Paris: Private Montmarte And Sacre Coeur with Expert Guide

Your tour begins at 5 Place Blanche, directly in front of the Moulin Rouge cabaret. This location is easy to find thanks to the famous red windmill on the façade. Your guide will be waiting for you front of the Coffe Shop with Zeytin Tours badge for easy identification.

Travelers will stop in front of the world-famous Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of the modern cabaret. Your guide will explain the history of the iconic red windmill, the nightlife culture of late-19th-century Paris, and how artists like Toulouse-Lautrec helped make the venue legendary.

Guests will learn about the origins of the can-can, the bohemian atmosphere of Pigalle, and why the Moulin Rouge became a symbol of Montmartre’s rebellious artistic identity. This is an exterior visit only, but it offers excellent photo opportunities and a vivid introduction to the neighborhood’s colorful past.

You will stop outside the former residence where Vincent van Gogh lived with his brother Theo during his time in Paris. Your guide will explain how Montmartre influenced Van Gogh’s artistic evolution, the techniques he developed here, and the relationships he formed with other artists of the neighborhood. You will see the exterior of the building, learn the stories behind his most important Paris period paintings, and understand how this location shaped the direction of his later masterpieces

Travelers will visit Place des Abbesses, one of Montmartre’s liveliest squares and the gateway to the historic hilltop village. Your guide will point out the famous Art Nouveau metro entrance designed by Hector Guimard and explain the origins of the square’s name, linked to the medieval abbey that once dominated the area.

Guests will learn about the transformation of this neighborhood from a rural village to a vibrant artistic quarter, discover local cafés and boutiques, and understand why Abbesses remains one of the most authentic and charming corners of Montmartre. It’s a perfect introduction to the atmosphere of the district before climbing toward the village streets.

At this stop, travelers will see one of Montmartre’s most beloved modern landmarks: a mural featuring the phrase “I love you” written in over 300 languages. Your guide will explain the origins of the artwork, its symbolism, and why it became a cultural icon in Paris. Guests will have time to view the individual tiles up close, learn how the project was created, and understand its connection to the romantic identity of Montmartre. It’s also one of the most popular photo spots in the neighborhood.

At this stop, travelers will see the famous Bateau-Lavoir, the modest studio building where young Picasso, Modigliani, and many other artists revolutionized modern art. Your guide will explain how this shabby wooden structure became the birthplace of Cubism, the stories behind Picasso’s early years in Montmartre, and the artistic community that gathered here.

Guests will discover why the Bateau-Lavoir is considered one of the most important creative hubs of the 20th century, how artists lived and worked in difficult conditions, and how masterpieces that changed art history were born within these walls. Travelers will have time to view the exterior and take photos of this legendary location.

ravelers will see La Maison Rose, one of Montmartre’s most photographed and charming landmarks. Your guide will explain the history of this pastel-colored house, its connection to artists like Picasso and Maurice Utrillo, and its role in the bohemian life of early 20th-century Montmartre.

Guests will learn why this quiet corner became an artistic symbol, how the building appeared in several famous paintings, and why it remains an essential stop for anyone wanting to capture the authentic village atmosphere of Montmartre. It’s also a top photo spot thanks to its picturesque setting on a winding cobblestone street.

Travelers will explore Place du Tertre, the beating heart of Montmartre’s artistic life. This iconic square is home to the open-air painters who carry on the tradition of the 19th- and early-20th-century masters who once lived and worked here—Picasso, Utrillo, Modigliani, and many others.

Your guide will explain how the square became a hub for artists, how the portrait tradition began, and why Montmartre’s creative spirit still survives here today. Guests can walk among the painters, watch them work, and enjoy the charming village atmosphere before continuing toward Sacré-Cœur.

Your tour concludes at the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched at the highest point in Paris. Here, travelers will learn about the history and symbolism of the monument, why it was built, and how it became one of the most visited sites in France. Your guide will explain the architectural details, the interior artworks, and the basilica’s unique place in French history.

After the explanation, guests can explore the inside freely at their own pace. From the steps of the basilica, travelers will enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Paris—an ideal moment for photos and a perfect ending to the Montmartre experience.