Clos Montmartre ‘Paris in your Glass’ Wine Tasting

Exploring Montmartre through a wine-centric lens offers a uniquely charming way to connect with Paris’s past. This tour by Paris Wine Walks promises a blend of historic sights, vineyard visits, and tastings—all packed into about three hours. What makes this experience stand out is its focus on living vines and living wines, giving you a taste of how wine shaped the city’s identity, architecture, and artistic soul.

We particularly appreciate the tour’s detailed storytelling, the well-curated wine tasting, and the chance to see the old vineyard of Clos Montmartre in person. However, given the tour’s uphill walk through the picturesque but hilly streets of Montmartre, it’s best suited for those with moderate fitness levels. If you’re curious about the historic roots of Paris’s wine scene and enjoy a convivial, educational outing, this experience could be just the thing.

Key Points

• Unique combination of vineyard visits and historic Montmartre walking tour
• Knowledgeable guides that add depth and humor to the experience
• Authentic wine tastings with a focus on local and historic varieties
• Accessible for most travelers but involves uphill walking and stairs
• Great value considering the included vineyard visit, multiple stops, and tasting
• Ideal for wine lovers, history buffs, and those seeking an authentic taste of Parisian culture

What to Expect from the Tour Experience

This tour by Paris Wine Walks is designed to weave together Montmartre’s artistic, cultural, and viticultural histories, all tied together with the shared story of Paris’s love affair with wine. It’s not just about tasting wine but understanding how wine influenced the neighborhood’s development, architecture, and artistic community.

The experience lasts around 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours and involves walking through familiar and lesser-known corners of Montmartre. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as the tour includes uphill walking and climbing stairs—Montmartre’s signature characteristic. You’ll meet your guide at Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, a chapel built on a site dating back to Roman times, which sets the historic tone right from the start.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre

Starting point, this church is the second oldest in Paris and features Roman columns from a temple to Mars. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the area’s ancient past, and inside, you’ll see these relics that tell stories of Roman Montmartre. Our guides emphasize that this church was once part of a larger priory surrounded by vineyards, tying into the overall wine theme.

Stop 2: La Bonne Franquette

This historic café was a gathering spot for local artists and creatives, with Van Gogh himself having painted its courtyard. It’s a reminder of Montmartre’s bohemian roots. Here, you get a sense of community and history, not just with wine but with the artistic vibe that still persists.

Stop 3: Commanderie du Clos-Montmartre

Once a water tower, now the headquarters of one of Paris’s few wine fraternities, this stop roots you in the local wine tradition. It’s a small but interesting touchpoint that links the area’s history with its modern wine culture.

Stop 4: Le Passe-Muraille & Stop 5: Moulin de la Galette

Le Passe-Muraille sculpture, inspired by Marcel Aymé’s story, adds a quirky artistic touch. A few steps away, the Moulin de la Galette windmill offers scenic views—what was once a grain mill, now a symbol of Montmartre’s rural charm. The mill’s history of producing galettes (brown bread served with milk) adds local culinary context.

Stop 6: Square Suzanne-Buisson

A tiny park with a vine-covered entrance, this spot offers an educational moment about grape varietals and vine cultivation. Among the reviews, we learn that this is a favorite for understanding the diversity of grapes used in winemaking, offering insights into pruning and vineyard management.

Stop 7: Dalida Statue & Stop 8: Musee de Montmartre

Walking through Dalida’s statue and the scenic views of rue de l’Abreuvoir, you’re immersed in Parisian culture. The Musee de Montmartre, with its beautiful Renoir Garden, provides a perfect vantage point for discussing the vineyard’s history. It’s a great way to visualize how Montmartre’s wine was once integral to its landscape.

Stop 9: Vigne du Clos Montmartre & Stop 10: Place du Tertre

Here, you’ll visit the most famous of Paris’s intra-muros vineyards, the Clos Montmartre. You’ll get a close look at the vineyard’s layout, its history, and its significance in maintaining Montmartre’s rural charm. It’s from this vantage point at the museum’s gardens that guides recount the vineyard’s story, which has endured through urban development.

Finally, the tour concludes with a wine tasting in the lively Place du Tertre, at a renowned wine bar. The tasting lasts about an hour and includes a selection of wines, carefully chosen to highlight local varieties and the story of Montmartre’s wine tradition.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the biggest highlights, according to reviews, is the expert guide, Geoffrey Finch, who combines historical storytelling with humor and practical knowledge. Several reviewers mention his ability to make wine history engaging and accessible, emphasizing the different types of wines and their stories.

The inclusion of a vineyard visit—something rare in Paris—adds authenticity and a tangible connection to the land. Sitting in the museum gardens overlooking the vineyard, you get an immersive sense of what Montmartre’s wine culture once was. The fact that the vineyard is still actively cultivated underscores its importance in keeping the neighborhood’s rural roots alive.

Value and Cost Analysis

At $122.17 per person, this tour offers considerable value. It’s not just a tasting; it’s a comprehensive cultural walk with added educational components. The inclusion of the vineyard visit and the museum entry further enhances its worth. Compared to typical wine tastings or short walking tours, this experience provides a meaningful narrative supported by sites you’d want to see regardless of the wine focus.

On top of that, reviews suggest the guide’s storytelling makes the price feel justified. The anecdotes and historical details enrich the tasting, making it more than just sipping wines—it’s about understanding their roots.

Practical Details & Tips

The tour starts at 3:30 pm, making it suitable for an afternoon activity. It involves uphill walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Montmartre’s cobblestones and stairs might pose a challenge for some, so those with limited mobility should consider this.

Since the tour is mobile ticketed and capped at 110 travelers, it maintains a lively atmosphere without feeling crowded. As it’s near public transportation, accessing the meeting point isn’t a problem.

The tour is designed for a moderate physical level, with walking involved but manageable for most. Guided by a knowledgeable host, you’ll learn not only about wine but about Montmartre’s artistic and cultural history.

Authenticity and Unique Insights from Reviews

Multiple reviewers praise Geoffrey’s storytelling, highlighting his extensive knowledge of French wine and local history. One mentions that he’s very hospitable and accommodating, making the experience even more engaging. Another reviewer noted that the walk around Montmartre was educational and fun, and the wine tasting was superb—highlighting the quality of wines served.

A common theme is the balance of education and entertainment, with reviews emphasizing the guide’s anecdotes, the variety of wines, and the beautiful settings. The vineyard’s existence in the city center adds a special charm, giving the impression of discovering a secret piece of Parisian countryside.

This tour offers a well-rounded, engaging look into Montmartre’s wine heritage, complemented by its historic streets and art-filled corners. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts, history lovers, or anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Paris’s local culture beyond the typical tourist spots.

While it involves some uphill walking, the experience’s richness makes it worthwhile. The knowledgeable guide, authentic vineyard visit, and quality tastings create a memorable outing that provides genuine insight into Paris’s lesser-known vinicultural past.

If you’re after an authentic, educational, and fun way to explore Montmartre, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. With solid reviews praising the guide and the overall experience, it stands out as a meaningful way to spend an afternoon in one of Paris’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While the tour involves uphill walking and stairs, it’s designed for those with moderate fitness. If you’re comfortable walking on cobblestones and climbing stairs, you’ll be fine.

What is included in the tour price?
The ticket covers the vineyard visit, stops at historic sites, and a 1-hour wine tasting in Place du Tertre. The guide’s storytelling and educational commentary are also part of the experience.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on pacing and group questions.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Is there a specific starting point?
Yes, you meet at Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, a central historic site easily accessible by public transportation.

Are children or non-drinkers allowed?
The tour is primarily focused on wine tasting, but children or non-drinkers can still enjoy the historic walk. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific needs.

What type of wine will I taste?
Expect a selection of local wines, with explanations about their origins and varietals. The guide makes the tasting accessible and informative.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
Montmartre’s streets are mostly outdoor, so it’s advisable to check the weather and dress accordingly.

The ‘Paris in your Glass’ wine tour in Montmartre offers an impressive combination of history, culture, and authentic wine experiences nestled in one of Paris’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It’s especially suited for those who love learning about local traditions while enjoying a good glass of wine, all with the backdrop of Montmartre’s artistic charm.

Thanks to a knowledgeable guide, a scenic walk, and the opportunity to visit a historic vineyard, it’s a genuine way to connect with Paris’s vinicultural roots. Although the uphill walk might be a consideration, the overall value, engaging storytelling, and quality tastings make this a memorable outing worth considering during your Paris stay.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler, this tour promises an authentic, educational, and convivial experience that beautifully captures the essence of Montmartre.