On my most recent trip to Paris, I had the joy of bringing along my little nieces to share with them the magic of the City of Light, along with my lifelong love of travel. Of course, exploring a city with children means experiencing it through a different lens. Kids aren’t always drawn to the same things adults are, so planning a child-friendly adventure takes a bit of creativity. It means including playful activities, curious little games, and plenty of pauses for rest. I also discovered that sharing historical stories in a fun and engaging way can help young travellers see the city with fresh curiosity.
After designing a guided tour of Montmartre for my family, I wanted to create and share this Self-Guided Montmartre Walking Tour for Kids so everyone else can enjoy it as well! This is the perfect guide for families looking to explore this charming neighbourhood in a more playful, memorable way. So come with us and explore the artistic corners of Montmartre!
- Map of Montmartre for Kids
- History of Montmartre for Kids
- Le Bateau-Lavoir
- Wallace Fountains
- Grab a Hot Chocolate
- Au Marche de la Butte
- I Love You Wall
- Paris Metro
- Laulhère Berets
- Maracons
- Rue Foyatier
- Sacre Coeur
- Place du Tertre
- Maison Rose
- Lapin Agile
- Rue de l'Abreuvoir
- Place Dalida
- Allée des brouillards
- Park Suzanne Buisson Square
- Passe-Muraille
- Moulin de la Galette
- À la Mère de Famille
- Moulin Rouge
Map of Montmartre for Kids
History of Montmartre for Kids
You are standing in Montmartre, a hill wrapped in secrets and touched by the extraordinary. Long before the winding streets and hidden passageways that exist today, Paris was a quiet village, surrounded by dense forests and a twisting river. Over the centuries, kings ruled, knights fought, and clever revolutionaries plotted in the shadows, gradually shaping the grand city we now recognize.
But Montmartre, ah, Montmartre, it has always stood apart. Perched high above the city like a silent guardian, it once bustled with the gentle rhythm of windmills turning in the breeze. Vineyards blanketed the hillside, and villagers began each day by baking fresh bread, the scent of croissants and baguettes drifting down toward the city below.
In the 19th century, a curious transformation unfolded. Artists, dancers, and dreamers flocked to this hilltop haven, filling its quiet streets with colour, music, and revolutionary ideas. Some of the world’s most iconic painters rented tiny studios across the neighbourhood, capturing Montmartre’s enchantment on canvas and preserving its spirit for generations to come.
Le Bateau-Lavoir
Our tour starts in front of #13 Rue Ravignan on Place Emile Goudeau. This building was initially called Le Bateau-Lavoir, which means “The Washhouse Boat” in French. Even though it wasn’t a boat, people thought the old building looked like the floating laundry barges on the river. But here’s the cool part, this was a secret hideout for who is now one of the world’s most famous painters! A strange painter known for his wild shapes and crazy ideas, Pablo Picasso.
This was Picasso’s first studio in Paris, a tiny, rickety old place where he and his friends created amazing art that changed the world. They had no heating, so they’d huddle together in the winter. Imagine painting with gloves on under dim candlelight, the smell of oil paint filling the room until it stank of nothing but! Nonetheless, it was a place where creative people gathered, shared ideas, and made art that changed the world. Picasso even painted one of his most famous artworks here, ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.’
Wallace Fountains
All over Paris, you might spot strange, tall green fountains with four elegant ladies holding something above their heads. These are Wallace Fountains, and they hold a secret, fresh drinking water! Long ago, a kind Englishman named Sir Richard Wallace wanted to help the people of Paris have free, clean water. So, he built these fountains, decorating them with four figures who represent kindness, charity, simplicity, and sobriety (that means staying away from things that aren’t good for you).
Grab a Hot Chocolate
If you’ve begun this tour early in the morning, there’s no better way to start the day than by stopping at one of Montmartre’s charming coffee shops. Many of them also serve rich chocolat chaud, which means hot chocolate, perfect for the kids. But this isn’t just a sweet treat. Hot chocolate has a fascinating past tied to the very history of France, making it a delicious and meaningful way to begin your adventure. When hot chocolate first arrived in France in 1615, it wasn’t sweet at all! A Spanish princess, Anne of Austria, brought the recipe when she married King Louis XIII, but back then, it was bitter and spicy. French chefs soon worked their magic, adding sugar and milk, creating the creamy, delicious treat we love today!
