A day exploring Montmartre with kids can be truly magical, but, with its steep, cobbled streets, busy tourist areas and long flights of steps can also make it very challenging with babies, toddlers and young children.

However, with a little planning and know-how, you can enjoy the best of Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur without exhausting little legs (or triggering a meltdown!). From riding the charming little tourist train, to finding the best Montmarte playgrounds, child-friendly stops and easier routes, this guide covers what you need to know for a fun and manageable day in Montmartre with kids under 6.

Quickly jump to:

Montmartre with kids under 6: Quick answers

1. Is Montmartre Good with Toddlers?

2. Best Things to Do in Montmartre with Kids

3. Best Montmarte Playgrounds

4. Is Montmartre Stroller-Friendly?

5. A Simple Montmartre Route with Kids

6. Baby change facilities in Montmarte

Montmartre with kids under 6: Quick answers

Is Montmartre suitable for toddlers?

Yes, but the steep hills, cobblestones and stairs mean you’ll need to plan your route carefully. E.g avoid too much walking and plan frequent rest-stops. See below for more info on Tots City Guide’s top recommendations, especially the Promotrain Le Petit train de Montmartre

Is Montmartre stroller-friendly?

It can be if you know how to go about it! Some areas are easy with a buggy, but the stairs and cobbled streets can be challenging. Bring a baby carrier and a stroller if your kids are able to use one. You can take either the Funiculaire de Montmartre (both up and down to Sacré-Cœur). And you can do a fun train tour via the Promotrain Le Petit Train de Montmartre (find all the information about Montmarte with a stoller HERE).

Best things to do with young kids in Montmarte?

Some of the best things to do with kids under 6 in Montmarte include:

• Visiting Sacré-Cœur – even if it’s just to take a quick look / walk inside the church, and to take in the incredible view of Paris from the top
• Riding the little tourist train, a fun way to see the highlights of Montmarte with kids without the long walk up and down the cobbled streets
• When at the top, explore Place du Tertre, see the colourful streets and ‘Mur des Je t’aime’
• Enjoy the carousel at the bottom of the hill
• Stop at a local playground, such as Square Louise Michel playground (although currently closed while a new playground is being installed – August 2026). Square Jehan Rictus (discover them all via the Premium Paris baby map)

How long should you spend in Montmartre with kids?

Tots City Guide recommends putting aside a whole day to visit Montmarte, especially with kids. Allow around 3–5 hours for a relaxed visit with young children. This gives you time for the main sights, a trip on the little train plus a visit to the playground / and or carousel ride.

Where to picnic in Montmarte with kids?

The grassy slopes of Square Louise Michel directly below Sacré-Cœur are the classic spot for a picnic, with fantastic views of the basilica and Paris. But, it’s a popular place to sit and relax, so expect it to be busy, particularly in good weather. Plan to go early and if you can aim to visit during the week, avoiding weekends.

Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet (Parc de la Turlure) is a good option, with grassy areas and views towards Sacré-Cœur. Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet dit Parc de la Turlure

Or Square Suzanne Buisson is a quieter green space, particularly if you’re already exploring around the western side of Montmartre. Square Suzanne Buisson

1. Is Montmartre Good with Toddlers?

Why toddlers can love Montmarte

Toddlers will love starting the day with a ride on the Carousel de Saint-Pierre find out more info here. Another huge hit with young kids is the Promotrain Le Petit train de Montmartre – find out everything you need to know about it here. There are also lots of great playgrounds near Montmarte, discover them all via the Paris baby & toddler map HERE.

Have realistic expectations when visiting Montmarte with a toddler or children under 6

When planning your Montmarte trip, it’s important to plan with the kids in mind.

Firstly, with it’s steep hills and cobbled streets, tackling it with a buggy can be tricky. Therefore it’s important to adapt your day, plan to take the funicular or little train up the hill rather than sweat it out walking up the streets with a screaming, tired toddler!

Find out everything you need to know about Montmarte with a stroller (or buggy) HERE

Secondly, the area at the top of the hill, near Sacré-Cœur can get very busy, especially on weekends. If you can, aim to head up early (around 9am) to beat the crowds. A quick photo stop at the top can often be enough. There are plenty of other great things to do around Montmarte that the kids will love. Explore things to do with kids in Montmarte (including family-friendly restarants and cafes) via the Paris kids map HERE

2. Best Things to Do in Montmartre with Kids

Sacré-Cœur

Of course a visit to the world famous Sacré-Cœur is a must-do when visiting Montmarte. But personally, I’d advise planning just a short stop at this part. Maybe a short visit inside the church, and a quick moment to take in the incredible view. This area gets busy

Petit Train de Montmartre

The Petit Train de Montmartre is one of the easiest ways to explore Montmarte with young children without making little legs tackle all the steep, cobbled streets. The ride takes you past the area’s main sights and is often a highlight for toddlers.

It can also be a useful option if you’re visiting with a buggy, although you’ll want to check the current stroller arrangements before boarding.

Top tip: The train doesn’t display times and locations on it’s website – find everything you need to know HERE in the full guide to the Petit Train de Montmartre: With routes, times, tickets and practical tips.

Place du Tertre

Just a short walk from Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre is one of Montmartre’s most famous squares. It’s a buzzy, fun place to let children see talented street artists at work. The colourful paintings, cute restaurants and winding streets are super picturesque, a real postcard Paris moment!

But, bear in mind it gets very busy here and can be stressful with young children, it’s worth visiting earlier in the day when the area is generally easier to navigate. The square can become very crowded, so keep little ones close and be prepared for a slower walk with a buggy.

Mur des Je t’aime

The Mur des Je t’aime (Wall of Love) is a quick but worthwhile stop when exploring Montmartre with kids. The wall features “I love you” written in more than 250 languages and is located in Square Jehan Rictus.

Why visit with kids? You can combine it with the playground in the square, so children get some time to play while you see one of Montmartre’s more unusual landmarks.

Good to know: This is an easy stop to add to your route rather than something that needs a dedicated visit.

Montmartre Carousel

The Montmartre carousel sits at the foot of Sacré-Cœur, making a great little stop during your family visit.

Top tip: If you’re visiting with a toddler, consider building the carousel into your route alongside Square Louise Michel, the large grassy area below Sacré-Cœur — there’s plenty of space nearby for a picnic.

Top tip 2:🎠 Carousel fans: there’s a way to save! If you live in Paris — or your little ones are particularly carousel obsessed (!) — Les Manèges Ravoire sell maxi bundles of 50 carousel tickets at selected locations. These can work out at as little as €1 per ride, compared with around €4 for a single ride.

The bundles aren’t available at every carousel (and you can only buy small bundles at Montmarte for example), but the ticket bundles are available at participating Westfield shopping centres. We can confirm you can buy the 50 bundle at Parly 2 and Velizy (potentially they’re also available at Aéroville, Carré Sénart, Rosny 2). Check with Ravoire in advance to find your nearest sales point if you’re keen to by a big bundle. (Honestly it sounds like a lot of tickets, but even with 2 kids half can disappear in just two outings!

👉 Find out more about Les Manèges Ravoire and their Paris carousels here.

3. Best Montmartre playgrounds

Montmartre isn’t somewhere you’d visit specifically for its playgrounds, but a playground break can make a huge difference on a day out with toddlers, especially after a busy morning tackling the hills, sightseeing and staying stuck to mum and dad through the busy streets.

Square Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet (or Parc de la Turlure)

Best for: 👶 0–1 | 👶 2–3 
Why go: A quieter play break close to Sacré-Cœur.

Tucked behind Sacré-Cœur, this a top playground pick for a Montmartre day with young children. With an area especially for younger kids and also a calmer spot to escape the crowds around the basilica. It’s also a lovely spot for parents, with greenery and views towards the back of Sacré-Cœur.

Find opening times and more info here

1 Rue de la Bonne, 75018 Paris, France

Square Suzanne Buisson

Best for: 👶 0–1 | 👶 2–3 
Why go: Play equipment + sandpit. An excuse to explore the quieter side of Montmartre.

A good option if you’re exploring the Rue des Abbesses / Rue Girardon side of Montmartre. The square has children’s play areas and a sandpit, making it particularly useful if your little one needs some proper play time rather than another sightseeing stop.

Find opening times and more info here

7 bis Rue Girardon, 75018 Paris

⚠️Currently closed (September 2026) ⚠️ Square Louise Michel

Best for: 👶 0–1 | 👶 2–3 
Why go: Fits easily into a Montmartre sightseeing day with no detours when visiting Sacré-Cœur

This is the obvious playground stop at the foot of Sacré-Cœur, and historically it’s been one of the easiest places to combine sightseeing with play. However, the City of Paris currently says its playground is unavailable and a new playground is planned. But the square itself remains a great family stop, with its large lawns, drinking-water points and carousel.

Find opening times and more info here

6 Pl. Saint-Pierre, 75018 Paris

💡 Tots City Guide tip: We aim to keep the Tots City Guide Premium Map as up to date as possible, with changes such as playground closures, park openings and seasonal facilities. You can also check out the Paris website for latest status on most Paris playgrounds.

4. Is Montmartre Stroller-Friendly?

The biggest problem: hills

Montmarte, with its hills and quaint, cobbled streets is a joy to discover, but once you throw a toddler and a pram into the mix it is quite a different story. In this case, it can be a very tiring day for everyone, unless you have a Montmarte with kids gameplan that is… and here it is:

Tackling the steps to Sacré-Cœur

It sure is satisfying reaching Sacré-Cœur after mounting the many steps that lead to the top. But if you’re going there with kids under 6 you may need to rethink the 200+ steps to the basilica from the bottom. Unless that is, your kid is crazy for steps.

In which case: How to avoid the steps up to Sacré-Cœur with a buggy:

1. The Montmartre Funicular

Avoid the steps to the basilica with this quick and easy route to the top. Kids will enjoy the thrill of zooming up to the top of the hill in the Funicular.

