Montmartre: guided group walk or private tour
From the Musée Moreau to Montmartre on foot
This is the natural continuation of the visit, and the most common one with my groups. We leave Rue de La Rochefoucauld, cross Nouvelle Athènes heading north, pass Pigalle, and begin the ascent: twenty to twenty-five minutes, with a slight incline towards the end. The thread is coherent. Moreau taught Matisse, Marquet, and Camoin in his studio at the École des Beaux-Arts, and it was on the Butte that the next generation lived and exhibited. I prefer to visit Montmartre in the late afternoon, after the museum in the morning and lunch on Rue des Martyrs, because the light on the vineyard and the view from Sacré-Cœur are better at that time. The exact route is on the how to get there page.
The group walk: art, culture, and indulgence
An English-speaking guide, 1 h 30 to 2 h 30 depending on the chosen option. The stops: the I Love You Wall, Place du Tertre, the Moulin de la Galette, Rue des Abbesses, the Montmartre vineyard, the exterior of Sacré-Cœur, and La Bonne Franquette. The option includes a wine and cheese tasting. The route involves some slopes and narrow streets but no stairs; it is not wheelchair accessible. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can book now and pay later, which is convenient when the weather determines the day.
In the reviews, two first names come up often. Denise, whose Ching-Yao remembers the stories of the places and artists, and whom Silke says brought the group closer to the neighbourhood. Linda, who, according to Sylvia, took the time to respond to everyone. David is described by Zoe and Paul as informative, professional, and entertaining. Fabiana Maria, who came from Italy, mentions the hidden corners of Montmartre, while Angela describes a relaxing walk with a beautiful view. My full review, including reservations, is on the reviews of the guided walk in Montmartre page.
The private tour: 2 hours, in French if you prefer
A guide just for you, in English, French, or Serbo-Croatian. Departure at the exit of Blanche metro station, where the guide waits with a red canvas bag, making it easy to spot. The stops: the Moulin Rouge, Rue Lepic, the Moulin de la Galette, Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, the Montmartre vineyard, and the Lapin Agile. The narrative focuses on the birth of Impressionism, the cabarets, and the cancan. The tour takes place in all weather conditions. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The 45 reviews come largely from French speakers, which is unusual for this type of tour. Nathalie mentions a different side of Montmartre, with a smiling and energetic guide; Patricia talks about wandering while listening to history; Pichon recalls a guide named Boris, with great culture. Keith did the night walk and remembers the views, while Freddy, who came from Belgium, did it in the morning and recalls a lively neighbourhood. Kim describes Isabella as funny and precise. The details are on the reviews of the private Montmartre tour page.
WalkMontmartre: guided art, culture and gourmet walk
PrivateMontmartre: private walking tour
Group or private: how to decide
The group walk is in English and includes, if you wish, a tasting: this is the option to choose if English suits you, if you enjoy company, and if you want to finish with a drink. The private tour is ideal if you prefer French, if you are a group of four or five and can share the cost, or if you have scheduling constraints: it leaves when you do. It also follows a route closer to Rue Lepic and the Moulin Rouge, while the group walk lingers more around Abbesses and the *I Love You* wall.
A common caveat for both. Montmartre is a hilly neighbourhood, sometimes very busy around Place du Tertre at weekends, and neither walk includes a visit to the basilica. If you are looking for an effortless visit after the museum, the Palais Garnier is flat, covered, and ten minutes away.
Availability of the guided walk in Montmartre
All the tours I compare, including the Paris Museum Pass which includes the Musée Gustave Moreau, are listed on the page all tours.
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk from the Musée Gustave Moreau to Montmartre on foot?
Yes, in twenty to twenty-five minutes, heading north via Pigalle, with an uphill stretch at the end. The metro offers no advantage for this route. The itinerary, and alternatives if you prefer to avoid the climb, are on the page how to get there.
Is the group walk in French?
No, the guide is English-speaking. For a tour in French, book the private visit, which is also available in English and Serbo-Croatian and departs from Blanche metro station. The theatrical tour of the Palais Garnier also offers slots in French.
Are there any stairs?
The group walk involves slopes and narrow streets but no stairs. It is not wheelchair accessible, nor is the private tour. If the incline is an issue, the self-guided visit of the Palais Garnier is simpler after the museum.
What is the best time to combine the museum and Montmartre?
Musée Gustave Moreau at opening time, 10:00 a.m., lunch on Rue des Martyrs, then Montmartre in the late afternoon, when the light is best on the vineyard. The duration of the museum visit and possible schedules are on the page how long the visit lasts.