Paris: Hop-on with Emily walking tour and bus tour

Taking a tour that combines walking in Emily’s footsteps with a hop-on, hop-off bus ride offers an engaging way to see Paris. For $47 per person, you get access to a 2-3 day experience loaded with recognizable filming locations from the hit series Emily in Paris, along with scenic views of the city’s most famous landmarks.

What we love about this experience is how it hits two birds with one stone: walking through charming neighborhoods and iconic filming spots, and then relaxing on a low-emission open-top bus that offers panoramic views. The immersive audio guides in 10 languages make it accessible for travelers from around the world.

A slight caveat is that the tour’s logistics, particularly meeting instructions, can be confusing based on some reviews. It’s essential to pay attention to the start point at Stop #4: Notre-Dame in the Latin Quarter. This is a perfect choice for those who love Emily in Paris or who want a flexible way to explore Paris at their own pace, combining culture, scenery, and a bit of television glamour.

Key Points

• Combines walking and bus sightseeing for a well-rounded view of Paris.
• Affordable price for multi-day access and diverse experiences.
• Audio guides available in 10 languages enhance understanding and engagement.
• Location-focused walking tour visits Emily’s filming spots and Parisian neighborhoods.
• Scenic bus routes pass major landmarks like Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.
• Some logistical issues, such as unclear meeting instructions, have been noted by travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and How It Works

The tour begins at Stop #4: Notre-Dame, Quartier Latin, which is a strategic location in the heart of Paris’s historic Latin Quarter. Here, you’ll find yourself stepping into the vibrant streets that evoke the Paris of Emily in Paris — cobblestone alleys, cafes, and the Gothic grandeur of Notre-Dame. The walking portion lasts about 45 minutes and is guided by a narrator who shares stories about the filming locations and Parisian culture.

The instructions for meeting the guide have sometimes caused confusion, as one reviewer from the US pointed out: “Terrible Instructions for meeting the guide at stop 4.” So, be sure to double-check your voucher and arrive a little early, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. The walking tour is immersive but brief, allowing you to photograph some key spots like Emilys’ apartment at Place de l’Estrapade, and perhaps grab a pastry at a bakery favored by the show’s characters.

Walking Through Emilys’ Paris

The walking segment is specifically designed to bring fans closer to the show’s locales. You’ll stroll through the Latin Quarter, renowned for its lively atmosphere and bohemian history, and visit Gabriel’s charming restaurant—a spot many fans love to see. Along the way, there’s a chance to pause at Emilys’ beloved bakery or sit in the Jardin du Luxembourg, capturing the romantic Parisian vibe.

Reviews highlight the appeal of walking through these picturesque streets. A German traveler praised the pace: “Buses run every 5 to 10 minutes, and you can explore a lot in a short time without long waits! Great!” This suggests that the combination of walking and flexible bus options allows for a customizable experience, letting you linger where you want and skip spots that don’t appeal.

The Bus Tour and Its Views

After the walking segment, you’ll hop onto the scenic Tootbus open-top bus for an overview of Paris’s major sights. The buses are eco-friendly, which is a nice touch given today’s emphasis on sustainability. During your ride, you’ll enjoy live or recorded audio guides in 10 languages, providing insights into landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Travelers appreciated the frequency of the buses, with some noting they leave every 5 to 10 minutes. This flexibility means you can hop on and off multiple times, making it easier to explore neighborhoods further or revisit your favorite sights. The panoramic views from the open-top design mean you can snap photos easily, and the audio guides add context, enriching what you see.

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The Benefits of a Dual Approach

What makes this experience shine is the blend of walking intimacy and bus grandeur. You get to walk through some of the most charming Parisian streets — places where you can pause, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Then, the bus segment offers an elevated view of Paris’s grand monuments, which is particularly helpful if you’re pressed for time or want to see a wide area quickly.

Authenticity and Engagement

While the tour is themed around Emily in Paris, it doesn’t feel overly commercialized. Guides share stories that connect the locations, revealing cultural tidbits and highlighting how Parisian life and fashion influenced the show. Travelers have commented positively on the knowledgeable guides, which enhances the experience. One review notes, “We loved the way the guide brought the locations to life with stories from the show and Parisian history.”

Considerations and Caveats

The main drawback, according to some reviews, is the clarity of instructions—particularly for meeting points. This can cause frustration, especially if you’re new to the city or traveling with a tight schedule. A German traveler expressed discontent: “Not at all. You specify a time in the activity, but the bus leaves half an hour later. Nobody knows anything about it. What a f…”

Another consideration is the duration and pacing. The walking part lasts about 45 minutes, which might not be enough if you’re eager to see more off-the-beaten-path locations. Likewise, while the buses are frequent, the overall experience depends on how much time you choose to allocate to each part.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This combo tour is ideal for fans of Emily in Paris who want to see the show’s filming locations in the context of the city they love. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer a flexible, multi-modal approach to sightseeing. If you’re not overly concerned with logistical hiccups and enjoy a blend of walking and panoramic bus rides, you’ll find this tour a worthwhile, reasonably priced introduction to Paris.

Final Thoughts

Why We Recommend It

This tour offers a charming way to combine pop culture with classic Paris sights, making it especially appealing to fans of the show. The scenic bus rides provide great views and background stories, while the walking segment offers a more intimate connection to the city’s streets and neighborhoods.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you’re someone who appreciates a balance of sightseeing styles, values sustainability with eco-friendly transportation, and wants to explore famous Parisian spots with a show-themed twist, this tour is worth considering. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a broad overview, or fans eager to see Emily’s Paris in real life.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere

Travelers expecting a perfectly seamless experience might be disappointed by the logistical issues some reviewers encountered. If you prefer more structured, detailed tours with guaranteed start times and fewer uncertainties, you might consider other options. Likewise, if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist routes, you may find this tour somewhat limiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

How long is the walking tour?
The walking portion lasts approximately 45 minutes, covering key Emily filming locations and Parisian neighborhoods.

Can I hop on and off the bus at any time?
Yes, the bus ticket offers unlimited hop-on, hop-off access, so you can explore at your own pace.

Are the audio guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, they are available in 10 languages, which enhances the experience for international visitors.

Where do I start the tour?
Start at Stop #4: Notre-Dame, Quartier Latin. Be sure to review instructions carefully to avoid confusion.

What landmarks will I see from the bus?
The bus routes pass Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe among others.

How much does the tour cost?
The experience is priced at $47 per person for 2-3 days of access.

Is food or drinks allowed on the tour?
No, food and drinks are not permitted during the tour.

What is included in the tour package?
You get a 45-minute guided walking tour, unlimited hop-on-hop-off bus access, audio guides in 10 languages, and access to the Tootbus app.

What should I know before booking?
Be prepared to download the Tootbus app and import your ticket for the audio guide features. Also, plan to arrive early at the meeting point due to some instructions being unclear.

Final Verdict

This Emily-themed walk and bus tour offers a delightful way to see Paris through a pop culture lens without breaking the bank. It balances viewing iconic sights with immersing in the show’s filming locations, making it especially enjoyable for fans and first-time visitors alike. While logistical clarity could be improved, the experience’s value lies in its flexibility, scenic views, and storytelling. If you’re eager to combine Parisian landmarks with a touch of television magic, this tour is worth considering—just keep an eye on meeting instructions. For those who want a more structured or less show-focused experience, exploring other options might serve better, but for a fun, casual overview, this tour hits the mark.

You can check availability for your dates here: