Paris: Montmartre Train Ride w/ Optional Seine River Cruise

Exploring Paris with the Montmartre Train Ride & Seine Cruise: A Practical Review

If you’re looking for a charming way to see Montmartre’s iconic sights and soak up some Parisian atmosphere without exhausting yourself, this tour offers a neat combo of a vintage train ride and an optional Seine River cruise. Priced at just $15 per person, it promises a cost-effective way to explore a neighborhood historically loved by artists and bohemians alike, topped off with postcard-perfect views of the city.

One aspect we really appreciate is how accessible and straightforward this experience is — especially for those who want a guided glimpse into Montmartre’s most famous landmarks without the hassle of navigating on your own. The train ride is a cozy, non-stop journey that takes you through narrow streets and past notable sites like Sacré-Cœur and Moulin Rouge, with commentary enriching the experience. But, as with many budget-friendly tours, there are some quirks—like the confusion over train stops, which some reviewers mention—that might require a little patience.

This tour suits travelers who crave an easy, visually engaging overview of Montmartre combined with a relaxing cruise along the Seine. It’s perfect for those with limited time, families, or first-timers eager to tick Paris highlights off their list without the expense of more elaborate tours. However, if you’re after a deeply immersive experience or want to explore beyond the main sights, you might want to supplement this with other activities.

Key Points

• Affordable and Convenient: Priced at $15 for the train ride plus optional Seine cruise, offering good value for a brief overview.
• Authentic Viewpoints: Offers scenic glimpses of Paris from Montmartre’s historic heights and a river cruise passing major landmarks.
• Guided Commentary: Audio commentary (if chosen) enhances understanding of the sights and local history.
• Flexible Timing: Tickets are valid for a month, and cruise departures run regularly throughout the day.
• Limited Transport: The tour does not include transfer from your hotel or hop-on-hop-off options.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most ages, though wheelchair access is limited to the boat, not the train.

A Deeper Look at the Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The adventure begins at the front of Sacré-Cœur, one of Paris’ most recognizable and beloved landmarks. You’ll join the Montmartrain — a small, vintage-style train that promises a cozy ride through Montmartre’s charming streets. The train itself is a fun, less stressful way to navigate the often-crowded cobblestone alleys, especially for families or those with mobility challenges (note that the train isn’t wheelchair accessible).

The Train Ride: What to Expect

The train ride lasts about 30 minutes, passing by famous sites such as the Moulin Rouge, the Lapin Agile, and the Cemetery of Montmartre. We loved how the guide’s commentary (where available) brought the neighborhood’s artistic history to life—mentioning artists like Picasso and the neighborhood’s bohemian past. Several reviews note that the route isn’t the most direct or scenic, with some passengers finding parts of the trip less interesting. One traveler from France commented that the train took a less-than-ideal route, and that the morning ride started late, which could cause some scheduling stress.

However, others found the ride charming and a good overview, especially for first-time visitors. It’s worth arriving early to secure a seat, as seating is first-come, first-served, and during peak hours, it can fill up fast.

Notable Landmarks on the Route

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Unlike many tours that only view it from afar, this ride gets you close enough to appreciate its grand façade while offering great photo angles.
• Moulin Rouge: The iconic cabaret’s bright sign and the surrounding lively district make for a fun photo stop.
• Lapin Agile: A historic and still-active cabaret that embodies Montmartre’s famous artistic spirit.
• Cemetery of Montmartre & Clos Montmartre Vineyard: quieter, lesser-visited spots that add a bit of local color to your journey.

The Viewpoints and Artistic Inspiration

Montmartre has long been a magnet for artists and dreamers. As you pass through, you’ll notice the colorful murals, street artists, and quaint cafés that evoke the neighborhood’s bohemian vibe. Several reviewers mention how the guide’s commentary highlights this history, enriching the experience beyond just a scenic ride.

The Optional Seine River Cruise

After your train adventure, you can opt for a 1-hour cruise along the Seine. This segment is a highlight, especially if you’re eager to see Paris’s most famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Louvre from the water. The cruise departs frequently, every 30 minutes to an hour, with tickets valid for a month, offering flexibility in timing.

The boat is accessible to most, and the audio commentary (available in 14 languages) adds context about the sites you pass. Reviewers like Yvonne from the UK say it was “wonderful” and that her daughter and she “thoroughly enjoyed” the cruise, noting it offered a relaxing way to take in the city’s skyline.

Practicalities & Tips

• The meeting point is in front of Sacré-Cœur, and no transport is included from your hotel.
• Arrive early to secure seats on the train, especially during busy times.
• Bring a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and a charged smartphone for photos.
• The river cruise is wheelchair accessible, but the Montmartre train isn’t.
• During peak months (June to August), expect longer wait times for the cruise.
• The tour operates from 10 AM to 6 PM (May to September) and until 7 PM in peak season, so plan accordingly.

What the Reviews Reveal

Most guests find this tour to be a fantastic value, especially given the affordability and the insights provided. Jodie from Australia called it “a really lovely way to see Montmartre,” and Cristiana from Portugal said it’s “really worth it,” praising the neighborhood’s charm.

Some reviewers, like Spadacini from France, pointed out that the route might not hit the most interesting parts, and that the ride could be a bit confusing with multiple drivers. Still, the majority agree that the overall experience is enjoyable and offers a great value, especially for first-time visitors.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travellers on a budget looking for a quick yet authentic glimpse of Montmartre’s top sights. It’s perfect for those who want a family-friendly activity that combines sightseeing with a touch of Parisian charm without the hassle of walking long distances. The optional river cruise makes it suitable for those wanting to see the city from a different angle, especially if they’re limited on time.

However, if you’re after an in-depth tour of Paris or want to explore less touristy parts of Montmartre, you may want to look at additional options. Also, those with mobility issues should note the train is not wheelchair accessible, though the boat is.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a simple, cost-effective way to explore Montmartre’s highlights and enjoy some of Paris’s most scenic views. The vintage train ride gives you a relaxed, guided overview of key sights, while the river cruise adds a memorable water-based perspective of the city. It’s particularly well-suited to first-time visitors, families, or anyone who wants a taste of Parisian charm without breaking the bank.

While some may find the route less than perfect or wish for more in-depth exploration, the overall value, friendly narration, and stunning vistas make it worth considering. Just arrive early for a seat, and be ready to enjoy a delightful slice of Parisian life in a fun, accessible way.

FAQ

Is the train ride suitable for children? Yes, the train is family-friendly and a fun way for kids to see Montmartre, but seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early.

Can I book the Seine River cruise separately? The cruise is an optional add-on available with your tour ticket; you don’t need to book separately.

Is the river cruise accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, but the Montmartre train isn’t.

How long does the entire experience take? The train ride lasts about 30 minutes, and the cruise is approximately 1 hour, making for a half-day activity.

Do I need to reserve the cruise in advance? No, cruise departure times vary and tickets are valid for a month, so you can choose when to go.

What should I bring? Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and a charged smartphone for photos and updates.

Are there any restrictions? Smoking, large luggage, and pets (except assistance dogs) aren’t allowed. The train isn’t wheelchair accessible.

What’s the best time to go? Operating hours are from 10 AM to 6 or 7 PM depending on the month. Early morning or late afternoon may be less crowded.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely, it’s a relaxed and social way to see Montmartre and the Seine.

How do I meet the tour? Just head to the front of Sacré-Cœur; the train departs from there.

This tour blends affordability, iconic sights, and a relaxed pace, making it a decent choice for those wanting a light yet memorable Paris adventure.