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

Traveling to Paris and looking for an easy, flexible way to see the city’s highlights? This combined Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour with a Seine River cruise offers just that. It’s designed for travelers who want to balance sightseeing with comfort, giving you a chance to enjoy the sights from both land and water.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it caters to different paces—you can hop off at key landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame, then hop back on when you’re ready for the next stop. Plus, the Seine cruise provides a lovely water-level perspective of Paris, especially as the city lights start to glow. That said, one thing to consider is the dependency on weather for the best experience—if rain hits, the open-top bus isn’t as much fun.

This tour works well for first-timers wanting a broad overview and anyone who prefers a relaxed pace. If you’re someone who likes to explore at your own speed and enjoy scenic views, this combination is likely a good fit. It’s also perfect if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive intro to the city’s main sights.

Key Points

• Flexible Duration: Choose between 24 or 48 hours to match your schedule.
• View from Land & Water: See Paris’s landmarks from the bus and river for a full perspective.
• Engaging Audio Commentary: Learn about the city’s history and landmarks in multiple languages.
• Convenient Stops: Over 50 points of interest, with stops at key attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
• All-in-One Ticket: Includes both the hop-on hop-off bus and a one-hour Seine cruise.
• Good Value: At $59, it offers a decent way to cover major sights without multiple bookings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How This Tour Works

The Big Bus Paris experience operates with a digital ticket that you can activate either at the start of your trip via the app or in person at the central information point. You get access to a hop-on hop-off open-top bus with WiFi and audio commentary, plus a scheduled Seine River cruise departing every 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day and day of the week.

The bus route is designed to pass by or stop at major landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. You can hop off to explore these places at your leisure, then hop back on to continue your journey.

The Seine cruise departs from Pontoon No. 3, near the Eiffel Tower, and offers a different view of the city, sailing under historic bridges and past notable museums like the Musée d’Orsay and Notre Dame. It’s a great way to see Paris from a tranquil waterway, especially as the city’s night lights come on.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $59, this package provides excellent value. You get a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket, a one-hour Seine River cruise with a live guide, and audio commentary in several languages. Plus, onboard WiFi and a downloadable app make it convenient to follow along and plan your day.

What’s not included is hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to get yourself to one of the bus stops or the cruise departure point. The ticket is flexible—you can activate it when you’re ready, either online, via the app, or in person.

The Route & Key Stops

The tour covers over 50 points of interest, but here are some highlights where you might want to hop off:

• Louvre-Pyramide / Big Bus Info Centre — perfect for starting your day with the museum or getting oriented.
• Notre Dame — a must-see cathedral, especially impressive from the outside.
• Musée d’Orsay — art lovers will appreciate the impressive collection housed here.
• Champs-Elysées — enjoy strolling along this famous avenue.
• Grand Palais — stunning architecture, often hosting exhibitions.
• Eiffel Tower — the star of Paris, with numerous viewing options.
• Champ de Mars — a great spot for photos with the Eiffel Tower.
• Opéra Garnier — for a taste of Parisian grandeur.
• Invalides — home to Napoleon’s tomb and military history.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating is 4.4 out of 5 from around 1000 reviews, and it’s clear many travelers find this combination a good way to see Paris.

Many reviewers praise the helpful guides and easy transportation, highlighting how it made navigating the busy city much simpler. One traveler from Canada mentions, “The ease of getting around the city even though it was busy was excellent. The drivers were helpful and it was great that there were assistants at each stop to guide us.” Others appreciate the scenic cruise, calling it “a real icing on the cake,” especially at night.

Some reviews point out minor drawbacks—like the buses sometimes being crowded or delays due to slow drivers. For instance, a US traveler notes, “The bus ride was great, but on one day, the driver was very slow, taking 45 minutes for just three stops,” which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule. The open-top buses can also be less enjoyable in bad weather, so it’s worth checking the forecast.

A recurring theme is the value for the price. At $59, many feel it’s a reasonable way to see key sights without the hassle of multiple ticket purchases or planning each detail yourself. The inclusion of the Seine cruise makes it a more complete experience, offering a fresh view of the city that many travelers find memorable.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience: What to Expect

When you hop on the bus, you’ll notice the open-top design, which is great for photos and enjoying the street views—weather permitting. The buses run frequently enough that you won’t wait long, and the audio commentary keeps you informed about what you’re passing, from historical facts to fun anecdotes. The multilingual options are handy if English isn’t your first language.

The stops are well-distributed around the city, meaning you can tailor your day depending on your interests. Want to spend more time at the Louvre or Saint-Germain? Hop off, explore, then catch the next bus when you’re ready.

The Seine River cruise, operated by Les Bateaux Parisiens, is a relaxing 1-hour journey that provides a different perspective. As you glide along, you’ll see iconic bridges like Pont Alexandre III and the Pont Neuf, as well as views of Notre Dame and the Musée d’Orsay from the water. Many reviews mention the stunning night views, especially when the Eiffel Tower lights up.

Practical Tips

• Start early to maximize your 24- or 48-hour ticket—especially if you want to see as much as possible.
• Download the app ahead of time and plan your stops, so you can hop on and off smoothly.
• Check the cruise schedule and book your preferred time slot in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Bring a raincoat or umbrella if you’re doing the open-top bus in uncertain weather.
• Earphones are provided, but bringing your own in your preferred language might enhance the experience.
• Be mindful of bus frequency, especially during peak hours or delays—patience can be key.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is great for first-time visitors who want an overview of Paris’s main sights without the hassle of navigating public transport alone. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate scenic views and flexible schedules—you can hop off at landmarks, take your time, then rejoin when convenient.

If you’re traveling with limited time or prefer a more relaxed sightseeing style, this combo offers a good balance. However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth visit to specific sites or don’t like open-top rides in bad weather, you might want to supplement with other tours or visits.

Final Words

The Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour combined with a Seine River cruise is a practical and enjoyable way to see Paris. Its value for money, convenience, and stunning views make it appealing, especially if you want a broad overview without the stress of planning every detail.

While it’s not perfect—occasional delays and weather limitations are worth noting—the positive reviews speak to its popularity and reliability. For those wanting a stress-free, scenic introduction to Paris, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Can I start the tour from any stop?
Yes, you can activate your ticket at any of the 10 bus stops along the route, making it flexible to begin your day where it’s most convenient.

How do I book or choose my Seine cruise time?
You can book your cruise time via the Big Bus app after adding your booking or online through their website. It’s recommended to reserve in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, all buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchair access, making the tour accessible for guests with mobility needs.

How long is the entire bus route?
The duration isn’t specified exactly, but with over 50 stops, you’ll have plenty to see along the way—expect a comprehensive circuit that can be tailored to your pace.

What languages are available for audio commentary?
The commentary is available in Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Korean.

Can I do the tour in one day?
Yes, with a 24-hour ticket, you can cover the main sights in one day, but a 48-hour ticket offers more flexibility and time for extra exploration.

What happens if it rains?
Since the buses are open-top, rain can affect the experience. You might want to bring an umbrella or raincoat, or consider waiting for better weather.

Is the Seine cruise included in the price?
Yes, the one-hour Seine River cruise is included with the ticket, but you need to select your cruise time ahead of your trip.

Can I hop off and visit the landmarks?
Absolutely. The hop-on hop-off system is designed for you to explore landmarks at your own pace before catching the next bus.

What is the overall value of this experience?
Considering the price of $59, it offers a comprehensive way to see Paris’s top sights, enjoy scenic water views, and learn from insightful commentary—making it a good deal for most travelers looking for a relaxed overview.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want a straightforward, scenic way to cover the highlights at your own pace, this combined bus and boat tour could be just what you need.

You can check availability for your dates here: