Impressionist Paris: d'Orsay & Montmartre Exclusive Guided Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Musee d'Orsay

  With your expert guide, begin your tour through this converted Beaux-Arts train station. Inside, explore the artistic movements that led up to Impressionism and its colorful works. See Manet’s scandalous Luncheon on the Grass and Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette. Discuss with your guide the artists who preceded the Impressionists, like Millet and 'the Gleaners,' as well as those who followed, such as Post-Impressionist artist Van Gogh, whose Bedroom in Arles is on display. And, of course, check out works by the father of Impressionism himself, Claude Monet, including his famous poppies. Learn about the art evolution and personalities that went into creating the Impressionist movement, and understand why these seemingly simple works were so revolutionary at the time. By the end of your tour, you'll have learned about techniques used by the artists, seen both the highlights and lesser-known gems of the Orsay, and admired the beautiful architecture of the museum itself.

  2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2
  Montmartre

  After the Museum we will take a private car and a short break to then discover the history of Montmartre, as we will climb the butte or hills - starting at its base where the Moulin Rouge’s windmill still spins slowly. Wind up the hill and its cobbled streets flooded with charm to discover the houses of artists like Van Gogh and Picasso who called Montmartre home. At the summit, enter the gleaming white basilica of Sacré Coeur, and score a spectacular photo op of Paris from one of the city’s highest points. Lovers of the film Amélie, will feel at home in this district, where much of the movie was filmed. Continue to explore Montmartre's highlights that generally include - Moulin Rouge, Sacré Coeur Cathedral (with time allowed to explore inside as well), Place Dalida, Moulin de la Galette, Vincent Van Gogh’s house, The Artists’ Square, and Amélie Café. Consider an evening tour option and catch a sunset over the city if you’re lucky (depending on the season).

  55 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Moulin Rouge

  Montmartre will start by heading towards the infamous Moulin Rouge, a cabaret known for its entertainment for a diverse public, and for being a source of inspiration for international artists like Auguste Renoir.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 4
  Van Gogh's House

  Next we will see Van Gogh’s house on Rue Lepic, the home of the artist and his brother from 1886.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 5
  Dalida Statue

  Next we will walk through Place Dalida, a square of Montmartre dedicated to the French music icon Dalida. To this day many fans and tourists visit this secluded square to pay tribute to the French icon.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Jardin Sauvage de St-Vincent

  You will then have a stroll past the Jardin Sauvage de St-Vincent, a sloping piece of land which the gardeners of the city decided to leave in its fragile state to observe the ecosystem, biodiversity and wild plants. It is overridden by elderberry trees, ivy and colonies of wild insects. 

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7
  Vigne du Clos Montmartre

  From here, we will make our way to Le Clos Montmartre, a hidden vineyard tucked away in the little streets behind the Sacré-Coeur, and one of the last remaining vines in central Paris.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8
  Au Lapin Agile

  We will then make our way to what is known as Le Lapin Agile, a cabaret known as the home to the Montmartre Bohemian set until 1914, and whose sign remains a memorable symbol of Montmartre.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 9
  Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre

  Following on, we will make our way to the infamous Basilica Sacré-Coeur, a Roman Catholic church completed in 1914 and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The interior of this beautiful church contains one of the world’s largest mosaics, which depicts Jesus Christ.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 10
  Place Du Tertre

  After this we will pass by the Place du Tertre, a square only streets away from the Sacré-Coeur. With its many artists setting up their easels here each day, the Place du Tertre serves as a reminder of a time when Montmartre was the mecca of modern art.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 11
  Dali Museum Paris

  Next you will pass by what is known as the Espace Dali, a museum with around 300 original artworks. It is a permanent exhibition devoted to Salvador Dali and his sculptures and engravings.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 12

  We will then see the Bateau-Lavoir, one of the most famous places for artistic creation in Montmartre. From 1889 it was principally known as an artist’s residence and represented a place to live and discuss for many painters, writers, actors and art sellers.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 13
  La Maison de Dalida

  You will also see La Maison de Dalida, the house in which the icon lived between 1962 and 1987. Located on 11 Bis de la Rue Orchampt, it is known as the location where Dalida committed suicide in 1987.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
• Notes: Orsay museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.

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