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Arc de Triomphe, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Optional River Cruise

Big Bus Paris: routes, stops and tips

3.022 reviewsEiffel Tower

  • 8–10 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • 9 languages
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

This tour allows you to combine two "must-do" when traveling to Paris: visit the iconic Arc de Triomphe on a self-guided tour as well as going around the city on a hop-on hop-off bus. Visitors can marvel at the sheer size and detail of the Arc from ground level, and take the elevator or climb 284 steps to the roof terrace at the top. Take in 360° panoramic views of Paris, and marvel at the circulating muddle of traffic in the roundabout below. Aboard a Big Bus open-top, double-decker bus, admire panoramic views of top Paris attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Moulin Rouge and more, all while listening to audio commentary. Follow two easy routes, and hop on and off at any of the 15 stops around town. For an extra perspective, add a one hour Seine River cruise and see some of Paris’s most famous riverside monuments and bridges.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Free Wifi on-board
  • Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
  • Free headphones provided
  • 1-hour Seine river cruise by Bateaux Parisiens (If option selected)
  • Unlimited Hop-on Hop-off for 24- or 48- hours
  • Arc de Triomphe entrance ticket
  • Engaging audio commentary in a choice of 9 languages

What's not

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks

Itinerary

  1. Visit the iconic Arc de Triomphe on a self-guided tour, Visitors can marvel at the sheer size and detail of the Arc from ground level, and take the elevator or climb 284 steps to the roof terrace at the top. Take in 360° panoramic views of Paris, and marvel at the circulating muddle of traffic in the roundabout below

    2 h

  2. Enjoy a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour of Paris with our Discover Ticket! See all the famous sights from the top deck of our open-top double-decker buses and enjoy an entertaining pre-recorded commentary from our virtual guides.

    6 h

  3. Trocadéro is one of Paris’s most iconic viewpoints, offering stunning panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. Located across the River Seine, this spacious plaza and its surrounding gardens are the perfect spot for photos and a relaxing stroll while taking in the beauty of the city.

    Passes by

  4. The Champs-Élysées is Paris’s most famous avenue, stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Lined with theatres, cafés, and flagship stores, it’s a vibrant boulevard perfect for shopping, dining, and soaking up the city’s lively atmosphere.

    Passes by

  5. The Eiffel Tower is Paris’s most iconic landmark and a global symbol of France. Standing proudly along the River Seine, this architectural masterpiece offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation decks and is a must-visit for every traveler.

    Passes by

  6. Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, renowned for its stunning façade, intricate sculptures, and magnificent stained-glass rose windows. Located on Île de la Cité, it remains one of Paris’s most historic and treasured landmarks.

    Passes by

  7. The Louvre Pyramid is the modern glass entrance to the world-famous Louvre Museum. Set within the historic courtyard of the former royal palace, it beautifully contrasts contemporary design with classic architecture and marks the gateway to one of the world’s greatest art collections.

    Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

3.0

  • 59
  • 42
  • 30
  • 22
  • 19

Ratings come from 22 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

  • 1Absolutely waste of money

    Too many people trying to get on the bus. Too many tickets sold for the few buses they have. We used the service on a Wednesday and it was chaos. The driver missed some stops and did dangerous u turns into the traffic. Too many people on the bus and the air conditioning couldn’t cope. Walking the route or metro a much better option

    LindyBrisbanevia Tripadvisor

  • 1Screwed up mess

    I did not end up taking this tour as I booked it on 7/18 and on my way to Paris on 8/5 I noticed I was charged again and had two bookings. I canceled the new one and checked to be sure there were two different order numbers so I wasn’t canceling my original. When it came time on 8/8 to use this booking Viator had canceled both bookings but my original charge was still on my card. I was quite upset as I had a friend counting on me and I had to book through the tour company the day off which ended up costing me a bit more.

    Robin_Kvia Viator

  • 5Best hop-on hop-off provider

    Convenient way to see the landmarks of Paris. There were so many more Big Buses than the other providers, which meant shorter wait times and maximum value for money. The drivers always made sure there was plenty of time to take photos from the bus

    Getaway30547692179via Tripadvisor

  • 2Overpriced relative to what you get

    Felt the price was very high relative to what you get. We did a different company hop-on hop-off tour in London, and the commentary was significantly better (better timed to what you are actually seeing, more commentary overall). Also, the route did not cover as much, but the price for this one was very high. We did the combo bus + Arc de Triomphe ticket because of the flexible entry time. The price is higher than what you would pay at the Arc, but that is expected given the time flexibility. There were several stretches when we got on where the bus was completely full so we had to stand. We didn't mind standing, but then you can't plug in to hear the tour commentary. Overall, overpriced relatively to what you get.

    Lisa_Hvia Viator

  • 4Easiest way to see Paris

    A perfect and affordable way to see all the major sights around Paris. Booking was really easy, and once you download the app, it's simple to see the stops and hop on and off whenever you want. We never had to wait long for the next bus as there seemed to be plenty running throughout the day. It made getting around Paris really easy while still getting to see all the main attractions along the way. Very reasonably priced for what you get and a great way to explore the city, especially if it's your first time in Paris. Would definitely recommend.

    FoodieL0vrvia Tripadvisor

  • 5A tour staple...

    We always appreciate the Hop-on-Hop-Off Buses and tend to use this mode of tour in every city we visit. You get a brief history and the lay of the land, covering more territory than you could on foot. Having the ability to get on and off is a plus. Would highly recommend.

    Kim_Nvia Viator

Know before you go

Meeting point
Stop 1 - Louvre-Pyramide / Big Bus Information Centre
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Tickets
Tickets are redeemed at a different location from the meeting point.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 50 travellers
Operated by
Big Bus - France
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The tour duration is approx. 2 hours, 15 mins. Buses depart every 10-20 mins.
  • The stop for Arc de Triomphe is Stop 8: Champs-Elysées. The Arc de Triomphe is open daily between 10am - 9pm. Free admission for those under 18 and 18-to-25-year old's who are EU citizens and/or residents.
  • The cruise, operated by our partner Les Bateaux Parisiens, departs from Pontoon No. 3, Port de la Bourdonnais (near Stop #8: Eiffel Tower), every 45 minutes from 10:30am to 9:00pm.
  • Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your bus ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.

How it compares in Paris

  • Its from-price is close to the median of the 18 hop-on hop-off we list in Paris.
  • It is longer than most of them.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 8 of 18.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Paris

Paris pairs grand boulevards and riverside monuments with café terraces, art collections of global stature and neighbourhoods that feel like villages.

The Seine runs through the heart of the city, past the Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame and the Sainte-Chapelle, the long façade of the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay in its former railway station. Downriver, the Eiffel Tower rises over the Champ de Mars, and the Arc de Triomphe crowns the Champs-Élysées.

Top-ranked sights in Paris: Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, 4th Arrondissement.

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Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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