Paris: City Highlights Segway Tour

When it comes to exploring Paris, there’s a lot to love about this City Highlights Segway Tour offered by XL Tour Paris. It promises a quick yet thorough glimpse of some of the most famous sights, all from the unique vantage point of a Segway. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, this tour aims to combine fun, convenience, and insight into Paris’s most recognizable landmarks.

What really grabs us about this experience is how it balances ease of travel with expert commentary. Plus, the chance to snap photos at prime spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre makes this feel like a well-rounded way to see the city. On the flip side, the two-hour duration and the group size mean it’s a brisk overview—you won’t get deep historical stories or a leisurely pace here. But if you’re after a lively, manageable introduction to Paris’s highlights, this tour could be just what you need.

This tour works best for those who are comfortable on their feet, want to cover a lot without tiring out, and enjoy guided stories about the city. It’s not ideal for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues, but if you’re looking for a fun, quick glimpse of Paris with knowledgeable guides, keep reading.

Key Points

• Efficient sightseeing: Cover major landmarks in just 2 hours on a Segway, making it ideal for travelers with limited time.
• Expert guides: Learn interesting facts and get entertaining stories about Paris’s sights from knowledgeable guides.
• Photo opportunities: Plenty of stops for pictures, with guide assistance, at iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
• Well-organized experience: Includes a safety briefing and test drive, so even beginners can feel comfortable.
• Group size: Small groups (limited to 10) mean more personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Value for money: At $94, this tour offers a lively and informative way to see Paris without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Looks Like in Detail

Starting Point and Safety Briefing

Your adventure kicks off at 10 Rue de la Paix, where you’ll meet your guide and get a quick safety rundown. The briefing lasts around 15 minutes and includes a test drive, so even if you’re new to Segways, you’ll get comfortable before heading out. The briefing area is inside a parking lot—don’t worry if you don’t see bikes or guides immediately, someone will come up to you. Punctuality is important here; arriving more than 10 minutes late means you could lose your spot as the team can’t wait around.

First Stops: Vendome and Tuileries Gardens

Once geared up and briefed, you’ll cruise towards Vendome Place and the Vendome Column, passing through one of Paris’s elegant squares. The route then takes you into the Tuileries Garden, a beautiful space filled with sculptures, ponds, and tree-lined paths. It’s a great spot to get a feel for the city’s royal history, and the guide will share tidbits about the area. Expect around 10 minutes here, which is enough to absorb the scenery and snap some photos.

The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay

Next, you’ll glide past the world-famous Louvre Museum—home to countless masterpieces—and pause just outside for a quick overview of its impressive architecture and history. The guide will share insights about the museum’s role since 1793. Then, it’s a short ride to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, known for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and impressive art collection. Both museums are iconic, and the outside views alone are worth the stop.

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Grand Palais and Pont Alexandre III

The route continues along the pedestrian-friendly banks of the River Seine, offering a great perspective on Paris’s beautiful bridges and architecture. You’ll pass the Grand Palais, with its glass-domed roof, and cross Pont Alexandre III, often called the most ornate bridge in Paris. These are perfect spots for photos and stories about the city’s design and engineering prowess.

Eiffel Tower and Surroundings

Then, it’s time for one of the most anticipated stops: the Eiffel Tower. You’ll pause to take pictures and hear some fun facts about how it became a symbol of Paris and France. The guide will help you snap lively shots with the tower in the background—ideal for your travel album. This stop lasts about 10 minutes, giving you enough time to appreciate the view and capture memories.

Later Stops: Trocadero Gardens, Chaillot Palace, and more

As the tour winds down, you’ll ride past Trocadero Gardens and Chaillot Palace, both offering splendid views of the Eiffel Tower and the city skyline. Then, on to Place de la Concorde, the historic square featuring the obelisk and fountains, and Place Vendôme, known for luxury shops and elegant architecture. These areas highlight the city’s blend of history, sophistication, and lively street life.

Final Stretch Back to the Meeting Point

On the return journey, you’ll pass by Les Invalides—home to Napoleon’s tomb—and the Palais de Tokyo, a contemporary art space. The tour wraps up back at 10 Rue de la Paix, having covered a substantial chunk of the city’s highlights in a manageable timeframe.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Value of Guided Insight and Photos

One of our favorite aspects, echoed in many reviews, is the guidance. Guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive—helping beginners get comfortable and making sure everyone gets good stories about the sights. The photos taken by the guide add a nice touch, so you leave with memories without having to fuss with your camera.

The Fun of Using a Segway

Many travelers mention how natural it feels to ride a Segway, even for first-timers. The briefing and practice session set everyone at ease, and the smooth, electric ride lets you cover more ground than walking. Plus, the ability to see a lot in just 2 hours makes it a perfect quick overview, especially if your time in Paris is limited.

Authentic Praise from Past Guests

Reviews highlight the entertaining anecdotes and the stunning views. For example, one traveler mentioned how the tour was “a very pleasant and complete experience” with a friendly guide controlling the itinerary well. Others appreciated the safety measures and the small group setting, which kept the experience personalized and fun.

Drawbacks and Considerations

While the tour is well-loved, some aspects are worth noting. The two-hour duration means it’s a quick cruise through the city’s highlights—so if you’re craving a deep dive into history or art, you’ll need additional visits afterward. The group size cap of 10 keeps things intimate, but it also means booking early is recommended, especially during busy seasons.

This tour isn’t suited for children under 12, pregnant women, or people with mobility issues, as the activity involves riding a Segway and navigating sidewalks and bike lanes. Also, it’s not suitable for those over 243 lbs (110 kg).

Weather can impact the experience—raincoats are provided, but riding in heavy rain might be less enjoyable. Travel during rain or lightening can still be fun, but be prepared for potentially slippery surfaces.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $94 per person, the tour offers a good balance between affordability and quality. You get a guided experience covering major landmarks, with plenty of photo opportunities, and the comfort of a small group. Compared to private tours or longer sightseeing options, it’s a practical, lively choice that gives you a taste of Paris without overwhelming your schedule.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick, engaging overview of Paris. It’s also great for travelers who prefer a more active way of sightseeing but don’t want to walk for miles. The tour appeals to those who enjoy learning fun facts from guides, capturing photos at iconic spots, and trying a new mode of transportation in a city known for its charm.

However, if you’re looking for an in-depth art or history tour, or have mobility restrictions, this might not be your best fit. It’s also not suited for little kids or pregnant women, so plan accordingly.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the safety briefing and test drive make it accessible even if you’ve never used a Segway before. Guides are helpful and ensure everyone feels comfortable before heading out.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 2 hours, covering key sights with enough time for photos and stories. It’s a quick, energetic way to get a broad feel for Paris.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended. Helmets, gloves, and raincoats are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. Your guide will assist with snapping photos at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or pregnant women due to the activity’s physical requirements.

What happens if it rains?
Raincoats are provided, and the tour can go ahead in light rain. Severe weather like lightning might cause cancellations or delays, so check the forecast ahead.

In the end, this Paris: City Highlights Segway Tour offers a fun, efficient way to see many of the city’s most famous sights with knowledgeable guides and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a lively, accessible introduction to Paris’s core attractions, perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of adventure. If you’re comfortable on a Segway and eager to explore the city in an engaging way, this tour can become a memorable part of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: