Paris hidden Montmartre guided tour

Get away from the selfie-sticks and discover one of the most romantic enclaves in Paris, with a local guide leading you to the best hidden spots on this Parisian guided tour. With its exquisite squares, pretty churches and idyllic, winding streets, it’s easy to see why generations of artists have called Montmartre home.

You'll go off the beaten track and spot the Parisian abodes of Van Gogh and Picasso and venture down secret passages that’ll reward you with stunning panoramic views. Throw in some anecdotes about the district’s most colorful residents and a bite of France’s most iconic pastry, and that’s your perfect morning in Paris sorted.

This tour begins opposite the Moulin Rouge windmill. You'll start the climb up the hill, spotting the café where Amélie was filmed and Van Gogh’s home as you go.

Your first stop will be at one of Paris’ best bakers, a prize winner for its bread and pastries. Here you'll taste one of France’s most famous patisserie: a deliciously buttery croissant. Is there any better way to start your morning in Paris?

After learning how to say “je t’aime” in 250 different languages and listening to the crazy legend about the first Parisian bishop, you’ll climb a few more stairs to discover one of Montmartre’s squares and the one-time home of Pablo Picasso. Hear the stories of struggle endured by many local artists here before they found fame and fortune. From here you’ll pass by the house of Dalida, one of France’s most famous singers and an iconic figure in Montmartre. Find out more about her dramatic life and why she became an icon for the gay community in Paris and beyond.

Then you’ll pass by one of the last remaining windmills in Paris, now totally privatised, then promenade down the “Champs-Élysées” of Montmartre, where you’ll see some of the most expensive houses in the capital. Your guide will then lead you through a totally secret passage that reveals not only one of the best views over Paris but also one of the cutest cobbled streets in the city.

Next up are the famous vineyards of Montmartre. Almost on the top of the hill they overlook the suburbs of Paris and produce a very good red wine. Opposite the vineyard is the entrance to the famous Cabaret, Le Lapin Agile, where your guide will tell you the legend of Lolo, the painting donkey.

Finally, you’ll walk to the iconic Basilica Sacré-Coeur, where you and your guide will stop to admire a view of the church from a perspective that very few tourists know about, leading onto the grand finale of another stunning Paris panorama. Before you go, don’t forget to pick your guide’s brains for the latest on what to see and do during your stay in Paris.