Clos Montmartre ‘Paris in your Glass’ Wine Tasting

Exploring Montmartre through its wine history offers a unique glimpse into how this iconic neighborhood shaped Paris’s cultural and architectural landscape. The Clos Montmartre ‘Paris in your Glass’ wine tasting tour, priced at $122.17 per person, lasts approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours. It begins at the Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre and concludes with a wine tasting at a renowned local wine bar in Place du Tertre. The tour includes visits to historic sites, a vineyard, and a lively square, making it ideal for those interested in both wine and Montmartre’s artistic heritage.

This tour is notable for being the only one in Paris that combines vineyard visits with blind wine tastings, giving visitors the chance to experience living vines and living wines firsthand. A key feature is the guided narrative that details how wine influenced the development of Paris, inspired Gothic architecture, and contributed to Montmartre’s charm. The tour generally receives high praise, especially for the knowledgeable guide and the excellent wine tasting experience. It’s best suited for visitors who enjoy a mix of history, scenic walking, and wine with a relaxed pace and a bit of uphill walking to access Montmartre’s high vantage points.

Key Points

• Unique combination of vineyard visit, historical sites, and wine tasting in Montmartre
• Guided by an expert storyteller with a passion for wine and local history
• Includes free visits to notable landmarks like Eglise Saint-Pierre, La Bonne Franquette, and Square Suzanne-Buisson
• Vineyard experience at Vigne du Clos Montmartre, Paris’s most famous intra-muros vineyard
• Tasting session held in an authentic wine bar in Place du Tertre
• Minimum physical effort required, but involves uphill walking and stairs

Starting point at Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre

The tour begins at 10 minutes‘ walk from public transportation, at the Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, the second oldest church in Paris. Built on the site of a former Roman temple, the church’s interior houses Roman columns recovered from the ancient temple to Mars. Historically, the church was surrounded by vineyards, which sets the stage for the tour’s focus on Montmartre’s wine legacy.

The church’s location on a hill offers picturesque views, and it’s a convenient starting point to explore the neighborhood’s historic charm. Visitors should note that the tour involves walking uphill, which is typical in Montmartre’s hilly terrain.

Exploring Montmartre’s Historic Streets and Artistic Landmarks

The tour takes you along Montmartre’s historic streets, including sites like La Bonne Franquette, a café famous as a gathering spot for local artists, and the Commanderie du Clos-Montmartre, once a water tower now serving as the headquarters of a Parisian wine fraternity. At La Bonne Franquette, visitors get a feel for the neighborhood’s artistic community, with stories about Van Gogh’s paintings in the courtyard.

Le Passe-Muraille, a bronze sculpture inspired by Marcel Aymé’s story, offers a whimsical moment, and the nearby Moulin de la Galette connects the area’s windmill history with its culinary tradition, notably the small brown bread called “galette” served with milk. These stops weave together art, history, and local flavor.

The Grape Vine at Square Suzanne-Buisson

At Square Suzanne-Buisson, the tour highlights a statue of Saint-Denis and an adjoining grapevine stretching about 30 meters. This stop provides insights into vine cultivation and pruning, and introduces visitors to the varieties of grapes used in wine making. Such details reveal the complexity and diversity of wine production, even within a small urban vineyard setting.

The garden setting adds a peaceful, scenic backdrop, making it a perfect spot for learning about viticulture and appreciating how Montmartre’s vineyards contributed to Paris’s wine scene.

Viewing the Clos Montmartre Vineyard from the Musee de Montmartre

The Musee de Montmartre offers a Renoir Garden with a panoramic view of the Clos Montmartre vineyard. From this vantage point, the history of the vineyard is recounted, emphasizing its role as a symbol of Parisian winemaking tradition. This site allows visitors to see the most celebrated intra-muros vineyard in Paris, which has a storied past and continues to produce wine today.

The vintage charm of the vineyard, combined with the historical narrative, creates a deep appreciation for how Montmartre’s wine has persisted amid the artistic and cultural vibrancy of the neighborhood.

The Vineyard Experience at Vigne du Clos Montmartre

The Vigne du Clos Montmartre is the highlight for many, representing Paris’s most renowned vineyard within city limits. The tour offers a close-up view of the vineyard, where the history and significance of this small, historic plot are explained. It embodies the old Paris charm and contributes to the sense of escaping the modern city to find a rural, wine-producing tradition.

From the museum gardens, visitors enjoy a spectacular view of the vineyard, fostering a sense of connection to Montmartre’s vinicultural roots. The explanation of its history and ongoing production underscores its importance in Paris’s wine scene.

The Art and Atmosphere of Place du Tertre

The tour concludes at Place du Tertre, a lively square known for its artists and bustling cafes. Here, the wine tasting takes place in a well-regarded local wine bar bistro. The setting offers a genuine Parisian atmosphere, perfect for sampling local wines while soaking in the artistic ambiance.

The tasting lasts around 1 hour, during which guide-led explanations help guests understand the wines served. The experience is relaxed, and the authentic Parisian bistro setting enhances the enjoyment of the blended cultural and culinary experience.

About the Tour Logistics and Group Size

This mobile ticket tour departs at 3:30 pm from Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre and ends at 17 Place du Tertre. Group sizes are limited to 110 participants, ensuring a lively but manageable experience. The tour involves uphill walking and stairs, making it suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.

The tour’s duration of around 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours balances sightseeing, storytelling, and tasting, providing a comprehensive yet leisurely experience. It is also accessible via public transportation.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Paris Wine Experiences

Unlike typical wine tastings, this experience emphasizes Montmartre’s historic vineyards and their cultural significance. The inclusion of vineyard visits, blind tastings, and a focus on living vines makes it particularly engaging. The expert guide adds depth with engaging stories about art, history, and wine in Montmartre.

The tour also offers free visits to notable landmarks like Église Saint-Pierre, Le Moulin de la Galette, and Dalida Statue, enriching the cultural experience beyond wine.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Since getting to Montmartre involves uphill walking, visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some stairs. The tour is suited for those with moderate physical fitness. The price of $122.17 includes the vineyard view, site visits, and the wine tasting.

Participants should also be aware of the cancellation policy, which is free up to 24 hours in advance. The small group size and informative guide make for a friendly, educational experience ideal for history buffs, art lovers, and wine enthusiasts.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice for Wine and History Aficionados

This Montmartre wine tour combines scenic walking, historic landmarks, and wine tasting into a cohesive experience. The chance to visit the vineyard inside Paris and learn about its history adds a special local touch. The guides’ storytelling and well-curated stops make it both educational and enjoyable.

While it involves uphill walking and some stairs, the pace remains manageable, and the authentic atmosphere compensates for the physical effort. The quality of the wine tasting and the depth of historical insight make it worthwhile for those seeking a deeper connection to Montmartre’s cultural fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is best suited for visitors who have moderate physical fitness due to uphill walking and stairs. It is designed for adults interested in wine, history, and art.

What is included in the price?
The $122.17 fee covers visits to historic sites, the vineyard, and the wine tasting at a local wine bar bistro. It also includes a guided narrative and site entrances.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed accordingly, and changes less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because of uphill walking and stairs. Dress appropriately for the weather, as some stops are outdoors.

Is the guide experienced?
Yes, the guides, such as Geoffrey Finch, are praised for their knowledgeability, storytelling, and hospitality, making the experience engaging and informative.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at 17 Place du Tertre, right in the heart of Montmartre’s artistic square, close to transportation options for easy onward travel.

This Clos Montmartre ‘Paris in your Glass’ wine tasting tour offers a unique blend of history, scenic views, and wine, making it a compelling choice for those eager to see a different side of Paris. The expert guidance, cultural stops, and intimate tasting experience create a memorable journey into Montmartre’s vinicultural past and present.