Paris by Rail with Sightseeing Bus and River Seine Lunch Cruise

Explore Paris in a Day with High-Speed Eurostar and Sightseeing

This 15-hour tour from London to Paris offers an efficient way to see some of the French capital’s most famous sights in a single day. For $493.98 per person, travelers enjoy reserved Eurostar seats, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and a luxurious 2-hour lunch cruise along the River Seine. The tour departs early from St Pancras International at 6:00 am and returns late in the evening, making it an ideal choice for those short on time who still want a taste of Paris.

While the day is packed, this experience is designed for convenience and highlights. It’s especially suited for visitors eager to combine sleek train travel with classic Parisian sights, all within a structured group setting. A notable strength is the 3-course lunch cruise with champagne and live music, which adds a touch of elegance to the day. However, the rapid pace means only one main sightseeing stop—the Eiffel Tower—so it’s not the best choice for those wanting a leisurely exploration.

Key Points

• High-speed Eurostar train from London to Paris with reserved seats included.
• Approximate 15-hour itinerary covers key landmarks and experiences.
• A 2-hour Seine River lunch cruise with a 3-course meal, champagne, and live music.
• Hop-on hop-off bus tour provides flexible sightseeing around Paris.
• Limited stops: mainly the Eiffel Tower, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
• Suitable for travelers short on time who want an overview of Paris.
• Upgrade to Eurostar Plus Class offers extra perks, though details are not specified.

Journey Begins at London’s St Pancras International

The tour starts early at St Pancras International, with check-in at 5:30 am on weekdays and 5:00 am on Saturdays. From there, travelers board the high-speed Eurostar train, which departs at 8:13 pm from Gare du Nord in Paris. The reserved seating ensures a comfortable journey, and the train’s modern amenities make the trip pleasant.

This early start is necessary to pack all the highlights into a single day, with the return scheduled for roughly 9:39 pm. The ticketing process is straightforward, with confirmation received upon booking and tickets sent one week prior. This logistical setup suits those who prefer organized, hassle-free travel arrangements.

First Sight: Gare du Nord and the Parisian Arrivals

Upon arrival at Gare du Nord, travelers step into the heart of Paris’s transportation network. The station, designed by Jacques Hittorff between 1861 and 1864, is a grand historic site in itself. From here, the tour moves directly into the sightseeing phase, with the hop-on hop-off bus ready to whisk visitors around the city’s notable locations.

This stop in Paris offers a seamless transition from train to city exploration, avoiding the need for separate arrangements. The bus ticket is included, providing flexibility for the duration of the day.

Touring the Famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées

One of the tour’s key highlights is a stop along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, a 1.9 km long boulevard known for its luxury shops, theatres, and cafés. Running between Place de la Concorde and Place Charles de Gaulle, where the Arc de Triomphe stands, this area captures the essence of Paris’s elegance.

The avenue plays host to the annual Bastille Day military parade and the finish of the Tour de France cycle race, adding to its iconic status. The bus tour allows viewers to appreciate the grandeur of this lively thoroughfare without the need to walk the entire length.

Major Public Square: Place de la Concorde

Next, the group visits Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, covering 7.6 hectares. Located in the eighth arrondissement, this historic square features grand fountains, statues, and views of the Seine. The observation here offers a chance to appreciate the scale and splendor of Paris’s urban design, with the Luxor Obelisk as a focal point.

This stop provides a quick look at one of Paris’s most significant public spaces, perfect for quick photos and a sense of the city’s grandeur.

A Highlight: The 2-Hour Seine River Lunch Cruise

The centerpiece of the day is the 2-hour lunch cruise on the River Seine, departing from Pier 7 at Port de la Bourdonnais at 12:45 pm. Passengers enjoy premium seating under a glass canopy, ensuring unobstructed views of the city while cruising past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Île de la Cité.

The lunch menu includes a 3-course meal, accompanied by champagne, cheese, and coffee, all served with live relaxing music. These details turn an ordinary meal into a memorable part of the experience, with the setting and cuisine elevating the moment.

The cruise offers an excellent opportunity for photo opportunities and to relax amidst the busy schedule. The admission ticket is included, making it a smooth experience for participants.

The Iconic Eiffel Tower Photo Stop

After the cruise, the tour includes a 15-minute stop for photos at the Eiffel Tower. While the admission ticket is not included, visitors have the chance to capture the tower’s grandeur from the outside.

This quick stop is perfect for snapping iconic images, but it’s not intended for interior visits or extensive exploration. The brief duration keeps the schedule tight, emphasizing efficiency over in-depth sightseeing.

Discovering Montmartre: Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Next, the tour moves to Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre for a 25-minute stop. This Roman Catholic church is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and offers spectacular views of Paris from its hilltop location.

The basilica is a free attraction, allowing visitors to admire its stunning architecture and interior. The short visit provides a taste of Montmartre’s artistic charm without significant time investment, perfect for fitting into the overall itinerary.

The Unique Experience of a Structured Day Trip

This tour’s strength is its well-organized itinerary, blending train travel, bus sightseeing, and a scenic cruise, all within one day. The inclusion of the hop-on hop-off bus offers flexibility to explore at your own pace during designated times. The luxury lunch cruise stands out as a memorable highlight with its fine cuisine and relaxing ambiance.

However, the tight schedule means only one main sightseeing stop outside the Eiffel Tower, which can feel rushed for those wanting a more leisurely experience. Critics note that the tour is fast-paced, with some feeling the sightseeing is hurried, especially the bus ride with only one stop.

Practical Details and Accessibility

Travelers should arrive at St Pancras International by 5:30 am for check-in, with the tour departing early to maximize sightseeing time. The train journey is comfortable and comes with reserved seats. No hotel pickup is included, so participants need to arrange their transportation to the meeting point.

The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, given the walking involved at stops like Sacré-Cœur. Children under 4 years are not provided seats on the Eurostar or bus, and lunch for children under 4 is not included. The itinerary is independent, with no guide leading the tour, though staff assistance is available.

Overall Value and Suitability

This tour delivers a well-structured and luxurious day trip to Paris, ideal for visitors who want a snapshot of the city’s top sights with minimal planning. The highlight remains the Seine River lunch cruise, which adds a special touch of elegance.

While the limited stops and fast pace may not suit those seeking an in-depth exploration, it offers a convenient, all-in-one experience for short-stay visitors. The average booking 27 days in advance reflects high interest, and the positive review score of 4.5 out of 5 indicates overall satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this tour?
The package includes return Eurostar train tickets with reserved seats, a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket, and a 2-hour Seine River lunch cruise with a 3-course meal.

What is not included?
The tour does not include the Eiffel Tower admission ticket or hotel pickup and drop-off. Participants must arrange their transportation to the meeting point.

When does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from St Pancras International at 6:00 am (check-in at 5:30 am) and returns to the same station around 9:39 pm.

Can children participate?
Children under 4 years are not provided with seats and do not receive lunch. The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

Is there an upgrade option?
Yes, travelers can upgrade to Eurostar Plus Class for additional perks, though specific details are not provided.

How long is the Seine lunch cruise?
The cruise lasts 2 hours, starting at 12:45 pm, offering scenic views and gourmet cuisine.

What are the main highlights?
Expect to see the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica, along with a memorable lunch cruise on the Seine.

Is this tour suitable for those wanting a relaxed experience?
Given its fast pace and limited stops, this tour is better suited for short-term visitors wanting a broad overview rather than a leisurely exploration.

What do reviews say about this tour?
Reviews praise the cruise and meal as a highlight with excellent service. Some note that the sightseeing outside the cruise can feel rushed, with only one main stop for sightseeing.

This Paris by Rail with Sightseeing Bus and River Seine Lunch Cruise offers a convenient, elegant way to experience some of Paris’s most famous sights in just one day, perfect for travelers eager for a quick but memorable taste of the city.