The Montmartre Scam That Catches Every Tourist Off Guard

Montmartre is on almost every Paris list, but it is also known for tourist traps. In this video we spend a day testing the most common Montmartre tourist traps, from street artists and souvenir shops to restaurants and love lock sellers, and we answer two questions at the end: is Montmartre safe, and is it worth it?

What we tested

• Caricatures on Place du Tertre: the registered artists with official spots are fair. Ours was 60 euros per person when we filmed, and we watched him work. Be wary of people who approach you, and of a ‘painting’ that is really a painted-over poster.
• Souvenir shops on the way up to Sacré-Coeur: mostly the same cheap items you find in any big city. For better quality, try the souvenir section at Galeries Lafayette or a shop in the covered passages.
• The Moulin Rouge: not a trap, but a classic cabaret rather than the movie. It is not for everyone.
• Restaurants on Place du Tertre: busy, pricier than elsewhere, with huge multilingual menus. We returned to the place where we had our worst meal, and this time it was good enough, but we would avoid most others on the square.
• Love lock sellers by Sacré-Coeur: high pressure, prices that change on the spot, and they vanish when the police walk by. Parisians pay to have the locks removed.

Is Montmartre safe and worth it?

Montmartre is safe, with a caveat: it is crowded and busy at night, so keep your bag closed and know what to look out for. Some visitors may feel uncomfortable, but that does not mean they are in danger. And yes, it is worth it. Montmartre is one of the most charming parts of Paris, and once you know to skip the restaurant traps, the scammers and the padlocks, you can have a great time. Visiting with a guide or a food tour also helps.

For better meals, see our 125 best restaurants in Paris guide, or let a local show you the neighborhood on the Devour food tour. Our Paris Guide Bundle and Paris hotel guide cover the rest of your trip, and you can see the anti-theft travel gear we use.