Paris: Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Private Tour for Kids and Families

If you’re planning a family trip to Paris and want to experience a neighborhood packed with art, history, and stunning city views, this Montmartre and Sacre Coeur private tour might be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t done it ourselves, based on reviews and descriptions, it seems like a fun, well-organized way to explore one of Paris’s most iconic districts with children in tow.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its family-friendly approach—the guides are praised for their engaging storytelling that works for all ages, and the itinerary includes some fun and recognizable sights, like the I Love You wall and the film locations from Amelie. Plus, it’s a private tour, so you get to tailor the experience to your family’s pace and interests, making it more personalized than a standard group excursion.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the price point, which is around $229 per person. While some reviews mention that the guide’s knowledge and engagement make it worthwhile, others feel that, especially if you’re comfortable exploring on your own, it might not offer enough extras to justify the cost. Also, note that entry into Sacre Coeur itself is included but the inside is only viewable from outside during the tour, since silence is maintained for prayers.

All in all, this tour seems especially suited for families wanting a curated, educational experience that keeps kids entertained and engaged. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a mix of sightseeing, fun stories, and insider tips, but perhaps less ideal if you’re striving for a budget-friendly, self-guided adventure.

Key Points

• Family-focused storytelling and engaging guides make this tour suitable for kids and adults alike.
• The private setup allows for a tailored experience, fitting your family’s pace and interests.
• You’ll get excellent views of Paris and visit iconic spots like Place du Tertre and the I Love You wall.
• The cost reflects the personalized, guided nature, which many reviews say offers good value considering the knowledge and attention provided.
• Because inside Sacre Coeur isn’t accessible during the tour, you’ll primarily enjoy its exterior and the stories about its history.
• The tour is usually booked quite far in advance—about 92 days on average—so plan ahead to secure your spot.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When we look at the itinerary, it paints a vivid picture of what families can expect. Starting outside the Blanche Metro Station, the guide meets the group for a walk through Montmartre, an area that was once dotted with windmills and vineyards. This neighborhood, famous for inspiring artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, is a charming place to step back in time and see how it developed into a hub of artistic innovation. You’ll learn how Cubism and Impressionism took root there, giving your family a chance to connect art history to the very streets they walk on.

The 15-minute stop here is a chance to soak in the atmosphere while your guide shares stories about the neighborhood’s past. It’s a great way to set the scene for your visit, especially for kids with curious minds. The tour then moves toward the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks, perched atop the hill. The guide’s storytelling here is designed to be engaging and educational, revealing the church’s secrets and historical significance, setting the stage for a visit that’s both informative and captivating.

The visit to the place du Tertre is often a highlight. It’s a lively square full of artists painting and selling their work—a perfect spot to imagine the artistic energy that once flowed through Montmartre. From here, you’ll see the I Love You wall, a fun and interactive piece of art that has become a popular photo spot. The guide points out filming locations from Amelie—an adorable touch for movie buffs—and shows you the workshop where Picasso invented Cubism, connecting art history to real places.

One aspect many reviews appreciate is the storytelling style of the guides, who manage to make art, history, and local legends accessible and interesting for children. One reviewer noted that their guide was “wonderful with kids and very knowledgeable,” which is a huge plus if you’re traveling with the little ones. The 20-minute inside visit inside Sacre Coeur offers a peek into the church’s architecture and stories, though it’s important to remember that the interior isn’t accessible during the tour for prayers and silence.

What the Tour Includes and What to Expect

For $229.33 per person, the tour offers a professional art historian guide who is also a local, ensuring you get insightful commentary combined with local flavor. It’s a private tour, meaning it’s just your family, allowing for flexibility and personalized attention. The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a manageable outing for families without causing fatigue or rush.

Your guide will take you to key landmarks, share fun stories, and show you hidden gems like the passage through walls, which sparks curiosity. Some highlights include the spectacular views from Montmartre’s heights, perfect for family photos. The group discounts and the mobile ticket make it convenient to plan ahead and avoid lines.

