- History and heritage of Rue Cortot in Montmartre
- Discover Montmartre around Rue Cortot
- How to reach Rue Cortot from Paris airports
History and heritage of Rue Cortot in Montmartre
Located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, Rue Cortot is one of the oldest and most evocative streets in Montmartre. Running quietly between Rue du Mont-Cenis and Rue des Saules, it preserves the atmosphere of a former village that long predates modern Paris. The street first appeared in the seventeenth century under the name Rue Saint-Jean and was later renamed in 1864 in honor of Jean-Pierre Cortot, a celebrated French sculptor and member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.
Rue Cortot has been home to numerous major figures in French artistic and cultural history. Composer Erik Satie lived at number 6 between 1890 and 1898 in a famously tiny room that he jokingly called his “closet,” while earning his living as a pianist in Montmartre cabarets. At number 16, Ignatius of Loyola and his companions held the foundational meetings that led to the creation of the Jesuit order. The street also welcomed Aristide Bruant, emblematic singer and writer of Montmartre, who lived here in the late nineteenth century.
One of Rue Cortot’s most important buildings is located at number 12, a large residence dating back to the sixteenth century, once owned by actor Rosimond, successor to Molière. This house later hosted artists such as Renoir and Émile Bernard. Threatened with demolition in the 1950s, it was saved by the preservation society Vieux Montmartre and transformed in 1961 into the Montmartre Museum, which today celebrates the artistic and social history of the Butte. To organize your visit comfortably, you may rely on a reliable airport transfer service.
Discover Montmartre around Rue Cortot
Rue Cortot lies at the heart of Montmartre, one of Paris’s most iconic districts. Just steps away, visitors can reach the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, offering panoramic views over the city, as well as Place du Tertre, famous for its painters and lively café terraces. The surrounding streets reveal a network of quiet stairways, small squares, and historic façades that retain the charm of Montmartre’s village past.
The neighborhood is rich in cultural landmarks, including the Montmartre Museum and the Renoir Gardens, where artists once gathered. Nearby cabarets such as the Moulin Rouge, La Cigale, and intimate concert halls reflect Montmartre’s long-standing musical tradition. Visitors will also find a wide range of traditional bistros, bakeries, and small restaurants showcasing Parisian gastronomy.
Thanks to excellent public transport connections around Place de Clichy and Blanche, Montmartre is easily accessible from other parts of Paris. Whether you are strolling through artistic heritage, enjoying local cuisine, or exploring historic streets, the area surrounding Rue Cortot offers a complete and authentic Parisian experience.
How to reach Rue Cortot from Paris airports
Rue Cortot is located approximately 29.3 kilometers from Orly Airport, around 25 kilometers from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, and about 84.3 kilometers from Beauvais Airport. Travelers arriving in Paris often compare several transport options depending on comfort, luggage, and travel time.
Public transportation such as the RER and metro is affordable but may involve multiple transfers and stairs, which can be inconvenient with luggage. Taxis provide direct routes but their cost can vary significantly with traffic conditions. Many visitors therefore opt for shuttle services, which offer a balance between cost and convenience. Feedback highlights the contrast between the simplicity of direct taxis and the logistical challenges of public transport.
A shuttle service from the airport ensures door-to-door transport, luggage assistance, and fixed pricing, making it especially attractive after a long flight. For visitors wishing to continue exploring the city comfortably, a shuttle to famous Parisian sites also allows easy access to Montmartre and other major attractions, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival in Paris.