Impressionist Paris d Orsay and Montmartre Exclusive Guided Tour

Meeting point

Where

Meet your guide 10 minutes before the tour starts at the bottom right side of the large stairs in front the entrance of the Orsay Museum. · Open in Google Maps

Departure

13:30 on Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat; scheduled through September 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)

Pickup

No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point

Operator

Babylon Tours Paris; booking and payment are completed on Viator

1. 1
   Musee d'Orsay

   With your expert guide, begin your tour through this converted Beaux-Arts train station. Inside, explore the artistic movements that led up to Impressionism and its colorful works. See Manet’s scandalous Luncheon on the Grass and Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette. Discuss with your guide the artists who preceded the Impressionists, like Millet and 'the Gleaners,' as well as those who followed, such as Post-Impressionist artist Van Gogh, whose Bedroom in Arles is on display. And, of course, check out works by the father of Impressionism himself, Claude Monet, including his famous poppies. Learn about the art evolution and personalities that went into creating the Impressionist movement, and understand why these seemingly simple works were so revolutionary at the time. By the end of your tour, you'll have learned about techniques used by the artists, seen both the highlights and lesser-known gems of the Orsay, and admired the beautiful architecture of the museum itself.

   2h 30m · Admission included
2. 2
   Montmartre

   After the Museum we will take a private car and a short break to then 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).

   55 min
3. 3
   Moulin Rouge

   Montmartre 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.

   10 min · Admission not included
4. 4
   Van Gogh's House

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

   10 min · Admission not included
5. 5
   Dalida Statue

   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.

   10 min
6. 6
   Jardin Sauvage de St-Vincent

   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.

   10 min
7. 7
   Vigne du Clos Montmartre

   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.

   10 min
8. 8
   Au Lapin Agile

   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.

   10 min · Admission not included
9. 9
   Basilique Du Sacre-Coeur De 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.

   20 min
10. 10
    Place Du Tertre

    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.

    15 min
11. 11
    Dali Museum Paris

    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.

    10 min · Admission not included
12. 12
    Bateau Lavoir Saint-Julien

    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.

    10 min · Admission not included
13. 13
    La Maison de Dalida

    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.

    10 min · Admission not included

About this tour, from the operator