Paris Montmartre: Walking Tour, Art History & Scenic Views

Summary

Wander Montmartre’s art-filled lanes, stories and secret corners

You’ll walk Montmartre’s winding lanes with a local guide, spot art installations like the I Love You Wall, peek at Paris’ last vineyard, and catch city views from Sacré-Cœur. Expect stories about artists who lived here—and maybe even smell fresh bread as you wander by hidden cafés. It’s more than sightseeing; it feels like stepping into someone else’s memory for a while.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide just below the Sacré-Cœur steps—she waved, bright scarf and all, and I remember thinking, “Okay, this feels real.” The group was small. First stop: that famous I Love You Wall. It’s tucked away in this little square where you can hear pigeons flapping overhead and someone nearby playing accordion (not even kidding). Our guide pointed out “je t’aime” in about three languages I could actually pronounce. There was a couple taking selfies and an older man reading a newspaper like he does it every morning. The air smelled faintly of coffee drifting from a corner café. Honestly, I almost missed the wall itself because there was so much life happening around it.

We zigzagged through Montmartre’s narrow streets—Rue des Abbesses is busy but not overwhelming, more like organized chaos with bakery smells sneaking out from doorways. Our guide told us about Picasso living just up the hill at Bateau-Lavoir (I tried to picture him carrying groceries here). There was a quick stop at the Moulin de la Galette windmill; apparently Renoir painted it after dancing there. Never thought I’d see an actual windmill in Paris, but there it was—paint faded and creaky, pigeons perched on top like they owned the place. At one point we passed a pink house that looked straight out of a postcard; our guide said Picasso used to eat there when he could afford it.

I didn’t expect to find a vineyard in Paris, but we did—a tiny patch of grapevines behind an iron fence. The guide explained how Clos Montmartre still makes wine every year for charity. It smelled earthy, almost sweet if you leaned close enough (I did). Someone asked if you could buy the wine; she laughed and said only during the harvest festival unless you know someone—which none of us did. We wandered past Dalida’s statue next—her face shiny from people rubbing her nose for luck—and then finally reached Sacré-Cœur.

The view from up there really does make you pause—even if you’re not big on churches or crowds. Our guide gave tips for seeing inside on your own later (it’s free), but honestly I just stood outside for a while watching kids chase each other across the steps while street artists set up their easels in Place du Tertre nearby. The tour ended at La Bonne Franquette—a spot where Van Gogh supposedly argued over absinthe once. I still think about that light over Montmartre rooftops as we left; something about it sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Montmartre's art and landmarks

• Start at I Love You Wall
• Walk Rue des Abbesses street
• Pass Bateau-Lavoir artists' residence
• See Moulin de la Galette windmill
• View Le Passe-Muraille sculpture
• Visit Dalida bronze bust
• Stop at the pink house cafe
• Pass Montmartre vineyard
• Enjoy views at Sacré-Cœur Basilica
• Stroll Place du Tertre square
• End at La Bonne Franquette restaurant

Top questions

How long is the Montmartre walking tour?

The walking tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Is entry to Sacré-Cœur Basilica included?

The tour passes by Sacré-Cœur; entry is free when open but self-guided after the tour ends.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts near Sacré-Cœur and ends at La Bonne Franquette restaurant in Montmartre.

Is this Montmartre walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the route is wheelchair accessible without stairs but includes some hills and narrow streets.

Are children allowed on this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join in strollers or prams.

What will I see on this Montmartre walking tour?

You’ll see landmarks like the I Love You Wall, Moulin de la Galette windmill, Clos Montmartre vineyard, Place du Tertre, and more.

Does this include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

Is lunch or food included during the tour?

No meals are included; however, you’ll pass several cafés along the way.

What’s included

Your 90-minute day trip through Montmartre includes an English-speaking local guide leading you past highlights like the I Love You Wall, historic windmills, Paris’ only vineyard, Place du Tertre’s artist square and exterior views of Sacré-Cœur Basilica—with plenty of stories along winding lanes before finishing at La Bonne Franquette restaurant.