MONTMARTE FUNICULAR INFO BOX

Up: Gare Basse — near the carousel
Down: Gare Haute — beside the Sacré-Cœur Basilica

👶 Best for: Avoiding the 222-step climb with little kids or a buggy.
⏱️ Journey: Around 1½ minutes
🎟️ Cost: €2.55 one way
💳 How to get tickets: No need to buy any tickets in advance, simply tap and pay with a contactless bank card/phone, or use a Metro-Train-RER ticket or eligible Navigo pass.
🕐 Runs: Daily, around 6am–12:45am. Arrives every few minutes
🛒 Buggy tip: Space can be limited. If possible, wait to be among the first to board (even if it means waiting a few minutes for the next one) — you’ll have more room for your buggy and a better view too!


⚠️ Queues can be long at busy times (weekends). Generally, queues tend not to be too long since the funicular rides are so short. But be aware it can get busy in the waiting zone / ticket barrier.

🌐 Find out more info here about the Montmarte funicular

2. The Little Montmarte Train (Promotrain)

A Tots City Guide top pick! We love this little train as much as the kiddies. Take in all the key sights of Montmarte while on board this little train, as it loops from the top of Montmarte – around the corner from Sacré-Cœur right down to the infamous Moulin Rouge. Either stay on for the whole loop, or jump off at the top / bottom.

MONTMARTE TRAIN INFO BOX

👶 Best for: A fun way to reach the top of Montmartre without tackling the steep streets with little legs or a buggy.
📍 Start: Place Blanche, opposite the Moulin Rouge
📍 Top: Place du Tertre / Sacré-Cœur area (easily locate the exact stop on the Tots City Guide Premium Paris Google Map)
⏱️ Journey: Around 40 minutes for the full ascent + return
🎟️ Tickets: €12 adults | €5 children aged 2–12 | Under 2s free
🗣️ Commentary: French & English
🛒 Space for buggy? Yes, but space is limited. Avoid peak times if possible and arrive around 15 minutes early so you can board and fold your buggy before the train fills up.

⚠️ Important: This isn’t a traditional hop-on/hop-off train. You can get off at Place du Tertre, explore Montmartre, then take the return train later that day.

🌐 Find out more info about Promotrain Montmarte here

3. Which buses take you to the top of Sacré-Cœur?

Another way to avoid the stairs and get close to the top of Sacré-Cœur, is to take the bus 40. Bus 40 (Le Montmartrobus) winds its way up Montmartre and gets you close to Place du Tertre / Sacré-Cœur.

BUS 40 INFO BOX

📍 Best stop: Norvins
📍 From: Lower Montmartre / Place Blanche area
🎟️ Tickets: Standard Paris public transport ticket
👶 Best for: Avoiding the steep stairs with young kids or a buggy
🛒 Buggy tip: A great option if little legs are tired, but expect some uphill walking once you get off.
⚠️ Bus 40’s exact route/stops can change – be sure to check your journey on Google maps before you go

🌐 Find out more info here about Bus 40

Which Montmarte attractions are easy with a buggy?

🟢 Sacré-Cœur — Easy if you use the funicular to avoid the main staircase, (but very tricky if you walk up)
🟡 Place du Tertre — Manageable, but expect cobbles, crowds and uneven sections.
🟡 Montmartre Carousel — Located at the bottom of the hill, but there are a a small number of steps to enter this area so you’ll need to carry the buggy up those.
🟢 Little Train (Promotrain) — Very easy; a good way to see Montmartre without walking the steep streets.
🟢 Moulin Rouge — Easy to view from outside; flat pavement along Boulevard de Clichy.
🟡 Mur des Je t’aime — Fairly manageable, although the surrounding Abbesses area is hilly.
🔴 Rue de l’Abreuvoir & Maison Rose — Steep and cobbled in places; difficult with a buggy.
🔴 Montmartre vineyards & backstreets — Slopes, cobbles and uneven pavements make these harder with a buggy.
🟡 Musée de Montmartre — Possible, but access is less straightforward than the main outdoor sights. The museum gardens are buggy-friendly, but strollers aren’t allowed in the exhibition areas and must be left in a dedicated space. A baby carrier is useful if visiting the permanent collection.

5. A Simple Montmartre Route with Kids

🚠 Funicular up to the top → No stress or tired legs
⛪ Sacré-Cœur → explore the area around the basilica
🎨 Place du Tertre → see the artists and soak up the atmosphere, either lunch stop here, (touristy but practical) or picnic on Square Louise Michel or Parc de la Turlure
❤️ Mur des Je t’aime → quick, fun stop
🚂 Take the Petit Train loop around Montmartre → mum and dad can take a break and recover!
🚠 Funicular back down (or walk if you’re brave enough with a toddler!)
🎠 Carousel / playground break → let little legs recover
🌸 Ice cream stop at renowned Bachir (2 mins from carousel) → Much needed sugar boost after busy day!

⏱️ Allow: at least 3–4 hours for a relaxed family visit, depending on how many stops you make.

6. Baby change facilities in Montmarte

I’ve honestly searched high and low for baby changing facilities in Montmarte – they can be very limited. Aim to plan ahead when spending the day there:

• Always bring a portable changing mat (and a potty for those that need one) – prepare to potentially change the baby on-the-go while visiting the Montmarte area.
• Family café Ernestine Café has dedicated baby-changing facilities.