By the time King Louis XIV ruled France, hot chocolate was the ultimate fancy royal drink at the Palace of Versailles. And guess what? The famous queen who lost her head, Marie Antoinette, was obsessed with it! She even had her own special royal chocolate chef to make it just right. Lucky for us, you don’t have to be royalty to enjoy a cup today!
Au Marche de la Butte
Do you see the little grocery store with the bright green exterior? That’s no ordinary shop… it’s the famous Au Marché de la Butte! But why is it famous? Well, if you’ve seen the movie Amélie, you might recognize it! In the film, Amélie, an adventurous and clever girl, comes here to shop while solving little mysteries in her neighbourhood. Just like you’re doing today! The name “Marché de la Butte” means “Market of the Hill” because it sits right here on the slopes of Montmartre, one of the highest places in all of Paris!
Passages des Abbesses
Take a little shortcut down the stairs just behind Au Marche de la Butte, which leads onto the Passage de Abbesses, a narrow pathway built in 1840. It was named to honour Montmartre’s abbesses (female heads of abbeys). Montmartre was once a very tight-knit religious community, and the abbesses controlled much of the land in this area, just like city officials would today.
At the bottom of the stairs, you’ll find the entrance to the Jardin des Abesses. The Jardin des Abbesses is a quiet, leafy retreat just steps from the lively Place des Abbesses. Once part of a convent garden, it pays tribute to the abbesses of the historic Montmartre Abbey. Designed in a medieval herb garden style, it features medicinal plants laid out in neat squares.
I Love You Wall
Around the corner from the Jardin des Abesses, you will spot a huge blue mural covered in words written in over 250 languages! This incredible wall called “Le Mur des Je T’aime” (The I Love You Wall), was created in 2000 as a reminder that love has no borders, no language barriers and always finds a way to bring people together. No matter where you are from or what language you speak, love is something everyone understands.
Paris Metro
Paris has one of the oldest underground train systems in the world? And guess what? Its entrance looks like something straight out of a storybook! Take a look at the green, curvy metal archway nearby. Doesn’t it look like a magical portal with swirling vines? But it’s not leading to a secret world. Look closely at the green sign. What is the long word written across the top?
That’s right, “Métropolitain”! Or just “Métro” for short! This word comes from “metropolis,” which means a big city, because when the Metro first opened in 1900, it was built to connect all the most important places in Paris, just in time for the World’s Fair! Back then, the underground tunnels were a brand-new idea, and today, millions of people ride the Metro every day!
Kozy
It’s time to take a little break to give your feet a rest and there is no better place than inside Kozy. This charming and casual brunch spot is home to some delicious pastries, so order up some croissants to sit and enjoy while we talk about the history of bread in France!
In France, bread is so important that there are even BREAD LAWS! Every village is legally obligated to have at least one bakery, so no one has to suffer a baguette emergency! If a town doesn’t have one, the mayor must find a way to provide fresh bread, even if it means delivering it from a nearby village!
There are also laws on what ingredients are allowed in baguettes. They must be made with only four ingredients; flour, water, salt, and yeast. That means no preservatives! That’s why baguettes here in France taste best when they’re fresh! If a French baker dares to mess with the sacred baguette recipe, adding sneaky ingredients, they could face fines, lose their fancy baker title, or even cause a national bread crisis (mon dieu!). Breaking baguette laws is practically a crime against deliciousness!
Croissant History
Take a good look at the shape of the croissant. It is not just for decoration; its design has a hidden history! Back in 1683, a great battle took place in Vienna, Austria. The Ottoman army surrounded the city and tried to dig secret tunnels to sneak inside at night. But they did not count on the city’s bakers, who were already awake, making bread before sunrise! Hearing strange sounds underground, the bakers warned the soldiers, who stopped the attack just in time. To celebrate, they baked a special crescent-shaped pastry—a shape taken from the Ottoman Empire’s flag. What does the flag remind you of?
But how did the croissant become a French favourite? In 1770, Austrian princess Marie Antoinette married King Louis XVI and moved to France. She left Vienna behind but could not forget her favourite crescent-shaped pastry. Soon, this delicious treat became popular across France, and its name, “croissant,” comes from the French word for “crescent.”
Laulhère Berets
After your little snack, take a look at the shop just down the road, Laulhère, one of the most prestigious beret shops in Paris! The Beret hat has been worn in France for hundreds of years, starting with shepherds in the Pyrenees mountains who used it to stay warm. Over time, it became popular with artists, soldiers, and even movie stars! French kings in the 17th century made the beret an official part of military uniforms, and during World War II, members of the French Resistance wore them to blend in while carrying out secret missions. Many famous painters like Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet wore berets while creating their masterpieces, and today, it is one of the most recognizable symbols of French fashion. You might even spot a stylish Parisian wearing one as you explore!
Maracons
Grab yourself a little sweet from Christophe Roussel, where you can find one of the most iconic French treats, the macaron. Did you know this delicious little cookie wasn’t always French? In the 1500s, a queen named Catherine de’ Medici travelled from Italy to France to marry a French king. She brought fancy chefs with her, and one of their specialties was a simple almond cookie, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The French bakers loved it, and soon, they started making their own versions!
But here’s the twist, the macarons back then didn’t look like the ones we know today! There was no filling, no bright colours, and no delicate flavours. It was just a little cookie… but that was about to change! Fast forward to the 20th century, when clever French bakers had a brilliant idea: what if we combine two cookies with a creamy filling in the middle? And voilà! The macaron we know and love was born! Now, they come in various flavours, from vanilla to wild, unexpected flavours, like Lemon & Basil, Chocolate & Passionfruit, Rose, Lychee & Raspberry. Each bite is an explosion of flavour!
Rue Foyatier
Armed with your sweet treats, let’s get ready for a challenge! Rue Foyatier is no ordinary street. Instead of cars, it is made entirely of 222 steps leading straight up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top of Montmartre. The street is named after Denis Foyatier, a famous French sculptor. If you need a break, the Montmartre Funicular runs right beside it, taking visitors up in just 90 seconds.
Sacre Coeur
Whether you conquered all 222 steps or took the funicular for a swift escape (clever move!), you now stand at the highest point in Paris. Look around, the city unfolds before you like a giant map, filled with secrets waiting to be discovered. Take a moment to enjoy a well-earned snack with the best view in town.
Why do you think Parisians chose to build such a magnificent church in a spot that requires such a climb to reach? The answer is hidden in a legendary tale. Long ago, a courageous man named Saint Denis lived in Paris. As a bishop, he taught people about kindness and faith, but not everyone welcomed his message. The Roman rulers saw him as a threat, so one day, he was captured and brought to a hill just outside the city to face execution. That very hill is where you are standing now!
The name Montmartre means “Mountain of Martyrs” because Saint Denis was beheaded right here. But this is where the legend takes an astonishing turn. Instead of collapsing after they chopped off his head, Saint-Denis did something unbelievable! He picked up his head and started walking! He travelled for miles, still preaching along the way, before finally stopping at the place where he would be buried. That very spot became the town of Saint-Denis, just outside Paris, where his story is remembered to this day!
Place du Tertre
Just a few steps from Sacre Coeur, you’ll find the Place du Tertre. A long time ago, in the 1100s, Place du Tertre was part of a monastery where monks lived quietly, growing vineyards and baking bread. In French, “Place” refers to a public square where people gather in a town or city. You’ll find this word all over Paris, so it’s good to know!
“Tertre” means “small hill” in French because Montmartre, back then, was still mostly farmland and windmills. But by the 1800s, Montmartre had been transformed; it became a village of artists, full of painters, poets, and musicians looking for inspiration. Place du Tertre quickly became a meeting place for artists, and soon, it was filled with easels, paintbrushes, and creative ideas!
Today, Place du Tertre is one of the most famous squares in Paris, where local artists still set up their easels and paint right before you! Some artists create detailed portraits, while others paint beautiful views of Montmartre, just like the Impressionists did over 100 years ago. A portrait from an artist you love is one of the most wonderful souvenirs you can get in Paris, and I highly recommend it!
Maison Rose
The walk from Place du Tertre to La Maison Rose is a short but scenic stroll through some of Montmartre’s most charming corners. After just a few minutes, you’ll spot La Maison Rose on the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir. 100 years ago, Montmartre was not the busy tourist spot you see today. It was a quiet countryside village filled with windmills, vineyards, and artists. Painters, writers, and musicians came here to create their masterpieces and ‘La Maison Rose‘ became a unique gathering place for them.
The café was opened in the early 1900s by Germaine Pichot, who married the Spanish painter Ramon Pichot. But before that, she was a famous model for some of the most important artists of her time, including Pablo Picasso!
Clos Montmartre
Continuing down Rue des Saules, you will spot on your right a hidden vineyard right here in Montmartre. This is the Clos Montmartre. The vineyard you see today was planted in 1930 to help bring back this lost part of Montmartre’s history. Every year, the grapes are harvested and turned into a special Montmartre wine, though only a small amount is made. The money from selling the wine goes to charity, making this vineyard not only historic but also helpful to the community.
Lapin Agile
Across from the vineyard is a tiny, old cabaret with a most unusual sign. This is Cabaret Au Lapin Agile, one of Paris’s most legendary and mischievous spots! This cabaret was built in the 1860s when it was just a small wine tavern where locals, poets, and musicians would gather to tell stories and sing songs.
Back then, it was known by a very different name, “Cabaret des Assassins” (The Cabaret of the Assassins)! The name comes from a painting on the wall that shows famous criminals and outlaws from history. One day, a playful artist named André Gill designed a new sign for the cabaret. You can still spot it on the building today!
This painting features a rabbit wearing a scarf jumping out of a pot. The locals loved the sign so much that they started calling the cabaret “Le Lapin à Gill” (which means “Gill’s Rabbit”). Over time, the name changed to “Lapin Agile,” which in French sounds like “The Agile Rabbit” or “The Dancing Rabbit!“
Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Head back up the hill and turn down the street where you found the Maison Rose. This is the famous Rue de l’Abreuvoir, one of Paris’s oldest streets. First mentioned in 1325 when it was known as “ruelle qui va au but,” meaning “the lane that leads to the end.” The name “Abreuvoir,” adopted in 1843, translates to “watering trough,” reflecting its past role in providing water for animals and residents in Montmartre.
See if you can spot the sundial with a mysterious message at #4 Rue de l’Abreuvoir. Unlike modern clocks, sundials tell time using the sun’s shadow, marking the passing hours as the light moves across its face. But this one is special! It features an inscription: “When you will ring, I will sing.” The “you” in this riddle refers to the bell tower atop Sacré-Cœur, which looms above us. The “I” refers to the rooster painted above the sundial.
Place Dalida
At the base of the hill, you will find a bronze statue of a woman who once ruled the stage with her incredible voice and dazzling presence. She was known by only one name, Dalida. She was one of the first superstar singers, just like today’s biggest pop stars! Born in Egypt in 1933, she moved to France, where she became world-famous for singing in multiple languages, including French, Italian, Arabic, and Spanish. Take a close look at the statue; some parts shine! Legend says that rubbing her chest brings good luck in love, which is why so many visitors have worn it smooth and shiny over time.
Allée des brouillards
From the Buste de Dalida, head west along the Allée des Brouillards and take a moment to enjoy this quiet, hidden alley. Allée des Brouillards means “Alley of the Mists”; doesn’t that sound mysterious? Long ago, this little street was often covered in thick morning fog, making it look like a place where ghosts might lurk! If you are lucky enough to walk along this alley on a foggy day, see if you can spot any ghosts yourself!
Looking over the fence on your left stands a beautiful old mansion called the Château des Brouillards. This grand house, built in the 18th century, has been home to many painters, writers, and dreamers who wanted to escape the city’s noise. One of its most famous residents was Pierre-Auguste Renoir, one of the greatest painters in history! Imagine Renoir walking down this misty alley, dreaming up his next masterpiece.
Park Suzanne Buisson Square
Continue down the stairs onto Place de Casadesus, then turn left and pass through the green gates into Square Suzanne Buisson. In the heart of this peaceful park, you’ll find a curious sight: a stone statue of Saint Denis, the patron saint of Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur. Legend has it he was beheaded, and here he stands, calmly holding his own head in his hands, gazing out over the tranquil greenery that surrounds him.
Passe-Muraille
From the Statue of Saint-Denis, head southwest on Impasse Girardon onto Avenue Junot. Continue east for a short distance, as the street turns into Place Marcel Aymé where you will find Le Passe-Muraille. Long ago, a famous writer wrote a story about a man called Dutilleul, who discovered he had an unbelievable power. He could walk through walls just like a ghost! At first, he used his ability for fun, sneaking into places just to surprise people. But soon, he got a little too bold. He used his talent to trick his boss, sneak into secret places, and even escape from prison! But here’s the twist, one day, just as he was walking through a wall, something went terribly wrong. His powers vanished, leaving him trapped halfway through the stone, stuck forever! That is exactly what you see today, the statue of Le Passe-Muraille, or The Man Who Walked Through Walls.
