Paris: Montmartre Train Ride w/ Optional Seine River Cruise

Imagine strolling through Montmartre’s winding cobblestone streets aboard a charming vintage train, soaking in views of Sacré-Cœur, the Moulin Rouge, and bohemian artists’ haunts. Add an optional Seine River cruise for postcard-perfect views of the Eiffel Tower and the City of Light’s shimmering skyline—all for just $15 per person, in about a day.

This experience offers a delightful blend of historic neighborhoods and scenic vistas, making it a great value for travelers looking for a quick, authentic taste of Paris. We love how the train ride gives a relaxed, small-group perspective of Montmartre’s lively streets, and the Seine cruise provides a lovely close-up of Paris’s most famous landmarks.

One thing to consider: the train ride can be tricky to navigate, especially during peak seasons or if you’re unfamiliar with the layout. Arriving early helps secure good seats and ensures you make the most of this charming tour.

This tour suits visitors who want a cost-effective, guided overview of Montmartre’s highlights combined with a scenic river experience—perfect for first-timers or those short on time but eager to see Paris’s quintessential sights.

Key Points

• Affordable: At $15, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore Montmartre and enjoy a Seine cruise.
• Authentic Views: The train passes through iconic streets and offers a genuine look at the neighborhood’s bohemian charm.
• Flexible: The Seine cruise is optional, with tickets valid for a month, so you can choose to hop on later if you wish.
• Informative Audio: The boat includes multilingual commentary, enriching your experience with details about Paris’s landmarks.
• Group Size: The train ride is small-scale, giving a more intimate experience, though seating is first-come, first-served.
• Accessibility: The river cruise is wheelchair accessible, but note the train isn’t suitable for wheelchairs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Montmartre on a Vintage Train

Starting at Sacré-Cœur, the tour takes you on a 30-minute non-stop ride through the heart of Montmartre. Unlike larger hop-on-hop-off buses, this train offers a more relaxed, guided feel—a chance to sit back and soak in the sights. The route includes passing by famous sites like the Moulin Rouge, Lapin Agile, and the Cemetery of Montmartre, where many artists are laid to rest.

Many travelers appreciate the nostalgic charm of the train itself—some describe it as “a fun, family-friendly ride,” while others find the paths it takes not always the most interesting. One reviewer noted, “This little train doesn’t take the most interesting route,” but still enjoyed the overall experience.

What makes Montmartre special is its artistic history and bohemian atmosphere. As you glide past local artists’ studios and vineyards, you’ll get a sense of why painters like Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec found inspiration here. The façades of Sacré-Cœur and Saint-Pierre Church** are striking landmarks that benefit from the train’s vantage point, offering great photo opportunities.

The Montmartre Experience

The highlight is likely the view of Paris from the hilltop—the landscape sprawling out in all directions is striking, especially on a clear day. The train’s commentary (if available in your language) provides insights into Montmartre’s history, its artsy flair, and its role in Parisian nightlife.

Visitors frequently mention the value for money. For just $15, you’re getting a guided, scenic tour that covers a lot of ground without the hassle of navigating the streets on foot. Some noted that arriving early is a good idea to secure seats, especially during peak season, as seats are first-come, first-served.

Stopping at Iconic Landmarks

The tour takes you past Moulin Rouge, famous for its cabaret shows, and Lapin Agile, one of the most famous bohemian cabarets in Montmartre. These stops are points of cultural interest and great photo ops. For those interested in Paris’s artistic past, the Cemetery of Montmartre and the Clos Montmartre vineyard are charming hidden gems visible along the route.

The Optional Seine River Cruise

After the train ride, many choose to hop aboard the one-hour Seine cruise. The boat departs roughly every 30 minutes to an hour, with no need for a reservation—making it a flexible addition to your day. The audio guide enhances your experience with commentary on landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Louvre.

Many travelers say the views from the river are “worth the extra cost,” especially since the tickets are valid for a month. It’s a great way to see Paris from a different perspective, and the lighting at sunset can be especially magical.

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Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting Point is directly in front of Sacré-Cœur, so arrive early to secure seats and orient yourself.
• The train operates from June to August (10 AM to 7 PM) and September to May (10 AM to 6 PM).
• Tickets are flexible: valid for a month, and you can use them at your convenience during the operating hours.
• The river cruise is wheelchair accessible, but the train isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or large luggage.
• Bring comfortable shoes and a charged smartphone for photos.
• No pets allowed, except assistance dogs, and smoking is forbidden on the tour.

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers generally rate this experience a solid 4.4 out of 5. Some found the train route not the most interesting, citing that “the paths it took are not so great,” but many still enjoyed the charm and views. Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides and good value, describing it as “a really lovely way to see Montmartre.”

Several praised the scenic views and photo opportunities, especially on a clear day. One reviewer noted, “Wonderful, it’s really worth it,” highlighting the neighborhood’s amazing atmosphere. Another appreciated the interesting commentary and family-friendly vibe.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a budget-friendly introduction to Montmartre’s vibrant streets and artistic flair, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal if you prefer small-group experiences over large buses, and you want to keep things flexible with the optional Seine cruise. Travelers who value authentic, off-the-beaten-path sights and great photo opportunities will find this a worthwhile choice.

However, if you’re wheelchair dependent or seeking a more comprehensive, in-depth tour, you might want to consider other options. But for a light, scenic overview of Paris’s most famous neighborhood, this experience is hard to beat for the price.

The Sum Up

This Montmartre train ride combined with an optional Seine River cruise offers a charming, affordable way to see two of Paris’s most iconic areas. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, guided overview without breaking the bank. The views, historical insights, and photo opportunities make it a memorable outing, especially for first-timers or those short on time.

While the train route isn’t the most scenic or direct, the overall experience delivers a delightful taste of Montmartre’s artistic spirit and beautiful cityscapes. The Seine cruise adds a touch of magic with its views of Paris’s skyline, making this combo a well-rounded opportunity to capture Paris’s essence in a single day.

If you’re looking for good value, authentic sights, and a touch of Parisian charm, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just arrive early, bring your camera, and enjoy your day in the City of Light.

FAQ

Is the train ride suitable for children?
Yes, the train is family-friendly and enjoyable for children, especially given its small size and fun atmosphere. Just remember, seats are first-come, first-served.

Can I join the Seine cruise without the train tour?
No, the cruise is offered as an optional add-on to this specific experience, and tickets are valid for a month. You can buy the cruise separately if you prefer.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and a charged smartphone for photos. It’s also a good idea to arrive early to get seats on the train.

Is the Seine cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, but the Montmartre train isn’t suitable for wheelchairs.

Are there any hidden costs or extras?
No, the price is straightforward at $15, and the cruise is optional. You might want to budget for souvenirs or snacks, but there are no hidden fees.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tickets are flexible and valid for a month after purchase.

This tour offers a charming, practical, and affordable way to experience some of Paris’s best-loved sights. Whether you’re capturing that perfect shot of the Eiffel Tower or soaking in Montmartre’s artistic vibe, it’s a smart choice for a memorable day in the French capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: