paris france big bus tour

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Big Bus Paris: Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

24 or 48 hours (take your pick)

Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour: 9:45am to 5:30pm, every 10 minutes.

(After 5pm, our buses will no longer complete a full tour)

Cruise: 10:30am to 9pm, every 45 min (every 30 minutes on weekends)

Hop-On, Hop-Off: You can board the bus at any of the route's stops. The favored stops are Eiffel Tower , The Louvre ,  Champs-Elysées , Notre-Dame , and Opéra Garnier .

Cruise: Make your way to Pontoon No. 3, Port de la Bourdonnais (near Stop #8: Eiffel Tower)

You can end the hop-on hop-off bus tour at any of the stops.

• Explore Paris at your own pace with this fabulous hop-on hop-off tour
• Marvel at top attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre-Dame
• Flexible ticket options available - Discover, Essential & Explore tickets with 24 or 48 hours validity
• Hop on and off as many times as you want, and build your own itinerary
• Enjoy a mesmerizing guided boat cruise on the Seine River with the Essential and Explore ticket
• Immerse yourself in the journey with informative commentary and FREE WiFi on-board buses
• Both printed or smartphone vouchers accepted

This hop-on, hop-off bus tour is the perfect introduction to the beautiful city of Paris. The open-top, double-decker buses provide unrestricted views of the city’s most famous sights and landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and the Pyramide du Louvre. Hop on and off the bus as often as you like to explore the sights, go shopping, or tuck into a baguette or two. While on-board the bus, sit back and be entertained by fascinating facts and stories with audio commentary available in multiple languages.

You can choose from three hop-on, hop-off ticket options:

Discover Ticket

• 24-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket

Essential Ticket

• 1-hour river cruise on the River Seine

Explore Ticket

• 48-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket

Major attractions covered:

• Eiffel Tower
• Arc-de-Triomphe
• Champs Elysées
• Palace Saint-Michel
• Musée d'Orsay
• Pyramid du Louvre
• Opéra Garnier

Bateaux Parisiens Cruise (included with Essential & Explore):  Enjoy a guided river cruise, showcasing the beauty of Paris from the River Seine. Admire the city's beautiful monuments and iconic bridges from a new perspective, with live-guided commentary explaining their historical and cultural significance.

Please check the Useful Downloads section for the hop-on, hop-off tour map.

• Hop-on, Hop-off bus ticket
• Recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Brazilian Portuguese
• Free map of Paris, Wi-Fi, and Big Bus App with live bus tracking
• 1-hour Seine River Cruise (as per option selected)
• Entrance to attractions

Useful downloads

Please note.

Voucher information: You can show your voucher on your smartphone (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Validity:  14 days from the date chosen at the time of booking

Wheelchair accessibility: Partial 

Paris is a functioning city and weather, traffic and events may occasionally cause disruption.

Timings and stops are subject to change. Updated route map will be available on the bus.

Please be advised that after 5pm, our buses will no longer complete a full tour .

Classic Route (Red line) there are some temporary route disruptions due to ongoing traffic until further notice.

Customer Reviews

Anjanette foote.

Very god way to get around Paris sites Especially when it’s raining. Would use again Not the cheapest but it’s London

Dilip Limaye

Rita maehling.

Due to major construction throughout Paris, there were far fewer stops than advertised, and we didn’t know that in advance, and we had pre-planned some stops, so we were surprised at the altered route. Also, a large number of headset plug-ins weren’t working.

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Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Tootbus: Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Seine River Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Discover the charm of Paris with a 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off pass and get exclusive discounts of up to 25% on adult, child and family tickets.
• Multiple stops and frequent buses arriving every 10-15 mins make this ticket offer the flexibility to embark and disembark as you please.
• Float down the Seine on a 1-hour cruise, take a unique Olympic-themed bus tour and 7 self-guided walking tours.
• Benefit from amenities on the eco-friendly open top-deck buses, including multilingual audio guides and insightful live commentary on the cruise.
• A few popular stops along the way are the Eiffel Tower, Opera Garnier, Notre Dame and more.
• 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off pass
• Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Brazilian, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, & Japanese
• Kids' audio guide in English and French
• Family tickets
• 1-hour Seine River cruise
• Live commentary in English and French (on the cruise)
• Free earphones made from recyclable materials
• Olympic Games route from Jun 3 to Sep 8
• 7 themed self-guided walking tours on Tootbus app
• Live guide on the bus

Nov 7 to Mar 31

• First bus: 9:30am from stop #1 (Printemps / Galerie Lafayette)
• Last bus: 5pm from stop #1 (Printemps / Galerie Lafayette)
• Frequency: every 15mins
• Popular stops: Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Eiffel Tower

Apr 1 to Oct 31

• Last bus: 6:30pm from stop #1 (Printemps / Galerie Lafayette)
• Frequency: every 10mins

Seine River cruise

• First cruise: 10:30am from Eiffel Tower
• Last cruise: 6pm from Eiffel Tower
• Frequency: 30 mins

Capital of the Games: Purple route (Jun 3 to Sep 8)

• First bus: 9:30am from stop #1 (Printemps/Galerie Lafayette)
• Last bus: 6:30pm from stop #1 (Printemps/Galerie Lafayette)
• Popular stops: Montmartre, Moulin Rouge, Arc De Triomphe

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

• Tip: Hop off at the Notre Dame stop and take a stroll through the charming streets of the Latin Quarter, known for its bohemian vibe.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses. Pets are allowed only if they are placed in small boxes.
• The Seine River cruise pier is located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on the riverside, very close to stop #9.
• You can use your tickets on any day before the tour date. However, just keep in mind that they cannot be redeemed if the first day of travel has already passed.
• For themed walking tours, get the Tootbus City-Guide app that provides real-time traffic updates, stop locations, and multilingual audio guides.

Tootbus: Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

• Family Fun Alert! Save up to 25% on adult, child & family tickets with a hop-on, hop-off bus pass on your Parisian sightseeing adventure.
• Get access to the Blue Route and 10 stops around the City of Lights with your 24/48/72-hour HOHO pass.
• What's more? Your tickets also include 3 themed audio-guided walking tours to learn about the sites around the city.
• Join the Olympic Games fun from Jun 3 to Sep 8 on the special route that guides you through all the iconic game sites.
• The eco-friendly open-top bus will give you the best views of popular stops like Opera Garnier, Notre Dame, and Louvre Museum.
• 24/48/72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass
• Audio guide available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Brazilian, Arabic, Russian, Chinese & Japanese
• Kids audio guide in English & French
• Complimentary walking tours
• Access to 7 themed walking tours

Please click here for detailed HOHO route maps and boarding points.

• Tip: While in Paris, attend An Eerie Concert at Sainte Chapelle at Night for an experience of a lifetime.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Your pets and guide dogs are welcome on the buses. Small dogs and other pets must be seated on your lap.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they aren't entitled to their own seat.

Big Bus: Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Seine River Cruise

• Plan your itinerary in Paris with this unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour and choose between Discover, Essential, or Explore passes.
• All 3 passes give you access to buses scheduled every 7 to 15 mins, 1 route with 10 stops located near the most iconic attractions in the City of Light.
• The cherry on top with the Essential and Explore HOHO Pass? Get additional access to a 1-hour Seine River cruise!
• Get to know more about the locations you pass by through multilingual recorded commentary available onboard.
• The most popular stops on your route include the Champs-Elysées, Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame.
• 24 or 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• Recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian & Portuguese
• Single-use headsets
• 1-hour Seine River cruise (optional)
• Entry tickets to attractions

Classic Red Route

• First bus: 9:45am from stop #1 (Louvre-Pyramide)
• Last bus: 5:30pm from stop #1 (Louvre-Pyramide)
• Frequency: Every 7 to 15 mins
• Popular stops: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame

Please click here for a detailed Red Route map and its boarding points.

• Tip: Opted for Seine River cruise? Be prepared to capture pictures with stunning backdrops as the route is dotted with beautiful bridges.
• Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, Pre-recorded Audio Commentary, Single-use Headsets. Wheelchair Accessibility.
• These tickets are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.

Big Bus: Paris Panoramic Night Bus Tour

• See Paris under its enchanting night lights aboard this 2-hour non-stop night tour around the City of Lights.
• This pass gives you front-row access to the city’s landmarks illuminated in the evening.
• Learn more about the locations you pass through, with the pre-recorded commentary available in 6 languages.
• Be connected throughout your journey via the free Wi-Fi available onboard and post a selfie or two.
• Some of the popular locations on your route include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Montmartre.
• 2-hour bus tour of Paris
• Recorded commentary English, French, German, Spanish, Italian & Portuguese
• Free mobile app for live updates
• Tour guide (subject to availability)
• Hotel transfers
• First bus: 8:15pm from stop 5 (156 Avenue des Champs-Elysées)
• Frequency: once a day
• Duration: 2 hours
• Tip: Start your nightlife experience in Paris by heading to Montmartre for breathtaking sunset views.
• Facilities: Wheelchair accessibility, Pram/stroller accessibility, Free Wi-Fi.
• Please note that this night tour is a non-stop tour and not a hop-on hop-off tour.

Tootbus: Paris Night Bus Tour

• Set off at dusk to witness the magical Paris bathed in the shimmering lights in the evening from the open-top deck of your bus.
• The single route takes you through the city's most iconic spots for 2 hours.
• Plug into your earphones and hear engaging stories about the city of love with the multilingual audio guide for adults and children.
• Get ready to make a splash during the Olympic Games with a special route, soaking in the city views and indulging in exclusive macaron created for the games.
• Famous spots on your bus tour route include Opera, Concorde, Champs Elysées, and more.
• Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Japanese & Mandarin
• Olympic Games route (Jun 3 to Sep 8)
• Special macaron by Ladurée

Yellow route

• First bus: 8pm from Louvre stop, Place du Carrousel du Louvre
• First bus: 9pm from Louvre stop, Place du Carrousel du Louvre

Nov 1 to 20

• First bus: 6pm from Louvre stop, Place du Carrousel du Louvre

A Taste of the Games: Purple route (Jun 3 to Sep 8)

Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.

Please click here for A Taste of the Games: Purple route's detailed route map and boarding points.

• Tip: If you’re into French wines, make time to visit a ‘hidden’ vineyard in the heart of Paris, known as Clos Montmartre, right behind the Sacré-Coeur basilica.
• Ramps and elevators are available on the buses for easy access.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free if they are seated on an accompanying adult’s lap.
• The night tour is closed from Nov 21 to Jan 2 and is replaced by a Christmas tour.

Tootbus: Paris Kids Guided Tour

• Save big on this 90-min kids bus tour in Paris with exclusive discounts of up to 15% and gift your kids a trip loaded with fun and entertainment.
• This tour operates once every Sat, so it is the ideal way to spend a fruitful and educational weekend with the little ones.
• The fully electric bus features audio guides, riddles and games, with a live guide in French who shares entertaining stories about iconic places.
• Some of the places you will pass include the Opera, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and so on.
• 90 mins bus tour of Paris
• Open-top bus
• Live guide in French
• Animated film
• Sweet treats
• First bus: 2:30pm from 11, rue Auber
• Frequency: once every Sat

Please click here for a detailed route map.

• Tip: Prepare your kids for the long bus ride and also what to expect from the experience.
• Large luggage is not allowed due to space limitations.
• No food or beverages are allowed.
• This tour is wheelchair/stroller accessible.
• Pets are welcome aboard, but ensure the safety and comfort of other passengers.
• Infants under 4 years old travel for free but require a ticket. It is recommended to keep them on the accompanying adult's lap.
• As the Paris Games are about to begin, the tour will adjust the routes based on that.

Big Bus: Paris Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour & Pantheon Entry Tickets

• Get unlimited rides with just one ticket! Make sightseeing flexible and fuss-free onboard the iconic double-decker bus with 24 or 48-hour passes.
• Make the most of your time! Hop on to buses available every 7-15 minutes and travel across the city to see its crowned gems.
• Bypass entry lines of the Pantheon and easily access popular stops like the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and more.
• Sail the Seine River with the 48-hour pass. Get drunk on Parisian vibes, sway with the lull waves, and see iconic landmarks in a new light.
• Enjoy panoramic views and learn little secrets tucked in the nooks of the city with multilingual audio guides onboard the comfy open-top bus.
• 24/48Hr hop-on hop-off pass
• Multilingual audio guide (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean or Mandarin Chinese)
• Free headsets
• Skip the line entry to Pantheon
• 1-Hour Seine River cruise (optional)
• Entry to attractions
• First bus from Classic route: 9:45 am from Eiffel Tower
• Last bus from Classic route: 6:40 pm from Trocadéro
• Frequency: approx every 7 to 15 minutes
• Popular Stops: Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysées, Trocadéro

Please click here for boarding point details of Classic Red Route.

Seine River Cruise

• First cruise: 10:30 am at Pontoon No. 3, Port de la Bourdonnais (near Eiffel Tower stop)
• Last cruise: 9:00 pm
• Frequency: Every 45 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends
• Tip: While in the Trocadéro area, visit the local food market for some authentic French cheese and wine.
• Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue. You can click photos without flash to your heart’s content.
• Lower decks of Big Buses are suitable for prams/strollers and wheelchair users.
• Your guide dogs are welcome in the buses.
• Due to roadworks, stop #9 (Champ de Mars) remains closed.

Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Paris the capital of France, is renowned for its world-class art, and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a shopaholic, the "City of Lights" has something for everyone. Key attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Champs-Élysées, and the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais.

A great way to experience Paris and make the most of your holiday in are  Hop On Hop Off Buses . These bus tours offer the opportunity to visit all important landmarks at your own leisure. It’s as simple as it sounds; you can hop on a bus, travel to any of the attractions in the city, and then hop right off, with no strings attached. Read on to learn more about.

Why Choose Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours?

• Visit Top Landmarks:  See all that Paris has to offer without the hassle of tedious booking schedules.
• Easy and Convenient:  Just hop in on any of the buses and enjoy the tour as it takes you through all the major attractions. You can also choose to get down at any spot you want to explore. 
• Save Money:  Traveling around Paris can be quite expensive, as entrance fees and cab expenses add up But, with a Paris Hop On Hop Off bus tour you’re covered for transportation across the city.
• Unique Features:  Features like complimentary multilingual audio guides to keep you informed about the history and significance of each of the attractions, free WiFi, and discounted entry to certain attractions are added advantages.

Please check your tickets for more information on the special features and inclusions.

Paris Hop On Hop Off Routes & Timings

The Big Bus buses operate on one route with 10 stops at the city’s must-see sights across 10 stops. These include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, Trocadéro, Grand Palais, Opéra Garnier, the Champs-Elysées, and much more.

15+ attractions covered

Tootbus Paris has one route that will give you an overview of the city including highlights like the Louvre Museum, Sainte-Chapelle, Orsay Museum, Concorde, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Grand Palais, and many more.

20+ attractions covered

Batobus is a riverboat shuttle service on the Seine river. There are six boats running throughout the year that stop at landmarks around Central Paris, like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Invalides, Orsay Museum, and more.

9 stops covered

Your Paris Hop On Hop Off Tour Highlights

Opera Garnier

The Opéra Garnier is an opera house in Paris. Visit and see its Grand Foyer and Grand Staircase.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world with hundreds of famous paintings, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

This medieval Gothic cathedral dates back to the 1100s and remains one of Paris’ most celebrated landmarks.

Orsay Museum

The Musée d'Orsay features collections of Impressionist Art in the world, including work by Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and Monet.

Sainte Chapelle

First built in the 13th Century to house religious and cultural relics., don't miss this architectural marvel's stunning stained glass windows.

Champs-Elysées

This 2-kilometer-long avenue is lined with monuments, including the Arc de Triomphe, and many exclusive luxury brand outlets.

Paris Aquarium

The Aquarium de Paris is one of the oldest in the world and is known for its collection of jellyfish, shark basin, and Seine River Aquarium.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is known for its various restaurants and vantage points that offer breathtaking views of Paris.

Les Invalides is a complex of monuments and museums relating to the military history of France, including the Paris Army Museum.

Hop on, hop off, and hear what others think!

Frequently asked questions about paris hop on hop off bus tours.

Yes, you can get on the bus tour at any stop.

When you go to the stop locations along the tour, you will find signs for the relevant bus operator and route.

Yes, they are child friendly.

Yes, the tours are suitable for senior citizens.

No, pets and other animals are not permitted on the buses.

Yes, they are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

While there are no restrooms or food available on the bus, you can use the facilities available at any of the attractions you stop at.

No, any luggage larger than a backpack is not allowed on the buses.

No, the hop-on hop-off buses do not offer hotel pickups or drop offs.

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No Cancellation Charges  up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

Big Bus Tours: Paris Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

This Tour Is Not Available Right Now

Click here to explore more activities in paris.

Lowest Price Guarantee *

Select Date, Travellers and Ticket

• Uncover the romantic city Paris with Big Bus Open-Top Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Conveniently located stops to see the best of Paris with 24/48-Hours tickets.
• Onboard audio commentary offered in 11 different languages.
• Access to free-on-board Wi-Fi facility.
• Free Poncho available for a rainy day!
• Extra hygiene measures
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted! No need to print.

Discover Paris, the City of Light with Big Bus Paris Hop On Hop Off Tour. Watching the city of lights from an entirely different spectrum that offers 360-degree panoramic views from open-top buses is spectacular. The flexible sightseeing tour allows you to dive deep in the cultural beauty of Paris with ease. Hop-on the board of the double-decker bus and enjoy fascinating stories and facts while passing through the city’s most iconic landmarks. Hop-off the bus at any of the 10 places that you find interesting and explore at your will.

Discover Ticket:

• 24-Hours Big Bus Paris Ticket
• Audio Guide in 11 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Arabic, Korean or Mandarin Chinese.

Essential Ticket:

• Seine River Cruise

Explore Ticket:

• 48-Hours Big Bus Paris Ticket 
• Extra Hygiene Measures
• Entrance Fees (Unless specified)
• Hotel Transfers

Redemption Info

You can board the bus at any stop. Show the Mobile/ Printed ticket to the staff member at our bus stops, and you will receive a receipt that you will use to hop on the Big Bus. This receipt is must throughout the validity period of your ticket. A staff member of Big Bus Tours will check the code present on the ticket during bus boarding. All vouchers will now be valid for 06 months from the date of purchase. Mobile App: Customers are advised to download the "Big Bus Tours" app to see the most up to date bus stop locations, timings and live bus tracking.

Know Before You Go

Useful downloads, cancellation policy, frequently asked questions, q. what is the validity of the ticket purchased for paris big bus hop-on-hop-off.

A. Paris Big Bus tour is valid for 24 hrs or 48 hrs , based on the option selected. A 48 hrs ticket can be used for 2 consecutive days. Boat tickets are valid for 7 days after the day of redemption.

Q. How long is the River Cruise tour valid and from where can I start the tour?

A. The River Cruise departs from Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris (near Stop #8: Eiffel Tower). The cruise runs daily and depart in every 30-45 min from Eiffel Tower Stop. The full 1 loop of cruises takes 1 hour, you will therefore disembark the cruise at the same point as the boarding .

Q. Are the Big Bus Paris buses wheelchair / stroller accessible?

A. Yes, all of the Paris Big Bus tour are wheelchair accessible. Every bus has a dedicated space for wheelchair on its lower deck. The upper deck on entire fleet is not accessible to the wheelchair. There is no specific place available for strollers. Please use a foldable stroller when visiting with a baby.

Q. How can I redeem the Big Bus Paris Tickets?

A. Show your printed ticket to a member of staff at one of our stops or aboard the bus. They'll issue you a ticket receipt that you'll be able to use to hop on the bus throughout the validity of your ticket. If you requested to have your tickets sent via SMS, remember that there is no need to print your tickets. Just bring your phone with you with the ticket page open to show it to one of our on street staff who will then issue you your ticket receipt.

Q. Is the commentary available on Big Bus Paris tour in my language?

A. The Big Bus Paris sightseeing offers a pre-recorded commentary in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Brazilian Portuguese. The commentary is available through complimentary earphones.

Q. What is the child ticket policy for Big Bus Paris Tour?

A. Child ticket is available for the kids aged between 4-12 years, children from 0 to 3 years can travel for free. All children must accompany an adult.

Other Paris Bus Tours

TooTBus: Paris Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour "Capital of Games"

TooTBus: Paris by Night "A Taste of Games"

Big Bus Paris Sightseeing Night Tour By Open-Top Bus

Paris Hop On, Hop Off Bus with Reserved Entrance and Access to Mona Lisa Painting

GoCity Paris Explorer Pass

GoCity Paris All Inclusive Pass

TooTBus: Paris Kids Panoramic Bus Tour

TooTBus: Paris Discovery Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

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Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour in Paris is a MUST!! We bought the 48 hour ticket with Seine cruise. It all came in handy as on ... Read More

Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour in Paris is a MUST!! We bought the 48 hour ticket with Seine cruise. It all came in handy as on our first day it was raining, and we could sightsee Paris from a dry bus with lots of information!

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Big Bus Paris sightseeing tour maps with stops, timetables and pricing

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Best Hop on Hop off Bus in Paris

Which one is best.

This post reviews and compares the various Paris hop-on hop-off bus tours, and includes all the information you need to decide which one may be best for you.

Our Paris tour guides get asked all the time by our tour guests about bus tours and which are the best. It’s part of our guides’ jobs to be well-informed to answer these questions thoughtfully.

This post was written with our first-hand experience with hop-on hop-off tours, as well as looking at the opinions of members of some of the many Paris travel Facebook groups, which you can see at the bottom of this post .

• Is a Hop-On Hop-Off Worth It?
• Fully Guided Bus Tours
• Night Bus Tours
• Bus, Boat and Other Combo Deals
• Free Bus Tours
• Things to Do in Paris

IS A HOP ON HOP OFF PARIS BUS TOUR WORTH IT?

Before we can answer this question, let’s go over how these sightseeing tours operate.

Guests ride on a large double-decker, open-top bus that drives around Paris on a set route with stops near historic monuments and popular attractions.

Guests can get off the bus at the stops they desire, explore at their own pace, and then get back on the next bus that comes along at the nearest stop.

There is no obligation to get off the bus, and you can do the complete route, usually between 1 ½  to 2 hours.

In most cases, tickets are sold for 1 day, 2 days or 3 days and there is no limit on how many times you can get on and off back onto the bus. 

Now that you have the basics, let’s look at the pros and cons of these tours.

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Hop-on-hop-off bus tours are a perfect combination of getting an overview of Paris, traveling between popular landmarks with ease and learning about the city.

Here’s how to use them to maximize your money and time.

Hop on and off at your own pace

Get off at any or all stops to see the landmarks and neighborhoods that most interest you. When you are ready to move on, hop back on at whatever stop you are nearest.

These tours have apps that show you live bus arrival times and convenient detailed maps.

This makes sightseeing super easy!

Get an overview of the city

These tours offer an excellent introduction to Paris. If you choose to do the full route first, you’ll be able to decide which attractions you want to go back and see.

With audio commentary in multiple languages, you’ll learn about the sights you see. 

Some tours have a kids’ version of audio commentary so this is a perfect family activity.

Save money on transportation

A bus tour gives you between 9 to 12 hours per day of transport to major attractions in Paris.

Since you can use the bus as many times as you want, you can ride the bus between destinations and neighborhoods on the route.

Depending on where you want to go in Paris, you may be able to skip the metro, taxis, and other forms of transportation completely!

This is especially helpful if you end up getting either a 2 or 3-day ticket!

Reasonably priced service

You get a lot for your money, considering that you'll get a sightseeing tour and transportation between attractions and neighborhoods for as long as your pass lasts.

Since you have to get around the city anyway, this can save you money.

Better still, some bus tickets come with additional tours like a river cruise or night tour giving you much more for one low price.

As you can see above, there are plenty of reasons to take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

However, there are some aspects of this service that you may want to consider before making your purchase.

Basic commentary

For many people who take these tours, the details in the audio commentary are satisfactory.

If you want in-depth insight and additional historical information, you may want to combine this service with a guided walking tour of Paris.

Not the fastest transportation

Because the bus stops multiple times to let passengers embark and disembark, it isn’t the fastest way to get around Paris. 

If you want to get around the city at a faster pace, another form of transportation and/or another type of guided tour might be better for you.

No assigned seating

Most hop-on-hop-off bus tours offer first-come, first-served seating. This may not be a concern during off-peak tourist season when buses might not be full. 

But in peak season, it might be difficult to find a good seat on the bus.

Big Bus Tours

Formerly called Les Cars Rouges (Red Buses), Big Bus Tours has been in business since 1991.

They are probably the most notable hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour bus in Paris.

This is an international company that provides services all over the world, and they are generally well-liked.

In total, there are 10 significant stops on their classic route. No matter what attractions you want to visit, chances are that Big Bus will take you there.

Note that one-day tours have two options, one with a river cruise (Essential) and one without (Discover). The tour with the cruise is only a few euros more, so this combination ticket is a good deal if you are considering taking a cruise.

Big Bus Paris averages 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide.

TIP: The Big Bus tours are included for free with the purchase of the  Paris Pass , a tourist attraction attraction card.

Admission Prices Online (Save 20%) Online tickets are a better deal than paper tickets, and the 2-day ticket option for two consecutive days is a much better deal than the 1-day choice.

Note that this deal doesn’t apply to same-day online purchases.

Discover 1-day tour

• €40.50 for Adults
• €22.50 for Children (aged 4-12)

Essential 1-day tour

• €47.20 for Adults
• €28 for Children (aged 4-12)
• includes a bonus cruise on the River Seine

Premium 2-day tour

• €60 for Adults
• €33.60 for Children (aged 4-12)

Purchase tickets and find more information .

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

Bus Schedule

Buses run every day from 9:45 am - 17:30 (5:30 pm).

To experience a complete route back to your start point, you should hop on before 17:00 (5 pm); tours after 17:00 end at the Trocadero.

Where to Purchase Tickets

We recommend you make your purchase online because the prices are lower.

You can also buy tour tickets with the bus driver and at your hotel reception desk.

Pre-Recorded Commentary Audio Languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, German, Japanese, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean or Mandarin.

Route Eiffel Tower, Champs du Mars, Opera Garnier, Louvre Museum Pyramid - Louvre Museum Pont des Artes, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musée D’Orsay Museum, Champs Élysées, Grand Palais, and Trocadero. 

How long do Big Bus tours last?

If you stay on for the entire route and do not hop off, the tour takes 2 hours and 15 minutes

How frequently do Big Bus tours run in Paris?

Every every 7–15 minutes.

Toot Bus (formerly Open Tour Paris)

This company is quickly making a name for itself in certain cities across Europe and the UK.

Their hop-on hop-off tours currently offer just one route and a total of 10 stops providing access to dozens of notable sites in Paris.

Admission is available for 1, 2, or 3 days at a time, and they also have combo tickets which include a cruise on the river Seine.

Even though they offer more than some of their competitors, Toot Bus receives 4.2 out of 5 stars on Get Your Guide. 

Many guests feel that their service is excellent, but some reviewers suggest that they don't offer frequent enough stops and that their hours aren't long enough.

Admission Prices (up to 20% off when purchased online)

1-day bus tour

• €37.40 for Adults
• €20.40 for Children (aged 4-15) | under age 4 free
• €112.00 for Family (2 adults + 2 children)

2-day bus tour

• €42.20 for Adults
• €25.50 for Children (aged 4-15) | under age 4 free
• €134.00 for Family (2 adults + 2 children)

3-day bus tour

• €48.45 for Adults
• €28.05 for Children (aged 4-15) | under age 4 free
• €147.00 for Family (2 adults + 2 children)

Purchase tickets or learn more .

Buses run daily, though schedules change seasonally. Check the website for up-to-date schedules.

• April - October: Daily 9:30 am - 18:30 (6:30 pm)
• November - March: 9:30 am - 17:00 (5 pm)

English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Portuguese, Brazilian, Arabic and Russian.

Routes Blue line – Paris Grand Tour – Palais Royal, Louvre, Notre Dame, Saint Michel, Musee Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysee, Trocadero, Eiffel Tower, Concorde Royal and much more.

How long do Toot Bus tours last?

If you stay on for the entire route and do not hop off, the tour takes 2 hours.

How frequently do Toot Bus tours run in Paris?

Every 10 minutes.

These orange and white buses are the least expensive option for hop-on hop-off bus tours in Paris.

This bus tour is so inexpensive, that it might even be one of the most affordable forms of transportation in the city.

Like the companies above, there are 10 stops on the route.

Unfortunately, Foxity does not have glowing reviews on TripAdvisor and has received an overall 3 out of 5-star rating.

Complaints typically focus on the fact that this service provides fewer buses on each route, meaning you might have to wait for a while before jumping back on.

Those who enjoyed their trip reported that the experience was both affordable and effective for seeing most of the significant sights.

Admission Prices Online

1-Day Bus Tour (Hop-on, Hop-off)

• €42/Adults | €23/Children (4-12) | Children 3 and under free (1 child per each paying adult)

2-Day Bus Tour (Hop-on, Hop-off)

• €49/Adults | €28/Children (4-12) | Children 3 and under free (1 child per each paying adult)

You can add on a 1-hour cruise for €11 for Adults or €6.50 for children

Purchase tickets and learn more .

TIP : It’s recommended to buy the tickets online as they are typically less expensive than when you buy them from the ticket office at 3 Chaussée d’Antin, 75009 Paris.

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

Buses run every day from 9:30 am - 17:00 (5 pm).

French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Portuguese, Brazilian, Arabic and Russian. They offer a special audio guide for children.

Printemps/Galeries Lafayette - Opéra - Musée Du Louvre - Paris Notre-Dame - Musée D'orsay - Concorde - Champs-Élysées - Trocadéro - Eiffel Tower - Pont Alexandre III.

How long do Foxity tours last?

How frequently do foxity tours run in paris.

Every 15 minutes.

FULL-SERVICE BUS TOURS

In addition to the hop-on hop-off tour services available in Paris, there are also several full-service bus tours.

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Although you might not have the opportunity to leave the vehicle, guides on these tours typically receive high praise for providing a lot of valuable information.

Audio-Guided City Tour by Paris City Vision

This service is very similar to hop-on hop-off bus tours with one big exception: there is no hopping on or off at your leisure.

Instead, you will experience all of the major landmarks and historic sites in Paris during a 1 ½ - 2 hour trip around the city.

The expert audio commentary about the locations on your journey is offered in 11 different languages.

• Ticket Prices: €29/Adults | €19/Children |Infants 3 and under free
• Availability: Daily at 2 pm (14:00) and 4:30 pm (16:30)
• Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours

Purchase admission or learn more .

If you're looking for something quick, inexpensive, and informative, this might be one of your best options.

This service has a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and 3.6 on Get Your Guide.

Many guests have indicated that their experience was excellent, suggesting that the service provided is both comfortable and informative.

How long does the Paris City Vision tour last?

Between 1 ½ - 2 hours.

How frequently do Paris City Vision tours run in Paris?

Twice a day at 2 pm (14:00) and 4:30 pm (16:30).

In addition to its hop-on-hop-off service, this company also provides a more traditional bus tour.

Although it only lasts for two hours, it’s very affordable and a lot more accessible than some of the other full-service tours on this list.

• €35 per Adult | €20 per Child (4-12)
• Child 3 and under FREE (1 child with each Adult purchase)
• Add a 1-hour cruise for just €11/Adult and €6.50/Child

Purchase or learn more .

We recommend purchasing admission online. Tickets are also available at their office near the Opéra at 3 Chaussée d’Antin, 75009 Paris. Pre-Recorded Commentary Audio Languages

How long does the Foxity tour last?

How frequently do the foxity tours run in paris, night bus tours of paris.

There’s a reason that they call Paris the City of Light. When the sun goes down, this metropolis lights up!

All of the companies that provide hop-on, hop-off services also offer bus tours at night.

For more information on their respective ratings, make sure to check out our review profiles for each service.

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Unlike their hop-on-hop-off service, this night tour doesn’t allow you to get off whenever you wish.

Clocking in at a total of 2 hours, you’ll travel around the city in an open-top bus and see all of the major landmarks after the sun sets.

Discover famous sites such as the Moulin Rouge, Champs-Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower from an entirely different perspective once the lights turn on at night.

• €28.80 for Adults
• €19.80 for Children (aged 4-12)

Tickets are available online or can be purchased either directly from bus drivers or your hotel reception desk.

Additional Information

Big Bus Tours offers commentary in 11 different languages to accommodate guests from around the world. 

The 2-hour night tour begins at 20:15 (8:15 pm) every night, with a later start time in the warmer months as the sun sets later.

Like their competitors, this night tour will not allow you to jump off and explore different attractions at night.

The tour lasts two hours and you'll pass by such sights as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées, Opéra, Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, Invalides, Louvre Museum and Moulin Rouge.

Note that it's an audio-led tour, so there is no tour guide.

This tour scores 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide.

Admission Prices Online (10% off)

• €28.05 for Adults
• €19.55 for Children (4-12) |Infants 0-3 free
• €89 for Family (2 adults + 2 children)

When you purchase online you'll receive a reduction on the price.

You can also purchase tickets with the bus driver or at the ticket office at 13 Auber Street 75009 Paris, but you will pay the full retail price.

Reservations are required, so it’s best to purchase your tickets ahead of time.

Tootbus provides commentary in 5 different languages. You’ll receive personal earphones for listening to audio while on the tour. There is a kid's version of the tour as well.

The tour runs nightly:

• Apr to Aug - 9 pm (21:00)
• Sep to Oct - 8 pm (20:00)
• Nov - 6 pm (18:00)
• Dec to Feb - 6 pm (18:00)
• March - 8 pm (20:00)

COMBO PACKAGES WITH BUS TOURS

Whether you’re looking for more than just a bus tour or you want to take more than one trip through Paris, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a combo package.

All of the major hop-on-hop-off services offer packages that include more than one activity at a reduced rate. Although some of these deals include entrance into popular attractions, most of them are focused on tours that will take you around Paris.

If you want to visit some of the museums or visit famous landmarks in the city, you may want to consider a Paris Pass instead.

If you’re already interested in getting a hop-on hop-off tour ticket, you might want to consider the combo package offered by this company.

This package includes their standard service and a cruise on the River Seine.

For those who have been considering a cruise, this could be a great way to save money.

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Discover Ticket (24 hours) + Night Tour

• €47 Children (4-12)

Essential Ticket (24 hours) + River Cruise + Night Tour

• €57 Children (4-12)

Explorer Ticket (48 hours) + River Cruise + Night Tour

• €64 for Children (aged 4-12)

Where to Purchase Admission

If you purchase admission online, you will save the most money.

Also, these combo deals may not be available if you purchase tickets directly from a driver or at your hotel.

Tickets purchased online can either be printed out or accessed via smartphone.

To find out more about the quality of their service, please read our review at the top of this post.

This company provides some of the most original combo packages in Paris.

In addition to the standard cruise and night tour options, they also offer entrance into the Louvre, the Picasso Museum, and even a Tasting Passport for those who want to experience French cuisine.

If you’re looking for a somewhat different experience in this city of light, you might want to consider one of the following combo deals.

Bus Tour + Seine River Cruise

• 1-Day Ticket: €52.20/Adults | €28.80/Children
• 2-Day Ticket: €59.40/Adults | €34.20/Children
• 3-Day Ticket: €63.90/Adults | €36.90/Children
• More information and to book online .

Bus Tour + Night Tour

• 1-Day Ticket: €62.10/Adults | €37.80/Children
• 2-Day Ticket: €69.30/Adults | €43.20/Children
• 3-Day Ticket: €73.80/Adults | €45.90/Children

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The easiest way to buy your tickets is online. These combo deals may not be available to purchase directly from bus drivers or at their ticket offices. 

If you want to know more about the services this company provides, you will find more information in the Hop-On, Hop-Off section at the start of this post. Vouchers from this company are valid for an entire year, so you can purchase them ahead of time and use them whenever you wish.

PARIS TOURIST PASSES WITH BUS TOURS

Some of the tourist passes available in Paris include bus tours.

If you’re looking to experience more than just a bus ride around the city, you might want to consider picking up one of these passes.

Make sure to read our review of these services before deciding on which one to purchase.

The Paris Pass

This service includes more featured attractions and activities than any other tourist pass available in Paris.

Unfortunately, it also comes with a much higher price tag than the passes offered by competitors.

If you plan to spend a lot of time in the city and experience as much as possible, this is an excellent deal.

However, if you’ve only got a few days, you might want to consider another option.

The Paris Pass includes a Big Bus Tour hop-on hop-off tour ticket in addition to a museum pass guaranteeing access to more than 50 attractions such as The Louvre and Arc De Triomphe.

Pass Prices Online 

• 2-Day Pass – €179 Adults / €94 Children
• 3-Day Pass – €214 Adults / €109 Children
• 4-Day Pass – €254 Adults / €129 Children
• 6-Day Pass – €299 Adults / €139 Children

Where to Purchase Passes The Paris Pass can easily be purchased online and shipped globally. No matter where you live, chances are that you’ll be able to buy this tourist pass.

The hop-on, hop-off bus tour provided with the Paris Pass is a 1-day ticket. Even if you purchase the 6-Day Pass, you’ll only have access to the bus tour for one day. That being said, this tourist pass also includes access to the metro, RER and buses in Paris.

It shouldn’t be too difficult to get around the city with the Paris Pass.

Paris Passlib ’

The Paris Passlib’ City includes the Tootbus Paris Bus Tour in addition to multiple other activities such as the following:

• Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
• Half-day Bike Rental
• Aquarium de Paris
• Arc de Triomphe
• Sainte-Chapelle
• Centre Pompidou
• Rodin Museum
• Eiffel Tower

There are a total of 47 attractions you can pick from on this pass, and it provides admission to approximately 5 activities.

Pass Prices Online

Paris Passlib’ City

• €99 per person

Where to Purchase Pass

This tourist pass can be purchased online and shipped internationally. Alternatively, you can also pick up your passes at their main office. Additional Information

If you use this pass for a Tootbus Paris Night Tour and admission to the Eiffel Tower, you'll have covered almost the entire cost of the pass, which means the remaining 3 activities will essentially be free.

This is just one way to look at the savings possible with this pass, but you can always choose other attractions and still save plenty of money.

As you can no doubt tell, there are several options for Paris bus tours.

No matter which type of service you want, chances are that you will find something to fit your needs.

Discover the city of light on your terms and enjoy your experiences as you travel past some of the most beautiful landmarks in the entire world.

What Do Travelers Think?

We’ve given you a lot of information above, but here is more to help you decide if these bus tours are of interest to you.

Below are some thoughts from members of Paris travel groups such as Paris Travel Tips And Plan .

These travelers discuss the benefits of taking a Hop On Hop Off bus tour.

Many people comment on how easy it is to use these buses.

These folks got their money’s worth by using the bus for two purposes.

And this commenter took advantage of a bus tour that came with a bonus river cruise.

If you would like to see more tips on bus Paris, and ask your own questions, take a look at our Paris Travel Tips Facebook group!

Just click on the image below.

And much, much more

About the author.

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Paris Big Bus Tour Review

T he Paris Big Bus Tour is the gift that keeps on giving. Truth be told I love to walk and see cities on foot, but Paris is a must by bus because it makes financial sense, and it will save you a lot of time.

The Big Bus Tour in Paris

Is it worth it.

When traveling, I am a fan of taking public transportation and traveling like a local. It’s environmentally friendly and you can save money on car rental expenses.

Taking the Big Bus Tour was one of the best decisions that we made because the tourist attractions are spread apart, and you can see many more points of interest while saving time and money.  

Paris is made up of 20 neighborhoods (or arrondissements) and the Big Bus Tour will travel through 7 of them.  

We spent a total of 9 days and Paris and had a pretty full agenda which included lunch at the Eiffel Tower , a river cruise on the Seine, a day trip to Versailles, a classical concert at La Sainte Chapelle, trips to outdoor markets like Marche des Enfants Rouges, visiting the rooftop of the Arc de Triumph, souvenir shopping, Sacre Coeur, the Louvre Museum, the Champs Elysees, the Catacombs, Rue de Cler, Pont Alexandre , a croissant making class with a Parisien chef, Ile de la Cite, Berthillon, and more. We also ventured out to see Paris at night and the views were stunning!

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in Paris

The Red Route is the main tour, and it takes about two hours to see everything if you don’t exit the bus. We stayed on the bus from start to finish to get a idea of places that we wanted to visit on foot.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in Paris

The ticket fee will vary based on the number of days that you want to join the tour bus. I recommend the combination ticket where you can see the points of interest for the Big Bus, and take a cruise on the river Seine.  

It is possible to do both the tour and the cruise in one day. If you join the tour and finish by 5 PM, you can then join the cruise on the river and catch the sunset depending on the time of year that you go.  

Check for tickets on the Paris Big Bus Tour here .

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

Sorry, but no matter what the city it is very likely that you won’t find any restrooms. However, you can ask the driver or attendants on the bus to guide you. The wonderful thing about Paris is there are public restrooms available for just a euro.

When is the Best Time to Visit Paris

We went on the bus tour at the end of March for Spring break. The weather was a bit chilly and in the high 50s to low 60s. It was sunny, but not incredibly warm.  

The prime months are April, May, September, and October when highs reach a comfortable 60-70°F (15-21°C).

Big Bus Tour Review

We purchased our tickets online using a smartphone after touring Notre Dame. Because the cathedral was one of the tour stops, we thought we were close, but the stop was a 7-minute walk away.  

To add, the area was congested, and the instructions were confusing. After calling the tour company, we found the stop heading west but then learned that the bus stop was across the street and coming from the south direction.  

Fortunately, we caught it in time and were able to get nice seats on the upper deck. 

It was a sunny, cool day and one would think would be an excellent opportunity for photos. The problem for me is that I don’t have great photography skills and I was using my smartphone.  

When we got to a landmark or icon, it was difficult to take a good shot due to the speed at which the bus traveled, bumps in the road, construction equipment, or overgrown trees, not to mention the hands, heads, and cameras of other passengers.

On our tour there were two routes in operation, the red route, and another color (which may no longer be available). The red route took about two hours to see everything. Then we had to exit the bus at the last stop to catch another bus that went into other neighborhoods.

The most interesting point on the second route was The Moulin Rouge. Otherwise, the sights were non-eventful, so we caught up on rest and napped on the lower level during the ride.

Overall, it was time well spent. And since we planned activities at a few of the attractions we had the chance to make up for bad photos taken on the bus. 

Where to Catch the Big Bus Tour in Paris

There are 10 stops on the red route and the buses will arrive in frequent intervals. During peak visiting months, like spring to summer, you can expect longer waits and slim pickings for a good seat.

1 – Louvre Pyramide / Big Bus Information Centre (11 avenue de l’Opéra)

2 – Louvre at Pont des Arts (2 rue de l’Amiral de Coligny)

3 – Notre Dame ( 3, Rue Lagrange (outside souvenir shop, opposite park entrance)

4 – Musée d’Orsay (58 Place Henry de Montherlant, facing the museum)

5 – Champs-Elysées (156, avenue des Champs-Elysées, facing the Arc de Triomphe)

6 – Grand Palais (Avenue Winston Churchill, facing Grand Palais and Petit Palais)

7 – Trocadéro (Avenue Paul Doumer, next to the Musée de l’Homme)

8- Tour Eiffel (Quai Branly, Entrée 2 Tour Eiffel, at the north pillar of the Eiffel Tower)

9 – Champ de Mars (Avenue Joseph Bouvard)

10 – Opéra Garnier (Facing 15 rue Scribe, next to the Roissy airport shuttle bus stop)

Things to Know Before You Go

• The tour is pre-recorded and the audio narratives can be heard in English, French, Italian , Spanish, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin, and Korean.
• Be mindful of potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours so that you can plan your tour for off-peak times to avoid congestion.
• Be aware of any events that may alter the experience (rallies, protests, huge sports competitions).

I can’t emphasize the awareness of events enough. There was an enormous parade outside our hotel on one trip, and protests that caused the Champs Elysee to be boarded up during another trip.

Final Thoughts on the Paris Big Bus Tour

Overall, it was a pretty fun girls’ trip but the last thing I wated to do was spend most of our time and money riding the subway all over Paris.

The Big Bus is a no brainer if you want to see the best of Paris without wearing yourself out.

As a US citizen, I try to make the most of my visits to Europe.

The more countries I visit, the more I am convinced that I’ve made the best use of a 10-hour flight.

A quick trip to the Covent Garden in London, Venice , Italy, or any another country is always must for me.

And as always, you can see whether you are in New York , Paris, or Chicago , you experience so much in a short amount of time with a Big Bus Tour.

Electric Buses

Big bus tours adds 40 electric sightseeing buses to its fleet.

Global open-top tour bus operator Big Bus Tours has added 40 electric sightseeing buses to its fleet in time for the summer holiday season.

Big Bus Tours is introducing 20 brand-new Ankai electric buses in Paris and Vienna and retrofitting 20 buses in London by converting 20 of the existing diesel fleet to electric.

The new electric tour buses in Paris and Vienna are purpose-built electric sightseeing buses supplied by Ankai Anhui. The buses have 315 kW battery packs, sending power to the road through a ZF hub-motor axle. The buses can DC fast charge within four to six hours, depending on the grid load.

In London, the original buses are 2012 Ankai tri-axle diesel converted to fully electric by Equipmake. The conversion entails fitting a 327 kW battery pack that sends power to a single motor driving directly into the existing axles. The buses can be charged either AC or DC. The London buses are only used during the day, so they’ll be charged overnight on 22 kW chargers.

“We are thrilled to welcome these new electric buses as part of our investment in sustainability,” said Pat Waterman, executive chairman of Big Bus Tours. “This EV expansion is a major step forward in reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing the tour experience for our customers.”

The electric buses in all three European cities will hit the road this summer, bringing the company’s total electric fleet to 51 (just over 10% of its global fleet).

Read more: In a US first, Seattle to deploy double-decker electric buses with inductive wireless charging

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Michelle Lewis is a writer and editor on Electrek and an editor on DroneDJ, 9to5Mac, and 9to5Google. She lives in White River Junction, Vermont. She has previously worked for Fast Company, the Guardian, News Deeply, Time, and others. Message Michelle on Twitter or at [email protected]. Check out her personal blog.

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Plan Your Trip to Paris: Best of Paris Tourism

Paris, France

Travel advice, essential paris.

Where to stay

Where to eat

The perfect three days in Paris

Trip ideas from our community

The perfect mother-daughter trip to Paris

Browse collections

More great culinary capitals

Paris Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing paris.

Try and speak French as much as you can! Even if Paris is an international city, we do like it when people talk to us in our own language or at least try to!

You will not be brought your bill after you finish in a restaurant or cafe. It’s considered rude and pushy. You need to ask for it.

luvplayacar

Pack small! … The buildings are old and the stairways are small and narrow and the elevators say they will fit 8, but not 8 US citizens with large luggage.

Make sure to buy your tickets to museums online and print them or have them ready to go on your phone. Also, read all of the details on your tickets, what way you don't wait an extra half hour in the yellow line instead of the short green line I was supposed to go to at the Eiffel Tower.

Paris is magical! From its pretty and remarkable landscapes to its inspiring cafes, Paris has a unique combination of traditional architecture, rich history, pleasant parks and squares, original cuisine and special spirit of life.

There is always something new and exciting to see here, whether you have been here once or several times.

In Paris, venturing off the beaten path is very easy, there are little gems hidden everywhere in plain sight.

You can discover a new city in Paris in every arrondissement. Every time I return I make sure to stay in a new and different part of the city and spend most of my trip exploring there.

What is the best way to get there?

Paris is served by two international airports: Paris-Charles de Gaulle (the second busiest airport in Europe) and Paris-Orly.

The Gare du Nord is a major transit hub for trains to Northern France and to international destinations in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Paris from overseas, use the government’s  Visa Wizard  to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer (June to August): Summer is festival season in Paris, with highlights including Paris L'Eté, Fnac Live, and Solidays, while the Bastille Day fireworks draw huge crowds and the Paris Plages festival brings the beach to the banks of the Seine. Temperatures average highs in the 70s F (20s C) and lows in the 50s F (Teens C).

Alternatively, visit over the holiday season, when Christmas markets, NYE parties, and festive illuminations show the City of Lights at its most atmospheric. During the holiday season Paris sees average highs in the 40s and lows in the 30s (10 to 0 C).

Vélib' is a bike-share system with thousands of bicycle stations located across Paris and in some surrounding municipalities. Visitors can purchase a one- or seven-day subscription either at the docking stations or online .

RATP operates its metro and RER services daily from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:15 a.m (2:15 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). The metro system is the city’s local underground subway network servicing central Paris and the RER is the regional express network. More information about the network and fares can be found online .

RATP operates Paris’ local bus system daily from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:15 a.m (2:15 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). At night, the Noctilien night bus network takes over, operating 47 bus lines from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. More information about the network and fares can be found online .

Hailing down a taxi on the street in Paris can be difficult so it is best to find an official taxi stand. You can also book a taxi online or on your smartphone here .

ridesharing

Uber and Bolt are readily available in Paris on your smartphone.

Cityscoot is an electronic scooter-sharing scheme which offers scooter rental through an app on your smartphone.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Central European Standard Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in France is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The plug has two round pins.

What is the currency?

Are atms readily accessible, are credit cards widely accepted, how much do i tip.

Tipping is not obligatory in France, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Are there local customs I should know?

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.

Public transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.

Try to speak the language

Learn a few basic phrases as a sign of respect. Locals will often switch to English for your ease and comfort but they appreciate the effort.

Always greet people

A courteous, formal greeting in French, “Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame,” is always appreciated — this includes shop attendants, wait staff, hotel staff, drivers.

Don’t talk loudly in public

It is considered rude and ugly.

Don’t expect fast service

Sales assistants in shops or wait staff in restaurants won’t approach you straight away — giving people time and space is an important part of French culture. Also, don’t expect wait staff to give you the bill when your meal is finished, you will have to ask for it.

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Australia win women's rugby sevens series ahead of Paris Olympics

Sport Australia win women's rugby sevens series ahead of Paris Olympics

Australia have won the women's World Sevens Series, giving them momentum and confidence heading into this year's Olympic Games.

Victory over France in the final 26-7 26-7 at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid gave Australia the series crown.

The two sides were level at 7-7 at half-time before Australia cut down the errors. Then it became another Maddison Levi show.

Levi brushed off two defenders for the go-ahead try, finished off the second in the other corner, and face-palmed a defender to score her third.

Levi scored 13 of Australia's 21 tries in Madrid, including three hat-tricks in five games.

Her 69 tries in the season were the second best total in series history, among men and women, after Vilimoni Delasau's 83 for Fiji in the inaugural 1999-2000 season.

"I wouldn't be able to do it without the girls inside me," Levi said.

Arguably her biggest moment was in the semifinal against New Zealand. The clock was in red, Australia trailed 19-14, and Levi regained the restart and ended up scoring the tying try. Then Tia Hinds kicked the conversion from the touchline.

New Zealand had won the last four tournaments. The battles with Australia finished 3-3 this season. The teams also share the only two Olympic gold medals and will be the favourites again in Paris.

Australia captain Charlotte Carlick noted its importance after the final.

"Great to get a win over the Kiwis this morning, we have a ding-dong battle with them," Caslick said.

"Just got confidence out of that and belief in ourselves which is really important moving into the Paris Games."

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