Paris Tootbus Must See Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Seine River Cruise

If you’re looking to get a broad sense of Paris in a limited time, the Tootbus Must See Tour offers a combo experience of land and water sightseeing. While it’s not perfect, it packs enough highlights to make it a worthwhile option—especially if you enjoy flexible, guided exploration.

What we really like about this tour is the ability to hop on and off at your own pace, which allows you to linger longer at favorite spots. The Seine River cruise is another highlight, providing a fresh perspective of the city’s iconic monuments from the water. Plus, the audio guides in multiple languages make it family-friendly and educational. However, some travelers have noted issues like difficulty locating the cruise dock or audio narration that’s not always perfectly synchronized with the sights.

This tour best suits first-time visitors eager to tick off key landmarks without the hassle of public transport or walking long distances. If you’re on a budget but still want a rundown, the $55.19 per person price is quite competitive considering what’s included. That said, it’s definitely worth knowing what to expect so you can plan your day accordingly.

Key Points

• Flexible Duration: Tickets valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, allowing for maximum flexibility.
• Land & Water: Combines a hop-on hop-off bus with a Seine river cruise for diverse views.
• Kid-Friendly: Includes audio guides suitable for children and adults, making it family-friendly.
• Real-Time Tracking: The Tootbus app helps locate stops and buses in real time, reducing waiting time.
• Self-Guided Walking Tours: Free walking tours via the app add a personal touch to your sightseeing.
• Practical Location: The boat boarding dock is conveniently located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

How the Tour Works and What to Expect

This combo experience begins with an open-top double-decker bus that takes you past most of Paris’s top sights. You’re free to hop on and off at any stop during your ticket’s validity—be it 24, 48, or 72 hours. That flexibility is a big plus, letting you spend as much time as you want exploring areas like the Louvre, Notre Dame, or the Champs-Elysées.

The Bus Itinerary

The route covers key landmarks, with stops at notable locations like the Opéra Garnier, Musée d’Orsay, Concorde, and Trocadéro. Each stop offers an easy way to access the sights, and the audio guide plays throughout the ride, providing commentary about Paris, its history, and its monuments.

One thing to keep in mind, based on reviews, is that routes may change unexpectedly due to events like the Olympics or traffic, and some stops could be altered. Also, some travelers have mentioned that the audio commentary isn’t always perfectly synchronized with the sights, or could be more engaging.

The Seine River Cruise

Departing from the Port de Suffren, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the cruise by Vedettes de Paris offers a relaxed way to see the city from the water. It’s ideal for photos, especially with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Pont Alexandre III in the backdrop.

Many reviewers appreciated that the cruise is kid-friendly, with audio guides in multiple languages, and that the staff was helpful—notably one reviewer highlighted how their driver Yasin was especially attentive, assisting with internet issues and helping with luggage. The cruise is about an hour long, with guided commentary in both French and English, though some found it a bit hard to follow if they didn’t have headphones.

Real Experience from Reviewers

One reviewer pointed out that finding the cruise dock was a challenge, with some almost missing it due to poor signage. However, since the ticket is valid for a year, you could always plan a separate visit if missed initially. Others loved the unique view of Paris from the river, describing it as a peaceful, scenic detour from the busy land-based sightseeing.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $55.19, you’re getting access to a comprehensive land and water tour, plus the convenience of multi-language audio guides and free self-guided walking tours through the Tootbus app. The eco-friendly open-top buses make the ride comfortable, and the app’s real-time tracking helps eliminate long waits.

However, restrooms on board are not available, and food or drinks are not included, so plan to bring water or snacks if needed. Also, the cruise can be affected by water levels or weather**, which might shorten the experience or limit the views.

Detailed Breakdown of Stops and Sights

Stop 1: 11 Rue Auber (Haussmann-Grands Magasins)
This is a central starting point near the Opera Garnier. It’s a great spot to begin your exploration of Paris’s shopping and architecture. From here, you can easily walk to nearby attractions or hop onto the bus.

Stop 2: 49 Av. de l’Opéra (Opéra Garnier)
The ornate Opera House is impressive, and many reviewers mention it as a must-see. Some appreciated the bus’s commentary, although a few suggested that the audio could be more engaging.

Stop 3: Place du Carrousel (Louvre Museum)
While not a detailed tour of the Louvre, this stop provides quick access to the surrounding areas. Several travelers loved how the commentary provided historical context, but others felt the buses could have more stops near the museum for better access.

Stop 4: 13 Rue Saint-Jacques (Notre Dame & Latin Quarter)
This stop is perfect for those wanting to visit Notre Dame and explore the Latin Quarter’s lively streets. One reviewer noted that getting off here allowed them to see the outside of Notre Dame and enjoy the surrounding area with fewer crowds.

Stop 5: 76 Quai Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (Musée d’Orsay)
A highlight for art lovers, the Museum’s Beaux-Arts architecture is stunning from the water. The bus stop makes it easy to plan a visit, although some found the route could be more comprehensive.

Stop 6: Hôtel de Crillon (Concorde)
This area is rich with history, and many enjoyed the panoramic views from the bus here. Some reviews mention that routes may change unexpectedly, so keep an eye on the app for updates.

Stop 7: 116 Av. des Champs-Élysées (George V)
The famous avenue is a bustling commercial hub. The bus’s open-air design makes it ideal for people-watching and snapping photos.

Stop 8: 1918 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
Offers fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro gardens. Several visitors noted this as the best photo spot on the tour.

Stop 9: 55 Quai Jacques Chirac (Tour Eiffel)
The cruise departs from here, and the proximity to the Eiffel Tower makes it a natural end point for the sightseeing day.

Stop 10: 41 Quai d’Orsay (Pont Alexandre III & Invalides)
This stop provides a scenic view of the Seine and the Invalides, perfect for a quick photo or a walk.

Pros and Cons Based on Real Feedback

Pros:

• The multi-hour ticket offers real flexibility, allowing you to customize your day.
• The audio guide is available in several languages, making it suitable for international travelers.
• The seine cruise is a beautiful addition, providing a relaxing water-based perspective of Paris.
• The app with real-time bus tracking helps reduce waiting times and plan your stops more effectively.
• The buses are kid-friendly, with dedicated commentary designed for children.

Cons:

• Some noted that routes can change unexpectedly due to events or traffic, which might disrupt plans.
• The audio narration isn’t always perfectly aligned with sights, and some found it less engaging.
• Finding the cruise dock can be tricky, with some nearly missing their departure.
• The lack of restrooms onboard or at stops can be inconvenient, especially for families with young children.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Paris without the hassle of multiple tickets or navigation. It’s particularly suited for families, thanks to the kid-friendly guides and easy hop-on hop-off format. If your goal is to capture Instagram-worthy shots from the open-top bus or enjoy a relaxing cruise to see the city from a different angle, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth art or history tour, or prefer self-guided exploring on foot, you might find this somewhat superficial. Also, if route changes or signage issues are a concern, consider alternatives like more established sightseeing buses.

The Sum Up

The Tootbus Must See Tour combined with the Seine River cruise offers a convenient, flexible way to see many of Paris’s top sights in a short amount of time. Its value for money is solid, especially with the added benefit of self-guided walking tours and real-time tracking through the app. The open-roof buses provide plenty of opportunities for photos, and the kid-friendly commentary makes it accessible for families.

While it’s not without its flaws—such as route changes and signage issues—the overall experience delivers stunning views, comfortable transportation, and educational commentary. It’s best suited for those wanting a broad overview and the ability to customize their day, especially first-time visitors eager to cover a lot of ground without the stress.

If you’re after a cost-effective, fun, and scenic introduction to Paris, this tour could be an excellent choice—just be prepared for some minor bumps along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hop on and off at any stop?
Yes, your ticket allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off access at any stop during its validity period.

How long is the Seine River cruise?
The cruise lasts about an hour, offering scenic views of the city’s landmarks from the water.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely, with kid-friendly audio guides and a relaxed pace, this is a family-friendly option.

Are restrooms available on the bus or cruise?
No, there are no restrooms onboard the buses or the cruise, so plan accordingly.

Can I use the same ticket for multiple days?
Yes, tickets are valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours from first use, giving you plenty of flexibility.

What should I do if I can’t find the cruise dock?
The cruise departs from the dock at Port de Suffren, near the Eiffel Tower. The app’s real-time tracking can help locate the exact spot.

Is there WiFi onboard?
WiFi is generally available, but some reviews noted it doesn’t work on all buses. It’s best to rely on the app’s offline features or plan to use mobile data.

In the end, this tour is a practical, enjoyable way to see Paris with the ease of hop-on hop-off flexibility and a scenic river cruise. Just remember to keep an eye on your timing and route updates to make the most of your day.