Paris: Christmas Lights Night Tour by Open-Top Bus

If you’re dreaming of seeing Paris sparkle during the holiday season, this Christmas Lights Night Tour by open-top bus offers a charming way to soak in the city’s festive glow. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, I’ve gathered enough details and traveler feedback to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What I really like about this experience is how it combines Paris’s iconic sights with seasonal decorations, turning a nighttime city tour into a lively holiday celebration. The views of the Eiffel Tower twinkling, the glittering Champs-Élysées, and the enchanting window displays at Galeries Lafayette are definitely highlights. Plus, the added touch of a chocolate gift makes it feel a bit more special.

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing—some reviews mention issues like traffic and the bus being cold on the upper deck. These are certainly worth considering if you’re planning to go during the colder months or expect a busy night.

This tour is well-suited for couples, solo travelers, or anyone wanting a festive overview of Paris’s most famous landmarks at night. If you love city lights and holiday cheer, it might just become a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Festive Atmosphere: The tour transforms Paris into a glowing holiday scene, perfect for capturing photos.
• Iconic Landmarks: See the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Champs-Élysées, and more from a comfortable vantage point.
• Seasonal Highlights: Enjoy the Christmas window displays at Galeries Lafayette and charming markets.
• Convenient Experience: The guided tour includes an audio guide in multiple languages, making it accessible.
• Potential Drawbacks: Traffic and cold upper decks can impact comfort, especially in winter.
• Ideal For: Visitors seeking a romantic or festive overview of Paris’s holiday lights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Paris Christmas Lights Night Tour

This open-top bus tour offers a way to see some of Paris’s most famous sights adorned in their holiday best, all illuminated beautifully after dark. It’s designed to give you a panoramic view of the city’s festive decorations, from the glittering Eiffel Tower to the charming Christmas markets lining the streets.

What makes this experience appealing is that it’s a guided panoramic tour—meaning, instead of hopping on and off, you get a smooth, non-stop journey through the heart of Paris’s holiday heartland. The open-top double-decker buses provide an excellent vantage point, so you’ll love the views, especially when the city is bathed in Christmas lights.

You’ll find the tour runs during the prime holiday period—from December 6th to January 3rd—making it a seasonal must-do if you’re in Paris during the holidays. The departure points are convenient, starting at the Louvre’s vicinity, with options around the Eiffel Tower, and it typically lasts around 2 hours, a manageable length for most travelers.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off at 11 Av. de l’Opéra, right in the city center, which is a great starting point. From there, you’ll cruise past several key landmarks, each beautifully lit and festive:

Champs-Élysées

As you glide along this famed avenue, you’ll see the Christmas trees, sparkling garlands, and ornaments that give this iconic boulevard a holiday glow. It’s one of the most recognizable sights, and seeing it from a moving bus adds to the charm.

Avenue Montaigne & Madeleine

Passing by these elegant streets, you’ll get a glimpse of Parisian luxury decorated for Christmas. The illuminated facades and festive displays give a real sense of the city’s style and warmth.

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Place Vendôme & Palais Garnier

Next, you’ll pass by the historic Place Vendôme, with its glittering jewelry stores, and the Palais Garnier, the stunning opera house, all lit up for the season.

Galeries Lafayette

A highlight for many, the tour takes you by this famed department store, known for its spectacular Christmas window displays. The bright, creative scenes here are a favorite among visitors.

Louvre Museum & Pont des Arts

The journey continues along the Seine, with views of the Louvre and the romantic Pont des Arts bridge, both glowing at night.

Eiffel Tower & Parc du Champs de Mars

No trip during Christmas is complete without a close-up view of the Eiffel Tower, especially when it’s sparkling at night. The tour passes by this Paris icon, giving you stellar photo opportunities.

Return to the Starting Point

The tour wraps up back at 11 Av. de l’Opéra, giving you ample time to continue exploring or head to a cozy café to reflect on the festive sights.

What to Expect During the Tour

Viewpoints: The open-top bus provides excellent panoramic views of the cityscape, so you can easily snap photos or just soak in the scenery. However, keep in mind that the upper deck can get quite cold, which some travelers mentioned in reviews. Bringing a warm jacket or blanket (if available) could make the experience more comfortable.

Guidance: The tour includes an audio guide in various languages—English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean, and Russian—which helps you understand what you’re seeing. It’s a practical touch, especially since the bus doesn’t hop off at each landmark.

Weather: Since it’s winter, you’ll want to be prepared for cold and possibly rainy conditions. Some reviews pointed out that blankets on the bus would be a nice addition, especially on the upper deck where the wind can cut through.

Traffic: Paris is busy, particularly during the holiday season. Several reviews mention that the bus can get stuck in traffic, which might make the ride less smooth and extend the duration. It’s worth noting if you’re on a tight schedule or prone to motion sickness.

Timing: The departure times are set at 5:45 PM and 8:15 PM, depending on the date. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended to secure a good seat, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gifts & Extras: As a sweet touch, guests receive a chocolate gift onboard, which adds a festive feeling to the experience.

The Pros and Cons Based on User Feedback

Many travelers appreciate the stunning views and the guides’ knowledge, which help bring the sights to life. Several reviews praise the experience as “good,” especially for those wanting a quick, scenic overview of Paris’s holiday sparkle.

However, some common criticisms include the cold upper deck and traffic delays. One traveler noted, “Lots of traffic upper deck was so cold we couldn’t even sit,” which is something to consider if you’re sensitive to cold temperatures. Others mentioned that the bus never arrived at the requested stop, which could be frustrating but seems to be a rare issue rather than the norm.

While the tour isn’t a hop-on, hop-off experience, the convenience of a guided route with commentary makes up for it, especially if you’re short on time or want a relaxed way to see the city lit up at night.

Price & Value

The ticket price reflects the guided, multi-language experience in a popular city at a peak season. Given the inclusion of an audio guide, the festive decorations, and a small chocolate gift, it offers reasonable value for a memorable night out. If you’re looking to see Paris’s major sights illuminated without the hassle of navigating busy streets yourself, it’s a convenient option.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for romantic couples wanting a cozy, scenic night out, or solo travelers interested in a guided overview of Paris’s festive sights. It can also be a good choice for those with limited time, as it condenses a lot of sights into a manageable 2-hour window.

If you’re prone to getting cold or have mobility issues, you might want to prepare accordingly or consider how the open-top design might impact your comfort. Also, if you’re visiting during busy days, be prepared for some traffic and maybe some delays.

Overall, it’s a charming way to enjoy Paris’s holiday lights, especially if you appreciate guided commentary and a panoramic view.

Final Thoughts

The Paris Christmas Lights Night Tour offers a festive, scenic way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks transformed for the holidays. While it has some drawbacks like traffic and chilly upper decks, the breathtaking views and holiday spirit make it worthwhile for many travelers. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed, guided experience with plenty of photo opportunities.

If you’re looking for a unique way to capture Paris’s holiday magic without the hassle of figuring out public transport or walking through cold streets, this is a solid option. Just remember to bundle up, arrive early, and enjoy the sparkling sights and seasonal cheer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable, but keep in mind the open-top bus can be cold, and it’s a non-stop panoramic experience. It’s best for children who can sit comfortably for 2 hours and tolerate cooler weather.

Can I hop off the bus at different stops?
No, this is a panoramic non-stop tour, so you stay on until the end.

What languages are the audio guides available in?
Guides are available in Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

How do I activate my ticket?
You can activate your ticket via the Big Bus app using your reference number or visit the Big Bus Information Centre with your voucher.

Where is the departure point?
The tour departs from 11 Avenue de l’Opéra, near the Louvre, with other stops like the Eiffel Tower available.

What should I bring for the weather?
Warm clothing, especially if you plan to sit on the upper deck, and perhaps a scarf or hat. Some reviews suggest blankets would be helpful.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with specific departure times depending on the date.

Is there a difference between the 5:45 PM and 8:15 PM departures?
The main difference is the time of departure; both offer similar routes, but the later one might be darker and more atmospheric for photos.

Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided info doesn’t specify accessibility details, so it’s best to check with the provider if needed.

If you’re after a cozy, scenic, and festive way to see Paris at night, this Christmas Lights Tour can definitely add some holiday sparkle to your trip. Just prepare for the cold, expect some traffic delays, and you’re set for a memorable evening.

You can check availability for your dates here: