From London: Paris Tour with Sightseeing Bus & Lunch Cruise

From London: Paris Tour with Sightseeing Bus & Lunch Cruise
Location: Ile-de-France, France
Country: France
Rating: 4.8 / 5 (based on 8 reviews)
Price: $475 per person
Duration: Approximately 15.5 hours

An authentic day in Paris: a train, a boat, and a bus—what’s not to love?

Starting at London’s St Pancras International, you’ll board the Eurostar for a little over two hours of smooth, fast travel to Paris Gare du Nord. The cost for this journey is $475, which covers your reserved Eurostar tickets, a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, and a luxurious 2-hour lunch cruise along the River Seine.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience: First, the flexibility it offers. You’re free to explore Paris at your own pace after arriving, and the seating on the Eurostar is comfortable enough to keep you relaxed whether you choose standard or upgraded Plus class with extra space and a light meal. Second, the combination of transportation and sightseeing makes for a well-rounded day—riding the hop-on hop-off bus allows you to see many highlights without feeling rushed.

A possible drawback? Since this is an unescorted tour, you’ll need to manage your own time and navigation. Also, not all attractions are guaranteed to be visited, particularly if your plans are cut short or if you miss certain stops, like Notre-Dame, which some travelers mention in reviews.

This tour suits travelers who want an independent yet guided experience—perfect if you’re comfortable with some self-guided exploration, appreciate scenic cruises, and want the flexibility to customize your day in Paris.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration with hop-on hop-off bus and free time in Paris
• Comfortable Eurostar train with options for upgraded seating and meals
• Scenic 2-hour lunch cruise with live music and views of iconic landmarks
• Authentic Paris experience on your own schedule
• Authentic views of sights such as Musée d’Orsay and Notre-Dame from the Seine
• Travel logistics managed, but you’ll do the planning and navigating

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Easy, Comfortable Travel to Paris

Starting your day at St Pancras International, you’ll quickly realize the convenience of the Eurostar. The train’s journey of just over two hours is a smooth ride with free Wi-Fi, which makes passing the time enjoyable. You also have the choice of Standard or Plus Class, with the latter offering extra spacious seats and a light meal and drinks at your seat—a nice touch if you’re seeking a bit of extra comfort.

This part of the trip is all about efficiency. It gets you from London to Paris quickly, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing. Many travelers appreciate the reserved seats (though seat requests can’t be guaranteed) and the simple check-in process designed to get you to Paris without fuss.

Arriving in Paris—Your Day of Freedom

Once you arrive at Gare du Nord, the city is your oyster. The tour doesn’t include a guided walk, but the hop-on hop-off bus provides a narrated overview of the city’s main sights. You can stay on the bus for a full circuit or hop off at places like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or Notre-Dame to explore further.

What we love is how easy it is to customize your day—whether you want to spend more time at a particular museum or stroll through charming neighborhoods. The free Wi-Fi onboard the bus makes it simple to research or share your photos on the go.

The Seine Lunch Cruise—A Highlight

A standout aspect of this tour is the 2-hour lunch cruise along the River Seine. As you glide under iconic bridges and past landmarks like the Musée d’Orsay and Notre-Dame, you’ll enjoy a 3-course French meal served with live music setting a refined, relaxing tone.

The cruise isn’t just about eating; it’s about soaking in the scenic views of the Parisian waterfront from a comfortable boat. Many reviews mention how the live band adds to the ambiance, making it feel like a special occasion. This is an especially good way to see some of the most photographed sights in Paris without the crowds.

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Exploring at Your Leisure

After the cruise, you’ll have around 30 minutes of free time back at Gare du Nord to grab a coffee or do some quick browsing. Then, you’ll return to London via the Eurostar, completing a full day of discovery.

While the itinerary is straightforward, some travelers have noted missing out on certain sights like Notre-Dame, especially with repairs ongoing. Still, the views from the river often compensate for this, and guides like Angela, mentioned in reviews, are praised for their helpfulness, even if they’re not physically present.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $475 per person, this tour balances a lot of value—fast train travel, scenic lunch, and flexible sightseeing—all without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. When you consider the cost of separate train tickets, cruises, and guided tours, this package provides a convenient bundle.

Some reviews point out that upgrading to Premier or Plus class doesn’t necessarily translate to better seats or services, which is worth noting if you’re expecting premium treatment. Still, the comprehensive nature of the experience—train, cruise, bus—means you’re covering the main highlights efficiently.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for independent travelers who want a cost-effective way to see Paris in a day without the stress of planning every detail. It suits first-timers eager to hit the main sights, especially those who enjoy scenic views, good food, and the flexibility of hop-on hop-off sightseeing.

If you’re comfortable navigating public transportation and managing your own time, you’ll love the freedom this tour offers. However, if you prefer guided tours with a dedicated guide handling logistics, this might feel a bit too unstructured.

Practical Tips for Your Day

• Arrive at Eurostar check-in early, especially if you’re traveling Monday through Friday (by 5:30 am) or Saturday (by 5 am).
• Bring your passport and any necessary visas or travel authorization.
• The tour is non-refundable, so be sure about your plans before booking.
• Consider upgrading your Eurostar ticket if you want extra comfort, but remember that the seats are the same as standard in most cases.
• If you’re eager to see Notre-Dame, plan to spend more time there independently since the tour might not include a detailed stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an escorted tour?
No, this is an independent, unescorted experience. You manage your own time after the initial train journey.

What do I need to bring?
A passport is essential for travel between the UK and France.

Can I choose my Eurostar class?
Yes, you can upgrade to Plus class for more space and a light meal, but seats are generally the same.

Are meals included?
Meals are included only on the lunch cruise. The Eurostar Plus class can include a light meal and drinks if upgraded.

How long do I have in Paris?
You’ll have around 4-5 hours after arriving to explore, plus the lunch cruise.

Are there guided commentary during the bus tour?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off bus provides narrated commentary with free Wi-Fi.

Can I visit Notre-Dame?
You can see the exterior and enjoy the views from the Seine, but interior access may be limited depending on repairs.

Is this suitable for children?
Children aged 0-3 do not get a seat or meal, so consider this if traveling with very young kids.

What if I miss a stop or want more time at a site?
You can hop off at your choice of stops and return to the bus later, giving you flexibility to explore at your pace.

To sum it up, this London-to-Paris day trip offers a seamless blend of high-speed train travel, scenic cruising, and flexible city exploration. It’s perfect for travelers who value authentic experiences without the hassle of extensive planning, especially if you’re comfortable managing your own schedule. While it may not be the best choice for those seeking guided tours or in-depth guided sightseeing, it delivers a wonderful overview of Paris’s main sights with a comfortable, luxurious touch. If you’re looking for a convenient, enjoyable way to see Paris in a day, this tour hits the mark with a good balance of comfort, scenery, and freedom.

You can check availability for your dates here: