Impressionist Paris: d'Orsay & Montmartre Exclusive Guided Tour

Paris’ other museum, the Musée d’Orsay, is the perfect complement to the Louvre. With your expert guide, begin your tour through this converted Beaux-Arts train station with skip-the-line admission. 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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.