Private Tour of Montmartre in a Citroën Classic

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Montmartre with a dash of vintage charm, a private tour in a Citroën 2CV might just be the way to go. This experience offers a personalized, relaxed way to soak in the sights and stories of one of Paris’s most bohemian neighborhoods. While it’s not a deep dive into history or art, it’s an enjoyable ride that blends sightseeing with a little bit of fun and nostalgia.

What we love about this tour is its intimate setting—only your group and a friendly guide—and the picturesque rides in a classic car that’s as charming as the district itself. Plus, the flexibility of a private experience means you can tailor what you want to see and do. On the flip side, the one-hour duration might feel a bit brief for some, especially if you’re eager to explore every corner. This tour is perfect for those who want a light, fun overview of Montmartre without the hassle of walking or big crowds, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone craving a unique Parisian experience.

Key Points

• Personalized attention from a friendly, knowledgeable guide
• Photographic opportunities with a retro car and scenic spots
• Great value for a private, hour-long experience
• Limited duration means it’s more of a quick highlights tour
• Inclusive pickup and drop-off in Montmartre
• Perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed, memorable ride

Getting a Feel for the Montmartre Experience in a Classic Car

If you’re a fan of vintage vehicles or just want to add a special touch to your Paris trip, this Citroën 2CV tour offers a charming way to explore Montmartre’s winding streets and iconic landmarks. For around $177, the experience is designed to be intimate, with a small group of up to three people, making it feel more like a personalized adventure than a typical bus tour.

As a guide-driven tour, it’s great that you get live commentary in English, French, or Spanish. This means you’ll get some context about the neighborhoods and the history of the places you pass—though don’t expect an in-depth historical lecture. Instead, it’s more about the experience, the scenery, and the stories your guide shares.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point: 5 Rue du Cardinal Dubois

Your adventure kicks off here, right in the heart of Montmartre. The pickup is smooth, and from there, you’ll hop into your vintage ride—a bright orange Citroën 2CV that instantly sparks a smile.

Montmartre’s Highlights

Over the course of approximately an hour, your guide will cruise past some of the district’s most recognizable spots. Expect to see:

• Place du Tertre: The art-filled square where painters set up their easels, capturing the bohemian spirit of Montmartre. This is the perfect spot for a quick photo and to get a sense of the neighborhood’s artistic vibe.
• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: An imposing white church sitting atop the hill, offering some of the best views over Paris.
• Moulin Rouge: The legendary cabaret that’s synonymous with Parisian nightlife, passing by for that classic photo op.
• Maison Rose & Picasso’s Studio: Picturesque and artistic, these stops give a peek into the neighborhood’s creative history.
• Villa Léandre and the Maison de Dalida: Quiet, charming streets with stories of artists and performers who called Montmartre home.
• Café des 2 Moulins: The café made famous by the film “Amélie,” where you can imagine the characters sipping coffee.

Unique Moments

The guide might point out hidden houses and lesser-known corners that showcase Montmartre’s secret charm. Several reviews highlight how guides are eager to take stunning photos—including one who noted that they could stand up in the car to take pictures, thanks to the open roof.

The Experience’s Emotional Touch

Many comments reflect how the tour captures the district’s romantic, artistic essence, with some travelers mentioning the emotional impact of passing by places where Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, and Lautrec lived and worked. A nostalgic vibe pervades the ride, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

Tour Duration and Logistics

The hour-long experience includes pickup and drop-off in Montmartre, so there’s convenience built-in. It’s a private activity, meaning your group won’t be mixed with strangers, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere. However, the short duration means it’s more of a highlight reel than an exhaustive exploration.

How Does It Feel to Ride in a Classic?

The Citroën 2CV is a beloved icon of French automotive history—quirky, nostalgic, and sometimes a little bumpy. The open-air design lets you feel the breeze, which makes for a fun, authentic ride, especially on warm days. As one reviewer pointed out, standing up in the car to take photos was easy, and the guide was happy to assist with capturing great shots.

The guide’s passion for the car and neighborhood shines through, with many reviews praising their friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer mentioned that the guide was very patient and helpful, even assisting with directions when they were lost. The opportunity to have your guide also act as a photographer adds a personal touch you won’t get on larger tours.

Pricing and Value

At about $177 for a private hour-long experience for up to three people, this isn’t the cheapest way to see Paris, but it’s definitely a memorable one. The value here lies in the personalized service, the vintage car experience, and the ability to see key spots without the hassle of walking or waiting in lines.

Many travelers found the tour to be worth the cost, especially given the friendliness of the guide and the ability to customize the experience. It’s a nice way to add some fun to your Montmartre visit, especially if you’re into photography or vintage vehicles.

The Downsides: Things to Keep in Mind

• Time Limit: The tour lasts about an hour, so it’s a quick overview. If you’re hoping for an in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit rushed.
• Weather Dependency: Since the ride is open-air, poor weather could dampen the experience. If rain is forecast, consider rescheduling or checking the policy.
• Pick-up/Drop-off Limitation: The tour only includes pickup and drop-off in Montmartre, so if you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll need to arrange transportation to the meeting point.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, private way to see Montmartre and enjoy some memorable photos. Art lovers, vintage car enthusiasts, or those new to Paris who want a quick, charming overview will find it especially appealing. Given its intimate nature, it’s perfect for couples or small groups, but larger families might want a longer, more comprehensive tour.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since it’s a short, scenic ride in a vintage car, children who enjoy rides and photos should be fine. Just keep in mind the open-air car might not be suitable for very young kids or those sensitive to cold.

What languages are available for commentary?
The guide provides live comments in French, English, or Spanish, depending on your preference.

Can I get off the car at specific spots?
This tour is designed as a quick sightseeing ride, so stops are limited to passing by key attractions. It’s not a walking tour with stops, but the guide may point out spots for photos.

Is it easy to find the meeting point?
Yes, the pick-up location at 5 Rue du Cardinal Dubois is centrally located in Montmartre and accessible by public transport.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, as the experience is weather-dependent.

Are there options to extend the tour?
The current offering is about one hour, with no indication of longer options. If you want more time, you might need to book additional tours or customize your plans locally.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance aren’t refunded.

Final Thoughts

This private Montmartre tour in a vintage Citroën offers a charming, intimate way to discover one of Paris’s most artistic neighborhoods. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a fun, photogenic experience that combines sightseeing with a touch of nostalgia. The knowledgeable guides, friendly attitude, and the vintage car’s appeal make it a memorable addition to your Paris trip.

While it’s not a comprehensive tour of Montmartre’s history, it’s a delightful snapshot that captures the neighborhood’s essence without the crowds or long walks. It’s especially suited for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants a personalized, relaxed way to see Paris’s bohemian side.

If you’re after a quick, fun ride that’s more about the experience and photos than detailed history, this tour could be just the thing. Just remember, it’s a short adventure—so plan to see other parts of Paris on foot or with additional tours!