Small-Group, 2-Hour 15-Minute Walk

Montmartre Small Group Walking Tour with a Local Guide runs through Parifiane Tours. Rated 4.9 across 576 reviews. Runs 2 hours 15 minutes. From $25.

Overview

This walk starts at Place Blanche, right by the Moulin Rouge, and works its way up through Montmartre to finish at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Along the way the guide stops at the Wall of Love, the Moulin de la Galette, the Dalida statue, La Maison Rose and Place du Tertre, where painters still display their work. The tour runs in English for 2 hours 15 minutes and is led by a local guide from Parifiane Tours.

The route follows the story of the neighborhood as an artists' quarter. Guides talk about the period when Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso and Van Gogh lived here, and point out corners of the district that many visitors walk past without noticing. The final stretch takes you into Sacré Coeur itself, inside and out, with panoramic views over Paris from the hill, taking in landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Montparnasse Tower.

It suits travellers who like history delivered on foot and do not mind a climb. Parts of the route go uphill, and reviewers repeatedly mention that their guide built in rest breaks on the way up. Family photos are also listed as included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Place BlancheMeet the guide near the exit of the Blanche metro station on line 2, close to the Moulin Rouge. Look for the green booklet and green badge.
2. Moulin RougeA photo stop with a guided talk about the site's history, lasting 10 minutes.
3. Wall of LoveA 10 minute photo stop and guided commentary at Le Mur des Je T'aime.
4. Moulin de la GaletteAnother 10 minute photo stop with guiding at the Moulin de la Galette.
5. Dalida statue and La Maison RoseTwo further 10 minute photo stops with guided commentary at these Montmartre landmarks.
6. Place du TertreA 10 minute stop combining a photo opportunity, guiding and a walk through the square where painters display their artworks.
7. Sacré Coeur BasilicaA 10 minute photo stop with guided tour and scenic views on the way, including the outside and inside of the basilica. The tour finishes here.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk, based on the listing and on what past participants have reported.

• Wear good shoes. The listing asks for comfortable shoes, and the route covers streets on a hill. Several reviewers noted the uphill sections, so footwear matters more than on a flat city stroll.
• Pace and climbs. Parts of the route include moderate climbs, and the duration can vary with the group's pace and comfort. Multiple reviewers said their guide deliberately created breaks on the way up and found ways to rest along the route.
• Group feel. The tour is listed as a small group walking tour with a local guide, and reviewers describe guides who personalized the walk and showed interest in each person. One reviewer even reported having the guide to themselves.
• Weather. The tour runs rain or shine, so bring whatever the forecast demands. There is no vehicle or sheltered base; you are outside for the full 2 hours 15 minutes except for the interior of Sacré Coeur at the end.
• Photos. Every stop on the itinerary is listed as a photo stop, and the listing includes family photos among what is provided. Reviewers mention fantastic views throughout, with the panorama from the hill as the payoff at the finish.
• Food and tips. Food and drinks are not included, and tips are not included either. Eat beforehand or plan to stop in the neighborhood after the tour ends at the basilica.

Common issues. The main physical limit is the hill: the listing warns that participants should be comfortable walking uphill, and the duration may stretch or shrink depending on the group's pace. One reviewer noted the guide spoke very quickly, which made it hard for a companion with hearing limitations to follow along, so anyone with similar needs may want to flag it at the start. A few travelers have suggested a brisker pace with fewer short stops would hold attention better, since the itinerary strings together many brief 10 minute pauses. Food, drinks and tips are not covered by the price.

Choosing Your Tour