Le Relais de la Butte, Montmartre Paris
Perched on a leafy corner of Montmartre, Le Relais de la Butte is the kind of neighborhood café that captures the easy charm of Paris. Wicker bistro chairs spill onto the cobblestones, Taittinger umbrellas shade animated conversations, and white-shirted waiters weave between tables with practiced grace.
The café sits just below the Sacré-Cœur, on a quiet square that feels worlds away from the tourist crush at the top of the hill. It’s a favorite of artists, writers, and locals who come for an afternoon glass of rosé, a steak frites lunch, or simply to watch the world drift by under the plane trees.
With its warm Parisian atmosphere, classic bistro menu, and prime location on the slopes of la Butte Montmartre, Le Relais de la Butte offers a perfect pause between climbs to the basilica and wanders through the village’s winding lanes.
Highlights
- Sun-drenched terrace shaded by elegant Taittinger umbrellas
- Authentic Parisian bistro atmosphere with attentive, white-shirted waiters
- Prime Montmartre location just steps from Sacré-Cœur and Place des Abbesses
- Classic French menu featuring wines, charcuterie, and traditional bistro fare
What to Do
- Settle into a wicker chair on the terrace for a leisurely glass of wine and people-watching
- Order a classic steak frites or croque monsieur paired with a chilled Provençal rosé
- Use the café as a base before climbing the steps up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica
- Explore the surrounding Montmartre lanes, artist studios, and hidden vineyards
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early autumn, when the terrace is in full swing and the Montmartre streets are lush and lively. Weekday afternoons are quieter than weekends.
Getting There
Take Metro Line 12 to Lamarck-Caulaincourt or Line 2 to Anvers, then a short walk uphill. The Montmartrobus also stops nearby, and the Funiculaire de Montmartre links the foot of the hill with the basilica above.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive before 12:30 PM to secure a prime terrace table at lunchtime
- Cash is accepted but most card payments work fine — tipping is included but rounding up is appreciated
- Wear comfortable shoes; the surrounding streets are steep and cobbled
Nearby
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica with its sweeping rooftop views over Paris
- Place du Tertre, the lively artists’ square at the top of Montmartre
- Musée de Montmartre and the historic Clos Montmartre vineyard
- Rue des Abbesses with its boutiques, bakeries, and the famous ‘I Love You’ wall
Whether you’re catching your breath after climbing the hill or easing into a slow Parisian afternoon, Le Relais de la Butte invites you to linger, sip, and savor Montmartre at its most authentic. Pull up a chair — Paris always tastes better from a sunlit terrace.
Location Map
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