Paris: Arc de Triomphe Entry & 24-Hour Seine River Cruise

Discover the charm of Paris in a single day with this combined tour that includes entry to the iconic Arc de Triomphe and a 24-hour hop-on hop-off Seine River cruise. This experience offers a perfect blend of scenic views from above and along the river, all designed to give you a rundown of France’s capital. The tour is particularly well-suited for visitors seeking efficient access to top sights, with skip-the-ticket-line entry, small group sizes, and wheelchair accessibility.

While the tour lasts just one day, it packs in a variety of highlights: from panoramic views of Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées at the Arc, to visits to landmarks like Louvre, Notre Dame, and Musée d’Orsay via the Batobus. The flexible 24-hour river cruise allows you to leisurely explore Paris at your own pace, hopping on and off at nine different stops.

Key Points

• Visit the Arc de Triomphe for 1.5 hours, including access to the viewing platform with 360-degree views of Paris.
• Pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the Arc.
• Enjoy a 24-hour hop-on hop-off Batobus cruise, with nine stops along the Seine, offering scenic views of the city.
• Visit major sites such as the Louvre, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, and Jardin des plantes at your own pace.
• The tour includes skip-the-line access and is suitable for small groups limited to 6 participants.
• Accessible for wheelchair users, though strollers are not permitted inside the Arc.

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Starting at the Iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris

The tour begins at the Arc de Triomphe, located at Place Charles de Gaulle. This monument is a symbol of French patriotism, commissioned by Napoleon, and offers an aerial view of Paris from its viewing platform. Visitors ascend 284 steps, although an elevator is available for those who prefer easier access. The self-guided tour grants 1.5 hours to explore the monument at your own pace, allowing ample time to admire the detailed reliefs honoring France’s military victories.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is situated beneath the Arc, where an eternal flame burns continuously, and paying respects here is included in the experience. Visitors cannot bring flags, banners, selfie sticks, or large bags inside, and strollers are not permitted but can be left with staff.

Panoramic Views of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe

The viewing platform atop the Arc provides a 360-degree panorama of Paris. From this vantage point, you can clearly see Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and other city landmarks. The reliefs on the monument depict France’s military history and victories, adding depth to the visit.

The viewing platform and reliefs are highlights that make the entrance fee well worth it, especially given the skip-the-ticket-line benefit. This is an ideal stop for those interested in combining history with breathtaking cityscapes.

The 24-Hour Batobus: Scenic River Travel with Flexibility

After visiting the Arc, the tour continues with a separate ticket for the Batobus, a hop-on hop-off boat that runs along the Seine River. The 24-hour ticket grants unlimited boarding at nine stops on the river, making it easy to visit major attractions.

The boat stops include notable locations such as Place de la Concorde, Tour Eiffel, Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardin des plantes, Hotel de Ville, and Louvre. Each stop offers opportunities to explore or simply enjoy scenic views.

The boats feature panoramic windows and open-air decks, allowing comfortable sightseeing. The scenic cruise also provides a relaxing way to see Paris from the water, with scenic views on the way to each stop.

Exploring Paris Landmarks via the Batobus

With the unlimited 24-hour access, visitors can hop off at sites like the Louvre, where iconic art collections await, or Notre Dame, with its stunning Gothic architecture. The Musée d’Orsay and Invalides are also easily accessible, making this route ideal for efficiently covering the city’s key attractions.

Each stop only takes about 15 minutes, giving enough time for a quick visit or a leisurely stroll along the river. The scenic views on the way are a consistent highlight, providing a fresh perspective of the city’s skyline.

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Practical Details and Accessibility Features

This tour’s meeting points are flexible, as there is no designated gathering spot. Participants use e-tickets with QR codes or barcodes from their mobile phones to gain access. The Arc de Triomphe address is Pl. Charles de Gaulle, and the Batobus stops are accessible at any of the nine locations listed with precise coordinates.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and small groups are limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more personalized visit. The tour also offers free cancellation if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve now, pay later options provide flexibility.

What to Bring and Visitor Restrictions

Visitors should carry passport or ID and have a charged smartphone for entry. Inside the Arc, weapons, sharp objects, large bags, food, drinks, alcohol, drugs, and pets (except assistance dogs) are prohibited.

The climb to the terrace involves ascending 284 steps, but an elevator is available. Strollers are not permitted inside the monument but can be left with staff. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier visit is free of charge.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Options in Paris

This experience offers a balanced combination of monument access and scenic river cruise at a moderate price point. Its small group setting and skip-the-line advantage make it stand out from larger tours. Many similar experiences include optional river cruises, but this package’s included access to the Arc de Triomphe is a notable feature.

Other options may feature longer city tours or different cruise routes, but this tour’s flexibility and compact sightseeing suit visitors with limited time or those who want a personalized experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Paris who want a quick but rundown of the city’s highlights. It works well for those who value scenic views, history, and easy access to major landmarks, all in a single day.

While the climb to the Arc’s terrace might be challenging for those with mobility issues, the accessible elevator helps mitigate this. The 24-hour Seine cruise makes it easy to see Paris from the water at your own pace, especially for those who enjoy relaxing boat rides combined with sightseeing.

Paris: Arc de Triomphe Entry & 24-Hour Seine River Cruise – Final Thoughts

This combined tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Paris, blending historical monument visits with scenic river cruising. The skip-the-line access to the Arc de Triomphe and the flexible Seine River route make it an efficient way to cover major attractions in just one day.

The small group size and wheelchair accessibility enhance its appeal, ensuring a comfortable experience for most visitors. However, those with mobility impairments should be aware of the steps involved in reaching the Arc’s terrace, despite elevator availability.

This tour provides great value for travelers seeking a convenient, scenic, and informative day in Paris. It suits history enthusiasts, scenic lovers, and first-timers eager to see the city’s highlights with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a meeting point for this tour?
There is no fixed meeting point. Participants use the e-tickets to scan QR codes or barcodes at the designated addresses for entry.

How long does the visit inside the Arc de Triomphe last?
The self-guided tour at the Arc lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Can I access the Arc’s viewing platform if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the platform is accessible via an elevator, though visitors should be aware of 284 steps for the climb if they choose to ascend on foot.

What landmarks are included in the Seine River cruise stops?
Major stops include Place de la Concorde, Tour Eiffel, Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardin des plantes, Hotel De Ville, and Louvre.

How flexible is the 24-hour cruise ticket?
The unlimited boarding allows you to hop on or off at any of the nine stops within 24 hours, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Are food and drinks allowed during the tour?
No, food and drinks are not permitted on the boat or inside the monument.

Is it suitable for children or minors?
Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is not specifically designed for children, but families can enjoy the sights together.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring passport or ID and a charged smartphone for ticket access and photos.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour good for photographers?
Absolutely, the panoramic views from the Arc and the scenic boat ride offer excellent photo opportunities of Paris’s skyline and landmarks.

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