Montmartre District and Sacre Coeur - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour

Discover the history of Montmartre, as we will climb the butte or hills - starting at its base where the Moulin Rouge’s windmill still spins slowly. Wind up the hill and its cobbled streets flooded with charm to discover the houses of artists like Van Gogh and Picasso who called Montmartre home. At the summit, enter the gleaming white basilica of Sacré Coeur, and score a spectacular photo op of Paris from one of the city’s highest points. Lovers of the film Amélie, will feel at home in this district, where much of the movie was filmed. Continue to explore Montmartre's highlights that generally include - Moulin Rouge, Sacré Coeur Cathedral (with time allowed to explore inside as well), Place Dalida, Moulin de la Galette, Vincent Van Gogh’s house, The Artists’ Square, and Amélie Café. Consider an evening tour option and catch a sunset over the city if you’re lucky (depending on the season).

From our meeting point, we will start by heading towards the infamous Moulin Rouge, a cabaret known for its entertainment for a diverse public, and for being a source of inspiration for international artists like Auguste Renoir.

Next we will see Van Gogh’s house on Rue Lepic, the home of the artist and his brother from 1886.

Next we will walk through Place Dalida, a square of Montmartre dedicated to the French music icon Dalida. To this day many fans and tourists visit this secluded square to pay tribute to the French icon.

You will then have a stroll past the Jardin Sauvage de St-Vincent, a sloping piece of land which the gardeners of the city decided to leave in its fragile state to observe the ecosystem, biodiversity and wild plants. It is overridden by elderberry trees, ivy and colonies of wild insects. 

From here, we will make our way to Le Clos Montmartre, a hidden vineyard tucked away in the little streets behind the Sacré-Coeur, and one of the last remaining vines in central Paris.

We will then make our way to what is known as Le Lapin Agile, a cabaret known as the home to the Montmartre Bohemian set until 1914, and whose sign remains a memorable symbol of Montmartre.

Following on, we will make our way to the infamous Basilica Sacré-Coeur, a Roman Catholic church completed in 1914 and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The interior of this beautiful church contains one of the world’s largest mosaics, which depicts Jesus Christ.

After this we will pass by the Place du Tertre, a square only streets away from the Sacré-Coeur. With its many artists setting up their easels here each day, the Place du Tertre serves as a reminder of a time when Montmartre was the mecca of modern art.

Next you will pass by what is known as the Espace Dali, a museum with around 300 original artworks. It is a permanent exhibition devoted to Salvador Dali and his sculptures and engravings.

We will then see the Bateau-Lavoir, one of the most famous places for artistic creation in Montmartre. From 1889 it was principally known as an artist’s residence and represented a place to live and discuss for many painters, writers, actors and art sellers.

You will also see La Maison de Dalida, the house in which the icon lived between 1962 and 1987. Located on 11 Bis de la Rue Orchampt, it is known as the location where Dalida committed suicide in 1987.

Coming close to the end of the tour, we will head towards the metro station Abbesse, which represents a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. Designed by Hector Guimard, it is one of the two surviving metro entrances of the kind in Paris.