Devour Paris Food Tours has been guiding culinary walks through the French capital since 2012, and the Montmartre Gourmet Walking Tour is among the company's most popular offerings. Montmartre — the hilltop 18th arrondissement village perched above central Paris — has retained a distinctly local character despite heavy tourist footfall, maintaining a network of independent artisan boulangeries, fromageries, charcutiers, and natural wine shops that set it apart from more commercialised Parisian neighbourhoods. The tour meets at the Abbesses Métro exit on Place des Abbesses and runs for approximately three hours, visiting seven to nine carefully chosen stops. Participants sample artisan bread from a traditional boulangerie using a wood or stone oven, taste two or three aged cheeses from a specialist fromagerie, try charcuterie from an independent butcher, and finish with a seasonal pastry selection. A wine tasting featuring natural or low-intervention wines from French regional producers is also included, selected to pair with the cheese lineup of the day. The English-speaking guide provides both gastronomic and historical context throughout — Montmartre's transformation from late-19th-century artists' colony to early-20th-century cabaret district to its contemporary status as a hub for artisan food producers forms the narrative backbone of the walk. The route winds through hidden staircases, past the Montmartre vineyard (one of the few working vineyards within Paris), and along residential lanes away from the main Sacré-Coeur tourist thoroughfares. Groups are capped at twelve participants. The €80 price covers all seven to nine tastings including the wine element and guide fees. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included. Participants should note that Montmartre involves meaningful uphill walking — sections of the route traverse cobbled streets and steep staircases. Dietary substitutions are available at most stops with advance notice. The tour runs year-round; spring visits coincide with the vineyard's growing season, and autumn departures during the October harvest festival offer particular atmosphere.
What is included
- 7–9 tastings
- Neighbourhood history context
- English-speaking guide
- Wine tasting
Good to know
- Operator
- Devour Paris Food Tours
Location
Meeting point: Métro Abbesses exit, Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France
48.8842, 2.3385 View on map
Highlights
- Seven to nine tastings spanning artisan bread, aged cheese, charcuterie, seasonal pastry, and a natural wine pairing
- Route through Montmartre's hidden staircases, vineyard lanes, and residential streets away from main tourist paths
- Natural wine tasting featuring French regional producers selected to pair with the day's cheese lineup
- Expert English-speaking guide covering Montmartre's artistic, bohemian, and contemporary artisan-food history
- Small group cap of twelve participants for access to independent neighbourhood shops and producers
Tips for visiting
- Wear sturdy shoes — the route includes cobblestones, steep steps, and uphill sections around the Butte Montmartre
- Morning departures (where available) offer quieter streets and fresher produce at each stop
- Notify Devour Paris of dietary restrictions at booking — vegetarian substitutions are available at most stops
- The Abbesses Métro exit has a long spiral staircase; use the lift inside the station if needed before a three-hour walk
- Arrive with a light appetite — seven to nine tastings constitute a substantial intake across the three-hour tour
Frequently asked questions
How steep is the walking route?
Montmartre sits on a hill above central Paris, so the route involves moderate uphill sections, cobbled streets, and some staircases. Guests with significant mobility limitations should contact Devour Paris in advance to discuss route options.
Is the tour child-friendly?
Devour Paris welcomes children aged eight and over when accompanied by an adult. The wine tasting is adapted for younger guests. The uphill walking sections and cobblestones should be considered when bringing small children.
What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour runs in English. Devour Paris periodically offers French-language departures; the operator's website lists the current schedule and language of each available slot.
Can the tour accommodate coeliac disease or severe allergies?
Guests with coeliac disease or severe allergies should declare this clearly at booking. The guide will contact producers in advance to arrange safe alternatives where possible. Some stops involve shared bakery environments that handle gluten.
Where does the tour begin and what is the meeting procedure?
The tour begins at the Abbesses Métro exit on Place des Abbesses in the 18th arrondissement. Guests should arrive five minutes early. Once the group has moved to the first stop, latecomers cannot be admitted.