Montmartre’s sweet spot sits demurely at 10 rue Cortot, about 500 yards from Sacre Coeur and 5 minutes away from the hilltop square jammed with painters and tourists, Place du Tertre.

Housed in Montmartre’s oldest building, the museum founded in 1960, was once the meeting place and part-time residence of Renoir, Emile Bernard, Dufy, Utrillo and Suzanne Valadon. Your visit plots the history of the artist colony from shanty town to the Moulin Rouge. An entire room is dedicated to the French Cancan.

For the 9 euros admission you’ll be equipped with an audio guide and entree to the galleries, romantic gardens and coveted view of the hilltop vineyard.

The Renoir gardens surrounding the building speak for themselves. There are plenty of benches and chairs tucked away for quiet contemplation. Check the museum’s website for special events.

Musée de Montmartre
10-12 rue Cortot, 75018 Paris

Metro: Lamarck – Caulaincourt; Bus: 80, Montmartrobus. Open every day from 10am to 6pm.

Breakfast for four and WiFi on weekends until 4pm across Europe, Middle East & Africa, rates as low as $168 with Hilton Hotels & Resorts