From London: Lunch at Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre Dame

Exploring Paris in a Day: A Practical Review of the London to Paris Tour with Eiffel, Louvre, and Notre Dame

Traveling from London to Paris in a day sounds ambitious—and it can be. This particular tour offers a way to tick off some of the city’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. If you’re craving a manageable taste of Paris, this experience might just do the trick.

What we love about this tour is how it combines easy transportation via Eurostar with a well-rounded itinerary, including a reserved lunch at the Eiffel Tower and guided visits to the Louvre and Notre Dame. You get a taste of Parisian elegance and history, all packed into a 16-hour window.

However, it’s worth noting that the experience has some drawbacks—mainly the fast pace and the cost, which is quite steep for what it is. The trip offers plenty of highlights, but if you’re after a leisurely day or personalized experiences, this might not be the best fit.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a guided overview of Paris’s core sights and don’t mind a full, busy schedule. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want to see some of the city’s key landmarks with the convenience of organized transport and skip-the-line access.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation with reserved Eurostar seats makes travel between London and Paris smooth.
• Includes popular sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame, offering a solid overview of the city’s highlights.
• Time-efficient but fast-paced, so you’ll need to keep up with the schedule.
• Cost reflects the convenience, with a price of $536 per person, which covers entry fees, meals, and guided tours.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, making sightseeing more engaging.
• Some travelers found the start in London a bit rushed but enjoyed the Paris experience itself.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour kicks off early in London at St. Pancras International, where a Golden Tours representative greets you and provides your welcome pack. The journey on Eurostar is comfortable, with reserved seats and free Wi-Fi, making the roughly 2-hour trip pass more pleasantly. While the train’s first-come, first-served seating can sometimes be a minor hiccup—some reviews note that seats aren’t always together—you’re still traveling efficiently across the Channel.

Upon arrival at Gare du Nord, you meet your guide, who then whisks you into a panoramic tour of Paris. This means you’ll spend the day sitting comfortably on a coach, taking in sights like the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Trocadero. These stops are mostly from outside or with quick photo opportunities, which is fine if you’re after a broad impression rather than in-depth exploration.

The highlight of the morning is the Eiffel Tower. You’ll ascend to the 1st floor, where stunning views of the city unfold—perfect for photos or just soaking in the scenery. The tour includes a three-course lunch at the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant, which is a memorable experience. The meal offers a chance to enjoy some classic French cuisine without leaving the iconic monument, and many find this meal a highlight. Still, it’s worth noting that such meals can feel rushed if your schedule is tight.

In the afternoon, you’ll skip the lines at the Louvre Museum—a major plus—then explore some of its most famous art, including the Mona Lisa, with guided commentary. The Louvre’s vastness can be overwhelming, but with a guide, you get a curated view of some key works.

The final stop is the Notre Dame Cathedral, where your guide provides a detailed overview of its history and architecture. If you’re into architecture or history, you’ll appreciate the guided insight. While the interior may be crowded, the guide’s narration can help bring the place to life.

What We Think About the Experience

We found that the guides are generally knowledgeable and engaging, making the busy schedule more manageable. The views from the Eiffel Tower are often praised; you’ll love the chance to see Paris from above while enjoying a delicious meal. The skip-the-line entry to the Louvre is another big advantage, saving hours of waiting and maximizing your sightseeing time.

That said, some travelers report that the start in London is a bit rushed—the early departure at 6 or 6:18 AM on Saturday can be tough, especially if you’re not a morning person. The total cost of $536 is on the higher side, considering it includes only basic meals and entry fees. But if you’re after the convenience of organized transportation, guided commentary, and skipping the lines, many find it worth the price.

Reviews reveal a split in experiences: some say the tour is “ok,” with a “poor start in London” but great guides in Paris, while others appreciate the smooth organization and the opportunity to see Paris in a day. Keep in mind that the tour involves a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable shoes and clothes are essential.

Practical Details: What to Know Before Booking

Your day begins early, with check-in at least 10 minutes before the 6 AM (or 5:30 AM on Saturdays) meeting time at St. Pancras. The train departs around 7 AM on weekdays and earlier on Saturdays. Returning is scheduled for around 8:13 PM, so you’re looking at a long, full day.

You’ll need your passport, and if you require a visa, make sure to have it ready. The tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so if your accommodation is far from central London, plan accordingly.

Given the pace, this trip isn’t ideal if you prefer a relaxed sightseeing experience. It’s more suited to those who want a rundown rather than a leisurely day. Also, be prepared for a lot of walking and the need to keep track of your group in busy areas.

The group size isn’t specified, but given the nature of these tours, it’s probably a sizable group, which can mean less flexibility during stops.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who loves organized travel and appreciates the value of skip-the-line access for major attractions, then this tour offers a good deal. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors who want to hit the highlights and don’t want to spend days planning logistics.

However, if you prefer more personal or in-depth exploration, or if you’re traveling with small children or elderly relatives who need a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit hurried. The cost is also something to consider—while it covers transportation, entries, and lunch, some might find it expensive for a day’s snapshot of Paris.

The guides’ local knowledge is often praised, and the views from the Eiffel Tower, combined with the art at the Louvre, make for memorable moments. Just keep in mind the packed schedule and early mornings.

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FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children under 3 are free, the tour involves a lot of walking and a busy schedule. It’s best suited for older kids who can handle the pace and long day.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, it does not. You’ll meet at St. Pancras International Station, so plan your transport there.

Are the seats on the Eurostar reserved?
Yes, seats are reserved, and Wi-Fi is available on the train. However, seats are first-come, first-served, so there’s a chance you might not sit together.

What’s included in the price?
You get reserved Eurostar seats, guided transport in Paris, skip-the-line Louvre entry, Eiffel Tower access, a guided Notre Dame tour, a three-course meal at the Eiffel Tower, and free Wi-Fi.

Can I customize the schedule or extend my time at attractions?
Since the tour is tightly scheduled and includes guided components, personalization isn’t feasible. It’s designed for a quick, rundown.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, and any visa documents if needed.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a hands-off, efficient way to experience some of Paris’s most famous sights in one day, without the hassle of planning logistics. Its major strength lies in the organized transportation, skip-the-line entries, and guided insights that bring the attractions alive.

While it’s a fast-paced trip, if you’re looking for a practical, straightforward way to get a taste of Paris’s highlights—especially if you’re on a tight schedule—this could be a suitable choice. The views from the Eiffel Tower and the art at the Louvre are genuinely memorable, and guides add value with their knowledge.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, in-depth experience or traveling with young children or older relatives, you might want to consider a more flexible or leisurely tour. The hefty price tag is something to weigh carefully against the quick snapshot you get of Paris.

In essence, this experience is best for those who want a structured, no-fuss day that covers the essentials of Paris—an ideal introduction or a quick revisit for seasoned travelers with limited time. If those points match your travel style, it’s worth considering.

Happy planning, and remember—sometimes a well-organized day trip is just what you need to scratch that Paris itch!

You can check availability for your dates here: