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Square Jehan Rictus

Square Jehan Rictus on Place des Abbesses in Montmartre is home to the Mur des je t’aime Paris. It is an easy short stop to pair with Sacré-Cœur.

Square Jehan Rictus

In pictures

  • Square Jehan Rictus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 1
  • Square Jehan Rictus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 2
  • Square Jehan Rictus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 3
  • Square Jehan Rictus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 4
  • Square Jehan Rictus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 5
  • Square Jehan Rictus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 6

About

Square Jehan Rictus sits on Place des Abbesses, in the heart of Montmartre. This small public garden is best known for the Mur des je t’aime Paris. People come for the artwork, and also for its setting within a well-known Paris neighbourhood. The visit is short and easy. In most cases, ten to twenty minutes is enough, depending on crowds and photos. It works well before or after a walk up to Sacré-Cœur. It also fits naturally into a wider stroll around Abbesses and the surrounding streets. What matters here is the context. You are in the part of Montmartre often linked with artists, cafés and steep lanes. The square itself is modest. It is better approached as a meaningful stop, not as a long standalone visit. For a smoother experience, go early in the day or on a weekday. The atmosphere is usually calmer then. Afterward, continue through Montmartre’s side streets. Or head toward Square Louise Michel below Sacré-Cœur. In colder months, this stop pairs well with a short indoor café break nearby.

The Concierge's Tip

Go early in the morning, or on a weekday, if you want a quieter look at the Mur des je t’aime. This is a short stop, not a long visit. Pair it with Place des Abbesses first, then continue uphill toward Sacré-Cœur. If the square feels busy, take a detour through the smaller Montmartre streets nearby. In winter, add a café stop between walks.

Ask the Concierge

Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.

Ask the Concierge

Frequently asked questions

What is the story behind the Mur des je t’aime?
The Mur des je t’aime is the best-known feature of Square Jehan Rictus. It was created around the phrase “I love you” written in many languages. That idea gives this small square its clear identity. The stop is brief, but it makes sense within a wider Montmartre walk. It works especially well around Abbesses and the route toward Sacré-Cœur.
How much time should I allow for Square Jehan Rictus?
In most cases, allow ten to twenty minutes at the square itself. That is usually enough to see the Mur des je t’aime, take a few photos and get a feel for the setting. If you plan to explore Abbesses and continue toward Sacré-Cœur, add extra walking time. It works best as a stop within a broader Montmartre itinerary.
What area is Sacré-Cœur in, and is it close to the square?
Sacré-Cœur is in Montmartre, in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. Square Jehan Rictus is also in Montmartre, on Place des Abbesses, so the two are easy to combine on foot. The route is straightforward, though uphill in parts. For many visitors, this is one of the simplest ways to structure a first walk through the neighbourhood.
Why might the Mur des je t’aime be closed or hard to access?
As with any outdoor public site, access can sometimes be limited. Maintenance, temporary works or crowd management may affect how easily you can approach it. If that happens, keep the stop brief and continue your walk through Montmartre. The surrounding area still offers plenty of interest, including Abbesses streets and the route toward Sacré-Cœur.
How many languages are shown on the Mur des je t’aime?
The wall is known for displaying the phrase “I love you” in many languages. That is the key point for most visitors. If you need the exact count, it is best to check an official source before your visit or on site. In practice, people come more for the concept, the photos and the Montmartre setting than for the number itself.
Is Square Jehan Rictus suitable for families?
Yes, especially for a short and simple stop. The square is easy to include in a family walk through Montmartre. The main practical point is the neighbourhood itself, with slopes and occasional crowding around Abbesses. Families often find mornings easier. If you continue uphill afterward, plan a few pauses and keep footwear comfortable for uneven streets.
When is the best time to visit Square Jehan Rictus?
Early morning or a weekday usually makes for a calmer visit. You will often get a clearer view of the Mur des je t’aime and an easier stop on Place des Abbesses. Later in the day, the area can feel busier. In wet or cold weather, keep the visit short and combine it with a nearby indoor break before continuing through Montmartre.