Paris: Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Paris during the festive season, this Tootbus open-top Christmas bus tour might just be the way to do it. It promises a cozy yet scenic way to see the city’s iconic sights illuminated with holiday sparkle—all from the comfort of a double-decker bus. While it’s not a perfect, everything-included experience, many travelers find it a charming and relatively affordable way to soak up the magic of Paris at night.

What really stands out are the stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Champs Elysées at night, and the chance to listen to Christmas tunes while cruising through the city. Plus, the Wi-Fi onboard is a handy touch, so you can share your photos instantly or browse during the ride. That said, some reviews mention issues with traffic and audio quality, so keep your expectations balanced. This tour best suits those looking for a quick, festive introduction to Paris’s iconic landmarks, especially if you enjoy sightseeing from the open air with a good dose of holiday spirit.

Key Points

• Beautiful night views of Paris at Christmas make for a festive and memorable experience.
• Includes an audio guide in 9 languages and Christmas music, adding to the holiday vibe.
• Traffic issues can impact the route and viewing experience, so patience is key.
• Cost of $37 per person offers decent value for a 1.5-hour sightseeing ride.
• Warm clothing is essential, as the open-top bus can get quite chilly.
• Self-guided Tootwalks are available to explore more of Paris on foot after the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Paris Christmas Bus Tour

This 1.5-hour open-top bus ride is designed to show off Paris’s most famous sights decorated and lit up for Christmas. The tour operates at night, so you’ll see the city’s landmarks illuminated against the dark sky, an experience many find especially enchanting during the holidays. The bus is electric, promising a greener way to explore the city’s festive glow.

Starting from Stop 1 at 11, rue Auber, the journey takes you through some of Paris’s most recognizable sites. Expect to pass by the Opera, Place Vendôme, Concorde, Champs Elysées, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and the grand department stores—all decked out with Christmas lights. The route is planned to showcase the city’s beauty at night, though some reviews note that traffic can cause delays and impact what you see.

The Route and Highlights

The itinerary includes several key stops, each offering a different vignette of Paris in its holiday best:

• Opera: A grand, historic venue that looks spectacular all lit up at night.
• Place de la Concorde: Known for its giant Ferris wheel and beautifully decorated square.
• Champs Elysées: The world-famous avenue is often the highlight for its festive lights and bustling shops.
• Arc de Triomphe: An iconic Parisian symbol with the Christmas lights making it even more striking.
• Eiffel Tower: The star of the show—seeing it sparkle at night from the bus is a highlight many reviews rave about.

The guided commentary, available in 9 languages, offers facts about the city’s landmarks along with some traditional Christmas songs. While some guests mention that the audio quality is sometimes inconsistent or crackly, most still enjoy the festive playlist and the general atmosphere.

The Experience on the Bus

Travelers generally find the open-top design very enjoyable—especially if you’re bundled up. We loved the way the city lights shimmered in the cool air, and many reviewers appreciated the opportunity to take photos from the upper deck. A common tip is to arrive early so you can sit on the top front rows for the best views.

The tour’s Wi-Fi is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to share moments instantly. However, some people mentioned that during heavy traffic, the commentary can be hard to hear clearly, which can take away from the immersive experience.

The Realities of the Route and Traffic

Traffic is a mixed bag. Several reviews mention terrible congestion, especially around key landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysées. This can lead to delays, and sometimes, you might miss out on certain sights or have limited time to take photos. A few travelers noted that the bus had to turn around or skip passing certain areas, like Notre Dame, due to traffic issues.

For example, one review states, “The audio was too crackly to hear what was being said. The traffic was terrible we missed out on the Arc de Triomphe.” Others appreciated that the delays actually meant more time to enjoy the sights from the bus, but it’s worth managing expectations about a smooth, uninterrupted ride.

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The Pros of the Route

• You get a rundown of major landmarks covered in the route.
• The nighttime illumination makes Paris a fairy-tale setting.
• The guided commentary adds context, albeit sometimes hampered by audio quality.

The Cons

• Heavy traffic can reduce sightseeing time and sometimes block views.
• Some reviews mention poor audio quality or that the commentary was hard to hear.
• No stops are included, and the ride is entirely focused on sightseeing from the bus.

Comfort, Warmth, and Practicalities

Since this is an open-top bus in winter, dressing warmly is non-negotiable. Many reviews highlight the importance of thermal layers, hats, gloves, and even blankets to stay comfortable. Some travelers brought their own treats and enjoyed listening to Christmas music through shared earbuds or the bus’s sound system.

A few reviews mention that there are no blankets or cushions provided, and the bus doesn’t have heating, which can make the experience quite cold, especially for those sensitive to winter weather. The bus remains open at the top, albeit with some windows that can be closed, but the warmth isn’t guaranteed.

Accessibility and Children

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a feasible option for some travelers with mobility concerns. Children up to 3 years old travel for free if sitting on a parent’s lap, but kids aged 4-12 need to pay the child rate. Several reviews mention traveling with toddlers, and many found it a suitable, brief activity for young children, especially if they enjoy seeing lights and landmarks from a bus.

The Value of the Experience

At $37 per person, this tour is quite reasonably priced considering it covers many of Paris’s main sights lit up for Christmas in just 1.5 hours. The inclusion of audio guides in 9 languages, Wi-Fi, and the opportunity for a self-guided walk afterward adds to its appeal. Several reviews describe it as “good value,” especially given the stunning views and festive atmosphere.

However, if you’re expecting a comprehensive or quiet sightseeing experience, or if you’re traveling during peak traffic hours, you might find it a bit frustrating. Many guests appreciate it as a quick, scenic overview, not an in-depth tour.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This Tootbus Christmas tour is best suited for those wanting a romantic, visual introduction to Paris during the holidays. It’s ideal for visitors short on time who want to see the major sights illuminated at night without the hassle of navigating crowded streets themselves. If you enjoy open-air sightseeing, festive holiday vibes, and don’t mind cold weather, you’ll probably love this experience.

It’s also a good choice for families or groups that appreciate a relaxed, guided tour with the chance to take plenty of photos. However, if you’re after a comfort-focused, noise-free, or traffic-free experience, or prefer a more detailed narrative with stops, this might not be the perfect fit.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children up to 3 years old can join for free if sitting on a lap, but for kids aged 4-12, there’s a child rate. The tour can be fun for families with young kids who enjoy sights and lights, but keep in mind it’s a 1.5-hour ride in winter weather.

How long does the tour last?
The ride lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you a good snapshot of Paris’s most illuminated landmarks at night.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly is essential—think layers, hats, gloves, and possibly a scarf. Some travelers bring blankets for extra comfort.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for those with mobility needs to enjoy the sights.

Can I hear the commentary clearly?
Some reviews mention that the audio quality can sometimes be crackly or hard to hear, especially during traffic jams, so earphones or sharing earbuds might help.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes the open-top bus tour, an audio guide in 9 languages, individual earphones, Wi-Fi, and access to self-guided walking tours via the app.

The Sum Up

For anyone looking to add a touch of Christmas magic to their Paris visit without spending a fortune or dealing with too much hassle, this Tootbus open-top tour offers a charming, if sometimes imperfect, experience. It’s especially good for those wanting to see the major sights all lit up and to feel the holiday cheer from the open air. Just be prepared for potential traffic delays and cold weather—dressing warmly is the best tip we can give.

If you’re after a quick, scenic overview of Paris’s holiday lights with the convenience of guided commentary and a festive soundtrack, this tour hits the right notes. It’s a simple but memorable way to enjoy the city’s Christmas ambiance, perfect for travelers who enjoy sightseeing with a side of holiday spirit.

Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or returning during the Christmas season, this tour can add a special glow to your trip. Just remember to bundle up, arrive early, and prepare for some traffic delays. It’s a holiday adventure worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: