Guided walk in Montmartre: our review
My verdict: an English-language walk lasting one and a half to two and a half hours, from the I Love You Wall to the vineyard, passing through Place du Tertre and the Moulin de la Galette, with a wine and cheese option. Rated 4.7 from 380 reviews. From the Musée Moreau, it’s a twenty- to twenty-five-minute walk uphill via Pigalle.
What it is
A guided walk in English through Montmartre, blending art, history, and gourmet addresses. The route passes by the Wall of Love, Rue des Abbesses, the Moulin de la Galette, the Montmartre vineyard, Place du Tertre, and the exterior of Sacré-Cœur, with a stop at La Bonne Franquette. The tasting option adds wine and cheese. The terrain is sloped and the streets are narrow, but the guide avoids stairs; the walk is not wheelchair accessible. You can book now and pay later.
The connection to the Musée Gustave Moreau is the slope. Rue des Martyrs, where I live, climbs from Notre-Dame-de-Lorette to Pigalle, then the hill begins. From Rue de La Rochefoucauld, allow twenty to twenty-five minutes uphill to Abbesses, described on Montmartre. The museum in the morning, the walk in the afternoon, and you will have crossed all of the 9th arrondissement and part of the 18th without taking the metro.
What visitors say
The guides are named, and two names stand out. Denise, mentioned by Ching-Yao for her stories about the places and artists, and by Silke, from Germany, who says she brought them closer to the neighbourhood. Linda, for Sylvia, took the time to answer everyone; Chirag had her with a colleague. David is described by Zoe as informative and professional, by Paul as informative and entertaining.
Two comments strike me as more telling than the praise. Angela, from Romania, speaks of a relaxing walk with a beautiful view, which contradicts the idea that the hill is a struggle. Fabiana Maria, from Italy, remembers the hidden corners of Montmartre—precisely what you won’t find by following the crowds to Sacré-Cœur.
What works
- A real route, from Pigalle to the vineyard, not just Place du Tertre
- Guides mentioned by first name, with time to respond
- Wine and cheese option to end the walk
- Book now, pay later
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Things to know
- In English only
- Cobblestones and steps: wear good shoes
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Duration varies, from one and a half to two and a half hours depending on the group
- The interior of Sacré-Cœur is not included
For whom, and who should skip it
For those discovering Montmartre and speaking English, for those who want the addresses and anecdotes without having to look for them. For those leaving the Musée Gustave Moreau with energy and flat shoes. If you prefer French, or a guide just for you, the private tour starts at Blanche and follows a similar route. If the hill intimidates you, stay in the Nouvelle Athènes, which is flat and just as full of painters.
Choose a late afternoon slot: Place du Tertre empties a little, the light is better on the vineyard, and the wine and cheese option comes at the right time. In the morning, save your energy for the museum instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is the walk in French?
No, the guide is English-speaking. For a visit in French, see the private tour of Montmartre, available in French, English, and Serbo-Croatian.
Are there many stairs?
The route avoids stairs, but it is uphill and the streets are narrow. The walk is not wheelchair accessible.
How do I get to Montmartre from the Musée Gustave Moreau?
On foot via Pigalle, twenty to twenty-five minutes uphill, or by metro line 12 from Saint-Georges to Abbesses. Both options are on how to get there.
Is the tasting included?
It is optional at the time of booking. Without the option, the walk stops at the same places, without the drink.