3in1 Notre Dame Tour plus Boat Cruise and Eiffel Tower History

Discover the 3-in-1 Notre Dame Tour plus Boat Cruise and Eiffel Tower History for $139.63 per person, a three-hour experience that combines land walking, a Seine River boat cruise, and a visit to Notre Dame. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 17 reviews and 94% recommended, this tour offers a well-rounded way to see some of Paris’s most iconic sights without entering the Eiffel Tower itself.

The tour is designed for those who want a rich overview of Paris’s landmarks, especially since it avoids long waiting lines at the Eiffel Tower. Instead of entering the tower, you’ll learn about its facts, myths, and legends, making the experience both educational and engaging. The boat cruise along the Seine provides stunning views of the city, and the Notre Dame visit deepens your understanding of Paris’s history. This combination makes it an efficient choice for travelers eager to see multiple highlights in just three hours.

A key advantage is the value: booking this tour includes many features sold separately elsewhere, such as the Eiffel Tower history walk, Seine cruise, and Notre Dame tour. However, some reviews highlight that the tour does not include inside visits to the Eiffel Tower or inside Notre Dame. It’s best suited for those who want a broad overview, not detailed interior access.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Eiffel Tower history walk, Seine River cruise, and Notre Dame walking tour in a single trip.
• No inside visits: The tour does not enter the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame, but offers explanations and external views.
• Starting point: Begins at Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine at 1:30 pm.
• Duration: About 3 hours, with a 15-minute boat ride and 30-minute Notre Dame walk.
• Price: $139.63 per person, including guide and boat cruise ticket.
• Physical level: Moderate fitness required, suitable for most travelers.
• Booking lead time: Usually booked 32 days in advance.
• Tour provider: Operated by Ecklectours with a strong reputation.

Starting at the Trocadéro for a Scenic Eiffel Tower Walk

The tour begins at the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine near the Trocadéro, providing excellent views of the Eiffel Tower. From here, the guide leads you on a walking tour that explains the history, facts, myths, and legends of the Iron Lady.

While this is not an inside tour, it offers plenty of storytelling and photo opportunities. You’ll get a chance to pause for a few minutes to take pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower before heading to the boat cruise. This setup helps to maximize your time and avoid the usual long waits at the tower.

Seine River Boat Cruise Along Paris Landmarks

The boat cruise departs from the Port de la Bourdonnais, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. The 15-minute cruise offers breathtaking views of Paris’s skyline and famous bridges, making it an ideal way to appreciate the city’s beauty from the water.

The cruise is included with the tour, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery while listening to informative commentary provided by the guide or on the boat’s audio system. The Seine River views are often praised for their stunning scenery, offering memorable photo opportunities.

Exploring Notre Dame and Île de la Cité

After the boat cruise, the tour concludes with a 30-minute guided walk around Notre Dame’s exterior and Île de la Cité. The guide shares stories about the cathedral’s architecture and its significance to Paris.

It’s important to note that this tour does not include entry inside Notre Dame or the cathedral’s interior. Visitors can appreciate the façade and surroundings but should plan for separate tickets if inside access is desired later. The walking tour provides a deeper understanding of Paris’s medieval history and the island’s importance.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Timing

The tour departs at 1:30 pm from Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine, located at 1 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre. It ends at the Equestrian Statue of Henri IV on Place du Pont Neuf.

The tour’s moderate pace makes it accessible for most, but some physical activity is involved, particularly walking along the Seine and around Notre Dame. The tour is near public transportation, making it easy to access from various parts of Paris.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are the guided walk, the Seine River boat cruise, and an admission ticket for the cruise. Food and drinks are not included, but there are opportunities to purchase refreshments on the cruise or after the tour.

Entry tickets to inside Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower are not included, as the tour focuses on exterior explanations and views.

Honest Feedback: Strengths and Limitations

The tour’s main strength lies in its comprehensive combination of landmarks, offering a multi-sensory experience—visual, auditory, and scenic. The guide’s explanations help bring the landmarks to life, and the boat cruise provides an exceptional perspective of Paris from the water.

However, some reviews mention that the absence of inside visits may be disappointing for those expecting to access the interiors of Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower. One review describes the experience as a scam, but this appears to stem from a misunderstanding, as the tour explicitly does not include interior entry.

This tour delivers excellent value for travelers eager to see multiple highlights without the hassle of long queues or separate bookings. It’s particularly suited for those who want a broad overview of Paris’s most iconic sights in a compact, three-hour format.

Choosing This Tour for Your Paris Visit

This 3-in-1 experience appeals most to visitors who prefer outdoor sightseeing and storytelling over inside visits, especially given the short duration. It’s ideal for travelers looking to maximize their sightseeing time and enjoy scenic views, especially along the Seine.

The moderate walking and accessible meeting point make it suitable for most travelers, though those with mobility concerns should plan accordingly. The price point and included features make it a cost-effective option compared to booking each activity separately.

In essence, this tour offers a well-balanced, efficient way to explore Paris’s most famous landmarks, with the added bonus of a scenic boat cruise to elevate the experience. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a memorable overview of the City of Light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include inside visits of the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame?
No, the tour focuses on exterior explanations and views. Inside visits are not included.

Can I buy food during this tour?
Food and drinks are not included in the price, but you can purchase on the boat cruise or after the tour.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 1:30 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine and ends at the Equestrian Statue of Henri IV on Place du Pont Neuf.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, it requires moderate physical activity and is suitable for most travelers.

Do I need to book months in advance?
The tour is typically booked around 32 days in advance, but last-minute bookings may be possible depending on availability.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Is there a guide?
Yes, an in-person guide leads the tour, providing live explanations.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to bad weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Ecklectours.