Planning A Bus Tour In Paris: A Quick Guide

how to set bus tour in paris

Paris is a city of lights and love, with iconic landmarks and attractions around every corner. One of the best ways to see the sights of Paris is by taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. These tours allow you to explore the city at your own pace, hopping off at any of the designated stops to visit must-see destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Orsay Museum. With pre-recorded commentary available in multiple languages, you can learn about the landmarks and history of the city as you go. There are also night tours available, so you can admire the city's main monuments lit up after dark.

Characteristics Values
Tour Operators Big Bus Paris, Tootbus, Foxity Sightseeing Tour
Tour Type Hop-on Hop-off, Night Tour, Walking Tour
Tour Duration 1, 2, 3, or 4 days
Tour Start Time 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Tour End Time 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Frequency 7-20 minutes
Audio Guide Yes
Languages English, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean, French, and more
Tickets Adult tickets from €40.50

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Choosing a bus tour operator

When choosing a bus tour operator for your trip to Paris, there are several factors to consider to ensure you have a pleasant and memorable experience. Here are some essential guidelines to help you select a reputable and reliable bus tour operator:

Research Multiple Operators:

Begin by searching for well-known bus tour operators in Paris, such as Big Bus Tours, Tootbus, and TripAdvisor. These companies often have a strong presence in the city and offer a variety of tour packages.

Reviews and Ratings:

Utilize online resources like TripAdvisor to read reviews and compare ratings from previous customers. Look for operators with consistently high ratings and recent positive reviews. Pay attention to comments about the quality of the tour guides, comfort, punctuality, and overall experience.

Tour Routes and Flexibility:

Examine the tour routes offered by different operators. Look for those that cover the main attractions and landmarks you wish to see, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Champs-Élysées. Some operators provide multiple routes, allowing you to explore different parts of the city.

Hop-on Hop-off Options:

Consider operators that offer hop-on hop-off tours. This flexibility lets you explore attractions at your own pace. Check the frequency of buses and the validity period of the ticket (e.g., 24 or 48 hours) to ensure it aligns with your desired level of flexibility.

Additional Features and Inclusions:

Some operators provide added conveniences, such as pre-recorded commentary in multiple languages, complimentary headphones, walking tours, river cruises, fast-track entry to attractions, or even gourmet meals during the tour. Evaluate which of these inclusions are important to you and look for operators that offer them.

Pricing and Discounts:

Compare pricing across different operators, considering the features and duration of the tour. Many operators offer discounts for online bookings, multi-day passes, or early bird specials. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, look for operators with passes that include additional savings.

Timings and Convenience:

Assess the tour timings offered by the operator. Consider your own schedule and preferences for starting and ending the tour. Some operators provide night tours or extended hours during the summer, allowing you to experience Paris's illuminations.

Customer Service and Support:

Evaluate the responsiveness and professionalism of the operator's customer service. Before booking, test their communication channels by asking questions about the tour to gauge their willingness to assist and provide accurate information.

Group Size and Comfort:

If you prefer a more intimate experience, inquire about the group sizes or consider booking a private tour. Additionally, if you have mobility concerns or wish to travel with a group of people, ensure that the operator can accommodate your needs and provide a comfortable experience.

By carefully considering these factors and reading reviews, you can make an informed decision when choosing a bus tour operator for your Paris itinerary.

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Buying tickets

When it comes to buying tickets for a bus tour in Paris, there are a few different options to consider. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Choose your desired bus tour

Firstly, you need to decide which bus tour you would like to take. There are several companies offering hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Paris, such as Big Bus Tours, Paris Bus Tours, and Tootbus. These tours typically include popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame. Some companies also offer different routes, such as the Classic Route, Montmartre Route, and Seine River Route, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests.

Step 2: Compare ticket prices and options

Once you have chosen your preferred bus tour company, take some time to compare the different ticket prices and options they offer. For example, Big Bus Tours offer a variety of tickets, including 1-day, 2-day, and night tour options, as well as combination tickets that include a river cruise or entry to other attractions. The price of these tickets can vary, ranging from €35.10 for a 1-day adult ticket to €62.10 for a deluxe 2-day ticket. Some companies may also offer discounts when purchasing online or for certain groups, such as children or students, so be sure to look out for these.

Step 3: Purchase your tickets

After you have decided on the type of ticket you would like, it's time to purchase them! Tickets for bus tours in Paris can usually be purchased in several ways, including:

  • Online through the tour company's website
  • In person at most Paris hotels or tourist information centres
  • On the bus itself at any hop-on, hop-off point
  • Through third-party websites or apps, such as The Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass

Step 4: Redeem your tickets

Finally, once you have your tickets in hand, either printed or on your mobile device, you can redeem them and begin your bus tour! Simply present your ticket to the bus conductor as you board the bus, and they will validate it for you. With your ticket validated, you are now free to enjoy your bus tour of Paris!

By following these four simple steps, you can easily purchase tickets for a bus tour in Paris and begin exploring the city's many attractions.

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Planning your route

Mapping out the Sights

Start by deciding on the specific landmarks and attractions you want your bus tour to cover. Paris is renowned for its rich cultural and historical offerings, so you'll have a plethora of options to choose from. Consider iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. These destinations are sure to be crowd-pleasers and offer excellent photo opportunities.

Designing the Route

When designing the route, aim for a logical flow that connects the chosen landmarks. Consider the proximity of the attractions and the most efficient path to take. For instance, you might group destinations that are in close vicinity, such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay (both being museums with rich art collections), and the Seine River, which offers picturesque river cruises. Efficient routing will ensure that your tour is time-effective and covers as many attractions as possible.

Frequency and Timing

Determine how frequently your buses will operate and the duration of each tour. On average, bus tours in Paris operate with a frequency of 7-15 minutes, and a full tour can take around 2 hours to complete. Consider the time needed at each stop and the potential waiting time at popular destinations. You should also factor in any seasonal variations in operating hours. For example, tours during the summer months may run on extended hours due to longer daylight periods.

Flexibility and Variations

It is a good idea to offer flexibility in your bus tour routes. Consider a hop-on, hop-off format that allows passengers to explore at their own pace. They can disembark at any stop and rejoin the tour on a subsequent bus. This freedom to explore is particularly appealing to those who want to delve deeper into specific attractions. Additionally, you can provide multiple route variations, such as the Classic Route, Montmartre Route, and Seine River Route, giving passengers the option to choose the areas they are most interested in.

Commentary and Language Options

Enhance the experience by providing informative and entertaining commentary during the tour. This can include historical facts, architectural insights, or fun trivia about the city. Offer pre-recorded commentary in multiple languages to cater to a diverse range of international tourists. Languages such as English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese are commonly offered. Ensure that your passengers have access to headphones or earphones to listen to the commentary clearly.

By carefully planning your route, considering efficient connections, offering flexibility, and providing informative commentary, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and enjoyable bus tour experience in the captivating city of Paris.

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Making the most of your trip

When visiting Paris, a bus tour is a great way to see the city's top attractions and landmarks. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:

Choose the Right Tour Operator

Paris has several tour bus operators, including OpenTour, Big Bus Paris, Foxity Sightseeing Tour, and Tootbus. Research the different companies and choose the one that best suits your needs. Consider factors such as the number of routes and stops, inclusions, and price.

Plan Your Time

Review the schedule and timetable of your chosen bus tour. Note the frequency of the buses and the operating hours, as these may vary depending on the season and stop. Plan your time accordingly, especially if you want to visit specific sites or attractions along the route.

Combine Bus Tour with Other Activities

Many bus tour operators offer combination tickets that include additional activities such as river cruises, walking tours, or entry to specific attractions. Consider purchasing these combination tickets to enhance your experience and explore Paris from different perspectives.

Take Advantage of the Hop-On, Hop-Off Feature

Most Paris bus tours offer a hop-on, hop-off option, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. Take advantage of this feature by hopping off at stops that interest you and spending as much time as you like exploring. You can then hop back on the next bus that comes along to continue your tour.

Enjoy the Night Tour Option

Paris is known for its special night lighting, and some bus tour companies offer night tours that allow you to admire the city's illuminated monuments. Consider adding a night tour to your itinerary to see Paris from a different, yet equally captivating, perspective.

Utilize the Audio Guide

All sightseeing buses in Paris include an audio guide, often available in multiple languages. Take advantage of this feature to learn about the sites and attractions you pass. Some audio guides even offer kids' commentary, making the tour enjoyable for the entire family.

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Reviewing your experience

Paris is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. The best way to explore the city is by taking a bus tour. There are several tour bus operators in Paris, and they all offer similar services. The most renowned operators are OpenTour, Big Bus Paris, and Foxity Sightseeing Tour. These tours are a great way to see the city's top attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, all in one go.

I had a wonderful time on the Big Bus Paris Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour. The bus tour was informative and entertaining, with audio commentary available in multiple languages. The frequency of the buses was impressive, with a bus arriving every 10 to 20 minutes, making it very convenient to explore the city at my own pace. The only downside was that I had to wait for the bus at a few stops, as the service was not very punctual. However, the panoramic views from the top deck of the bus made up for this minor inconvenience.

The Tootbus Discovery Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour was another fantastic experience. The app was very helpful in locating buses and stops in real time. The route, however, felt a little limited and could have included more sites. Overall, it was a good experience, but I would have liked a larger route to see more of the city.

The Foxity Sightseeing Tour was a more recent addition to Paris, and it initially did not offer the Hop-On, Hop-Off option. However, they have now included this feature due to tourist demand. The itinerary is very similar to the Big Bus Paris tour, covering all the major sites.

Overall, I highly recommend taking a bus tour to explore Paris. It is a convenient and informative way to see the city's top attractions, and the flexibility to hop on and off at various stops allows you to explore at your own pace. The audio guides and commentary provide interesting insights, and the panoramic views from the top deck are truly magnificent. So, whether you choose the Big Bus Paris, Tootbus, or Foxity tour, you are sure to have a memorable experience and fall in love with the City of Lights!

Frequently asked questions

Paris has several tour bus operators, including OpenTour, Big Bus Paris, and Foxity Sightseeing Tour. Big Bus Paris is the oldest tour operator and is recommended due to its multiple routes and stops.

Bus tour prices vary depending on the company and the duration of the tour. For example, Tootbus (formerly OpenTour) offers 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day tickets priced differently, while Big Bus Paris offers a 2-hour night tour for €26.60 for adults and €20 for children under 12.

Tickets for bus tours can typically be purchased online through the tour company's website or authorized sellers. Some companies may also allow you to buy tickets directly on the bus or at specific locations in Paris, such as hotels.

The operating hours vary depending on the company and season. For example, Big Bus Paris operates approximately from 9:30 am to 8:15 pm, while Tootbus operates from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm during the winter and 9:30 am to 6:30 pm during the summer.

Yes, bus tour companies in Paris often offer multiple routes to showcase different parts of the city. For instance, the Big Bus Paris tour offers the Classic Route, Montmartre Route, and Seine River Route.

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