Moulin de la Galette

A windmill in the historic Montmartre district that has been immortalised in works by Renoir and Van Gogh.

TravelCurious Tip

Whilst visiting the other attractions of Montmartre, pause here to do as the artists did and try a galette with a glass of red wine.

Birthplace of the galette

Le Moulin de la Galette is an area near the top of Montmartre, and at its centre is the windmill which used to grind the flour which gave the area its name: a galette is a rustic, savoury cake which accompanies a glass of red wine extremely well.

Indeed, the painters Renoir, van Gogh and Pissarro would agree. In the late 19th century, these celebrated artists, living in Paris at the time, would seek diversion atop Montmartre.


The origins of Impressionism

In the Musée d'Orsay, you can find one of Renoir’s most well known paintings, the Bal du moulin de la Galette. It captures a scene from a ball held in the area in 1876 and the lifestyle of the time - a Parisian existence becoming bohemian and relaxed; a time when male and female attitudes towards one another were becoming less formal. It also represents an iconic point in Impressionism which split the critics, some claiming it was ‘a page of history, a precious and strictly accurate portrayal of Parisian life.’ Others were not so kind, describing the painting succinctly as ‘blurry.’

Just two of the 14 windmills from that time survive; only the less famous Le Radet can be visited - the other remains on private land. There is however, a famous restaurant with the same name from which you can see the Blute-fin windmill, towering above the terrace, which itself provides a cool retreat on a hot day around Montmartre.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Paris
Montmartre
A vibrant and artistic neighbourhood once home to Renoir and Gauguin, offering spectacular views over the city.
Van Gogh's House
It's a hidden Gem in Montmartre, where Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Théo lived from 1886 to 1888.
Le Clos de Montmartre
The last vineyard in Montmartre at the junction of rue des Saules and rue Saint-Vincent.
The Lapin Agile
Pablo Picasso's 1905 oil painting 'Au Lapin Agile' helped to make this spot world-famous.
Bateau Lavoir
From 1889 the "Bateau-Lavoir" was the most famous place for artistic creation in the heart of Montmartre. A place to live and discuss for many painters, writers, actors and art sellers.
Le Petit Moulin Restaurant
A Traditional French restaurant in the heart of Montmartre.

Related Tours

Explore Bohemian Montmartre: Private Half-Day Walking Tour

Uncover the history and art of Montmartre, and explore this quintessentially bohemian neighbourhood in Paris on this private walking tour with your professional tour guide.

On this tour, you will:

  • Discover Bohemian Montmartre, the home of world-renowned artists, including Picasso and Renoir.
  • See the Sacré-Coeur (external only), Van Gogh’s former home, and the city's last vineyard.
  • See the home of the Moulin Rouge.
  • Experience some of the best panoramic views of Paris from the top of the hill.
  • Enjoy a tasty local treat from a French pâtisserie!


In this fascinating walking tour of Montmartre, you will be immersed in Paris' most bohemian and intriguing neighbourhood, whilst exploring this unique enclave of the city. You will see first-hand where some of the world’s most influential painters including Renoir, Picasso and Van Gogh, lived and worked on this beautiful hill towering above Paris.

You will also have the pleasure of discovering the windmills and many monuments that make this area famous. A highlight undoubtedly will be paying a visit to the famous Moulin Rouge, as well as traversing the highest point in Paris at the gleaming white Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Built in the 19th century in the wake of the Franco-Prussian War and the chaotic Paris Commune, the Sacré-Cœur emerged to become a symbol of the struggle between the conservative Catholic establishment and the secular republic radicals.

Your expert city guide will explain the complex history of Montmartre, a place of devout worship spanning from the Druids of ancient Gaul right up to today.

Make sure you have your camera as you are sure to be rewarded with a spectacular picture-perfect view of Paris below.

Montmartre at Night: Private Evening Walking Tour

Enjoy an evening walking tour of Montmartre, the charming bohemian neighbourhood of Paris perched high on the hill overlooking the City of Lights. Montmartre was the hedonistic home to many of the Impressionists and other artists, from Van Gogh to Toulouse Lautrec and later Picasso as well as the most famous cabaret in the world - the Moulin Rouge!

