Things To Do
in Montreuil
Montreuil is a diverse, creative suburb immediately east of Paris known for its street art, independent ateliers and green spaces. Once a working-class town, it has become a lively mix of long-time residents, artists, small businesses and young families. The town offers lively markets, quirky cafés, local production (potatoes and market gardening historically) and easy access to central Paris by metro.
It feels like a small city with its own cultural identity and quieter residential neighborhoods tucked between parks and urban streets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh croissants and coffee while soaking in the charming atmosphere of the historic center. After breakfast, take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, admiring the beautiful architecture and vibrant facades of the buildings that date back centuries. Visit the iconic Église Saint-Saulve, where you can appreciate its intricate stained glass and serene ambiance.
In the afternoon, delve deeper into Montreuil's history by visiting the Musée de l'Ordre de Malte, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the town's rich heritage. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby bistro, sampling local specialties like coq au vin or ratatouille. Post-lunch, take a walk along the ramparts that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the town below.
As evening falls, find a cozy restaurant to experience a delightful dinner featuring regional cuisine, paired with a glass of local wine. After your meal, consider joining a guided night walk to see the historic center illuminated, revealing a different charm under the stars. Wind down your day at a local bar, enjoying a quiet drink while mingling with friendly locals.
Start your morning with breakfast at a quaint café, then head to the Citadel of Montreuil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into the town's military past. Explore the fortress's walls and enjoy panoramic views of the landscape, allowing the morning sun to illuminate the stunning scenery. Capture photographs of the impressive architecture and the surrounding greenery as you wander through this historic site.
For lunch, try a traditional French meal at a local eatery before visiting the Montreuil market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and handmade crafts. Engage with local vendors to learn about the region's cuisine and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs. Spend the afternoon exploring local artisan shops that showcase the craftsmanship of Montreuil's talented artists and makers.
As night approaches, find a restaurant that specializes in seafood, given Montreuil's proximity to the coast. Indulge in fresh oysters or mussels while enjoying the ambiance of the town as it transitions into evening. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town square, where you might encounter local musicians or performers adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🥐Bakery pastry | $1.50-3 |
| 🚇Single metro ticket (Paris zone 1-2) | $2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to central Paris with easy metro access
- Vibrant street art and creative community
- Diverse, multicultural food scene
- Pleasant parks and community gardens
- Less tourist infrastructure compared with central Paris
- Can feel residential and quiet in evenings if you expect a big nightlife
- Some areas vary in upkeep and can feel less polished
- August closures for some local businesses
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am vegetarian
- "Où est la station de métro la plus proche ?" - Where is the nearest metro station?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Montreuil
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views over Paris with trees and varied light — great for sunrise/sunset shots and capturing the contrast between greenery and the city skyline.
The Plateau area is covered in murals, painted shutters and creative façades — ideal for colorful urban and street-art photography.
Vibrant market scenes, portrait opportunities with local vendors and dynamic compositions with produce and fabrics.
Architectural shots of the town hall and surrounding cafés; good for capturing community life and municipal architecture.
Close-up nature shots, seasonal blooms and scenes of urban agriculture that highlight Montreuil’s green initiatives.
Food in Montreuil
Montreuil Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Simple French café fare — open-faced tartines or a croque-monsieur are widely available at local cafés for breakfast or a light lunch.
Must-Try!
Popular in Montreuil's multicultural restaurants; hearty and spiced stews served with couscous are often excellent and widely available.
Reflecting the strong West African community, dishes like yassa (marinated onion and lemon chicken) can be found in family-run restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market near the metro station — fresh produce, cheese stalls, flowers and small food vendors. Great for lively atmosphere and local specialties.
Look for weekend pop-ups, community events and food trucks around the Plateau and cultural centers where you can sample experimental and ethnic street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin interactions with a polite 'Bonjour' and end with 'Merci, au revoir'. French greetings are important in shops and cafes.
Montreuil has many families and long-term residents; keep noise down in residential streets especially after 10–11pm.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors at markets or private property like artisan courtyards.
Montreuil is diverse — be respectful of religious and cultural practices, and avoid assuming cultural homogeneity.
Safety
Tipping in Montreuil
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is usually included in restaurant bills (service compris). Leaving small change or rounding up for excellent service is appreciated but not required. For cafés and bars, leaving a euro or two is common for table service.
Cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; smaller vendors and some market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payment and mobile wallets are common. ATMs are widely available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Parks and gardens bloom and outdoor markets become lively — mild temperatures make walking and exploring markets pleasant. Expect occasional rain; bring a light jacket and umbrella.
Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours; outdoor events, terraces and pop-ups peak. Some locals head out of town in August so smaller businesses may have reduced hours.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage in the parks make it a great time for walking and photography. Cultural season resumes with exhibitions, concerts and theater programming.
Cold and occasionally damp, with shorter days; museums and indoor cultural venues are active. Layers and a warm coat are recommended, and expect fewer outdoor events.
Montreuil at Night
Hiking in Montreuil
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Wooded paths with panoramic viewpoints over Paris; short hikes ideal for nature walks and birdwatching without leaving the suburb.
Not far by metro — a scenic park with steep paths, rock formations and waterfalls, great for urban hiking and photography.
Larger forest area reachable by regional transport for longer hikes, varied trails and extensive nature away from the city bustle.
Formal gardens and longer walking routes south of Paris with historic chateau grounds, accessible by short ride from Montreuil for a day trip.
Airports
How to reach Montreuil by plane.
Major international hub about 25–30 km northeast of Montreuil. Reachable by RER B to Gare du Nord and metro connections, or by direct regional buses and taxis (~40–60 minutes depending on traffic).
South of Paris about 20–35 km away. Accessible via Orlyval + RER or tram and metro transfers; taxi or ride-share typically takes 35–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Used by some low-cost carriers; farther from Paris (~80 km). Shuttle buses connect to Paris Porte Maillot, then transfer to metro/overground to reach Montreuil. Travel time can be 1.5–2.5 hours total.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents whose families have lived in Montreuil for generations contribute to a strong sense of community and local networks.
A noticeable creative scene with studios, galleries and independent businesses on the Plateau and throughout Montreuil.
Large and diverse immigrant communities from North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Portugal and other regions that shape the area's culinary, cultural and religious life.
Young professionals and families who commute to Paris but choose Montreuil for its more affordable housing and neighborhood feel.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely played and followed locally with amateur clubs, youth teams and community pitches across Montreuil.
Basketball is popular among youth with local courts and community clubs offering training and matches.
Parks and green spaces attract runners, walkers and outdoor fitness groups, especially along routes toward Parisian parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Montreuil.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are readily available in bakeries, some bistros and many multicultural restaurants which offer vegetable-based stews, couscous or salads. Communicate in French ('Je suis végétarien(ne)') and ask staff about broths or sauces containing meat stock.
Vegan choices are more limited but growing — look for vegetarian cafés, salad-focused spots, and international restaurants where legumes and vegetable tagines can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options exist but are not guaranteed at every bakery; many restaurants can adapt dishes if asked. Carry snacks if you have severe intolerance.