Trip to Paris with Seine Cruise, Bus Tour and Travel Card

Travel to Paris from London with this all-in-one day trip that combines the convenience of Eurostar train travel, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and free time to explore the French capital at your own pace. Priced at $315.17 per person, this tour is designed for those seeking a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of organizing transportation or tickets. While the duration is approximately 15 hours, most of that time is spent comfortably traveling and sightseeing, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy a balanced mix of guided and independent exploration.

One notable aspect is the inclusion of reserved Eurostar seats, along with a Paris map and metro guide, which helps navigate the city. The bus tour covers major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and Notre-Dame, giving a broad overview of Paris’s most famous sights. However, reviews hint that directions upon arrival can be confusing, especially when finding the bus stop, so some familiarity with using transit maps or local assistance is helpful.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive glimpse of Paris in a single day without the commitment of an overnight stay. It offers a great value with included transport, sightseeing, and maps, but museums and meals are not covered. Keep in mind that seats on the train are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and guides do not accompany you during free exploration.

Key Points

• Full-day trip to Paris from London with reserved Eurostar seats and open-top bus tour
• Price of $315.17 per person includes return transport, maps, and sightseeing
• Approximate duration of 15 hours, including travel and free exploration time
• Highlights include Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysées
• Bus stops are conveniently located, with options to hop-on and hop-off for flexible sightseeing
• Reviews mention some difficulty with directions upon arrival, so plan accordingly

Departing from London: St. Pancras International and Eurostar Journey

This trip begins bright and early at St. Pancras International Station in London, where a representative greets travelers at 6:00 am (or 5:30 am on Saturdays). Travelers receive an informative welcome pack and a Paris map to prepare for the day. The trip on the Eurostar train lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes, passing through 31 miles of Channel Tunnel before arriving at Gare du Nord in Paris.

The Eurostar ride is noted for being comfortable, with reserved seats included in the ticket. The early start ensures ample time for sightseeing, though travelers should arrive at least 45 minutes early for check-in. The one-hour time difference means travelers lose an hour when crossing from London to Paris, so planning accordingly is advised.

Arriving at Gare du Nord and Finding Your Bus

Upon arriving at Gare du Nord, travelers head outside to stop 11 on the blue route, located at 18 Rue de Dunkerque. Bus stops are near major landmarks, making it easy to hop on for a guided tour of the city. However, reviews highlight that directions to the bus stop can be confusing, with some suggesting it’s best to have a local map or assistance to locate the stop quickly.

The open-top bus runs every 10 to 15 minutes, with two routes available: the red which takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the blue which lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The buses are equipped for hop-on hop-off, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace along key landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Place de la Concorde.

Exploring Parisian Landmarks from the Bus

The bus tour covers several major sites, starting with pass-by views of the Eiffel Tower, where you can take memorable photos from the outside. The Arc de Triomphe is another highlight, standing tall at the end of the Champs-Elysées avenue, which itself is a prime shopping street with brands ranging from luxury to more affordable options.

The tour also passes Notre-Dame de Paris, currently under reconstruction after the 2019 fire, but still visually impressive from the outside. The Musée d’Orsay is another stop, known for its impressionist collections, with a vast array of artworks by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Along with these cultural landmarks, the Seine River gently weaves through the city, with bridges like Pont Alexandre III adding to the scenic views.

Free Time and Independent Exploration

After the bus tour, travelers receive ample free time to explore some of Paris’s most iconic sites on their own. The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre are popular options. Travelers can choose to walk, use the metro, or revisit any sights they enjoyed during the bus tour.

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre is free to enter and offers sweeping views of Paris from its white-domed exterior. The Notre-Dame Cathedral remains under renovation but remains a symbol of Paris, with exterior views still impressive. Additional entrance fees are not included in the tour, so visitors interested in museums and interior attractions should budget accordingly.

Museum Visits and Key Attractions

While the tour includes the outside views of major museums, entry into places like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay is not included. The Louvre houses over 380,000 objects, including Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, but visitors must plan separate visits if they wish to explore inside. The Musée d’Orsay is renowned for Impressionist art and is located conveniently near the river.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral, an important symbol of French heritage, is currently being reconstructed after the 2019 fire. Despite the scaffolding, visitors can appreciate its Gothic architecture and historical significance.

Climbing the Arc de Triomphe and Views of Paris

One of the most memorable stops on the tour is the Arc de Triomphe, built in the early 19th century to honor the French army. Standing 49.5 meters tall, the climb to the top provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the Champs-Elysées and the city skyline. The views allow for great photo opportunities and a sense of Paris’s layout.

The Seine River and Bridges

A significant feature of Paris is the Seine River, which flows through the city’s heart. The river is a hub for tourism, water supply, and shipping, with 37 bridges crossing it. The Pont Alexandre III and Pont Neuf are among the most famous, often featured in photographs of Paris. Walking along the river provides an alternative way to see the city’s architecture and bridges.

Visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre offers a distinct architectural style—Roman-Byzantine—and is famed for its white exterior. It’s open from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm, and entry is free. The basilica’s hilltop location provides panoramic views of Paris, making it a favorite stop for visitors looking for a scenic and spiritual experience.

Returning to London and Final Arrangements

The return journey begins from Gare du Nord, with travelers instructed to arrive at least 45 minutes before the Eurostar departure. The return train takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, crossing the Channel Tunnel once again. For those who choose the Standard Premier upgrade, a light meal and refreshments are served during the trip.

The entire 15-hour itinerary ends back in London at St. Pancras International, with most travelers departing feeling they’ve seen a broad array of Paris’s highlights in a single day.

Practical Considerations and Limitations

While the tour offers great value, some aspects require attention. Directions upon arrival can be confusing, and guides do not accompany guests during free exploration. The seats on the Eurostar are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, which might affect seating preferences. Museum entry fees are not included, so additional costs may apply for interior visits.

The tour is suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as walking and some stair climbing at sites like the Arc de Triomphe may be necessary. Children under 3 can join for free, but all travelers must carry valid passports for check-in.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This day trip to Paris is ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a rundown of the city’s most iconic sights. The combination of train travel and a hop-on hop-off bus provides flexibility, but expect some logistical challenges, especially with directions and navigating Parisian transport.

For travelers who appreciate value for money and are comfortable with independent exploration, this tour offers a well-organized way to experience the essentials of Paris in a single day. Those seeking guided tours with inside museum access or luxury amenities should consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include guided commentary during the bus tour?
No, the bus tour runs on a hop-on hop-off basis without a guide leading the sightseeing. It provides narrative from the bus itself and a city map for independent exploration.

Are meals included in this trip?
Meals are not included unless the upgraded Standard Premier train ticket is selected, which provides a light meal and refreshments.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 3 can participate free of charge. However, travelers should note that walking and some stairs may be involved, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

What if I want to visit inside museums?
Museum visits, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, are not included in the package. Additional tickets and planning are required if interior visits are desired.

How reliable are the directions upon arrival in Paris?
Some reviews mention that directions to the bus stop can be confusing, so it’s advisable to have a local map or assistance to find the bus stop easily.

Can I modify or cancel this tour?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so careful planning is essential before booking.

This day trip to Paris from London offers a cost-effective way to see many of the city’s highlights in just one day. While some logistical challenges exist, the combination of Eurostar convenience and hop-on hop-off sightseeing makes it a practical choice for those eager to explore Paris without overnight commitments.