Paris: Arc de Triomphe Ticket & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Explore Paris in Style with the Arc de Triomphe and Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour

For those seeking a flexible and scenic way to see Paris’ top sights, the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour offers a compelling option. Priced at $72 per person and lasting 1 to 2 days, this tour combines convenient transportation with highlights like the Arc de Triomphe, panoramic city views, and an optional 1-hour Seine River cruise. The tour departs from several central stops, making it easy to start your adventure at your preferred location.

What makes this tour stand out is the timed entry ticket to the Arc de Triomphe, which allows visitors to bypass long lines and explore this iconic monument at their own pace. The open-top double-decker buses provide a comfortable way to see Paris’ most famous landmarks from above, complemented by engaging audio commentary in multiple languages. The option to upgrade with a scenic boat ride adds a unique perspective of the city’s riverside beauty.

While this tour offers excellent value, it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so planning your initial meeting point is essential. Its combination of convenience, insightful narration, and iconic sights makes it especially suitable for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a rundown of Paris.

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Key Points

• Price: $72 per person for a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket
• Includes: Entry to the Arc de Triomphe with a timed ticket and audio commentary
• Tour Duration: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes per loop, with buses every 10-20 minutes
• Upgrade Option: A 1-hour Seine River cruise showcasing Paris’ riverside landmarks
• Stops: Multiple key locations including Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and Eiffel Tower
• Accessibility: All buses feature ramps for wheelchair users
• No hotel pickup included, meeting points are at designated bus stops

Discover the Arc de Triomphe with Timed Entry

The Arc de Triomphe is a central highlight of this tour, with timed entry tickets that save you from waiting in line. Built as a memorial to those who fought in revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, this monument offers a powerful symbol of French resilience. Visitors can ascend the arch for panoramic views of Paris—a climb of stairs that is sometimes lengthy but generally rewarding.

The tour’s inclusion of priority access ensures you get to explore this historic site without the usual crowds. The entry is available daily between 10 am and 9 pm, making it flexible for different schedules. For EU citizens aged 18 to 25, free admission applies, and under 18s also enter free, making it accessible for many travelers.

Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Routes Cover Major Paris Landmarks

The double-decker buses serve a comprehensive route connecting many of the city’s most famous destinations. The tour primarily runs from the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to Champs Elysees and Grand Palais, offering stunning city views and the opportunity to hop off at points of interest.

The buses run frequently, with intervals of 10 to 20 minutes, allowing travelers to tailor their sightseeing pace. Many choose to complete a full loop first to get an overview before hopping off at specific attractions. The route includes notable spots like Montmartre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, with multiple stops for photos and exploration.

Scenic Views from the Top Deck at Iconic Landmarks

The open-top double-decker buses provide excellent vantage points for photo opportunities and panoramic views of Paris. Standing on the upper deck, visitors get a clear sightline of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, while the audio commentary enriches the experience with cultural and historical context.

The buses are designed for comfort and accessibility, with wheelchair ramps available. With buses arriving every 10-20 minutes, there’s flexibility to spend more or less time at each stop.

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Experience the Seine River with an Optional 1-Hour Cruise

For an additional $20, travelers can upgrade to a 1-hour Seine River cruise operated by Les Bateaux Parisiens. The cruise departs from Pontoon No. 3, Port de la Bourdonnais, near Stop 8: Eiffel Tower, every 45 minutes from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm.

The boat ride offers a relaxing way to see Paris’ riverside landmarks, including bridges and historic buildings, while an audio guide explains their significance. This addition is highly praised for providing a different perspective of the city and a peaceful break from bus touring.

Practical Meeting Points and Tour Logistics

The tour begins at any of the designated Big Bus stops. The main starting points include locations like Louvre-Pyramide, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and Champs-Élysées. The stop for the Arc de Triomphe is Stop 8: Champs-Elysées, which is centrally located and convenient for visitors.

The full tour duration is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, and buses operate every 10-20 minutes. The Arc de Triomphe is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, and admission is free for those under 18 and EU citizens aged 18-25.

Accessibility and Customer Experience

All buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchair access, ensuring inclusivity. The audio commentary is available in multiple languages, including French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian, allowing travelers from around the world to enjoy the narrative.

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and great value for money, praising the smooth operation and well-paced route. Some comments mention the absence of air conditioning downstairs as a minor inconvenience during warm days.

Comparing Similar Tours and Options

This tour is comparable to other hop-on hop-off options in Paris, with similar services offering river cruises and extensive stops. Some alternatives include tours with longer durations or additional night-time sightseeing options, but this package strikes a good balance of key attractions and flexibility.

Concluding the Paris Sightseeing Experience

The Paris: Arc de Triomphe Ticket & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour offers a convenient, informative way to see Paris’ most iconic landmarks. The inclusion of timed entry to the Arc de Triomphe adds a special touch, while the scenic bus routes and optional Seine cruise enhance the overall experience.

Ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a rundown at their own pace, this tour’s flexible tickets and engaging commentary make it a dependable choice. While it lacks hotel pickup, its central meeting points and smooth operation make it easy to enjoy a memorable day in the French capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ticket include all stops on the route?
Yes, the 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket covers multiple key stops including Louvre, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, and Champs Elysees.

Can I visit the Arc de Triomphe at any time?
You can access the Arc de Triomphe daily between 10 am and 9 pm, with a timed entry ticket included in the tour.

Is the Seine River cruise worth upgrading to?
Many find the 1-hour cruise a rewarding addition, offering a peaceful way to see Paris’ riverside landmarks with informative narration.

Are buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchair users.

How often do the buses run?
Buses arrive approximately every 10 to 20 minutes, providing convenient options for flexible scheduling.

What languages is the audio guide available in?
Audio commentary is offered in French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian.

Is there a night tour option included?
No, the tour focuses on daytime sightseeing, but many similar tours offer nighttime options separately.

Can I start the tour from any stop?
Yes, you can begin your tour from any of the designated stops, including Louvre-Pyramide, Notre Dame, and Eiffel Tower.

What is the ticket validity?
Your 24- or 48-hour ticket is valid from the first day of use, allowing multiple rides within that period.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, all major attractions like the Arc de Triomphe entry and the river cruise are included or available as optional upgrades; no hidden fees are specified.

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