In terms of logistics, you’ll meet at 2 Rue de Steinkerque and finish near the Sacre Coeur, giving you easy access to explore more of Montmartre afterward if desired. Note that food and drinks aren’t included, so you might want to plan a picnic or meal afterward to extend the experience.

Authentic Voices: What People Say

The reviews tell us a lot about what to expect. One parent said, “Our guide made it interesting for the entire family and was very engaging,” highlighting that the stories and approach resonate well with children. Another mentioned, “She is wonderful with kids and very knowledgeable,” emphasizing the importance of a friendly guide who can connect with young travelers.

Some comments, however, reflect a more reserved experience. For instance, one reviewer felt it wasn’t worth the price, noting that their guide was “not hugely charismatic” and that they could have explored the same area on their own. But even they acknowledged that their guide was “very nice,” so the experience might depend on personal expectations and guide chemistry.

The most praised aspect was the in-depth knowledge and engaging storytelling, which transformed a standard neighborhood walk into an educational adventure. Travelers appreciated that, “During the tour we learned so much about Montmartre,” and that the guide “made sure we knew where to meet” and kept everyone engaged.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Book early: Since bookings are usually made about 92 days in advance, plan ahead to secure your preferred date and time.
• Choose your departure wisely—morning or afternoon—based on your family’s rhythm.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Montmartre’s cobblestone streets can be tricky.
• Plan for inside Sacre Coeur: Remember, entry inside isn’t included, but the outside and the views are stunning.
• Prepare kids with a little background: Showing some pictures or stories about Picasso or Van Gogh beforehand can make the experience even more engaging.
• Bring your camera: The panoramic views from Montmartre are incredible for photos.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If your family enjoys stories, art, and exploring neighborhoods with a local guide, this tour offers a lively, personalized way to experience Montmartre. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a more relaxed, educational experience that keeps kids entertained through storytelling rather than just walking around on your own.

If you prefer a self-guided adventure or are on a tight budget, exploring Montmartre independently might suit you better. But if you value the insights of a knowledgeable guide and want to avoid the hassle of navigating on your own, this private tour could add a lot of value to your trip.

This experience is also suitable for families who want a well-organized, engaging overview without spending hours wandering aimlessly. Keep in mind that inside Sacre Coeur isn’t part of the tour, so plan to spend some extra time there if you wish to explore further.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable outing for families without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a private guide (a professional art historian and local guide), admission tickets for the areas visited, and the guided storytelling. Inside Sacre Coeur, only the exterior and stories are included since the interior isn’t accessible during prayers.

Can I choose the time of day for the tour?
Yes, you can select either a morning or afternoon departure to fit your schedule.

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, the commentary is tailored to be engaging for all ages. Many reviews mention guides being wonderful with kids and making the experience fun.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Bringing a camera, water, and perhaps a small snack or picnic after the tour would be good, especially since food isn’t included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility, but considering Montmartre’s cobblestone streets and hilly terrain, it might be challenging for wheelchairs or strollers.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this private Montmartre and Sacre Coeur tour offers a strong combination of history, art, and local stories told in an engaging way. It’s especially good for families seeking a guided experience that makes art and neighborhood history come alive, with the added bonus of stunning views and fun photo spots. The fact that it’s a private tour means you get the flexibility to focus on what interests your family most, making it a personalized and memorable way to discover Paris’ artistic heart.

While it’s priced higher than some self-guided options, many travelers felt the guides’ knowledge and the tailored experience made it worthwhile. If your family values storytelling, insider insights, and a relaxed pace, this tour could be a highlight of your Paris visit.

Additional Resources

If you’re interested in other Paris experiences, the tour provider also offers options like skip-the-line Louvre tours, Seine river cruises, and hop-on-hop-off bus tickets, which can complement your trip.

Remember to book well in advance, especially if visiting during peak seasons, and enjoy exploring Montmartre’s enchanting streets with your family.