Montmartre struggles to preserve its heritage amid mass tourism Nestled on a hilltop in northern Paris the white domed Sacre Coeur Basilica on its summit overlooking the city, Montmartre is known as the " last" village in Paris. It is famed for its steep, cobbled streets, cabarets, culture and artistic roots. But with some 12 million visitors every year and soaring rents forcing many locals out, it is struggling to preserve its heritage amid mass tourism.