Looking for a Unique Activity to do Paris? How About the Best Montmartre Food Tour?
Join Lisa and her husband, Ward, as they share one of their favorite experiences in Paris: a food tour through the charming Montmartre neighborhood with Chef PJ. From flaky croissants and artisan cheeses to escargot and unforgettable beef bourguignon, they dive into the flavors, stories, and local traditions that made this tour so special. Along the way, they explore hidden shops, learn about French food culture, and discover why experiencing a city through its food creates some of the best travel memories.
Paris is known for incredible food, charming neighborhoods, and unforgettable experiences. But what if you could combine all three into one perfect day?
During our recent trip to Paris, we joined a food tour with Chef PJ in the Montmartre neighborhood, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire visit. More than just a food tour, it felt like spending the day with a local friend who was passionate about sharing his favorite places, stories, and meals.
If you're planning a trip to Paris and looking for something unique, here's why this experience deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Why We Love Food Tours
One of our favorite ways to experience a new destination is through food.
Food tours offer so much more than just great meals. They help you:
Learn about local culture and traditions
Explore neighborhoods you might not otherwise visit
Meet passionate locals
Discover restaurants and shops worth returning to
Experience a city through its flavors
This particular tour takes place in Montmartre, one of the most charming areas of Paris.
Perched on a hill above the city, Montmartre is home to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica and some of the most picturesque streets in Paris. We recommend blocking off most of your day for this experience because you'll want plenty of time afterward to continue exploring the neighborhood.
A Classic Parisian Breakfast
The tour starts with a simple but delicious Parisian breakfast:
Fresh croissant from a local boulangerie
Coffee or hot chocolate
While enjoying breakfast, Chef PJ shared stories about Parisian bakeries and explained how to spot high-quality boulangeries and pâtisseries.
One tip we loved: look for bakeries that proudly display both "Boulangerie" and "Pâtisserie" along with the owner's name. It's often a sign that the owner takes great pride in their craft.
Exploring Paris Through Food Shops
One of the most fascinating parts of the tour was visiting local specialty shops throughout Montmartre.
Along the way, we learned how the French evaluate and celebrate quality food products.
Some of our favorite stops included:
The Wine Shop
This ended up being one of the most surprising stops.
We learned:
Different wine regions use different bottle shapes
Bottle design has historical significance
Labels often communicated information through symbols before many people could read
As designers, we especially loved learning about the visual history behind wine packaging.
The Cheese Shop
France takes cheese seriously.
Chef PJ walked us through:
Different varieties of French cheese
Regional specialties
Quality designations and certifications
What to look for when shopping
Later in the tour, we even got to taste several of the cheeses we learned about.
Specialty Grocery Stores
We also explored shops filled with:
Mustards
Spices
Sauces
Regional specialties
These stops provided a great introduction to ingredients that locals actually use in their kitchens.
The Butcher Shop
The butcher shop visit gave us a deeper appreciation for how French producers approach food.
We learned about:
Different cuts of meat
Farming practices
Quality certifications
How French consumers evaluate products
Throughout the tour, one thing became very clear: food in France is about craftsmanship, tradition, and pride.
Lunch at Chef PJ's Restaurant
After spending a couple of hours exploring Montmartre, we arrived at Chef PJ's own restaurant:
Le Petit Moulin
The restaurant perfectly reflects his personality.
It's cozy, artistic, eclectic, and full of character!
Stepping inside felt less like entering a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone's home.
The Cheese Course
Back at the restaurant, Chef PJ laid out a selection of French cheeses and explained the story behind each one.
This wasn't simply a tasting.
It was an education in French food culture.
By the end, we had a much better understanding of what makes French cheese so special and what to look for when shopping on our own.
Yes, We Ate the Snails
One of the most memorable moments of the day arrived when plates of escargot were placed in front of us.
I'll admit, I was a little nervous.
Each of us received six snails, and I wasn't sure what to expect. Thankfully, Chef PJ showed us exactly how to eat them and encouraged us to dive in.
The result? They were delicious.
The snails were prepared with a flavorful herb and butter sauce and served with bread for soaking up every last bite. I ended up eating all six.
If you've been hesitant about trying escargot, this is the place to do it.
The Best Beef Bourguignon
The main course was a rich and comforting beef bourguignon.
Chef PJ explained portions of the preparation process, including marinating the meat in red wine for an extended period before cooking.
The finished dish included:
Tender beef
Potatoes
Carrots
Rich red wine sauce
It felt like elevated comfort food and was one of the most memorable meals we had in Paris.
Dessert Never Stopped Coming
Just when we thought the meal was over, more treats arrived.
Chef PJ's brother returned with an assortment of pastries and sweets, including:
Cream-filled pastries
Chocolates
Macarons
Everything was incredible.
By this point, we were completely full, but somehow we still managed to keep eating.
What Made This Tour So Special
The food was fantastic, but what truly made this experience memorable was the feeling that we were spending the day with a local friend.
Chef PJ introduced us to:
His favorite shops
His favorite foods
His neighborhood
His stories
Rather than simply checking food items off a list, we gained a deeper appreciation for French culture and cuisine.
Is This Paris Food Tour Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you're looking for:
A unique Paris experience
Incredible food
Local insights
A small-group atmosphere
A deeper understanding of French food culture
This tour is well worth your time.
It was one of our favorite experiences in Paris, and we'd recommend it to anyone who loves food, culture, and discovering places through the eyes of a local.
Tour Details
Chef PJ offers food tours through Chef Tours.
Be sure to look for the Paris tour option when booking.
And if you get the chance to spend the day exploring Montmartre with Chef PJ, say yes. Come hungry, bring comfortable walking shoes, and prepare for a memorable day in one of Paris's most charming neighborhoods.