Paris: Private Full Day Tour to Montmartre & Eiffel Tower

If you’re planning a visit to Paris and want to see the city’s highlights with a local touch, this private full-day tour promises an immersive experience. It combines cultural sights, gourmet dining, and iconic landmarks—all while avoiding some of the usual crowds. With a dedicated guide, you’ll get personalized attention and insider tips, making this a tailored way to enjoy the City of Light.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances authentic neighborhood exploration with the grandeur of Paris’s most famous monuments. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional French lunch and a coffee inspired by the movie Amélie adds a delightful local flavor. A potential downside? The tour isn’t designed to include Eiffel Tower tickets—so if you want to ascend the tower, you’ll need to buy tickets separately. This tour is ideal for curious travelers who want a curated, comprehensive day with plenty of stories and scenic stops.

Who should consider this tour? It’s perfect for first-timers eager to see Paris through a local lens, couples seeking an intimate experience, or anyone who appreciates a mix of culture, history, and gastronomy—all wrapped into one memorable day.

Key Points

Personalized experience: The private guide ensures a flexible, tailored journey.
Authentic neighborhood visits: Montmartre feels like stepping back in time with its bohemian vibe.
Great value for a full day: Combining sights, culture, and meals at this price point offers good bang for your buck.
Limited Eiffel Tower access: You get to enjoy the view but need separate tickets for the ascent.
Local insights: Guides share stories and tips you won’t find in guidebooks.
Comfortable transportation: Includes taxi rides and funicular access, easing the walk through hilly Montmartre.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary and What It Means for You

Starting at Métro Anvers and Visiting Sacré-Cœur

The tour kicks off in the lively neighborhood around Métro Anvers, setting the tone for an energetic day ahead. The first stop, Sacre Coeur Basilica, is a highlight with its stunning architecture and panoramic views of Paris. The guided 20-minute tour here offers insights into its history and significance, making it more than just a photo opportunity.

Montmartre’s Artistic Soul

Next, you’ll explore Lapin Agile, a legendary cabaret site where Picasso and other artists once performed. The brief 10-minute visit piques your curiosity about Montmartre’s bohemian past. Following this, the Vigne du Clos Montmartre reveals a hidden vineyard, a charming detail that showcases how even in the city’s heart, nature and history intertwine.

Place du Tertre is next—a square buzzing with painters and caricature artists. Here, your guide will point out notable spots and share stories about the area’s artistic roots, adding depth to your experience. The Wall of Love, with its romantic inscription in several languages, provides a fun photo backdrop and a reminder of Paris’s reputation as the city of love.

The Iconic Café des Deux Moulins & Montmartre Cemetery

A highlight for Amélie fans is the Café des Deux Moulins, where you’ll spend around 30 minutes. This vintage café feels like stepping into the movie’s scene, and your guide will share trivia that makes the visit come alive. Afterward, a visit to Montmartre Cemetery gives you a glimpse of the city’s historical figures and a peaceful moment amid the vibrant streets.

The Extravagance of Moulin Rouge & Montmartre’s Culinary Scene

You’ll also pass by the Moulin Rouge and get a quick peek at its legendary history—although the tour doesn’t go inside, its presence adds to the neighborhood’s theatrical vibe. For a hearty taste of local cuisine, the tour includes a one-hour stop at Bouillon Pigalle, a traditional eatery known for authentic French dishes, making this a real highlight for food lovers.

From Montmartre to the Heart of Paris

Leaving Montmartre behind, the tour moves toward the city’s classical sights. Walking through the Tuileries Gardens and the Place de la Concorde, you’ll absorb centuries of history, including the site where Marie Antoinette met her end. The nearby Grand Palais and Pont Alexandre III are architectural gems, and your guide will point out the details that make them special.

The Final Showstopper: The Eiffel Tower

Your guide will escort you to the Eiffel Tower area, where you’ll get tickets to visit this world-famous monument. While you’re on your own to ascend, having tickets arranged in advance saves time, and you’ll still get plenty of time to admire the views and take photos. The guide’s tips will help you maximize your visit, ensuring you don’t miss the best photo spots or must-see levels.

Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time and Money

The 7-hour private experience offers a well-paced, immersive slice of Paris. The guided visits mean you’ll hear stories and history that bring each site to life, elevating what might otherwise be just a photo stop. The inclusion of transportation—taxi rides and funicular tickets—means less walking and more comfortable transitions, especially when exploring hilly Montmartre.

The full option, with a traditional French lunch and a coffee in the Amélie café, adds a layer of authenticity that many travelers crave. These meals are thoughtfully selected to showcase local flavors, providing cultural insight alongside culinary pleasure.

The reviews underscore the value of knowledgeable guides like Pamela and Rebecca, who are praised for their organization, friendliness, and depth of knowledge. Multiple reviewers mention how well they managed the logistics, making sure no time was wasted and everyone felt taken care of. One reviewer even notes that although they saw a lot, they appreciated the detailed explanations that made every stop meaningful.

What to Expect in Terms of Price and Value

At $261 per person, this tour is a bit of an investment but offers a comprehensive, personalized experience that covers more than you could easily see on your own in one day. You gain privileged access to neighborhoods, insider stories, and authentic dining—all curated for you. The fact that it’s private means you won’t be squeezed into a large group, allowing for a more relaxed, flexible pace.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of walking involved, especially through Montmartre’s cobbled streets.
• Bring your passport or ID, particularly if you plan to buy Eiffel Tower tickets or visit other attractions afterward.
• If the full option isn’t booked, you’ll need to plan for your own meals and drinks, but the guide provides plenty of suggestions.
• Remember, Eiffel Tower tickets are not included, so book those separately if you wish to go up.
• The tour starts from the Anvers metro station, so consider arriving a few minutes early to settle in.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a curated, immersive day in Paris without rushing from site to site on their own. It’s ideal for first-timers eager to get a sense of the city’s neighborhoods, history, and culture, all with the comfort of a private guide. If you appreciate storytelling, authentic local meals, and scenic views, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

Couples or small groups looking for an intimate experience will appreciate the attention to detail and flexibility. It’s also perfect for anyone who wants a rundown that touches on the artistic, historical, and culinary sides of Paris—all in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for travelers with mobility needs.

Do I need to buy Eiffel Tower tickets separately?
Yes, the tour includes guiding to get your tickets, but you’ll need to purchase the actual tickets on your own.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, starting from the Metro Anvers station.

Does the tour include a guide for the Eiffel Tower?
No, you will enter the Eiffel Tower on your own, but your guide will assist with tickets and provide tips.

What is included in the full option?
The full option includes a traditional French lunch in a local restaurant and a coffee at the café from the movie Amélie.

Are transportation arrangements provided?
Yes, transportation between sites includes taxi rides and tickets for the funicular to Montmartre.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID for ticket purchases if needed, comfortable shoes, and maybe a camera for the views.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a private tour, guides are generally flexible within the itinerary, but the overall structure is set to maximize sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically aimed at children, the itinerary’s mix of sights and engaging stories can be enjoyable for families, provided children are comfortable with walking.

What language options are available?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and French, so you can choose a language that suits you.

Final Thoughts

This private full-day tour of Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower offers a rich, well-organized way to experience Paris’s essence in one day. The combination of expert guides, authentic eats, and iconic sights makes it a worthwhile option for travelers who value depth and personal attention. While you’ll need to handle Eiffel Tower tickets separately, the tour’s local insights and scenic stops more than compensate for this small extra step.

If your goal is to see the best of Paris without the stress of planning every detail, this tour provides a balanced, engaging experience. It’s especially perfect for those who want to connect with the city’s culture and history in a relaxed, personalized setting.

Whether you’re new to Paris or revisiting and seeking a fresh perspective, this tour offers a thoughtful way to make the most of your day in the City of Light.