Paris Walking Tour: Montmartre, Eiffel Tower & Latin Quarter

Summary

Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower on foot with stories, art, & street snacks

You’ll wander Montmartre’s steep lanes with an energetic guide, catch artists at work in Place du Tertre, pause above Paris at Sacré-Cœur, and snack your way through markets in the Latin Quarter. Expect stories about Picasso and Van Gogh mixed with street sounds and bakery smells — this walking tour lets you feel Paris under your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

We were already dodging a delivery scooter when our guide Camille waved us over by a bakery in Montmartre — she had that kind of energy that makes you want to keep up. I could smell warm butter from somewhere nearby, and someone behind me was humming “La Vie en Rose.” We started winding through those uphill streets where Van Gogh supposedly lived (Camille pointed at a window and said he’d painted it — I’m still not sure if she was joking). The cobblestones here are no joke for your ankles, but you get used to it. There’s graffiti everywhere, but some of it’s almost too good to be called graffiti.

We stopped at Place du Tertre just as an older man set up his easel — he nodded at us but didn’t say much. Camille told us about Picasso and all these wild parties that happened around here. At Sacré-Cœur, we caught our breath on the steps. The view over Paris is… well, I won’t even try to describe it because you’ll just have to see for yourself. I remember someone selling little Eiffel Towers nearby and the sound of bells echoing out across the rooftops.

After that we zigzagged down towards the Moulin Rouge (the red windmill is smaller than I thought) and then hopped on the metro for a few stops — apparently this Paris walking tour covers a lot of ground. Camille joked about how Parisians never look anyone in the eye on public transport. We spilled out near the Champs-Élysées, saw people queuing for macarons, then made our way past the Arc de Triomphe. It’s busy here but not in a bad way; more like everyone’s got somewhere slightly more important to be than you do.

The last stretch took us along the Seine toward the Eiffel Tower — we didn’t go up but got close enough for photos (and yes, it’s bigger than you think). By then my feet were tired, but Camille insisted we couldn’t skip the Latin Quarter. She led us through tiny streets packed with patisseries and fruit stalls; I grabbed a flaky pastry that left sugar on my fingers. Someone played accordion nearby and for a second it felt like every Paris cliché was happening at once. Looking back now, I still think about that first glimpse of Paris from Sacré-Cœur — sometimes you just need to walk a city to actually feel it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Paris top sights on foot

• Visit Eiffel Tower viewpoint
• Walk through Montmartre area
• Hear history at Sacre-Coeur
• See Place du Tertre
• Explore 4th Arrondissement
• Visit Latin Quarter and market
• View Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
• See Moulin Rouge
• Hear stories at Louvre
• Visit Tuileries Garden

Top questions

How long does this Paris walking tour last?

The tour is a half-day experience covering several major sights in Paris.

Is entry to the Eiffel Tower included?

No, you'll see the Eiffel Tower up close but do not go inside as part of this tour.

Does this tour include Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur?

Yes, you'll explore Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur during the walk.

Are snacks or meals provided?

No meals are included but there are opportunities to buy snacks from local markets or patisseries.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at a designated location in Paris.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but includes some uphill walking in Montmartre.

Can service animals join this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this walking tour.

What main attractions are visited?

The route includes Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Moulin Rouge, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Latin Quarter, Louvre area, Tuileries Garden, and views of the Eiffel Tower.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Montmartre's artistic corners and major landmarks like Sacré-Cœur and Moulin Rouge; photo stops near icons such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe; plus plenty of time in lively neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter — all led by an experienced local guide who keeps things moving (and interesting) along city streets.