From London: Paris Tour with Sightseeing Bus & Lunch Cruise

Exploring Paris in a Day — A Practical Review of the London to Paris Tour with Sightseeing Bus & Lunch Cruise

Traveling from London to Paris for a day trip sounds tempting—and it is. This particular tour, offered by Evan Evans Tours, promises a comprehensive day filled with iconic sights, delicious food, and convenient transportation. We’re not talking about a rushed whistle-stop; instead, this experience leans into flexibility and comfort, helping you make the most of your limited time in the French capital.

What really caught our eye is how this tour combines the Eurostar train journey with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and a luxurious Seine lunch cruise. These elements offer a good balance: you get the thrill of the train ride, the freedom to explore at your own pace, and a memorable meal aboard a boat gliding past some of Paris’s most famous landmarks.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this is an independent tour—meaning there’s no guide accompanying you throughout the day. If you prefer a guided experience, this might not be your best fit. But for travelers who are comfortable with planning their own day and enjoy a bit of flexibility, this tour can be a great way to see Paris without the hassle of coordinating everything on your own.

This trip is particularly suited for adventurous travelers, food lovers, and those who don’t mind a bit of independence. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, hassle-free day with highlights and great views, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Fast, convenient transport with reserved Eurostar train tickets from London to Paris.
• Flexible sightseeing via a hop-on hop-off bus, so you can decide what to see and when.
• A memorable lunch cruise on the River Seine, complete with views, live music, and French cuisine.
• Independent experience, ideal for confident travelers comfortable with planning.
• Cost around $475 per person, which covers most essentials but does not include guided tours or hotel transfers.
• Upgrades available on Eurostar for more space and service, if you prefer a little extra comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown

Starting Your Day in London

Your adventure begins at London’s St Pancras International station, a hub that’s easy to access, especially if you’re staying in central London. The departure time varies depending on your booked option, but be prepared for an early start—check-in begins as early as 5:30 am on weekdays. This is all part of the package that makes your entire day smooth and efficient.

The Eurostar Journey

The train ride itself takes just over two hours, whisking you across the Channel and into France. The reserved seats mean no scrambling for space, and the free Wi-Fi onboard helps pass the time with a bit of browsing or planning your day. You can choose to upgrade to Eurostar Plus class for extra legroom, a complimentary light meal, and drinks—something worth considering if comfort is a priority.

Arriving in Paris

Once you step off at Gare du Nord, the city is at your fingertips. The plan is to have around an hour of free time here before heading to the Seine for lunch. While the tour doesn’t include a guide, the departure packet typically provides useful maps and info, helping you navigate on your own.

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Lunch Cruise on the Seine

The highlight for many is the 3-course lunch cruise, a relaxing 2-hour experience. You’ll glide along the river, passing landmarks like the Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, and others while enjoying traditional French cuisine and live music. The ambiance is refined yet friendly, perfect for a leisurely meal. The reviews reveal that most travelers found this part of the day to be memorable, with comments like “Meander along the Seine to the sound of live music as you dine on traditional French cuisine.”

Exploring Paris via Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

After your cruise, you’ll have some free time—about 30 minutes—before catching the train back. In this window, you can hop onto the included sightseeing bus. This is really the core of the experience, offering a 360° view of Paris with narrated commentary and free Wi-Fi onboard. You’re free to stay on the bus for the entire route or hop off at locations that interest you most, like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or Champs-Élysées.

The flexibility here is key. If you’re someone who likes to tailor the day to your interests, this bus makes it easy. And since the tour is self-guided, you get to decide your pace without feeling rushed. Some reviews mention the knowledgeable guides and stunning views, which enhance the experience.

Returning to London

The train ride back is another 2.4 hours, giving you a comfortable, relaxed end to your day. The overall schedule is tight but manageable—if you’re someone who enjoys a full, activity-packed day, this tour hits the right notes.

What We Love About This Tour

The combination of train, sightseeing bus, and Seine cruise provides a balanced, memorable experience. We love how easy it is to get to Paris without the stress of planning every detail ourselves. The free Wi-Fi and narrated commentary on the bus are small touches that make a big difference. Plus, the lunch cruise offers a relaxed setting to soak in Paris’s beauty—especially when paired with the live music and delicious French dishes.

Another highlight is the flexibility. You’re not tied to a guide telling you where to go. Instead, you decide your pace, making this ideal for travelers who enjoy the freedom of self-guided exploration but still want some structure.

Considerations

On the flip side, the lack of a guide means you’ll need to do some planning and navigation yourself. If you’re unfamiliar with Paris or don’t speak French, that could be a bit daunting. Also, since the tour is non-refundable, it’s best suited for travelers confident in their plans.

Some travelers have noted that the seats on Eurostar are similar regardless of whether you pay extra for upgraded class, which could be disappointing if you expected a significant difference. And while the lunch cruise is generally appreciated, it’s worth noting that the entire experience is unescorted, so you should be comfortable managing your own time.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for independent travelers who want a smooth, well-organized day in Paris without the hassle of booking each part separately. It suits those who enjoy flexibility, are comfortable with self-guided touring, and appreciate a good mix of activities like river cruising and bus sightseeing. It’s especially good for food lovers wanting a relaxed, elegant meal with views of the city.

While not explicitly family-oriented, older children or teenagers who are confident travelers could find this a manageable, enjoyable day. It’s less ideal for travelers seeking a guided, narrated tour, or those who prefer to stay in a single location rather than hop on and off.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a convenient, all-in-one day trip from London that lets you experience Paris’s iconic sights, this tour delivers a lot. The Eurostar journey is comfortable, the seaside lunch memorable, and the flexible bus allows you to see the city on your own terms. For around $475, it’s a fair price for a full day of exploration, especially if you value comfort and independence.

This experience is best suited for those who are self-sufficient, enjoy a bit of sightseeing variety, and want a stress-free way to make the most of a single day in Paris. With some planning, it can be an efficient and enjoyable way to tick Paris off your bucket list.

FAQ

Do I need a guide to enjoy this tour?
No, this is an independent, unescorted tour. You’ll get the train tickets, bus, and cruise, but you’ll navigate the city on your own.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children aged 0-3 do not get seats on Eurostar, the cruise, or the bus, but older kids who are comfortable traveling independently can join in.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport—it’s essential for the train trip between the UK and France. Also, consider bringing a charger or device for the Wi-Fi, and some cash for extra expenses.

Can I upgrade my Eurostar tickets?
Yes, you can opt for Eurostar Plus class for more space and a light meal with drinks, which might add to your comfort on the journey.

How flexible is the sightseeing bus?
Very. You can hop on or off at various stops, and the narrated commentary helps you learn about the city even as you relax.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to make your way to the initial meeting point.

What if I miss my train or cruise?
Since this is a non-refundable tour, late arrivals or missed connections might not be accommodated, so punctuality is key.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total duration is about 15.5 hours, including train travel, sightseeing, and free time, so be prepared for a full day.

This tour offers a solid mix of convenience, flexibility, and memorable sights. It’s not perfect for everyone—particularly those who prefer guided tours or more hand-holding—but for confident travelers who love to craft their own adventure, it’s a very practical choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: