Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour

Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour Review

Imagine gliding through Paris at night, wrapped in your warmest coat, with the city’s glittering holiday lights sprawling before you. That’s the vibe this Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour offers—an opportunity to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks decked out in their holiday finery, all from the comfort of an open-top bus. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide if it’s worth the approximately $45 for 90 minutes of sparkling sights and festive cheer.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see the City of Light illuminated in its Christmas best, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Place Vendôme all shining brightly. Plus, the added bonus of a gourmet pastry and drink voucher at the end makes it feel like a real treat. That said, some travelers have noted that the audio commentary isn’t always detailed about the sights, and the experience can be crowded and chilly—something to keep in mind if you’re visiting during colder months.

This tour works best for those seeking a relaxed, visually stunning overview of Paris’s holiday decorations, especially if walking around in cold weather isn’t appealing. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick, enjoyable way to soak up the festive atmosphere without the hassle of navigating public transport or fighting through crowds on foot. However, if you’re after an in-depth history lesson or a quieter, more personalized experience, this might not be the perfect fit.

Key Points

• Stunning nighttime views of Paris’s famous landmarks lit up for Christmas.
• Convenient open-top bus allows you to enjoy the sights without walking in the cold.
• Onboard audio guide provides festive music and commentary, though some find it lacking in detail.
• Gourmet treat and voucher at Printemps for a sweet ending to your tour.
• Group size capped at 55, ensuring a relatively intimate experience.
• Some reviews mention crowded buses and cold temperatures, so dress warmly and arrive early.

A Deep Dive Into the Paris Christmas Lights Tour

The Experience Overview

This 90-minute sightseeing tour takes you through some of Paris’s most iconic spots, all decorated for Christmas. Starting at 11 Rue Auber, the journey is designed to give you a broad, festive overview of the city’s best-known sites, with a focus on the illuminated landmarks rather than detailed historical commentary.

The highlight is undoubtedly the spectacular Christmas lights. Reviewers have raved about the scenes along the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower’s shimmering glow, and the sparkle of the windows on luxury designer shops like those at Galeries Lafayette. Some travelers have even returned on their own afterward to revisit their favorite spots, which speaks to how captivating the views are.

The Itinerary and Stops

Place Vendôme

Built under Louis XIV, this square symbolizes power and grandeur. From the bus, you’ll get a glimpse of the elegant architecture and jewelry boutiques that make Vendôme a symbol of luxury. While it’s not a major tourist attraction for many, the grandeur of this square is a good starting point for the tour.

Place de la Concorde

This sprawling square is a key Parisian landmark, and during Christmas, it’s beautifully lit up, complementing the festive atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the way the tour offers a sweeping view of these well-known locations, giving an overall sense of the city’s grandeur.

Champs-Élysées

Arguably the most famous avenue in the world, the Champs-Élysées is decked out with holiday lights and decorative displays. This is the section where most visitors say they feel the true holiday spirit, especially as the bus passes the beautifully lit Arc de Triomphe at the end of the avenue.

Eiffel Tower

The tour’s pièce de résistance—seeing the Eiffel Tower twinkle from a distance as the lights dance on its iron framework. Many reviewers mention how fantastic it is to get a good view of Paris’s most iconic symbol in its holiday splendor, something that’s hard to replicate on foot in such a narrow timeframe.

The Louvre Museum

While just a passing glimpse from the bus, the Louvre’s illuminated facade adds a touch of elegance to the tour’s visual feast. This stop isn’t long, but the view enhances the overall sense of being in a city that truly comes alive at night during the holidays.

The Gourmet Break at Printemps

One of the tour’s standout features is the exclusive gourmet break at Printemps, offering a pastry from Nina Métayer, voted the best pastry chef in 2024 and 2024. It’s a sweet way to end the experience and indulge in a taste of Parisian craftsmanship. The voucher is presented at the main reception, and the views from the Printemps rooftop add a panoramic finish to your holiday outing.

The Audio Guide and Festive Atmosphere

The onboard audio guide features traditional Christmas songs and commentary about the sights. However, reviews suggest that the narration tends to be superficial and sometimes repetitive, especially when the bus doubles back on the route. Some guests found it less informative than expected, but most appreciated the festive music and the cheerful atmosphere.

Comfort, Crowds, and Practicalities

Expect to be on a relatively crowded bus, especially during peak holiday season. Reviewers noted that the inside can get quite chilly and crowded, so dressing warmly is a must. Inside, there are no restrooms or food and drink facilities, so plan accordingly. The buses are open-top, making exposure to the elements unavoidable, but the viewing experience is arguably better for it.

Group Size and Booking

With a maximum of 55 travelers, the experience isn’t overly crowded, but during busy periods, it can feel tight. Booking about 27 days in advance is common, which shows the tour’s popularity. The meeting point at 11 Rue Auber is central, close to public transportation, making it easy to access.

Value for Money

At $45.10 per person, the tour offers a good value for a quick, visually stunning overview of Paris during the holidays. The inclusion of a gourmet pastry and voucher adds a special touch, elevating it above simple sightseeing. However, the audio guide’s limitations and the crowded conditions might detract from some guests’ overall experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Christmas lights tour is perfect for visitors wanting a snapshot of Paris’s festive glow without the hassle of walking through crowds or managing transportation. It’s especially suited for couples, families, or small groups looking for a romantic or fun holiday activity. Those who enjoy beautiful nighttime views and don’t mind a bit of cold will find it particularly appealing.

If you’re aiming for a more in-depth exploration or prefer a quieter, more personalized experience, you might find this tour a little superficial. It’s more about the sights and the festive atmosphere than detailed storytelling or historical insights.

Final Thoughts

The Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour offers a beautiful and convenient way to soak up the city’s holiday magic. While it’s not perfect—some reviews mention crowds, cold temperatures, and superficial narration—the overall experience is charming and visually stunning. It’s a fun, festive, and value-packed option for those seeking a quick holiday highlight.

If you’re after a memorable way to see Paris illuminated, enjoy some holiday cheer, and finish with a sweet treat, this tour hits most marks. It’s especially good for travelers prioritizing picturesque views and easy access to major landmarks, all wrapped up in a cheerful holiday package.

FAQs About the Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they’re comfortable sitting on a bus for 90 minutes, and you don’t mind the crowds and cold weather. It’s a relaxed, visual experience rather than an interactive or kid-specific activity.

Does the tour include restroom facilities?
No, there are no restrooms aboard the bus, so plan accordingly before departure.

Are drinks and snacks provided during the tour?
No, food and drink are not included during the ride, but there is a gourmet pastry and hot drink voucher you can redeem afterward at Printemps.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly! Expect to be outside in open-top buses, and the experience is generally during colder months, often with chilly winds.

Can I bring my own audio device or headphones?
The tour provides individual earphones with audio commentary and Christmas songs, but reviews suggest the narration isn’t always detailed or engaging.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 11 Rue Auber and ends at 74 Bd Haussmann, in front of the Christmas windows at Le Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.

Is this tour a good way to see Paris’s main sights?
It offers a broad overview, especially of illuminated landmarks, but it isn’t a substitute for a detailed walking tour or museum visit. It’s best for quick sightseeing and holiday ambiance.

In summary, the Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour is a joyful and scenic experience that captures the spirit of the holiday season. While it has some limitations—mainly in comfort and narration—it provides a delightful overview of Paris’s illuminated landmarks, perfect for those seeking festive photos and a relaxed evening. If you’re after a cheerful, visually stunning, and easy way to enjoy Paris’s holiday lights, this tour is likely to brighten your trip.