Chef PJ’s Montmartre Food Tour

If you’re headed to Paris and want an inside look into its culinary soul, Chef PJ’s Montmartre Food Tour might just be the experience you’re looking for. This tour promises a full immersion into the neighborhood’s food scene, with tastings, history, and personal stories all wrapped into a five-hour adventure. While we haven’t personally joined this tour, based on numerous glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this isn’t just a typical tasting session — it’s a genuine encounter with Parisian culture led by someone who truly cares about sharing his neighborhood.

Two things stand out about this experience. First, the guide, Chef PJ, is repeatedly described as incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate — a genuine character who makes the whole experience feel personal rather than touristy. Second, the variety of food and wine you’ll sample seems impressive, with many reviewers mentioning how full they felt and how much they learned about French cuisine and shopping.

That said, a potential consideration is the tour’s length and pace. It’s around five hours of walking, sampling, and learning, which is a good chunk of time, especially if you’re not used to long walks or standing. Plus, the tour is quite popular, so booking well in advance (around 61 days on average) is recommended if you want a spot.

This tour appears best suited for food lovers who enjoy a mix of history, culture, and culinary discovery, and aren’t looking for a quick snack but rather a meaningful, well-rounded experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Led by Chef PJ, a Montmartre local with a passion for sharing his neighborhood’s stories and food.
• Well-Balanced Itinerary: Combines shopping, tasting, and cultural stories, ending in a generous feast.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Food, wine, and drinks are included, so no hidden costs during the tour.
• Smaller Group Size: Limited to 10 travelers, making it more personal and engaging.
• Book in Advance: Tour is popular, with bookings typically made 61 days ahead.
• Rich in Reviews: Consistently rated 5/5 with many travelers calling it a “highlight” of their Paris trip.

A Deep Dive into the Montmartre Food Tour

What to Expect from the Experience

The tour begins at Place de Clichy, an easy-to-find meeting point outside the metro station. From there, the journey into Montmartre’s food scene kicks off with a quick overview of the neighborhood’s history, including a perfect photo opportunity of the Moulin Rouge. This initial stop sets the tone, blending cultural storytelling with scenic views — a good way to start feeling like a local.

Next, you’ll stroll along Rue Lepic, a street alive with food shops and markets. Here, Chef PJ shows you how to shop like a chef, helping you understand French labels, ingredients, and the nuances of French gastronomy. This part is especially useful for those who enjoy cooking or want to understand what makes French products special. Reviewers mention that PJ’s deep knowledge about French foods and how to read labels makes it educational and fun.

The journey continues down Rue des Abbesses, considered the neighborhood’s most charming shopping street. You’ll visit a wine store, a renowned butcher, and a cheese seller, all while learning about France’s cheese regions and laws. This section is a foodie’s dream — tasting cheeses, sipping wine, and soaking in Montmartre’s lively atmosphere. One reviewer even highlighted that PJ’s stories about the cheese regions and French laws added a layer of depth to the experience.

From there, you see the iconic Windmill of Montmartre on Rue Tholozé, passing by before heading to the main feast at Le Petit Moulin. Here, the culinary part of the tour truly kicks in — you might sample French classics like Coq au Vin or Beef Bourguignon, paired with wine. The reviews are clear: the feast is substantial, with many guests remarking they leave well-fed and happy.

Post-meal, the tour shifts to sweet treats. You’ll enjoy a selection of desserts, starting with a delicate Chouquette and ending with chocolates, all accompanied by bubbles. This dessert stroll is often highlighted as a highlight — a perfect way to end the tour’s culinary journey.

The Food and Drink

All food and drinks are included, which is a big perk. The variety ranges from pastries and cheese to substantial French dishes and desserts, plus wine and sparkling beverages. Many reviewers emphasize how generous the portions are, often commenting that they felt full and satisfied without feeling stuffed.

The wine lesson and tasting are a nice touch, providing insight into French wine styles and etiquette. If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply interested in learning more, this aspect adds educational value to the tasting.

The Atmosphere and Guide

Having a small group makes the experience intimate and allows PJ to connect with everyone. Guests consistently praise his storytelling skills, friendliness, and authentic love for Montmartre. Several reviews mention that PJ’s personal stories, along with his apparent respect for the neighborhood and its people, make the tour feel genuine and warm.

One guest noted that “PJ is a man about town — it seems everyone in Montmartre knows him and loves him,” which certainly adds to the sense of community and authenticity. The relaxed pace and the ability to ask questions make it more than just a tasting — it’s an engaging cultural walk.

Practical Details

The tour lasts about five hours, starting at 11:00 am, with the option to end back at the meeting point. The group size is capped at 10, keeping things cozy and manageable. The price of around $166 makes sense considering the amount of food, wine, and experience offered, especially since everything is included — no surprise extra charges on-site.

Booking requires some planning, as most guests reserve around two months in advance. The tour’s timing and pace appeal to those who can dedicate a good chunk of a day and want a relaxed, immersive experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing — if you love food, wine, and stories, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s especially suited for those eager to learn about French cuisine, shopping customs, and local culture in a lively neighborhood.

If you’re traveling with a moderate physical fitness level, you’ll be comfortable walking around Montmartre, but be prepared for some standing and strolling. The tour is not designed specifically for kids, but older children and teenagers with an interest in food or history might also enjoy it.

The Sum Up

Chef PJ’s Montmartre Food Tour offers a thoughtful way to experience Paris beyond the usual sights. It’s a combination of tasty bites, local stories, and personal touches that many travelers find memorable. The guide’s passion and knowledge shine through, making the experience feel like visiting a friend’s neighborhood rather than a staged tour.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic experiences, loves good food and wine, and enjoys learning about local life, this tour is a solid choice. It’s well-reviewed, highly recommended, and priced fairly for the extensive tasting and cultural insights you’ll receive. Just remember to book early and come hungry — you’ll likely need it.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request. It’s best to inform the organizers in advance.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 5 hours, starting at 11:00 am, with a relaxed pace and plenty of time for tastings and stories.

What’s included in the price?
All food, wine, and beverages are included, along with the tasting tour and cultural stories. Tips are not included.

Can I participate if I have food allergies?
Yes, just message the organizers beforehand to discuss your allergies. They are happy to accommodate.

Is the tour good for families or children?
The tour is best suited for adults or older teens with an interest in food and culture. It might not be ideal for very young children, given the walking and tasting focus.

What is the meeting point?
It’s outside the Blanche metro station in Paris, a convenient starting location.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, making the experience more intimate.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is there any dress code or physical requirement?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as the tour involves walking around Montmartre. Dress comfortably for strolling.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 61 days ahead, as the tour is popular and tends to fill up quickly.

If you’re after an authentic, tasty, and culturally rich way to spend a day in Montmartre, Chef PJ’s tour might just be the highlight of your trip.