The Paris: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour & Panoramic Night Tour offers a flexible way to see the French capital at your own pace. For $87 per person, this 1 to 2-day experience combines the convenience of unlimited bus access with a captivating night tour, showcasing Paris’s most iconic sights illuminated after sunset. With over 50 key points of interest, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, this tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of the city.

While the tour’s flexibility and inclusion of a separate panoramic night experience make it stand out, some reviews highlight issues with bus condition and sun protection during summer. Still, the combination of informative commentary, free Wi-Fi, and a free Seine River cruise enhances its value. This experience is well-suited for visitors who enjoy self-paced sightseeing with the added magic of Paris’s nighttime glow.

Key Points

Flexible 1-2 day sightseeing with unlimited hop-on hop-off access to over 50 attractions.
Includes a 2-hour panoramic night tour to see Paris’s illuminated landmarks.
Highlights include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and the Champs-Élysées.
Transport is via an open-top, double-decker bus with professional commentary in 8 languages.
Additional perks include free Wi-Fi, a map of Paris, and a Seine River cruise.
Limitations involve the no hotel pickup, and some buses may be outdated or lack air conditioning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Convenience of Unlimited Hop-on Hop-off Access

This tour’s core strength lies in its unlimited access to the bus network across Paris, allowing travelers to design their own itinerary. You can hop off at any of the more than 50 stops, exploring attractions like the Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, or the Notre Dame Cathedral at your leisure. The professional digital commentary guides you through Paris’s history and culture in multiple languages and comes with souvenir earbuds.

The map of Paris provided helps plan your route, and free Wi-Fi ensures connectivity on the go. This setup suits travelers who prefer a self-directed exploration without the hassle of navigating public transport alone.

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From the Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Élysées

The tour naturally centers around Paris’s most famous landmarks, with stops at the Eiffel Tower and a route passing down the Champs-Élysées. You’ll get a close-up view of the Eiffel Tower, which is especially stunning when illuminated during the night tour. The Champs-Élysées corridor offers a chance to enjoy Parisian shopping and architecture from the open-air bus.

The lively atmosphere and picturesque avenues provide ample photo opportunities. The arc de Triomphe is easily accessible via the bus, enabling a convenient overview of this historic monument.

Exploring Paris’s Cultural Treasures on Your Schedule

The tour includes stops at notable museums like the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre, two of the city’s most famous cultural institutions. You can hop off to browse these world-renowned art galleries or simply admire their exteriors from the bus.

The Louvre’s grandeur and the art collections at Musée d’Orsay are often highlights, and the flexible nature of the tour allows visitors to allocate time depending on their interests. However, some reviews mention that buses in poor condition may affect comfort during the summer months.

The Night Tour: Paris Lit Up After Dark

The panoramic night tour lasts for 2 hours, providing a spectacular view of Paris’s landmarks bathed in nighttime lights. This non-stop experience departs from Stop 5 on the Champs-Élysées at 20:15 or 21:15, depending on the season.

The illuminated Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Montmartre are among the highlights, with the lights of the city creating a romantic and photogenic atmosphere. This evening tour complements the daytime exploration perfectly, offering a different perspective of Paris.

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Practical Details: Meeting Points and Activation

You can activate your ticket either via the Big Bus app, by entering your Activity Provider Reference Number, or in person at the Information Centre on 11 Avenue de l’Opéra.

The tour does not include hotel pickup, but the main stops and the Seine River cruise are easily accessible. The Seine River cruise departs from Pontoon No. 3 at Port de la Bourdonnais, near the Eiffel Tower, with departures every 45 minutes during the day.

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The Inclusion of a Seine River Cruise

A notable perk is the Seine River cruise included with the ticket, departing from near the Eiffel Tower. The cruise operates from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, with every 30 to 45 minutes during weekends. Travelers must select a time slot in advance, either through the app or in person, to enjoy this scenic experience.

This additional activity offers a peaceful and scenic view of Paris from the water, making it a valuable part of the overall experience.

The Tour’s Strengths and Limitations

The main strengths of this tour are its flexibility, the comprehensive coverage of Paris’s top sights, and the nighttime illumination viewing. The digital commentary adds educational value, and the free Wi-Fi enhances convenience.

However, some limitations include bus condition issues, as at least one review notes that some buses are very old and lack air conditioning, making summer travel uncomfortable. The no hotel pickup may also be inconvenient for some travelers, emphasizing the need to plan your starting point accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This hop-on hop-off experience is ideal for visitors who want to see a wide range of attractions at their own pace. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview, as well as those eager to combine daytime exploration with a beautiful nighttime view of Paris.

Travelers comfortable with self-guided touring and looking for value-added extras like the Seine cruise will find this tour especially attractive. However, those sensitive to bus comfort or seeking hotel pickup may prefer other options.

Final Thoughts on the Paris Big Bus Tour and Night Experience

The Paris Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour combined with the panoramic night tour offers a well-rounded way to explore the city’s most famous sights at your own pace. The unlimited access over 1 or 2 days allows for flexible planning, while the night tour adds a magical glow to Paris’s landmarks.

Despite some issues with bus conditions and the absence of hotel pickup, the inclusion of a Seine River cruise, free Wi-Fi, and multi-language commentary make this tour a solid choice for most visitors. It particularly appeals to those who value convenience, scenic views, and flexibility during their Paris visit.

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Paris: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour & Panoramic Night Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You activate your ticket at designated stops or the app.

How long is the night tour?
The panoramic night tour lasts 2 hours and departs from Stop 5 on the Champs-Élysées.

Can I hop on and off at multiple attractions?
Yes, the unlimited hop-on hop-off access allows you to board and disembark at over 50 stops around Paris.

What landmarks are featured on the night tour?
The night tour shows the lit-up Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Montmartre among other landmarks.

Is the commentary in my language?
Yes, the digital commentary is available in 8 languages, including English and French.

What is included with the ticket?
Your ticket includes unlimited bus access, the 2-hour night tour, free Wi-Fi, a map, souvenir earbuds, and the Seine River cruise.

Are the buses comfortable, especially in summer?
Some buses have been noted as very old and lacking air conditioning, which could affect comfort during hot days.

How do I activate my ticket?
You can activate it via the Big Bus app or in person at the Information Centre on Avenue de l’Opéra.

What is the cost of this tour?
The tour costs $87 per person, providing a full day or two of sightseeing and additional experiences.

Is there a time limit for the Seine cruise?
Yes, you must select a departure time in advance, with departures every 45 minutes from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, more frequently on weekends.