Montmartre Private Tour
A Montmartre private tour is a must when visiting Paris. Follow the footsteps of some of the most famous 19th-century French painters and make the most of the best views of Paris with a fully accredited tourist guide.
💡 Interested in the arts, in impressionist and post-impressionist painters? Also see our Orsay Museum tour, Orangerie Museum Tour, Van Gogh in Auvers tour, and Picasso Museum tour.
Paris, Montmartre, the colorful Place du Tertre. The center of the former village of Montmartre, is still full of artists; a lot of them will propose to draw your portrait. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Montmartre-Walking tour Essentials
€179 for 1 to 2 people + €40 per extra person
- Guided tour in English
- Really private tour = your party only up to 6 persons
- Two versions of the tour: ≃ 2 hours or ≃ 3 hours
- 2 hours: ≃ 2.2 km (1.37 mi) including a ≃ 1.7 km (1.05 mi) climb
- 3 hours: ≃ 3.2 km (1.99 mi) including a ≃ 2.2 km (1.37 mi) climb
- Postgraduate (MPhil) certified French national guide
- Flexible schedule - 7/7 if available
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What's in the tour?
Middle Ages
Sacred Architecture
French & Paris History
Fine Arts
19th & 20th Centuries
Civil Architecture
Highlights
Maison Rose
Place du Tertre
Amazing Views of Paris
Moulin de la Galette
Sacré-Coeur
Your Private Guide in Paris
Certified French national guide
BA, Magna Cum Laude, Heritage Development & Preservation
from Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers (Grande Ecole established in 1794)
Postgraduate from Paris Dauphine-PSL University
"We took 2 half-day tours in Paris with Yves and they were the highlight of our trip.
His knowledge is exceptional, and he brought photos and maps to aid with our understanding of the sites and history. I recommend Yves and Broaden Horizons tours 100%."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ • Île de la Cité 3-hour + Montmartre 2-hour Tour, both with Yves
Airsick1 Local Guide Level 2 • Sep 2025 • Read this review on Google
Why a Montmartre Tour?
Because Montmartre is one of the most, if not the most, famous Paris districts.
Famous for its bohemian atmosphere, Montmartre is also a hilltop neighborhood that is usually very crowded; a guide will help you not only see this last aspect of the district but also navigate its bustling streets.
The Montmartre Tour does not include a visit of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Montmartre Private Tour Organisation
Montmartre 2-hour Tour
The 2-hour tour is a hill climb from Place des Abbesses to Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Each time it is possible, we enter two very interesting churches on our itinerary: Saint-Jean de Montmartre and Saint-Pierre de Montmartre. We do not enter the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, as there is always a big line to enter there (if, by chance, there is no line, you may enter).
Montmartre 3-hour Tour
The 3-hour tour starts at a lower point (Moulin Rouge) to reach, via rue Lepic and rue des Abbesses, the starting point of the 2-hour tour (Place des Abbesses). The tour then continues with the itinerary of the 2-hour tours.
Montmartre Upside down (top to bottom)
Our 2-hour and 3-hour Montmartre tours are designed to be performed from bottom to top. This ensures correct narrative coherence and gives the most spectacular approach to the tours, seeing each time more spectacular views of Paris while climbing the hill. Last, and probably most important point, at the top of Montmartre is a Catholic basilica, and people should obviously climb to it; going down the hill from the basilica is somehow a heresy.
That said, for those for whom climbing the hill is too difficult, doing the tour downhill makes a lot of sense. We nevertheless once again advise against it for any other type of audience. If you have serious walking difficulties, none of our Montmartre tours is for you.
Be aware that if you take the downhill tours despite having no walking difficulties, the tour may last significantly less than the 2 or 3 hours planned.
Montmartre 2-hour Walking Tour Itinerary
Our carefully crafted Montmartre walking tour takes you through the heart of this historic Parisian neighborhood, showcasing its artistic heritage and breathtaking views. Here's what you can expect on our journey:
- Place des Abbesses - Altitude: ≃ 85 m (279 ft)
- We begin our Montmartre walking tour at the charming Place des Abbesses. Here, you'll see the famous "I Love You Wall" and one of the last remaining Art Nouveau metro entrances designed by Hector Guimard.
- Saint-Jean-de-Montmartre Church - Altitude: ≃ 86 m (282 ft)
- Admire the unique architecture of this Art Nouveau church, an important landmark in Montmartre's artistic history.
- Bateau-Lavoir - Altitude: ≃ 102 m (335 ft)
- Visit the former residence and studio of famous artists like Picasso and Modigliani, known as the birthplace of Cubism.
- Moulin de la Galette - Altitude: ≃ 114 m (374 ft)
- See the iconic windmill immortalized in Renoir's famous painting and learn about Montmartre's rural past.
- Rue de l'Abreuvoir- Altitude: 107 m (351 ft)
- Stroll one of Montmartre's most picturesque streets.
- La Maison Rose (The Pink House) - Altitude: 117 m (383.86 ft)
- See the Pink House made famous by the painter Maurice Utrillo.
- Montmartre Vineyard: Le Clos de Montmartre - Altitude: ≃ 113 m (370.73 ft)
- Discover Paris's oldest vineyard and learn about wine production in the heart of the city.
- Place du Tertre - Altitude: ≃ 128 m (419.95 ft)
- Experience the lively atmosphere of Montmartre's main square, where artists still set up their easels to paint portraits and sell their work.
- Saint-Pierre de Montmartre Church - Altitude: ≃ 130 m (426.51 ft)
- Discover one of the oldest churches in Paris and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of its small, ancient cemetery.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica (sacred heart basilica of paris) - Altitude: ≃ 127 m (416.67 ft)
- Conclude our Montmartre walking tour at the majestic Sacré-Cœur, enjoying panoramic views of Paris and learning about the basilica's history and architecture.
Throughout the Montmartre walking tour, your expert guide will share fascinating stories about the artists, writers, and musicians who called this neighborhood home, bringing the rich history and culture of Montmartre to life.
Paris - People climbing some of the famous Montmartre stairs.
A Glimpse at Montmartre 2-hour Tour Content
Place des Abbesses
The beginning of the tour at Place des Abbesses gives a promising idea of its richness.
The Name of the Metro Abbesses (Abbess in English) is about the former famous Montmartre Abbaye, where Ignatius of Loyola initiated, with his companions, the creation of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits).
Beside the metro exit is the famous Mur des Je t'aime (Wall of Love), a now-famous symbol of love.
The Metro station itself is part of the tour, as it is one of the last famous examples of Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau in Paris.
The Saint-Jean-de-Montmartre church is a famous milestone in architectural history from the same period and style.
Paris - Altar of the Saint-Jean-de-Montmartre Church. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Bateau-Lavoir
The first stage of the tour ascension is to first cross the famous grocery store of the Amélie 2001 multi-awarded movie and then reach the "Bateau Lavoir."
The "Bateau-Lavoir" (a Nike name that means "The Washhouse Boat" in English) is also known as the modern Villa de Medicis because of the famous artists who lived and/or worked there: Gaugin, Picasso, Max Jacob, Modigliani, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, André Derain, Maurice Utrillo, etc.
It is there that Picasso painted "Les Demoiselles D'Avignon," or in English, "The Young Ladies of Avignon," a painting (now in the MoMA) that is most often considered the main milestone of early cubism (proto-cubism).
Paris Montmartre - Le Bateau Lavoir. It is in this unremarkable single-story building that Picasso and others participated in changing art forever in the early beginning of the 20th century.. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Moulin de la Galette
Before reaching the Moulin de la Galette, we see on our itinerary the former house of Dalida, the famous Franco-Italian (born in Egypt) singer, who died in 1987. Her fame in Europe was immense.
Her statue at the beginning of rue de l'Abrevoir (which comes later on in the tour) is famous among the tourists, who immediately understand why when they see it.
