Paris Montmartre: Walking Tour with Sacré Coeur & Moulin Rouge

Summary

Paris stories come alive in Montmartre’s winding streets

You’ll wander Montmartre’s cobbled lanes past the Moulin Rouge windmill, peek at Van Gogh’s old home, pause under Sacré Coeur’s golden mosaics, and watch artists sketch at Place du Tertre—all with a local guide who shares stories along the way. Expect real Paris weather, unexpected laughter, and glimpses into lives both famous and quietly ordinary.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right outside the metro, and I was still fumbling with my umbrella when she pointed out the red windmill of the Moulin Rouge. It actually spins — somehow I’d always thought it was just for show. The street felt a bit damp from last night’s rain, but there was this bakery smell wafting over everything. Our group (just three of us) started up Rue Lepic, dodging puddles and peeking into windows where you could see old posters and little cats curled up inside. The guide told us Van Gogh lived just up here with his brother — I tried to imagine what he’d have seen through those same windows.

Place Dalida was quieter than I expected, except for a couple taking selfies by the statue. Our guide explained who Dalida was (I had to look her up later), and there were fresh flowers at her feet — someone still visits often. We wandered past these tangled gardens where wild elderberry trees grow; honestly, it smelled a bit like wet grass and city earth after rain. At Clos Montmartre, we saw grapevines tucked behind iron gates — apparently they still make wine right here in Paris, which feels impossible but also kind of perfect for this place.

The Lapin Agile cabaret had this faded pink sign that made me smile; our guide said Picasso used to pay his tab with paintings (imagine being that bartender). The climb got steeper near Sacré Coeur — my legs definitely noticed — but then suddenly you’re at the top and all of Paris is just there below you, sort of hazy in the afternoon light. Inside the basilica it was quiet except for footsteps echoing on stone; the mosaic above the altar is huge and gold and honestly I just stood staring for a while. Afterward we wandered through Place du Tertre where artists set up their easels every morning. One guy called out “Bonjour!” as we passed; he painted quick little sketches in blue ink.

I didn’t expect to feel so much nostalgia for a neighborhood I’d never lived in. Maybe it’s all those stories about painters and poets drifting around Montmartre like cigarette smoke — or maybe it was just sharing tiny umbrellas with strangers on slick cobblestones. Either way, I still think about that view from Sacré Coeur sometimes when Paris feels far away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur highlights

• Meet at starting point
• Visit Moulin Rouge cabaret
• See Van Gogh’s house on Rue Lepic
• Walk through Place Dalida square
• Stroll past Jardin Sauvage de St-Vincent
• Visit Le Clos Montmartre vineyard
• See Le Lapin Agile cabaret
• Explore Basilica Sacré-Coeur interior
• Pass by Place du Tertre artists’ square
• Visit Espace Dali museum
• See Bateau-Lavoir artist residence
• View La Maison de Dalida house
• End at Abbesse metro station

Top questions

How long does the Montmartre walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Is entry to Sacré Coeur included on this tour?

You’ll have time to explore inside Sacré Coeur during your visit on the tour.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet your guide at a designated spot near Montmartre.

Can children join the Montmartre walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—strollers are allowed along the route.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour runs rain or shine; bring an umbrella or dress appropriately for Paris weather.

Will we see Van Gogh’s house on this day trip?

You’ll pass by Van Gogh’s former home on Rue Lepic as part of your walk through Montmartre.

Is this a private guided walking tour?

The standard option is private; there is also a semi-private option available at booking.

Are large bags or luggage allowed during the tour?

No large bags or suitcases are permitted on this walking tour due to space limitations.

What’s included

Your day includes an exclusive private guide (unless you choose semi-private), a 2.5-hour walking route through Montmartre’s highlights—like Moulin Rouge, Sacré Coeur (with time inside), Place Dalida, Clos Montmartre vineyard, Lapin Agile cabaret—and runs rain or shine so you can experience Paris in any season.