I haven't seen local street artists selling paintings everywhere in Paris. In fact, I've hardly ever seen them except in the above-named spots (near the Seine and Place du Tertre, and some roving street fairs). Sure, you can go to actual galleries, etc., but the prices are a whole lot higher.

I'd also go to place du Tertre--if you're in that sidewalk art business, that's where you are going to go to get the most business.

There are indeed only a few places where you'll find artists out in the open selling their work. The place du Tertre (the open square at the top of the butte in Montmartre) is probably the best spot. Some artists also sell their wares along the Seine river near Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter. But you won't find them "everywhere." You may find an occasional isolated artist on a street but for groups of artists offering a choice the aforementioned spots probably work out best.

Is the quality of artwork as good and the selectionas good along the Seine, or would it be worth the time and effort to go up the hill?

The ones at Montmartre are often slightly better, since they must qualify for a spot on the place du Tertre.

Thanks, we will try to get up to Montmarte.

Montmatre is packed with artists, but sadly no art. Their work is awful, as is the monstrosity at the top. What a vile, hideous piece of architecture. You're much better off browsing shops, and finding something that catches your eye.

I don't agree that all the artwork at Place du Tetre is awful. To each, his own!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...as an artist, I will vehemently disagree w/m_kingdom2. After all, I don't think most of us are looking for masterpieces...There are some fine artists 'up on the hills' & many are not even French.

Marking for future reference

If you only have one day to find art, you are wise to get specific input in advance. We were in Paris this June, and I was surprised that we saw very few artists selling on the streets by the Seine. And the few we did see were not really artists, but were more selling vintage posters. We didn't have time to get to Montmartre, though, so maybe we missed the best gathering of artists.

Has anyone found any good works of art on the right or left bank. If we run short on time, we may not be able to go up the hill.