The fame of the Moulin de la Galette site in Montmartre is due, first of all, to the most famous Renoir painting, which is named after it. The popular ball place was known for its two windmills that still exist nowadays.
Vincent van Gogh painted both of them many times.
Paris, Montmartre—East of the Moulin de la Galette site nowadays, both windmills do still exist even if the one in the photo does not work anymore. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Renoir, Le Moulin de la Galette (Orsay Museum).
Le Moulin de la Galette by Vincent van Gogh.
Vincent van Gogh, Terrace and Observation Deck at the Moulin de Blute-Fin.
Rue de l'Abreuvoir & Maison Rose
This zone is probably one of the most photographed in Montmartre and maybe Paris. The Maison Rose, made famous by naive French painter Maurice Utrillo, is the most photographed Paris monument on Instagram ©.
Not so famous but very important in Montmartre's history is the Château des Brouillards (Castle of the Mist), which once saw Renoir as a neighbor.
Montmartre, rue de l'Abreuvoir, with the Sacré-Cœur dome in the backgroundPhoto © Broaden Horizons.
Paris, Montmartre. The Maison Rose is famous for being painted by Maurice Utrillo. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Montmartre Vineyard & Lapin Agile Cabaret
The Montmartre Vineyard wine is neither the best nor the cheapest, but yes, it is a very famous one.
Just downhill from the vineyard is the Lapin Agile, which is said to be the oldest cabaret in Paris. Before World War I, it was an animated meeting place for many Montmartre artists.
A famous Picasso painting called "At the Lapin Agile," now visible in the MET, represents the interior of the cabaret in 1905.
Another very special and famous painting was created there in very specific circumstances; your guide will tell you about it.
Paris - Montmartre Vineyard. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Village Center and Place du Tertre
The penultimate stage of the tour is to climb to Place du Tertre, the "village" center.
You will take the Rue des Saules, passing in front of famous cafés and restaurants such as Le Consulat or La Bonne Franquette.
This part of the tour concentrates mostly on memories of the famous Montmartre painters, especially Vincent Van Gogh, who made, in 1886, a painting of the terrace of nowadays' La Bonne Franquette.
But we will also pass beside the musée de Montmartre (not included in the tour), which is housed in a historic house where Auguste Renoir lived from 1875 to 1877. He painted many masterpieces there, including Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette. The place also received other painters such as Raoul Duffy, Emile Bernard, and Maurice Utrillo.
"La Guinguette", 1886 painting by Vincent van Gogh, nowadays "La Bonne Franquette". Paris, Montmartre, close to Place du Tertre.
Saint-Pierre de Montmartre Church
Saint-Pierre de Montmartre is the oldest church in Paris after Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The church was part of an abbey founded in the 12th century by King of France Louis VI Le Gros (the Fat). Even if it was heavily damaged during the French Revolution and intrusively restored later, it remains an exceptional witness of Romanesque architecture.
Besides the church, the smallest and most ancient cemetery in Paris is probably of Merovingian origin; it is also the city's highest point.
Paris - Facade of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre Church. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Chevet and bell tower of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre Church. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica
We finally reach the end of the tour at Paris' Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This Romano-Byzantine church is a major pilgrimage site and one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Paris, with the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The construction of the basilica, built at the end of the 19th century, was extremely controversial. The controversy is still there nowadays; your guide will tell you why and why some people still regularly ask for its destruction!
The famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Montmartre 3-hour Extended Tour Itinerary
The 3-hour tour is the same as the 2-hour one, but we added an extension to explore the lower part of Montmartre from Moulin Rouge to Place des Abbesses. After Place des Abbesses, the tour continues uphill, following the itinerary of the 2-hour tour.
Photo of the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret at night. This is the departure point of the 3-hour tour.
- Moulin Rouge - Altitude: ≃ 71 m (233 ft)
- The tour begins in front of Moulin Rouge, the most famous cabaret of Paris, known for French Cancan dancing.
- Cité Véron - Altitude: ≃ 71 m (233 ft)
- There, Jaques Prévers and Boris Vian, two famous French artists and poets, shared a large rooftop terrace overlooking the Moulin Rouge.
- Rue Lepic Café des Deux Moulins - Altitude: 80 m (262 ft)
- We climb rue Lepic and stop in front of Café des deux Moulins, made famous by the 2001 movie Amélie.
- Out-of-the-Beaten-Tracks Montmartre Architecture - Altitude: ≃ 77 m (253 ft)
- We temporarily quit Rue Lepic for smaller streets in which we will discover a quieter Montmartre with interesting and, in some cases, rare pieces of Parisian architecture: a Neo-Gothic house, typical 1900 "Architecture Bourgeoise" buildings, brick houses, bay windows, and a 1920 rationalist house.
- Rue Lepic—Apartment of Vincent and Theo Van Gogh - Altitude: ≃ 89 m (292 ft)
- During his stay in Paris from 1 June 1886 to 19 February 1888, Vincent van Gogh stayed at his brother Theo's apartment in Montmartre. We will discover (from outside only) the place where the two brothers Van Gogh lived, and Vincent had his own studio.
- Rue des Abesses - Altitude: ≃ 92 m (558 ft)
- Like rue Lepic, a lively street full of cafés and boutiques. There you will have a first view of one of the Montmartre windmills. We will also continue with architecture with a magnificent 1856 Eclectic building.
- Rue Véron - Altitude: ≃ 85 m (279 ft)
- Once again, more of the out-of-the-beaten-tracks Montmartre. In Rue Véron, you will discover street art: graffiti and murals.
- Place des Abesses - Altitude: ≃ 85 m (279 ft)
- Here we continue with the itinerary of the 2-hour tour.
A Glimpse at the Montmartre 3-Tour Content
Moulin Rouge, La Goulue and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864–1901) was a pivotal figure in Montmartre, living in the Pigalle area from roughly 1886 to 1898 and documenting its decadent nightlife. He captured the spirit of fin-de-siècle Paris, portraying cabaret performers, prostitutes, and café-concerts at venues like the Moulin Rouge, whose can-can star La Goulue (Louise Weber) he immortalized in his 1891 lithograph — the poster that launched his career.
The Moulin Rouge still exists nowadays and it is the meeting point of hour 3-hour tour (uphill tour).
Moulin Rouge, La Goulue. 1891 lithograph —that launched Toulouse-Lautrec career (courtesy of the MET).
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. At the Moulin Rouge, 1892–1895. The Art Institute of Chicago
Van Gogh in Montmartre - The Metamorphosis
The fourth-floor apartment where Vincent Van Gogh lived with his brother Theo in rue Lepic is fully documented on the Van Gogh route website. This is where Vincent van Gogh changed his style from the dark, somber palette of his Dutch period to its vibrant and vivid post-Impressionist one. There, Vincent befriended Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who was a close neighbor living at the corner of rue Colaincourt and rue Lamarque.
You will also discover in this 3-hour extended tour, l'atelier libre Cormon (the free academy Cormon), where Toulouse Lautrec, van Gogh, Emile Bernard, or Eurgène Boch were studying among a lot of other painters.
Below are two canvases that exemplify the metamorphosis of Vincent van Gogh's paintings during his stay in Montmartre, a perfect demonstration of how Van Gogh changed from his dark Dutch palette to his new post-impressionist, colorful, and vivid one.
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Le Moulin de la Galette by Van Gogh, 1886.
Portrait du Père Tanguy by Van Gogh, winter 1887-1888
Off the Beaten Tracks Montmartre
Out-of-the-beaten-tracks Montmartre: Ivy-covered brick house. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Out-of-the-beaten-track cobblestone street in Montmartre. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Charming Neo-Gothic house on a cobblestone street of Montmartre. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Montmartre in the Snow
"One company we used was Broaden Horizons, https://broaden-horizons.fr/, something we found by happenstance. We used Yves twice, once for an evening tour of the Louvre, and the following day for a walking tour of Montmartre (in the snow!).
Yves has a genuine personal interest in his subject matter. He is quite personable and was engaged throughout the entire tour encouraging questions and promoting discussion. During our tour of the Louvre, Yves provided an art history context for virtually all of works that he chose to showcase. And the timing was such that we even had Mona all to ourselves, late in the day on a Wednesday.
Booking was very straight forward with Yves; go on his website, choose a date/time/tour, and then wait for further instructions. He covered all the logistics including emailing me when the Louvre tickets would become available, and giving very specific instructions as to where to meet. He also took my walking needs into account when planning our visit, something so helpful when I had been ill. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him and would easily recommend him to anyone wanting a unique and engaging experience in Paris and beyond."
— Carol C., Ontario, Canada (Les Frenchies Travel Facebook group) • Nov 2023
Montmartre in the snow, charming lane. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
Montmartre in the snow, Sacré-Coeur. Photo © Broaden Horizons.
FAQs Montmartre Tour
How long does the Montmartre walking tour last?
What are the main attractions we'll see on the Montmartre walking tour?
Is the Montmartre walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?
If you think that climbing the hill is too hard for you, we also have down hill versions of the tours, but you lose a lot doing the tour upside down.
What makes your Montmartre walking tour unique?
How do you handle weather conditions and seasonal variations?
How do I book a Montmartre walking tour with you?
Things to Know Before Booking
Meeting Point 2-hour tour
At Métro Abbesses
Access: Metro Line 12 Station Abbesses.
Meeting Point 3-hour tour
At Métro Blanche
Access: Metro Line 2 Station Blanche.
Meeting Point DOWNHill tours
Close to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica
Access: Funiculaire de Montmartre.
Montmartre Private Tour Attention Points
- Tour is on foot.
- Prices do not include transportation, food, drinks, or any other extra services.
- Neighborhood tours: we don't enter monuments.
- Church entrance: The tour do not include a visit of the Sacré-Coeur in which we normally do not enter. When it is possible, we enter in Saint Jean de Montmartre and Saint-Pierre de Montmartre but respecting the silence instructions.
- Tour content, duration & distance covered are purely indicative, they may vary due to contingencies.
Book your Montmartre Private Tour
Meeting Point 2-hour and 3-hour tour
On place de l'Opéra.
The exact meeting point is given in the booking document.
Access Métro lines 3, 7, and 8, station: Opéra.
French World War II in Paris Tours - Attention Points
- Tours are on foot.
- Prices do not include transportation, food, drinks, or any other extra services.
- Neighborhood tour: We don't enter monuments unless otherwise specified.
- Tour duration & content are purely indicative; they may vary due to contingencies.
- Weather: The tour will start on schedule, rain or shine.
For the 3-hour tours, you must come with a Metro ticket for each of you (purchased via smartphone app or on a magnetic support at a Paris Metro counter). Get your Metro ticket in advance; don't rely on a last-minute purchase. A line at the counter or a technological obstacle in your smartphone may easily prevent you from getting your tickets on time for the tour.
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Just follow the below 4 steps online easy process.
1. Request a date & schedule for your tour
2. Receive our answer email - if yes you have 24h to pay
3. Pay your private tour on line by credit card
4. Receive
confirmation & meeting point
Nota bene : answer to step (2) is most of the time yes.
Montmartre Private Tour UPHILL (recommended version)
≃ 2 hoursFor 1 to 2 people + €40 for any extra person
A group of up to 6 people, exclusively yours
English language
Montmartre Private Tour UPHILL (recommended version)
≃ 3 hoursFor 1 to 2 people + €45 for any extra person
A group of up to 6 people, exclusively yours
English language
Montmartre Private Tour DOWNHILL (only recommended if climbing is too hard for you)
≃ 2 hoursFor 1 to 2 people + €40 for any extra person
A group of up to 6 people, exclusively yours
English language
Montmartre Private Tour DOWNHILL (only recommended if climbing is too hard for you)
≃ 3 hoursFor 1 to 2 people + €45 for any extra person
A group of up to 6 people, exclusively yours
English language
View of Paris from Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Photo © Broaden Horizons.