Moulins from the film Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain. As this is one of my favorite French movies of all times, it’s easy to understand why I had to visit this place during my very first visit to Paris.
This small brasserie, with its vintage red façade and intimate interior, offers couples the chance to experience movie history while enjoying authentic French café culture. The café’s classic atmosphere makes it a good spot for quiet conversations over coffee or wine.
As you continue walking up, the street’s traditional architecture tells stories of centuries past. The Haussmanian buildings, with their wrought-iron balconies and cream-colored facades, create the perfect setting for romance. Each building has its own character, from art nouveau details to window boxes with flowers.
Vincent van Gogh and his brother Théo lived at no 54, Rue Lepic, from 1886 to 1888 (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_Lepic)
Culinary Romance: Bistros and Cafés
Rue Lepic’s culinary scene offers intimate dining experiences that cater to romantic sensibilities.
The street’s bistros and cafés maintain the authentic Parisian atmosphere that makes dining here feel like a scene from a romantic film.
Small establishments with candlelit tables spilling onto the sidewalk create good settings for intimate dinners, where couples can watch the world go by while savoring traditional French cuisine.
The neighborhood’s bakeries fill the air with the aroma of fresh bread and pastries, adding to the sensory experience of the walk. These local establishments offer couples the chance to share a morning croissant or evening wine while observing the daily rhythms of Montmartre life.
While here, check out the tiny streets around. You may come across some hidden gems, tiny bars and restaurants locals go to.
Le Petit Moulin on Rue Tholoze is one such establishment where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine and a delicious dinner.
Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé, BW Premier Collection, is located just across the street. This can be a very nice choice of hotel for your Paris stay, whether you’re on your first or your 20th trip to the City of Light.
The place is bigger than it looks – there’s plenty of room inside, on the first floor
A Connection to Parisian Culinary Heritage
While exploring Rue Lepic, couples will discover an exceptional piece of Parisian culinary history right on the street itself.
Stohrer, which holds the distinction of being Paris’s oldest pâtisserie still in operation, has a location at 23 rue Lepic. This shop is a collaboration between Stohrer and À la Mère de Famille, bringing together two Parisian institutions to offer chocolates, confectionery and pastries.
Their tarts are excellent. You can take my word for that.
How To Get to Rue Lepic
Rue Lepic is easy to reach by public transportation. The street is well-served by multiple metro lines and bus routes, making it accessible from anywhere in the city.
By Metro:
The nearest metro station is Abbesses, on Line 12, which is about a 6-minute walk from the street. Other nearby stations include:
– Blanche, on Line 2 – approximately 8 minutes on foot
– Place de Clichy, on Lines 2 and 13 – a 6-minutes’ walk
– Pigalle, on Lines 2 and 12 – a short walk from the lower part of the street
By Bus:
Several bus lines serve the area: 30, 54, 68, 74, 80, and 95, providing multiple options for reaching Rue Lepic from different parts of Paris.
By Funicular:
The Montmartre Funicular (FUN) connects to Funiculaire Gare Haute, which is useful if you’re planning to explore the upper reaches of Montmartre after your walk.
The most convenient approach is to start your romantic walk from the bottom of Rue Lepic near Place Blanche (close to the Moulin Rouge) and work your way up toward Sacré-Cœur, allowing you to experience the gradual shift from the large and noisy boulevards to the narrow cobbled streets of Montmartre.
Rue Lepic can be a great alternative to stairs, as it isn’t as steep
When To Go
The best time to experience Rue Lepic’s romantic atmosphere is during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, when the soft light enhances the street’s natural beauty. The slight upward slope makes for a leisurely walk that naturally creates opportunities for rest stops at cafés and scenic viewpoints.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply wanting to experience Paris’s most romantic neighborhood, Rue Lepic offers an authentic taste of Montmartre’s appeal.
I like the occasional dinner date at one of the brasseries around.
My favorite restaurants in this area are Al Caratello for Italian cuisine, Piccolo Caratello for pizza, and Le Vrai Paris for the atmosphere.
