Paris Tootbus Must See Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Seine River Cruise

The Paris Tootbus Must See Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Seine River Cruise offers an accessible way to explore the city’s most famous landmarks over a flexible period, with ticket options for 24, 48, or 72 hours at a starting price of $55.19 per person. For those wanting a rundown of Paris in a short time, this tour combines land-based sightseeing on an eco-friendly open-top double-decker bus with a water cruise operated by Vedettes de Paris. The Seine River cruise departs from the Eiffel Tower, close to bus stop 9 at the Port de Suffren, adding a scenic water perspective to the land tour.

While the tour covers many highlights, including the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Champs-Elysées, it is not without some practical limitations. The audio guides available in multiple languages enhance the experience, even though some reviews note occasional issues with the commentary quality or route deviations. This tour suits visitors who want a convenient, multi-sensory overview of Paris with the flexibility to hop on and off at different stops.

Key Points

• Combination of land and water: The tour features an open-air double-decker bus ride with several stops and a Seine River cruise.
• Flexible ticket durations: Options for 24, 48, or 72 hours allow travelers to choose how long they want to explore.
• Includes kid-friendly audio guides: Designed to entertain children with commentary tailored for young audiences.
• Perfect for quick overviews: The tour hits main landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower.
• Real-time bus tracking: The mobile app helps guests locate buses and stops, improving ease of use.
• Some logistical challenges: Occasional route changes and difficulty finding the cruise dock are noted issues.

Starting Point Near the Eiffel Tower and Main Stops

The tour begins at Port de la Bourdonnais, at the Vedettes de Paris Departure, conveniently situated close to the Eiffel Tower. This central starting point makes it easy to access from many hotels and public transportation options.

The bus route includes stops at Haussmann-Grands Magasins (11 Rue Auber), the Opéra Garnier, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre Dame – Quartier Latin area, among others. Each stop offers a chance to explore specific neighborhoods or iconic sites, with some reviews mentioning that route deviations can occasionally occur.

The Champs-Elysées (116 Av. des Champs-Élysées) and Trocadéro are also part of the route, providing stunning views and photo opportunities. The final stop at the Pont Alexandre III and Invalides completes the land circuit, giving visitors a broad overview of Paris’s diverse districts.

The Seine River Cruise: Departing from the Eiffel Tower

The Seine River cruise, included in the package, departs from the Port de Suffren, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The boarding dock is close to bus stop 9, making it easy to transition from land to water.

The cruise offers a guided tour of the Seine, with commentary available in French and English. Passengers enjoy stunning views of Paris’s riverside monuments, such as the Musee d’Orsay, the Grand Palais, and Alexandre III Bridge. The boat is described as comfortable and well-staffed, although some reviews mention that the commentary can be hard to follow and would benefit from pre-recorded audio headsets.

The cruise is a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle, especially appreciated on sunny days. However, a few guests note that access to the cruise dock can be difficult to locate or signage unclear, and some missed the cruise due to confusion.

The Route and Landmarks You’ll Visit

The land route takes you past historic and cultural landmarks. Starting at 11 Rue Auber, your first stop is near Haussmann’s grand magasins, giving a glimpse into Paris’s iconic shopping districts.

Next, the bus stops at the Opéra Garnier, a stunning example of 19th-century architecture. From there, the Louvre Museum at Place du Carrousel is easily accessible, offering views of the Pyramid and surrounding palaces.

The route continues to Notre Dame in the Quartier Latin, where some stops are near the cathedral’s exterior. The Musée d’Orsay at 76 Quai Valéry Giscard d’Estaing offers a different artistic perspective, showcasing Impressionist masterpieces.

Other key stops include Hôtel de Crillon at Concorde, the Champs-Elysées at 116 Av. des Champs-Élysées, and the Trocadéro at 1918 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre—each providing opportunities for photos and exploration.

The route concludes near the Pont Alexandre III at 41 Quai d’Orsay, with the Eiffel Tower as the highlight final stop at 55 Quai Jacques Chirac.

The Audio Guides and Self-Guided Walking Tours

Both on the bus and via the Tootbus mobile app, guests have access to audio guides in multiple languages. These guides provide key facts about Paris and its monuments, making the tour educational and engaging. They also include dedicated commentary for children, which helps keep young visitors entertained.

The app offers real-time bus tracking and self-guided walking tours, making it easier to explore specific neighborhoods or sites independently. Some reviews praise these features for ease of use and valuable insights, although others mention that the audio quality can sometimes be less than optimal.

The Water Cruise Experience: Views and Practicalities

The Seine River cruise provides a unique vantage point of Paris, with viewpoints of major bridges and landmarks along the riverbanks. The comfort of the boat and friendly staff are frequently appreciated, though some mention that the commentary can be difficult to follow without headphones.

The cruise is cut short during high water levels in some instances, but guests are often offered complimentary drinks as compensation. A notable challenge is finding the cruise dock, as signage may be unclear or confusing, leading to some guests missing the departure.

The cruise is seen as a calm, scenic addition to the bus tour, especially on sunny days, but some guests suggest pre-recorded commentary could improve the experience.

Practical Logistics and Accessibility

The tour starts at Port de la Bourdonnais, close to the Eiffel Tower, making it accessible from central Paris. The mobile ticket allows self-guided entry with no need for printed vouchers. The app enhances the experience with real-time updates on bus locations and stops.

Most travelers can participate, with service animals allowed and near public transportation for ease of access. The tour does not include restroom facilities or food & drinks, so plan accordingly. Confirmation of the booking is immediate, and cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Limitations and Guest Feedback

While many appreciate the ease of use and broad coverage, some criticisms include route deviations during events like the Olympics, shortened bus schedules, and difficult signage for the cruise dock. Several reviews mention poor audio quality or unhelpful commentary and route changes causing frustration.

A few guests find the cruise somewhat underwhelming compared to the bus tour, noting signs are unclear and timing can be tight. Despite these issues, many still find value in the multi-sensory experience and convenience of the combined tour.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For $55.19, this combined bus and Seine cruise offers a cost-effective way to see many of Paris’s main sights in a short period. The multiple-day ticket options allow flexibility for those with limited time or wanting to explore at their own pace.

This tour works best for visitors who want an overview of the city’s highlights without the hassle of public transport or multiple bookings. It is suitable for families, first-timers, and those seeking a scenic water experience. However, travelers should be prepared for possible route adjustments and signage issues with the cruise.

Seine River Cruise and Bus Tour: Final Words

The Paris Tootbus Must See Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Seine River Cruise combines convenience, flexibility, and scenic views, making it a practical choice for visitors who want to cover major landmarks efficiently. The audio guides and app features add educational value and ease of navigation.

While occasional logistical glitches and sound quality issues can detract, the overall experience remains a solid way to get an introduction to Paris. The Seine cruise adds a picturesque element, especially on sunny days. This tour is best suited for those who value variety and flexibility over a perfectly seamless experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ticket include both the bus tour and river cruise?
Yes, the ticket grants access to the hop-on hop-off bus route and a Seine River cruise operated by Vedettes de Paris.

How long is the tour valid?
You can choose a ticket valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours from the first use, allowing flexible exploration.

Where does the Seine River cruise depart from?
It departs from Port de Suffren, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, near bus stop 9.

Are audio guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, both on the bus and in the mobile app, in several languages, including options for children.

Can I hop off and explore on foot?
Absolutely, the hop-on hop-off format invites you to explore each stop at your own pace before reboarding.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, there are kid-friendly audioguides and dedicated commentary for children, making it family-friendly.

Are restroom facilities or food available onboard?
No, restrooms and food & drink services are not included or available on the buses or boats.

What should I do if I miss the cruise dock?
Signage may be unclear; it’s recommended to check real-time bus and cruise updates via the app or contact support if needed.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility details are not provided, the tour’s public transportation nature suggests some limitations; consulting directly with Tootbus may be helpful.

What happens if the route is altered or buses stop early?
Route alterations are sometimes due to events like Olympics or road closures. Buses generally stop around 6:30 PM, which can impact evening plans, so timing your day accordingly is advised.