Paris: Arc de Triomphe Ticket & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want a way to see many of the city’s most famous sights without the hassle of navigating public transport or booking multiple tickets, this Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour could be a solid option. It combines the convenience of a double-decker bus with the opportunity to explore at your own pace—plus, it includes timed entry to the Arc de Triomphe and an optional Seine River cruise.

What immediately appeals to us about this experience is how it makes the sprawling city manageable and enjoyable, especially if you’re short on time or just want to soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed. We love that the tour offers engaging audio commentary in multiple languages and the flexibility to hop on and off at key landmarks. The added river cruise can give you a fresh perspective of Paris from the water, making your day even more memorable.

That said, a potential consideration is the price point—at $72 per person, it’s not the cheapest way to see Paris, but it does bundle several major attractions into one ticket, which can be a good deal if you like the convenience. Keep in mind, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included, so you’ll need to plan your starting point.

This tour suits travelers who want a versatile, guided overview of Paris with the freedom to explore some spots more deeply. It’s especially good if you’re interested in visiting multiple sites in one day without the stress of planning logistics.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: Hop-on, hop-off buses let you explore at your own pace.
• Includes Arc de Triomphe: Ticket with timed entry helps avoid long queues.
• Scenic Seine cruise: Optional 1-hour boat ride gives a different view of Paris.
• Good value for those wanting convenience: Combines several experiences into one ticket.
• Knowledgeable audio guides: Available in multiple languages, making it accessible.
• No hotel pickup: You’ll need to plan your start point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at What to Expect

When you book this tour, you’re getting a rundown of Paris that balances ease and depth. The bus itself is an open-top double-decker, perfect for photos and city viewing. Buses run approximately every 10-20 minutes, so you won’t wait long to hop on or off. The total full-tour duration is around 2 hours 15 minutes, which makes it a manageable chunk of your day, especially if you plan to combine it with other activities.

The Route and Stops

Starting from any of the designated stops—like the Louvre, Notre Dame, or Eiffel Tower—you can jump on and off as you please. The main sights include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Montmartre, the Champs Elysees, and the Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe is a highlighted stop, and with your included timed entry ticket, you’ll get a chance to visit this symbolic monument without waiting in line.

The Arc de Triomphe visit involves a climb with quite a few stairs, but many reviewers find that the view from the top is worth the effort. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout if you have mobility issues—though, yes, the monument is accessible as buses have ramps.

The Audio Commentary

The commentary is designed to bring the sights to life, providing cultural, historical, and fun facts as you glide by each landmark. Several reviews mention how engaging and educational the narration is, making it a great way to learn about Paris without opening a guidebook. Multiple language options ensure most visitors can enjoy the stories.

The Seine River Cruise

For those who opt for the upgrade, the 1-hour cruise operates from near the Eiffel Tower area. You’ll glide past Paris’s riverside landmarks like the Conciergerie, Pont Alexandre III, and Notre Dame. The cruise offers a relaxed, scenic break from bus touring and a chance to see the city from a different angle. Reviewers say it’s comfortable, and the commentary onboard adds context to what you’re seeing.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience from the Top Deck

Many travelers love sitting on the upper deck, especially on a nice day. The open-air perspective offers fantastic photo opportunities of Paris’s rooftops, iconic bridges, and the bustling streets below. Just be aware that in warmer weather, the top deck can get quite hot, and in cooler seasons, you’ll want a jacket.

The Practical Side: Pricing, Duration, and Logistics

At $72 per person, the ticket offers access to multiple key attractions in a single purchase—definitely a perk if you prefer to keep things simple. The ticket is valid for either 24 or 48 hours, giving you flexibility to spread out your sightseeing or revisit favorites.

You’ll need to start your tour from one of the designated stops; the most common pick-up points include the Louvre, Notre Dame, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower. Remember, the Arc de Triomphe stop is at Stop 8 (Champs-Elysees), and the monument is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, with free admission for visitors under 18 and EU residents aged 18-25.

Comfort and Accessibility

One feature we appreciate is that all buses are wheelchair accessible, and a ramp is provided. The souvenir headphones are a thoughtful touch, ensuring you can hear the commentary clearly despite the bus noise. However, some reviews mention that lower decks lack air conditioning, which can make things uncomfortable in warmer weather if the bus is full.

What Real Travelers Say

From the reviews, it’s clear that many find this tour offers great value and lots of helpful information. Laura from Australia says, “The hop on hop off gives a great overall view of the city” and appreciates the amazing view from the Arc de Triomphe. Madonna calls it a “must-do” for seeing all the sites with informative narration.

A few notes of caution include the stairs at the Arc de Triomphe, which some travelers find long, but most agree are worth the effort for the view. Vanessa from the US highlights an issue with lack of air conditioning downstairs during busy days, so if you’re sensitive to heat, plan accordingly.

Also, many reviews mention good communication about schedules and friendly guides. The ability to hop on and off at multiple stops is often praised as a way to customize your experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who prefers guided flexibility, this tour offers a solid balance of independence and insight. It’s perfect for those who want a rundown of Paris without the hassle of planning multiple tickets or navigating public transport.

Travelers with limited time will appreciate how this tour bundles several key sights into one convenient package. If you’re interested in getting a great view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe and want a relaxed way to see the city from both land and water, this is a good pick.

However, if you’re on a super tight budget or prefer walking or more personalized tours, you might find this a bit pricy. Also, if you’re sensitive to heat or stairs or have mobility issues, consider how the stairs at the Arc de Triomphe and the bus environment fit your needs.

Final Thoughts

This Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Arc de Triomphe access offers a practical, enjoyable way to get acquainted with Paris. It works especially well for first-time visitors who want to tick off the major sights without stress. The scenic Seine cruise option adds a nice touch for a bit of variety, giving you a lilting view of the city from the water.

The audio guides are well-reviewed, making the bus ride both educational and entertaining. While the price isn’t pocket change, the convenience and access to famous landmarks make it a fair value for many travelers looking for an easy, flexible city overview.

If you’re someone who enjoys a combo of sightseeing, flexibility, and guided commentary, this tour is likely to suit your style. Just remember to plan your start point, be prepared for stairs at the Arc de Triomphe, and consider the weather to make the most of your day.

FAQ

Is there hotel pickup included?
No, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to start your tour from one of the designated stops around Paris.

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket grants access to a hop-on hop-off bus for 24 or 48 hours, a timed entry to the Arc de Triomphe, and, if you choose the upgrade, a 1-hour Seine River cruise.

How often do the buses run?
Buses arrive approximately every 10-20 minutes, making it easy to hop on or off throughout the day.

Can I customize my route?
Yes, you can hop on and off at several stops, including major landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, to explore at your own pace.

Are there options for audio guides?
Absolutely. The commentary is available in multiple languages, including French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with ramps.

If you’re after a stress-free way to see Paris’s highlights and enjoy some local history and views from the top of the Arc de Triomphe and the Seine, this tour delivers. It balances practicality with comfort, making it a dependable choice for a first or even second visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: