Abbesses

Abbesses is the deepest station in Paris - 36 metres underground - and one of only two stations on the entire Métro network to retain the original Hector Guimard Art Nouveau glass canopy entrance from the early 1900s. The green cast-iron dragonfly-wing canopy is one of the great pieces of Parisian public art and deserves a photograph before you descend. The spiral staircase down to the platform level is decorated with 38 murals depicting Montmartre life - a unique experience but also a genuine 182-step workout.

The Place des Abbesses outside is the quieter and more genuinely Parisian entry point to Montmartre village - less crowded than the Anvers and Sacré-Cœur approach, and better placed for the cobbled streets, studios and cafes of the old village.

Station Overview

Zone 1. Line 12 only. No step-free access - lifts are available for those who cannot manage the stairs or spiral staircase.

Travel Tips

• Photograph the Guimard canopy before descending - it is best in morning light
• The Love Wall ("Le Mur des je t'aime") on Square Jehan Rictus is 2 minutes walk - "I love you" in 250 languages on blue ceramic tiles
• From Place des Abbesses, walk uphill through Rue Lepic for the most authentic Montmartre experience before reaching Sacré-Cœur
• Lifts are available as an alternative to the spiral staircase descent

Nearby Attractions

Le Mur des je t'aime (Love Wall) - 2 minutes walk on Square Jehan Rictus. "I love you" in 250 languages on deep blue tiles. Free to visit.

Montmartre Village - Immediately above and uphill. Cobbled streets, the Musée de Montmartre, the vineyard, cafes and the approach to Sacré-Cœur.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Standard Métro hours. Place des Abbesses is at its best on weekday mornings before the Montmartre tourist flow builds. The surrounding streets have excellent breakfast cafes.