On your private evening tour, you will: 

  • Enjoy a fascinating evening walking tour through the cobbled streets of bohemian Montmartre;
  • Soak up the buzzing atmosphere of an evening in Montmartre, when everyone comes out to saunter down the streets, drink absinthe at the bars, listen to buskers and admire painters at work on the artist's square Place du Tertre;
  • See the Moulin Rouge, and pass the famous cafe from the movie Amelie;
  • Learn all about the lives of the Impressionist artists who lived here, and see Van Gogh's old apartment, Renoir's studio, and Le Bateau Lavoir used by Picasso and Gertrude Stein;
  • See the bust of the famous singer Dalida, admire the pink buildings and murals around Renoir's studio and the Lapin Agile;
  • Pass by Montmartre's hidden vineyard, tucked away in the little side streets behind the Sacré-Coeur;
  • Admire the amazing panoramic views over the sparkling City of Lights from the steps of the imposing Sacré-Coeur Basilica;
  • End your tour by enjoying a glass of wine with your tour guide at a Parisian local bistro.


Once a countryside village at the edge of Paris with roots dating back to the Roman Empire, from the second half of the 19th century the hill of Montmartre became home to many of the world’s leading artists - especially the Impressionists like Renoir, Degas, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh. Montmartre is one of Paris' most charming neighbourhoods with a fascinating and complex past: where art, religion and politics have clashed over the years!

Strolling around the quaint cobblestone streets, you will see where Renoir, Van Gogh and Picasso lived and worked, and the locations that inspired some of their most famous masterpieces, such as the Moulin Rouge cabaret and the Moulin de la Galette Restaurant.

Your guide will expertly navigate the meandering back streets, as you step off the beaten path and explore this charming, bohemian neighbourhood. See the bust of the singer Dalida - a French icon in the 70s and 80s, the famous murals on the Lapin Agile and the hidden vineyard behind the main square of Montmartre.

Walk into Place du Tertre - a lively vibrant place known as the artist's square, always filled with artists at work and surrounded by busy bars, cafes and restaurants.

From there, you'll walk up to the magnificent, imposing bright white building that is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the highest point of Paris. Standing on the steps of this most famous landmark, behold the city of lights spread out beneath you - with an amazing panorama over the entire city, from the towers of Notre Dame to the giant lattice of the Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower herself.

Lastly, sit down for a glass of wine at your guide's favourite local haunt!

Montmartre Tour for Foodies: Small Group Tour

What could be more Parisian than spending a morning in Montmartre enjoying an immersive culinary experience?

On your small group tour, you will:


  • Meet your local food expert at a pre-arranged spot in the Montmartre section of Paris;
  • Wander through the local shops and explore a more authentic part of Montmartre;
  • See some of the most iconic cultural sites in the neighbourhood;
  • Visit a local fromagerie and taste a selection of the best French cheeses;
  • Learn about the history of bread making in France and how the baguette became such an emblematic French food symbol;
  • Taste a selection of delicious French pastries from some of the best artisan pastry shops;
  • Enjoy a sit-down tasting of wine and charcuterie in a bohemian local wine bar;
  • End your tour with the most beautiful view of the City of Light!


Wander the streets once home to Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso. A neighbourhood that has certainly earned a reputation as one of the most artistic and inspirational areas of Paris. On your tour, you’ll see Montmartre’s iconic sites with a local food expert, passing by the tourist spots, as you dart in and out of cheese and pastry shops.

Stroll through the most iconic cultural sites in the neighbourhood, from the Bateau Lavoir where Picasso painted his famous Les Demoiselle D’Avignon to Clos Montmartre, a hidden vineyard, to the breathtaking Montmartre belvedere and the Sacré Coeur Basilica. This neighbourhood is built on the highest hills in Paris, providing us with the city's most beautiful views while you enjoy an immersive culinary experience.

After a variety of food samples along the charming winding cobblestone streets of Montmartre, enjoy a sit-down tasting of wine and charcuterie in a bohemian local wine bar.

Lastly, your guide will recommend the best way to continue your culinary indulgences in one of the world’s great food cities before heading to the top of the hill for a sweet bite and a spectacular city view where your experience ends.

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