Guided Luxury Paris Day Trip with Optional Lunch at the Eiffel Tower

Traveling from London to Paris in a single day sounds ambitious—yet this guided tour from Premium Tours aims to make it not only possible but enjoyable. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a well-organized way to see many of Paris’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What grabs our attention? First, the comfort and convenience of traveling via Eurostar, avoiding the chaos of airport transfers. Second, the diverse sightseeing experiences—from a panoramic coach tour to a Seine river cruise and a lovely lunch in the Eiffel Tower. That said, a notable consideration is the long duration—around 15 hours—so this is definitely a packed day, not suited for those wanting a relaxed pace or more flexibility.

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a taste of Paris in one day without the fuss of organizing multiple tickets and transport. If you’re comfortable with a long day on your feet and a busy schedule, you’ll find this experience offers excellent value, especially with the added bonus of skipping lines at the Eiffel Tower, if you choose the lunch option.

Key Points

• Efficient Day Trip: Combines train travel, bus tours, a Seine cruise, and optional Eiffel Tower lunch—perfect for a quick Paris experience.
• Comfortable Transport: Eurostar and air-conditioned coach ensure a smooth, relaxed journey.
• Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides help you get the most out of Paris’s main sights, making navigation easier.
• Optional Lunch: A 3-course meal at the Eiffel Tower with wine, with skip-the-line access.
• Flexible Free Time: Some time at the Louvre or shopping areas, depending on your interests and traffic conditions.
• Mixed reviews on pacing: Some mention the long day and limited free time, but many find it worth the experience.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point: St. Pancras International Station

Your adventure kicks off early in London at St. Pancras International, where you meet your guide and board the Eurostar train. The journey to Paris takes just over two hours, offering a comfortable and scenic start to your day. If you’re feeling fancy, the upgraded First Class option provides extra legroom and a light meal onboard—something we think adds a nice touch for such a long day. Just be aware that train times may vary, especially on weekends or certain days, so check your ticket details carefully.

Arrival in Paris and Sightseeing Tour

Once in Paris, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned coach to get a broad overview of the city. You’ll visit highlights like the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, and the Opera House, with commentary from your guide explaining what makes each spot special. The benefit here is that everything is arranged for you, meaning you can focus on taking photos and soaking in the views. Several reviews highlight how smoothly this part of the trip runs, with guides making sure everyone stays on schedule.

A Seine River Cruise

Next, you’ll enjoy a one-hour cruise along the Seine, offering a different perspective of Paris from the water. Many travelers, including reviews, noted how the boat ride is a relaxing break amid a busy day. Plus, the commentary provides insight into landmarks like Notre Dame and the riverbanks, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s a great chance to snap photos of the city’s bridges and monuments from a unique vantage point.

The Eiffel Tower and Lunch

For those who opt for the Eiffel Tower lunch, this is likely the most memorable part of the day. You’ll skip long lines with your priority access ticket and ascend to the restaurant on the first floor, which boasts views over Paris. The meal is a 3-course affair, which includes wine—an indulgence that many reviews applauded, especially given the setting. The food reportedly hits the right notes, and the atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed.

If you’re unable to access the tower, the tour compensates by offering lunch on the Seine or nearby bistros, so no one misses out on a good meal. Afterward, you’ll have some free time at the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, depending on your interests and traffic conditions.

Optional Visit to the Louvre or Free Time

Following lunch, you might choose to visit the Louvre Museum (own expense), famous for masterpieces like Mona Lisa. The tour advises against booking Louvre tickets independently due to traffic and timing variations, so it’s best to go with the group. Alternatively, you can explore Paris’s stylish neighborhoods, shop, or relax at a sidewalk café during your free time.

Return Journey to London

In the late afternoon, you’ll head back to Gare du Nord for your Eurostar train ride to London, arriving around 8:30 pm. The return trip offers a chance to unwind after a day of sightseeing, with many travelers saying it’s the perfect way to cap off a long but rewarding adventure.

How the Experience Feels for Travelers

Most reviews agree that the guides make a real difference—being knowledgeable and personable, they keep things running smoothly and add interesting tidbits along the way. Several mention their guide Anna as particularly memorable, thanks to her engaging commentary and fun attitude.

The lunch at the Eiffel Tower garners high praise, with many describing it as both delicious and a “surprisingly good” experience given the setting. The boat cruise is also a favorite, allowing for a leisurely view of Paris’s iconic bridges and monuments.

However, some note that the long hours—around 15 in total—can be exhausting, especially if you’re not used to such packed schedules. The free time at the Louvre or shopping areas might feel limited, and the entire day is quite structured.

The cost of around $427 is reasonable considering the inclusions—train tickets, guided tours, Seine cruise, and a scenic lunch. For travelers short on time but eager to see a lot, it offers good value, especially if you value skipping lines and guided commentary.

Practical Tips

• Be prepared for a full day and bring comfortable shoes, as there is walking involved, especially around the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
• Keep your passport or ID handy for security checks, especially at the Eiffel Tower.
• If you want to upgrade, First Class on the Eurostar offers a more relaxed ride, which might be worth considering on such a long journey.
• The lunch at the Eiffel Tower includes wine by default, so if you prefer non-alcoholic options or have dietary restrictions, inform the tour beforehand.
• The timing of trains can shift, so stay attentive to the guide’s instructions on check-in times and departure details.

The Sum Up

This guided day trip from London to Paris packs in many of the city’s top sights into one long but memorable day. It’s best suited for travelers who want a rundown without the hassle of planning or booking multiple tickets. The combination of train travel, guided tour, Seine cruise, and a special lunch at the Eiffel Tower makes for a well-rounded experience that balances sightseeing with comfort.

If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a long day on the move, appreciates guided commentary, and dreams of a scenic meal with a view, this trip offers a solid way to tick Paris off your bucket list quickly and conveniently.

While it’s not the best choice for those craving a leisurely pace or more free exploration, it’s hard to beat the value for what’s included—especially with the positive reviews praising the guides, views, and overall organization. For a snapshot of Paris that hits most highlights, this trip can be an excellent option.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
While the tour involves some walking and security checks, it’s designed to be manageable if you’re reasonably mobile, especially since the coach and train are accessible. However, the walking to the Eiffel Tower and Louvre might be a challenge for those with mobility issues.

What is included in the lunch at the Eiffel Tower?
The lunch features a 3-course meal, including wine if you select the upgrade option. It’s served in the Eiffel Tower’s first-floor restaurant, offering nice views over Paris.

Can I skip the Eiffel Tower lunch?
Yes, the tour offers a “tour only” option where you won’t have the lunch but will have about 3 hours of free time afterward, depending on traffic conditions.

How long is the total trip from London?
The entire experience lasts approximately 15 hours, including travel, sightseeing, lunch, and return. Expect a very full day.

What if the Eiffel Tower access is unavailable?
If access is hindered for any reason, the tour provides lunch on the Seine or at a nearby bistro, ensuring you still enjoy a meal with a view.

Are tickets for the Louvre included?
No, the Louvre visit is at your own expense, and the tour recommends not booking Louvre tickets separately due to variable traffic and timing.

How do reviews rate this experience overall?
With a 4.6 out of 5 based on over 2,500 reviews, travelers generally find it well-organized, enjoyable, and worth the price, especially praising the guides and scenic moments.

If you’re looking to experience a full day in Paris without stressing over logistics, this trip offers a well-structured, enjoyable way to do so. Just be ready for a long day—and bring your camera!