Paris Walk: Opera to Montmartre with Pastry & Chocolate

Explore Paris from the Opéra to Montmartre with Delicious Tastings

This 3-hour walking tour in Paris offers an engaging journey from the grandeur of Palais Garnier to the artistic charm of Montmartre. Priced at $94 per person, it combines scenic views, historical insights, and indulgent pastry and chocolate tastings to create a well-rounded experience. The tour is perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with Paris’s hidden corners and iconic landmarks, especially if they enjoy a mix of sightseeing and culinary delights.

A standout feature is the optional access to a rooftop terrace near the Galeries Lafayette, offering spectacular skyline views—though note that this is not part of the department store itself. The route also includes visits to charming arcades, local art spots, and hidden architectural gems. The small group format ensures a more personalized guide experience, with live commentary in English and the opportunity for photos.

While the tour involves walking and some stairs, it is accessible for most with comfortable shoes. The overall balance between sightseeing, local stories, and treats has earned the tour a perfect 5-star rating from all three reviews.

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Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours of guided exploration through Paris’s most scenic areas
• Price: $94 per person, including pastry and chocolate tastings
• Highlights: Palais Garnier, rooftop views, Montmartre, and secret passages
• Food Experience: Tasting of award-winning pastries, chocolates, and macarons
• Stops include: Passage Jouffroy, Passage Verdeau, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Sacré-Cœur, and Place du Tertre
• Group size: Small or private groups with live English-speaking guides

Starting at the Opéra Garnier and Initial Sights

The tour begins at Palais Garnier, the historic opera house known for its ornate architecture and grand facade. From there, the guide leads you through Paris’s iconic shopping district with a photo stop at Galeries Lafayette, where you can admire the dome’s stained glass (note that entry is optional and not part of the official venue).

This starting segment sets the tone for a blend of architecture and city views, with the opportunity to access a rooftop terrace that offers a panoramic outlook over Paris’s rooftops—perfect for snapping memorable photos. The guide offers insights into the buildings’ history and their place in Parisian culture, making this a great introduction to the city’s architectural richness.

Strolling Through Paris’s Enchanting Arcades

Next, the tour passes through Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau, two 19th-century shopping arcades. These historic passages feature boutique shops, art stalls, and quaint cafes. The 10-minute stops here allow ample time for photos and to soak in the charming atmosphere.

While not official attractions, these arcades evoke a vintage Paris feel, and the guide’s commentary offers context about their role during the 1800s. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore hidden shopping corridors that are often overlooked, and the guided visit adds depth to the experience.

Discovering Architectural Gems and Local Art

Moving inside Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, a lesser-known but architecturally impressive church, the tour explores its neoclassical details. This 10-minute visit reveals a peaceful interior often missed by casual passersby.

Further along, the group takes a brief metro ride, which adds a local touch and quickens the pace to reach Montmartre. The 15-minute visit to Moulin Rouge offers a chance for photos of this iconic venue, while the Wall of Love provides an Instagram-worthy backdrop with its artistic inscriptions in multiple languages.

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Climbing Montmartre’s Streets to Sacré-Cœur

The heart of the tour is the climb through Montmartre’s cobbled streets, leading to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This stunning white-domed church stands atop the highest point in Paris, offering spectacular views of the city.

The guided tour of Sacré-Cœur includes insights into its architecture and history, and the photo stop captures its impressive façade. Nearby, the Vigne du Clos Montmartre offers a glimpse of the vineyards that have survived in the city, along with another photo opportunity.

Artistic Life at Place du Tertre

Next, the tour visits Place du Tertre, where local artists work and display their paintings. Visitors have the chance to observe artists at work, creating art in the village-like square. This spot captures the artistic spirit of Montmartre, once home to many famous painters, and provides a lively backdrop for pictures.

Sweet Tastings of Pastry and Chocolate

Throughout the tour, award-winning pastries, chocolates, and macarons are sampled. These culinary tastings are a key highlight, introduced as part of the experience. The guide helps explain the art of pastry making and the distinctive flavors of the chocolates. These treats are included in the $94 price, adding a delicious dimension to the walk.

Visiting Iconic Montmartre Landmarks

Further stops include Le Bateau-Lavoir, historically linked to artists like Picasso, and Moulin de la Galette, a famous windmill and artist gathering spot. The Le Passe-Muraille sculpture and La Maison Rose, a picturesque pink café, serve as charming photo spots, each with a brief guided explanation.

Ending at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The tour concludes at Sacré-Cœur Basilica, standing as a symbol of Montmartre. The guided visit here offers a final chance to appreciate the architecture and panoramic views. The small group setting facilitates questions and personal attention from the guide, ensuring a memorable ending.

Practical Details and Logistics

Meeting point is in front of the Palais Garnier, where the guide waits with an umbrella. The experience includes a metro ticket for transportation, and the guide can take photos for participants.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and prepare for stairs and walking. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, given the walking distances and stairs involved. The small group size enhances the experience, providing plenty of opportunities for personalized interaction.

Value and Booking Options

At $94, this tour offers a combination of sightseeing, cultural insights, and tastings. It provides flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay later reservation policy, making it easy to plan.

The inclusion of live English-speaking guides and a surprise gift adds to the value. Since the tour balances scenic views, local stories, and culinary treats, it appeals especially to those wanting a well-rounded Paris experience without the intensity of full-day excursions.

Final Thoughts on the Paris Walk from Opera to Montmartre

This 3-hour journey stands out with its stunning viewpoints, hidden corners, and delicious tastings. The small group format and expert guide ensure a personalized experience that covers both the glamour of Paris and its local charm.

While it involves some walking and stairs, the scenic stops and food tastings make it a rewarding choice for culture and foodies. Perfect for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with culinary delights and avoid overly crowded tourist spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and climbing stairs, so it may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Are the pastry and chocolate tastings included in the price?
Yes, the tastings are part of the $94 fee, offering a variety of award-winning pastries, chocolates, and macarons.

Can I access the rooftop terrace?
Access is optional and depends on store hours, crowd levels, and weather. The guide provides information about the rooftop views, but entry is not guaranteed.

What landmarks will I see during the tour?
You visit Palais Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, Passage Jouffroy, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Moulin Rouge, Wall of Love, Le Bateau-Lavoir, Moulin de la Galette, Le Passe-Muraille, La Maison Rose, Place du Tertre, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves walking and climbing stairs, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations are available with options to reserve now and pay later. The tour is managed by Ohlalatravel and can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby