Paris: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Seine River Cruise

Discover Paris with the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Seine River Cruise

This combo tour offers a flexible way to explore Paris’s famous sights at your own pace. For $59, you’ll enjoy a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off open-top bus experience along with a one-hour Seine River cruise. The tour covers over 50 points of interest, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, and Champs-Élysées, making it ideal for first-time visitors and those short on time. The bus stops are conveniently located, and the cruise departs near the Eiffel Tower, providing a stunning water-based perspective of the city.

While the cost includes digital audio guides in multiple languages and WiFi onboard, it’s worth noting that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. The tour’s flexibility and comprehensive coverage make it a popular choice, but potential visitors should be aware of possible crowds and weather conditions affecting the open-top bus experience. This tour suits those wanting a relaxed, overview-style visit with the option to explore key neighborhoods and enjoy a scenic cruise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Includes a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass to explore Paris at your own pace.
• One-hour Seine River cruise departs from near the Eiffel Tower with scheduled departures every 45 minutes.
• Over 50 points of interest are accessible via the bus route, including major landmarks like Notre Dame, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysées.
• Audio commentary is available in multiple languages, with headphones provided, enhancing the sightseeing experience.
• The bus stops are accessible, and WiFi is available onboard for easy connectivity.
• The tour does not include hotel transfers, so planning transportation to the start point is necessary.

Exploring the Iconic Stops and Landmarks

The tour begins at the Louvre-Pyramide / Big Bus Information Centre on 11 avenue de l’Opéra, a central starting point near the Louvre Museum. From here, the route takes you past the Louvre, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Champs-Elysées, and the Grand Palais. Each stop is designed for easy access to Paris’s most recognizable sights, allowing flexibility to hop on or off and explore neighborhoods or landmarks in depth.

Stops like the Eiffel Tower at Quai Branly and Champ de Mars provide excellent photo opportunities, while the Opéra Garnier and Invalides add cultural and historical layers to the tour. The stops are well-spaced, giving ample time to enjoy local cafes, shops, or just take in the views.

The Seine River cruise departs from Pontoon No. 3 near the Eiffel Tower, offering a relaxing water route past Notre Dame and Musée d’Orsay, with live guided commentary that highlights Paris’s architecture and history. The cruise operates every 45 minutes from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm, with more frequent departures on weekends. Travelers need to select a time slot before boarding, which can be done via the Big Bus app or in person.

The Experience of the Big Bus Tours

The open-top double-decker buses offer stunning views of Paris’s avenues, monuments, and neighborhoods. The audio commentary helps explain each site, making it easy to learn about the city’s history and architecture. Driver and guide assistance is available, and multiple languages ensure travelers from around the world can enjoy the tour.

Passengers appreciate the flexibility to hop off and explore areas like the Champs-Elysées or the area around Notre Dame, then hop back on when ready. The tour duration allows you to spend 1 to 2 days exploring the city’s highlights, making it a great choice for visitors with limited time.

During busy periods, crowds can be significant, especially on the open-top buses and during the Seine cruise, but the tour consistently receives praise for being a practical, enjoyable way to get an overview of Paris.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The meeting points are easy to find, with 10 stops along the route, including key locations like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. The buses are wheelchair accessible, and all stops feature ramps for ease of boarding.

The cruise departs from near the Eiffel Tower and offers a relaxed alternative to bus travel. WiFi onboard helps guests stay connected during their excursions, and the downloadable app with live bus tracking provides real-time updates on bus locations and timings.

Note that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so planning your transportation to the starting points is advisable. The tour is available in English and French, with a multilingual audio guide to cater to diverse guests.

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Reviews and Ratings

With a 4.4 out of 5 rating based on 1000 reviews, this tour garners mostly positive feedback. Reviewers often mention the helpfulness of drivers and assistants, the convenience of multiple stops, and the beauty of the Seine cruise at night. Many highlight the value for money, especially considering the combination of bus and water tours.

Some reviewers note occasional issues with bus timings or crowd levels, but overall, the tour is seen as an excellent way to see Paris without extensive walking or complicated planning. The audio guides are praised for their informativeness, and the flexibility to explore on your own appeals to different travel styles.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This combination tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Paris’s top landmarks. It also suits families or travelers with limited time, thanks to its flexible hop-on hop-off format. The Seine River cruise adds a unique visual perspective of the city, especially at night or during sunset.

Those who appreciate audio-guided sightseeing and easy access to major attractions will find this tour particularly convenient. However, travelers should be prepared for potential crowds and weather conditions that could influence the open-top bus experience.

Final Thoughts on the Paris Big Bus Tour and Seine Cruise

This $59 combo provides a comprehensive, flexible way to see Paris’s most famous sights in a relatively short amount of time. The 24- or 48-hour bus passes offer ample opportunity to hop on and off, explore neighborhoods, and revisit favorite landmarks. The Seine River cruise enriches the experience with a scenic water route that gives a new outlook on the city’s architecture and bridges.

While crowds and weather can sometimes impact the experience, the helpful guides, panoramic views, and overall value make this tour a smart choice for first-time visitors and those looking for a stress-free sightseeing option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour can be enjoyed over 1 to 2 days, depending on how many stops and activities you choose to explore.

Where does the Seine River cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Pontoon No. 3 near the Eiffel Tower at Port de la Bourdonnais.

Can I activate my ticket on the day I arrive?
Yes, you can activate your Big Bus ticket either via the app or at the Information Centre with your voucher.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, all buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchair access.

Are headphones provided for the audio commentary?
Yes, headphones are provided for the multilingual digital commentary.

What landmarks are included in the bus route?
Major stops include the Louvre, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Champs-Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower.

Can I customize my itinerary?
Absolutely. The hop-on hop-off format allows you to disembark and reboard at your leisure.

Are lunch or food options included?
No, food and drink are not included, but there are stops near cafes and restaurants.

What if I miss my Seine cruise departure?
You can reserve your cruise time in advance, and additional departures are scheduled throughout the day.

Is there a best time of day to enjoy the cruise?
Many appreciate the evening cruise for nighttime views and city lights, but the cruise operates from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm.

This combination tour offers a rich, flexible way to see Paris, combining easy transportation, insightful commentary, and scenic water views — making it a solid choice for an efficient city exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby