Escorted Paris Day Trip: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame & Lunch Cruise

Exploring the Escorted Paris Day Trip: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame & Lunch Cruise

Traveling from London to Paris in a single day might sound ambitious, but this guided tour makes it surprisingly manageable. While it’s a long day, it offers a good taste of the French capital’s most iconic sights. We haven’t experienced it ourselves, but based on what’s included, it seems tailored for travelers who want a structured, hassle-free way to see Paris without the stress of planning every detail.

What really stands out are the seamless logistics—your train tickets, entry to major landmarks, and a scenic lunch cruise are all taken care of. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to enjoy stunning views from the Eiffel Tower and a relaxing Seine cruise make it a compelling option. On the flip side, the biggest consideration is that it’s quite a packed day, with limited free time and some restrictions on baggage.

This tour will suit those who prioritize efficiency but still want to see the essentials, especially if this is their first trip to Paris or if they’re short on time. It’s less ideal for travelers who prefer a more leisurely pace or want to explore beyond the main sights at their own pace.

Key Points

• All logistics are handled, reducing stress on the day.
• Includes key landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and a Seine lunch cruise.
• Guided tour until lunch, with free time afterward.
• Cost includes train tickets, entry fees, and lunch, but note you’re responsible for your own transport to and from Gare du Nord.
• Long but efficient day—expect to walk and deal with crowds.
• Limited baggage options on the boat and in certain attractions.

What to Expect from the Day Trip

This tour kicks off early at London’s St. Pancras Station, where a representative from Golden Tours will meet you at the designated café. From there, you’ll hop on the Eurostar train, which is generally a smooth and quick ride—around 2 hours—to Gare du Nord in Paris. The train journey itself is quite comfortable, offering a chance to relax and prepare for the day ahead.

The Eiffel Tower Experience

Upon arriving in Paris, your first major stop is the Eiffel Tower. You’ll enjoy access to the second floor, which provides arguably the best panoramic views of the city. We loved the way the observation deck allows you to see landmarks like the Louvre and Grand Palais all at once. It’s the kind of view that makes you think, “Wow, I’m really here.” The visit to the Eiffel Tower is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to take photos, soak in the scenery, and maybe even grab a quick snack if you wish.

The inclusion of Eiffel Tower tickets is a real plus, as this attraction can be expensive and often crowded. Being guided here helps you skip the lines, which can be a headache during peak times.

A Scenic Lunch Cruise on the Seine

Next, the highlight for many is the 1 hour 30-minute lunch cruise on the all-glass Bateaux Parisiens. Here, you’ll enjoy a three-course meal while cruising past Paris’ most famous sights. Imagine sipping wine or a soft drink as you glide past Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the bridges of the Seine—that’s a view that sticks with you.

Many reviews praise this lunch cruise as a perfect way to combine sightseeing and food, with excellent wines and beverages included. It’s a leisurely break from all the walking and sightseeing, offering a chance to relax and take in the city’s architecture from a different perspective. The guided tour ends here, but you’re free to explore more on your own afterward.

Notre Dame and Additional Sightseeing

After the cruise, you’ll visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. While you’ll admire its striking façade and learn about its history, note that your visit to Notre Dame is self-guided and free—there are no tickets included for interior access, probably because restoration work is ongoing. Still, the exterior alone, with its gargoyles and flying buttresses, is worth the visit.

Following Notre Dame, you have some free time to wander or snap photos before heading back to Gare du Nord to catch your return train to London. It’s important to leave enough time for check-in and boarding, as the tour advises arriving at least 45 minutes before departure.

The Practical Side of Things

Pricing: At around $533 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but when you factor in the included train tickets, entry to the Eiffel Tower, and the lunch cruise, it represents a convenient all-in-one experience. If you tried to book these separately, it would cost quite a bit more, and you’d have to organize transportation and tickets yourself. For a hassle-free day, many find it worth the price.

Group Size: The tour caps at 52 travelers, which is a decent size. It’s small enough to feel somewhat personal but large enough to keep a lively, social atmosphere.

Timing and Duration: The 16-hour day is long, and the schedule is tight. Expect to walk a fair amount and deal with crowded attractions. The tour is guided until lunch, after which you’re on your own, so good walking shoes and a sense of adventure are necessary.

Restrictions & Recommendations: You’ll need your passport for check-in, and baggage is limited—only small backpacks or handbags are permitted on the boat. Oversized luggage, strollers, or non-foldable buggies aren’t allowed in the Eiffel Tower or on the boat.

Accessibility and Fitness: The tour requires a moderate fitness level because of walking and standing, especially at busy tourist sites.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Our sample review from a traveler named Barbara sums it up well: “It is a long day. Be prepared to walk, deal with crowds. However, the tour guides were lovely, Paris is an amazing city. The cruise on the river with lunch was a perfect way to see a lot of the architecture.” She emphasizes that the guides made the experience more enjoyable, and the cruise was a highlight.

Most reviews appreciate the smooth organization—from train tickets to entry passes—and the fact that the tour covers major sights efficiently. However, some mention the day being quite busy, which is worth considering if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal if you want a comprehensive snapshot of Paris in a single day, especially if it’s your first visit or you’re short on time. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy guided experiences, value convenience, and want to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and enjoy a scenic meal in one go.

It probably isn’t suited for those who prefer a slow pace, want to explore Paris beyond the main landmarks, or have mobility concerns. If you’re comfortable with long days of walking and navigating crowded sites, you’ll find this a rewarding way to get a taste of the City of Light.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this guided day trip from London to Paris offers a neat, efficient way to see the essentials without the headache of planning every detail. The combination of train travel, guided tours, and a scenic cruise makes it a convenient option for busy travelers eager to experience iconic sights.

While it’s a long day with some limitations—like restricted baggage and limited free time—the overall package provides good value for those wanting to pack as much as possible into a single day. It’s especially recommended if you’re looking for a stress-free, well-organized way to visit Paris, with plenty of opportunities for photos and memorable moments.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided experiences and doesn’t mind a packed schedule, this trip could be just the thing to make your Paris visit extra special.

FAQ

Is transportation to Gare du Nord included?
No, you are responsible for getting yourself to Gare du Nord in Paris before the return train. The tour covers the train tickets and major attractions, but not your initial journey to the station.

How long is the train ride?
The Eurostar train from London to Paris typically takes about 2 hours, making it a quick and comfortable way to travel between the two cities.

What’s included in the tour price?
Your ticket includes return Eurostar train tickets, guided tours until lunch, entry to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, the 2-hour lunch cruise on the Seine, and a guided visit to Notre Dame.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Yes, baggage is limited to small backpacks, handbags, or computer bags. Oversized luggage, strollers, or non-foldable buggies aren’t permitted on the Eiffel Tower or on the boat.

Can I explore Paris on my own after lunch?
Yes, after the guided tour concludes, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Just remember to head back to Gare du Nord at least 45 minutes before your return train.

How busy does the day get?
Expect crowds and a lot of walking, especially at the major sights. The tour is designed to maximize your time, but it’s a long, energetic day.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While it’s not specifically geared toward children, families comfortable with long days and walking should find it manageable. Be prepared for crowds and some restrictions on baggage.

This tour offers a practical, well-organized way to see a lot of Paris in a day. Just be ready for a full schedule, and you’ll come home with fantastic memories of the City of Light.