Gracefully perched on the southern slope of the Butte Montmartre, the Square Louise Michel is one of the capital’s most walked and photographed green spaces. conceived at the end of the 19th century by engineer Jean-Charles Alphand and then laid out by architect Jean-Camille Formigé to stabilise the soft soils of former gypsum quarries, this garden of over 23 000 m2 climbs in terraced cascades up to the monumental Basilique du Sacré-Cœur.
But beyond its breath‑taking panoramic view over all of Paris, the park hides a historical irony. The square today bears the name Louise Michel, one of the leading figures of the Paris Commune of 1871. Yet the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur that looms over it could have been erected by the National Assembly of the time to ""! Naming this garden after the schoolteacher and anarchist activist is thus a symbolic comeuppance rendered to Parisian history.
Strolling along its winding avenues designed to spare walkers the steep slope, the square reveals a bucolic setting inspired by the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Here you encounter a lush, abundant vegetation made up of century-old, remarkable trees, including a horse-chestnut planted in 1902 and striking Osage orange trees.
As you ascend, walkers discover the grande fontaine monumentale dedicated to the sea gods, but also the fontaine des Innocents, signed by Émile Derré, adorned with bronze high-reliefs. A haven of greenery and culture that vibrates daily to the rhythm of street performers, musicians and visitors from around the world.
Square Louise Michel is very easy to reach by public transport. You can take the Paris Metro Line 2 (Anvers station) and walk up Rue de Steinkerque, or the Line 12 (Abbesses or Château Rouge stations). To avoid climbing the 222 steps, the Montmartre funicular runs along the square’s western side and drops you at the top with a single ticket. Bus lines 30, 40, 54 and 85 also serve the lower end of the site.
Starry Nights 2026 in Paris: observe the sky in Montmartre's Square Louise Michel
Head to Square Louise Michel in Montmartre on the night of August 9, 2026, for a free stargazing evening as part of the Nights of the Stars. A perfect chance to become an aspiring astronomer at the highest point in Paris! [Read more]
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Location
Square Louise Michel
9 place Saint Pierre
75018 Paris 18
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