Best Bits of Montmartre – Walking Tour

Discover the Artistic Soul of Montmartre with a Guided Walking Tour

The Best Bits of Montmartre – Walking Tour offers an engaging 2.5-hour exploration of one of Paris’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Priced at $39 per person, this tour provides a well-rounded look at Montmartre’s artistic past and lively present. Starting from Anvers, the tour takes you through narrow streets, historic landmarks, and hidden corners, offering both famous sights and lesser-known gems. The guide leads you with passion and insight, making this experience particularly appealing for those who appreciate a blend of cultural history and lively urban scenery.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an affordable, compact overview of Montmartre’s artistic and cultural highlights. Its focus on famous sites like Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre, along with stories about legendary artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir, makes it a compelling choice. However, it involves a good deal of walking through winding streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended, and it’s not suited for wheelchair users. Overall, it offers a lively, informative peek into the neighborhood’s creative heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $39 per person, lasting 2.5 hours
• Starting Point: Meets outside Metro Anvers
• Highlights: Includes a funicular ride to Sacré-Cœur, visits to historic windmills, the oldest vineyard in Paris, and the famous Moulin Rouge
• Expert Guide: Led by a passionate, knowledgeable guide who shares stories about Montmartre’s artists and history
• Stops Include: Square Louise Michel, La Maison Rose, Moulin de la Galette, Le Bateau-Lavoir, and the Wall of Love
• Post-Tour Options: Many bars and restaurants near Rue Abbesses for a meal or drink

Easy Access and Meeting Point at Anvers Metro Station

The tour departs conveniently from outside Metro Anvers on line 2. Your guide will be holding a sign saying Best Bits of Paris, making it simple to find the group. The meeting point is accessible and straightforward, with the funicular ride included in the experience, though buying a single metro ticket (T+ ticket) is necessary for the ascent. Alternatively, walking up the stairs is an option for those who prefer not to use the funicular.

The Funicular Ride and Sacré-Cœur Visit

A highlight of this tour is the funicular ride up the hill, which offers a quick and scenic ascent to Sacré-Cœur Basilica. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a sweeping view of Paris, often referred to as the “balcony of Paris”, providing a perfect photo opportunity. The guide offers insights into the basilica’s significance and history as part of the visit, with about 20 minutes dedicated to exploring the basilica itself.

Walking the Streets Where Artists Once Lived

The guided walk takes you through the streets where famous artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Dali, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Renoir once worked. The visit to Place du Tertre is a lively stop, where artists still set up easels, and stories about their lives and works add depth to the experience. The pictorial streets effectively evoke the neighborhood’s artistic atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Windmills, Vineyards, and Iconic Landmarks

One of the tour’s distinctive features is the visit to historic windmills, which once powered Montmartre’s industry and are now enduring symbols of the neighborhood. The oldest vineyard in Paris is another stop, highlighting Montmartre’s long-standing connection to wine-making. The tour also features a photo stop at La Maison Rose, a picturesque pink café, and visits to the Moulin de la Galette, a former dance hall associated with Parisian bohemia, and Le Bateau-Lavoir, the studio where Picasso and others created art.

The Wall of Love and Artistic Finales at Moulin Rouge

A charming highlight is the Wall of Love, where the phrase “I love you” appears in multiple languages, providing a romantic photo opportunity. The tour concludes at the famous Moulin Rouge, an icon of the Belle Époque era and can-can dance history. Finishing here adds a glamorous touch to the experience and connects the neighborhood’s historic artistic vibe with its modern entertainment scene.

Practical Details and Post-Tour Dining

After the tour, visitors find themselves near Rue Abbesses, a lively street filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants. This proximity makes it easy to relax after walking through Montmartre’s winding streets, whether for a meal, drinks, or just soaking up the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere. The tour includes a passionate and experienced guide, and the group is kept small to ensure personalized attention.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour involves walking through narrow, winding streets, which can be uneven and steep in places. It is not suitable for wheelchair users. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring essentials such as a camera and water. Smoking is not allowed during the tour, respecting the historic ambiance.

Flexibility and Booking Options

The Best Bits of Montmartre tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in travel plans. You can reserve your spot now and pay later, making it easy to fit into any schedule. Check availability for different start times, but always verify that the tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

Why Choose This Tour?

This walking tour stands out for its rich itinerary that covers the essential sights of Montmartre while also revealing lesser-known landmarks. The passionate guide brings the neighborhood’s artistic and cultural stories to life, making it a particularly engaging experience for history and art enthusiasts. Its affordable price and compact duration make it attractive for those wanting a thorough overview without a full-day commitment.

While it involves a good amount of walking and is not accessible for wheelchair users, its comprehensive stops and storytelling make it a worthwhile option for anyone interested in Montmartre’s creative legacy and quintessential Parisian charm.

How much does the tour cost?
The tour costs $39 per person.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is outside Metro Anvers, on line 2.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include the funicular ride to Sacré-Cœur, the Place du Tertre, historic windmills, the oldest vineyard in Paris, and Moulin Rouge.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Since it involves walking through narrow, winding streets, it is not recommended for those with mobility challenges.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Are there post-tour dining options?
Yes, many bars and restaurants near Rue Abbesses offer opportunities for a meal or drinks after the tour.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of famous sights, hidden gems, and engaging storytelling, all led by an experienced guide, offers a memorable and authentic Montmartre experience.

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