Paris Walking Tour: Montmartre, Marais & Secret Courtyards

Summary

Walk Paris with a local, from Montmartre to secret markets and leafy promenades

You’ll walk Paris with someone who lives it—drifting from lively squares to quiet gardens, sampling cheeses at Marché Aligre, and pausing for strong coffee in Montmartre. Your private walking tour is shaped around your interests by a local host who feels more like a friend than a guide. Expect surprises—and maybe leave your phone in your pocket for once.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Camille, right by Place de la République—she was already waving before I spotted her in the crowd. I’d filled out their little questionnaire the night before (took me longer than it should’ve—how do you choose between food and art?), and she’d mapped out a route that somehow hit both. The square was buzzing, scooters weaving through people, some guy playing accordion off to the side. Camille pointed out this statue where protestors sometimes gather—she said it’s kind of the city’s heartbeat. We ducked into Le Marais after that, winding through these narrow streets that smelled like espresso and fresh bread. She showed us a bakery where she buys her own baguettes (I tried to order in French; she grinned but didn’t correct me). It felt like we were just wandering with a friend who happened to know every shortcut.

I didn’t expect to love Marché Aligre as much as I did. It’s not fancy—just real locals buying cheese and shouting about tomatoes. Camille handed us tiny samples of something creamy (I forget the name) and told us stories about her grandmother shopping here. There was this moment when an old man winked at us after we accidentally blocked his path with our excitement over strawberries—felt like we’d slipped into someone else’s daily routine for a second. After that, we hopped on the metro (Camille handled the tickets) and ended up on the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, this old railway turned garden path above the city. Wildflowers everywhere, bits of graffiti peeking out behind leaves—I could hear traffic below but up there it was just birds and wind in the trees.

Montmartre was last. The climb up those steps made my legs burn but I barely noticed because Camille kept pointing out little things—a faded mural here, an artist sketching quietly there. We skipped Sacré-Cœur’s crowds for a tiny café tucked behind some ivy; she ordered us coffee “the way Parisians do” (I still don’t know what that means but it tasted stronger). We talked about art and how Paris always feels slightly unfinished, like it’s still being painted around you. Walking back down as dusk settled over the rooftops, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in hours—which is rare for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Paris neighborhoods and hidden gems

• Start at Place de la République
• Walk through historic Le Marais
• Visit Marché Aligre food market
• Stroll along Coulée Verte promenade
• Relax in Jardin du Luxembourg
• Discover Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
• Browse Marché aux Puces flea market
• Explore Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• Visit Batignolles neighborhood
• Experience Oberkampf nightlife and street art

Top questions

Is this Paris walking tour really customized?

Yes, after booking you'll get a questionnaire about your interests so your local host can plan a personalized itinerary just for you.

What neighborhoods are included in this private tour?

The tour can include areas like Montmartre, Le Marais, Jardin du Luxembourg, Marché Aligre, Coulée Verte René-Dumont, Batignolles, Oberkampf or others based on your preferences.

How do I communicate with my guide before the tour?

Your host will contact you directly after booking to discuss your interests and suggest an itinerary.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you'll meet your guide at an agreed location in Paris.

Can families or people with mobility needs join?

The experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants can use strollers and service animals are allowed.

Will we use public transport during the day?

You might use public transportation or taxis between sites; costs can be discussed directly with your host after booking.

Are food or drinks included on this Paris private tour?

No meals are included but your guide will show you local spots where you can buy snacks or lunch along the way.

How long does the walking tour last?

You can choose the duration when booking—the schedule is flexible based on what you want to see.

What’s included

Your day includes direct communication with your local host for planning every detail ahead of time; flexible start times and durations; a pre-tour questionnaire so they can shape everything around your style; plus all their insider tips while you walk together through Paris’s neighborhoods—no set script or big groups here.