Paris Bustronome Gourmet Sightseeing Lunch on a Panoramic Bus

If you’re thinking about combining sightseeing with a fine meal during your trip to Paris, the Paris Bustronome tour might catch your eye. This experience promises a luxury journey around the City of Light on a glass-enclosed double-decker bus, featuring a four-course gourmet lunch and panoramic views of iconic landmarks. It’s a concept that sounds both indulgent and unique—yet, like all experiences, it’s worth knowing what you’re really getting.

We’ve gathered insights from dozens of travelers to help you decide if this tour matches your expectations. What we love? The stunning views from the bus, and the quality of the food—most reviews praise both highly. However, there are some considerations, like the audio guide’s availability and the group size, that could influence your experience. This tour might suit those who want a relaxed way to see Paris’s top sights while enjoying a seated, sit-down meal.

Key Points

• Luxurious panoramic bus: Offers 360-degree views from a glass-enclosed double-decker.
• Gourmet meal included: A 4-course lunch served at a window seat upstairs.
• Short but sweet: The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable addition to your day.
• Landmarks on display: Includes the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs-Elysées, and more.
• Audio guide available: Explains sights in 9 languages, but some reviews mention it could be more interactive.
• Price point: About $81 per person, which many find reasonable for a combined sightseeing and dining experience.

What the Experience Is Like

The Paris Bustronome tour offers an impressive way to see the city’s most famous sights without the bustle of walking or the crowds of traditional tours. The bus is described as both modern and charming, with a glass-enclosed upper deck providing unobstructed views of Paris’s rooftops and monuments. The journey lasts roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, giving you enough time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed.

You’ll start at the meeting point, located at 2 Av. Kléber, and hop aboard a luxury panoramic coach. The seating arrangement guarantees guaranteed tables for groups of 2 to 8, with a window seat upstairs that offers a perfect vantage point for photos and sightseeing. The ambiance is complemented by French melodies playing softly in the background, creating a relaxed, restaurant-like atmosphere.

One of the main highlights is the 4-course gourmet lunch, served on your table at the upstairs window. This isn’t your average quick meal; many reviews mention the delicious food, including vegetarian options that are flavorful rather than bland. The menu is designed to offer a true taste of French cuisine, and the service is generally described as attentive and professional, even on the move.

The Landmarks You’ll See

The itinerary includes stops or views of some of Paris’s most sought-after sights. Passengers rave about seeing the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Ecole Militaire, Dome des Invalides, Orsay Museum, Opera Garnier, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, and the Champs Elysées.

While there are no explicit stops in the traditional sense—since it’s a moving tour—the bus pauses or slows down near these landmarks, allowing you to admire them from your upstairs seat. You’ll get a 360-degree view of the city, which many reviews find particularly striking. Notably, the presence of an audio guide in 9 languages helps make sure you’re informed about the sights as you cruise past them.

A few reviewers note that the visual aspect outweighs the commentary, with some wishing for more live narration or commentary. However, the QR code provided on each table gives access to descriptions and history, which many find a helpful add-on.

Food and Beverage Details

The 4-course meal is a standout feature of this tour. Multiple reviews mention the quality of the food, highlighting that even vegetarian dishes are well-prepared and flavorful. Guests have appreciated the attention to dietary restrictions, with options adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian needs.

The meal is served upstairs at your window seat, offering diners a spectacular view while eating. Many reviews call the food “phenomenal,” and mention that the lunch includes French cuisine, providing a taste of local flavors in an elegant setting.

Drinks are not included in the price but can be purchased onboard via credit card or cash. You might find the wine and champagne selections are well-curated, adding to the luxurious feel.

How the Tour Works

The tour begins at 12:15 pm and is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes long. You’ll need to select your preferred departure time when booking, but most start around midday, making it a nice lunch option.

The group size is limited to about 38 travelers, which helps maintain an intimate atmosphere. You’ll be seated at tables arranged from 2 to 8 seats, ensuring everyone has a good view and space to enjoy their meal.

The tour has a mobile ticket system, making it easy to check in, and the meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation. Restrooms are available onboard, and the entire experience is designed to feel like dining in a high-end restaurant, just on a moving bus.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

Reviews reveal a generally favorable impression. Many describe the food as excellent and praise the professionalism of the staff. One traveler said, “The food, tour, and service was excellent!! The host was super friendly,” capturing the warm, attentive atmosphere.

Others appreciated the view of Paris at night, especially with the Eiffel Tower lit up, noting it as a perfect way to see the city’s sparkle. Several reviewers, including those who have returned for a second experience, confirm that it’s a first-class way to combine sightseeing and dining.

However, there are some negatives. One reviewer mentioned that there was no audio narration at all, which felt misleading given the description. They felt the experience was more like a fancy restaurant on wheels rather than a full sightseeing tour. Others noted that technical issues, such as disrupted technology, diminished their experience slightly. But overall, these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who want to see Paris in comfort and style while enjoying a delicious meal. It’s especially suited to travelers who appreciate spectacular views, quality food, and a relaxed pace. Since the tour is about 1.5 hours, it works well as a midday activity or a special treat during a busy sightseeing day.

It’s a good option for celebrations or romantic outings, thanks to the elegant setting and romantic nighttime views. While it’s not specifically designed for kids, families with older children or teenagers might enjoy it, especially if they’re foodies or curious about the sights.

Price and Value

At around $81.28 per person, the tour offers a combination of sightseeing, dining, and unique ambiance. Many travelers feel it’s worth the price given the quality of the food, the views, and the overall experience. It’s an efficient way to pack sightseeing and a meal into a single, memorable outing.

If you’re someone who values comfort and a relaxed pace, the price reflects a luxury experience rather than a budget tour. For those less fussed about commentary, focused more on the visual and culinary aspects, it provides great value.

Final Thoughts

The Paris Bustronome Gourmet Sightseeing Lunch offers a stylish way to explore Paris while enjoying a multi-course meal with panoramic views. Its combination of luxury, practicality, and scenic beauty appeals to travelers seeking a relaxed, memorable experience. The views and food consistently impress, making it a popular choice for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in a unique Parisian treat.

While it’s not a full guided tour with in-depth narration, the visual experience and quality of the meal more than compensate. Do keep in mind that the audio guide is available but not necessarily comprehensive, and some reviews suggest more interaction could be beneficial.

All in all, if you’re looking for a special way to see Paris without the hustle of walking around, and you want to enjoy excellent French cuisine in style, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is there a specific start time for this tour?
Yes, most tours begin at 12:15 pm, but you can select your preferred departure time when booking.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable part of your day.

What’s included in the price?
You get 1.5 hours of transport on a luxury panoramic coach and a 4-course gourmet lunch with a window seat upstairs. The tour also features a 360° panoramic terrace and French melodies to set the mood.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included but can be purchased onboard by credit card or cash.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, older children or teenagers who enjoy sightseeing and food might find it enjoyable. The setting is elegant, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a more refined atmosphere.

Is the audio guide helpful?
It’s available in 9 languages, but some travelers feel it could be more engaging or informative. The QR code on each table provides additional information and descriptions about the sights.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is 2 Av. Kléber, 75016 Paris, close to public transportation, and easy to find.

This experience offers a blend of luxury, scenery, and good food, perfect for those wanting a relaxed, memorable glimpse of Paris with a touch of elegance.