Montmartre

A village annexed to the city of Paris in 1860, the Butte Montmartre has always preserved its authenticity and village atmosphere. The hill takes its name from the old French word "martre", meaning "martyr": it was named in honour of Saint Denis, the first Bishop of Paris, who was beheaded by the Romans during anti-Christian persecutions. The butte became the favourite neighbourhood of many artists, drawn above all by its affordable rents. It should not be forgotten, however, that it was here, in 1871, that the Paris Commune began — ending in a tragic bloodbath.

This walk will take you through the religious Montmartre, the Montmartre of artists and bohemian life, and the Montmartre of windmills, guinguettes and cabarets — including the legendary Moulin Rouge.

Wandering through the steep and picturesque streets, you will discover places far from the crowds of the Place du Tertre, and venture into the lanes where famous artists once lived: Picasso, Renoir, Utrillo, Van Gogh, Dalida, to name but a few. The guided tour will end at the Sacré-Cœur, built at a height of 130 metres, where you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful panoramic views in all of Paris.