Moulin de la Galette
From Le Passe-Muraille, head on Place Marcel Aymé toward Rue Girardon. Turn left onto Rue Girardon, where Le Moulin de la Galette will be on the right. This is the old Moulin de la Galette, one of the last wooden windmills left in Montmartre. A long time ago, in the 1600s, Montmartre was full of farms and windmills. The windmills were used to grind wheat into flour so bakers could make bread. But one family, the Debrays, had a great idea! Instead of just making flour, why not bake something special? So, they started making a delicious dessert called a “galette,” (a type of simple French cake) soon, people from all over Paris would come to Montmartre to taste it. That’s how the windmill got its name: Moulin (windmill) de la Galette (of the cake)!
But the real excitement started in the 1800s, when this windmill became one of the most famous dance halls in Paris. Every Sunday, people from all over the city would come here to dance, eat, and celebrate. Artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir loved to watch the lively scene, and he even painted one of the most famous paintings of all time, ‘Bal du Moulin de la Galette,’ to capture the fun!
À la Mère de Famille
From Le Moulin de la Galette, head west on Rue Lepic toward Rue Tholozé, then turn left onto Rue Tholozé and take the stairs. Turn right onto Rue des Abbesses, then left back onto Rue Lepic, where À la Mère de Famille will be on the right. À la Mère de Famille means “To the Mother of the Family” in French. because this shop has been making delicious sweets as a family-run business for over 250 years! That’s longer than most buildings in Montmartre have been standing! Inside, you’ll find handmade chocolates, colourful candies, and special French treats like calissons (sweet almond candies) and nougat (a chewy honey and nut treat). Everything here is made using traditional recipes, just like in 1761, when the shop first opened. Back then, people would visit to buy chocolates as a special gift or to enjoy as a rare treat. Today, anyone can step inside and taste a little piece of history!
Moulin Rouge
From À la Mère de Famille, head southwest on Rue Lepic toward Rue Robert Planquette, then turn right onto Place Blanche/Boulevard de Clichy. Continue along Boulevard de Clichy, where the Moulin Rouge will be on the right. Welcome to the most famous cabaret in the world, the Moulin Rouge! With its bright red windmill and glowing lights, this is where Montmartre’s nightlife truly began. But why is this place so special?…
Opened in 1889, the Moulin Rouge quickly became the most thrilling spot in Paris, known for its dazzling Cancan dancers! The Cancan started in the 1830s as a simple line dance, but over time, dancers made it wilder and more daring. By the time the Moulin Rouge opened, it had become a high-energy spectacle, filled with high kicks, twirling skirts, cartwheels, and splits that left audiences amazed! Back then, most women wore long, heavy dresses, so Cancan dancers shocked the crowd by lifting their skirts and revealing their frilly petticoats and stockings. Some thought it was too bold, but that only made it more exciting!”
When we think of the Moulin Rouge, one artist stands out more than any other, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec! He loved the energy of Montmartre’s nightlife and captured it in his art. Instead of painting kings and grand palaces, he focused on the real people of Montmartre, dancers, singers, performers, and even the lively crowds watching the shows. His bold, colourful posters became famous all over Paris, showing dancers in swirling skirts, high-kicking their legs, and the bright lights of the Moulin Rouge stage. One of his most famous subjects was La Goulue, the queen of the Cancan dance. Toulouse-Lautrec’s artwork helped make the Moulin Rouge legendary, and even today when people imagine Montmartre’s nightlife, they picture his stunning paintings and posters!
As your self-guided adventure ends at the legendary Moulin Rouge, you’ll find yourself stepping into the lively neighbourhood of Pigalle. If you’re looking to grab something to eat, check out the Bouillon Pigalle, a lively, no-frills classic Parisian “bouillon with a bustling, communal vibe and serving up comforting French staples at remarkably low prices.
With its winding lanes, playful stops, and hidden stories, Montmartre becomes a magical playground where kids can explore Paris’s artistic soul at their own pace. I hope you’ve enjoyed our tour. Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Montmartre and what you enjoyed most with your kids!
Happy Travels, Adventurers!
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