Guided tour of Montmartre in songs with a professional

Explore Montmartre in Songs with a Professional Guide for a Unique Experience

This guided tour of Montmartre offers a charming blend of history, music, and local stories for just $28.66 per person. Lasting approximately 2 hours, the tour is led by Anne-Sophie, a talented and delightful singer who performs more than twenty French songs a cappella, including classics like La Vie en Rose and La Bohème. The tour departs from Place des Abbesses and takes you through less touristy alleys, revealing hidden spots and sharing lively anecdotes about Montmartre’s famous singers and artistic history.

One of the tour’s strongest points is its engaging storytelling combined with live singing. While it’s mostly in French with an English translation pamphlet, the upbeat musical moments and fascinating stories make this experience perfect for lovers of music, culture, and Parisian charm. The small group size (limited to 28 participants) ensures a warm, intimate atmosphere, and the free cancellation policy adds reassurance for flexible planning.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Only $28.66 for a 2-hour tour led by a professional singer.
• Unique Format: Combines guided storytelling with live French songs performed a cappella.
• Authentic Montmartre Walk: Passes through less touristy alleys, iconic streets, and famous landmarks.
• Historical and Cultural Insights: Includes anecdotes about Montmartre’s singers like Dalida and Claude Lelouch.
• Accessible and Well-Organized: Starts at Place des Abbesses and ends at Sacré-Cœur, with free cancellation available.

Starting Point at Place des Abbesses and the First Impressions

The tour begins at Place des Abbesses, a lively square packed with musicians and local life. From this central spot, the guide immediately introduces the neighborhood’s musical heritage. The free 10-minute visit to Saint Jean de Montmartre church sets the scene, offering a glimpse of the historic architecture before heading into the streets.

The ambiance in the square, with street performers and bustling cafes, hints at the vibrant spirit of Montmartre. This lively start helps visitors feel immersed from the moment they meet the guide, ready for the musical journey ahead.

Visiting the Wall of I Love You and Recognizing Multilingual Phrases

A highlight of the tour is stopping at Le Mur des Je t’aime, a wall covered with “I Love You” written in over 250 languages. Here, you can recognize familiar languages and even sing a song alongside the guide, capturing Montmartre’s reputation as a romantic hub. The 5-minute stop offers a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to appreciate the neighborhood’s poetic charm.

This stop exemplifies how the tour combines visual symbols of love with musical expressions, making it both romantic and culturally rich.

Walking Through Rue des Abbesses and the Charm of the ‘Champs-Élysées of Montmartre’

The guide leads you along Rue des Abbesses, a bustling shopping street often called the “Champs-Élysées of Montmartre”. During the 10-minute walk, you’ll see local shops, cafes, and street musicians, giving a vivid taste of everyday life in Montmartre. This street is lively and full of artistic energy, making it the perfect backdrop for stories about the neighborhood’s artists and performers.

This stretch is ideal for those who enjoy people-watching and want to feel the buzz of Montmartre’s commercial heart. It’s also a chance to spot small musicians and street performers along the way.

Admiring Le Moulin de la Galette and Renoir’s Legacy

Next, the guide stops in front of Le Moulin de la Galette, a famous restaurant that was once an open-air ballroom. Immortalized by Renoir, this site holds a special place in Montmartre’s artistic history. Visitors can pause to admire the historic building, take photos, and learn stories about its role in Parisian social life.

At this point, the guide might encourage you to sing a related song, like “La Vie en Rose”, connecting the neighborhood’s artistic past with its lively present. The short 5-minute stop makes it easy to appreciate the romantic ambiance and artistic significance.

Exploring Dalida’s House and Her Musical Heritage

The tour takes a personal turn with a visit to La Maison de Dalida, the former residence of the legendary singer. Here, you get a glimpse of her legacy in Montmartre and are invited to sing a song by Dalida with the guide. The 5-minute stop offers a touch of musical nostalgia and highlights how Montmartre nurtures its singers.

This stop enriches the experience with stories about Dalida’s life, her iconic status, and her connection to the neighborhood, adding depth to the musical journey.

Discovering the Old Cinema and Film Connections

Next, the Théâtre Lepic facade reveals its history as Claude Lelouch’s former cinema. The guide shares anecdotes about film scenes shot inside the theater, including one from “Édith and Marcel”. Visitors can sing a song linked to the film during the 5-minute stop.

This part of the tour emphasizes Montmartre’s connection to cinema and the arts, offering a different artistic perspective beyond singing, with stories about local film history.

Honoring Dalida at the Bust and the Pink House

A short walk brings visitors to the Dalida bust, where they can admire her sculpture and sing a Dalida song. Nearby, the Pink House of Montmartre, since 1920, invites photos and a song evoking its historical charm. These 5-minute stops serve as visual and musical highlights, showcasing Montmartre’s artistic icons.

The pink house, with its distinctive color, remains a favorite for photographs, and singing a related song ties the visit to Montmartre’s romantic image.

Visiting the Montmartre Vineyards and the Old Cabarets

The tour then ventures to Vigne du Clos Montmartre, where the historic vineyards are explained. This 5-minute stop reveals the neighborhood’s wine-growing past, a unique aspect of Montmartre rarely seen by travelers.

Further along, the Au Lapin Agile, Montmartre’s oldest cabaret, beckons with its rich musical and theatrical history. Visitors can sing a song about Montmartre’s nightlife in front of the iconic venue, combining music and storytelling. The 5-minute stop celebrates the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit.

Passing Through Rue Norvins and the Artistic Place du Tertre

Walking through Rue Norvins, the guide points out local cafés and old cabarets, including the famous Patachou cabaret. The street is lively, filled with musicians and souvenir shops, offering a vivid picture of Montmartre’s artistic scene. Afterward, visitors return to Place du Tertre, famous for its artists’ portraits, where they can have a portrait made.

This segment captures the essence of Montmartre’s artistic and bohemian culture, blending visual art and music seamlessly.

Final Stop at Sacré-Cœur and Its Panoramic Views

The tour culminates at the Parvis du Sacré-Cœur, where the basilica’s stunning white façade dominates the skyline. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Paris, and the guide offers a chance to visit the basilica inside at the end of the tour.

Standing at this vantage point, the panoramic view of Paris complements the musical and historical stories shared throughout the walk, leaving a lasting impression of Montmartre’s romantic charm.

Practical Logistics and Accessibility

The tour starts at Place des Abbesses at 2:15 pm and ends at Sacré-Cœur, near Place du Tertre and the souvenir shops. The group size is limited to 28 people, ensuring a personalized experience. The activity is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, but not recommended for individuals with serious mobility issues.

It’s important to note that the tour involves walking through various streets and alleys, some of which are less accessible, but overall, the tour offers a rich, engaging experience with free cancellation available.

The Experience’s Unique Appeal and Who Will Enjoy It

This Montmartre in Songs tour stands out because of its musical focus combined with storytelling. The live singing by Anne-Sophie brings the neighborhood’s musical history to life, making it especially appealing to music lovers and those interested in Parisian culture. The off-the-beaten-path streets mean that visitors experience Montmartre’s authentic charm, far from typical tourist crowds.

The affordable price and short duration make it an accessible option for a relaxed, cultural afternoon. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy a lively, musical atmosphere and want to learn about Montmartre’s artistic legends in a friendly setting.

Final Thoughts on the Montmartre in Songs Tour

The guided tour of Montmartre in songs offers a refreshing way to explore the neighborhood’s historic streets and artistic heritage. The live vocal performances and storytelling create an immersive experience that combines culture, music, and history seamlessly.

While not designed for those with serious mobility problems, the tour’s small group size and compact route make it a comfortable and engaging option. For music enthusiasts, art lovers, or anyone wanting a different perspective on Montmartre, this tour delivers authentic charm and memorable moments at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is mainly designed for adults interested in music and history, children comfortable walking and listening to stories may enjoy the musical performances and visual sights.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is primarily in French, with an English translation pamphlet provided for clarity. The singing is performed a cappella, making it accessible to all.

How long does the tour last?
The entire walk takes approximately 2 hours, covering multiple stops and street walks across Montmartre.

Are there any physical demands?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking on cobblestone streets and stairs, so it may not suit those with serious mobility issues.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. The tour offers flexibility and peace of mind for last-minute changes.

Where exactly does the tour end?
The walk concludes at the Parvis du Sacré-Cœur, with the option to visit the basilica afterward.