Paris: City Highlights Segway Tour

Exploring Paris is a dream, but fitting all those famous sights into a limited time can be overwhelming. That’s where a Segway tour offers a modern, efficient way to see the city’s highlights without exhausting your feet. This particular tour, offered by XL Tour Paris, promises to cover many of the city’s most renowned landmarks in just two hours — perfect for travelers wanting a taste of Paris’s grandeur without a full-day commitment.

What really stands out is the expert guidance and the ease of riding a Segway, making it accessible even for beginners. You’ll get plenty of time for photos and interesting tidbits about each spot, making this experience both fun and informative. That said, it might not be ideal if you’re sensitive to busy streets or if you’re looking for an ultra-quiet, leisurely stroll.

This tour is ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing in a short window and enjoy a unique perspective of Paris. It suits first-timers, couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a more interactive way to explore the City of Light. If you love a good mix of history, iconic views, and a dash of adventure, this tour could be a great choice.

Key Points

• Comfortable and accessible ride suitable for beginners with a safety briefing included
• Efficiently covers many major sights in a short amount of time
• Guided by knowledgeable locals who provide interesting facts and humorous anecdotes
• Flexible photo opportunities with guide assistance at iconic landmarks
• Small group experience limits the tour to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention
• Excellent value for a fun, guided overview of Paris’s must-see spots

Why Choose the Paris: City Highlights Segway Tour?

There’s no denying that Paris’s streets can be busy, but riding a Segway makes covering ground easier than walking all day. We love how this tour combines fun, efficiency, and informative commentary. You get a chance to see the Louvre’s grand façade, the Eiffel Tower’s impressive structure, and many other sights without the fatigue of a walking tour.

The two-hour duration strikes a balance—long enough to soak in the sights but short enough to keep the experience lively and engaging. Plus, the small group size means you won’t get lost in a crowd, and guides like Thomas and others are praised for their attention to detail and friendly attitude.

The tour starts with a safety briefing and test drive, making it suitable for beginners who might be nervous about the Segway. Reviewers mention that even those with no prior experience found it easy to pick up, thanks to clear instructions and guiding support.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The tour begins at 10 Rue de la Paix, a central location that’s easy to find. After a quick safety briefing (about 15 minutes), you’ll start with a gentle ride through the Tuileries Garden—a peaceful spot in the heart of Paris, perfect for easing into your Segway skills and enjoying some greenery amidst the city buzz. Expect about 10 minutes here, during which your guide will share interesting insights about this historic garden.

Next up is the Louvre Museum, arguably Paris’s most famous art institution. From the outside, you’ll see its glass pyramid and majestic façade while your guide offers snippets about its art collection since 1793. Despite just a 10-minute stop, the exterior is spectacular, and you’ll have time to snap a few photos.

Just a short ride away is the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning former railway station. You’ll cruise along the pedestrian-friendly banks of the River Seine, where you’ll pass by beautiful bridges like Pont Alexandre III—a marvel of architecture, perfect for capturing memorable shots. The guided commentary here is lively, giving you a quick history lesson behind these structures.

From there, the tour takes you past iconic landmarks like the Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and the Eiffel Tower. You’ll stop for about 10 minutes to admire and photograph the Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of France. Many reviewers mention how helpful guides are in assisting with perfect photo angles, which is a real plus.

On the return leg, the tour winds through Trocadero Gardens, Chaillot Palace, and Place de la Concorde—each offering stunning vistas and photo ops. Passing by Les Invalides and Place Vendôme, you’ll experience a broad sweep of Paris’s historic and elegant architecture, all while riding on bike lanes and sidewalks, making the journey smooth and safe.

What It’s Like to Experience the Tour

The safety briefing is thorough, setting everyone at ease. Several reviewers, including Isobel from Australia, appreciated how the guide was “extremely knowledgeable” and helped even total beginners learn the Segway quickly. The guides are consistently praised for their friendly, professional attitude and their ability to deliver engaging stories without overwhelming.

The pace of the tour is relaxed but lively, with stops designed to give you plenty of time to soak in each landmark. Riders often comment on the stunning views—from the Eiffel Tower sparkling at sunset to the grandeur of Place Vendôme—and how the Segway offers a new, comfortable way to see the city.

The group size is limited to 10, creating an intimate experience that allows the guide to customize commentary and assist with photos. Many reviews mention how helpful the guides are in taking photos at key spots, making it easier to capture memories.

The duration of two hours makes it manageable for most travelers, but be prepared for some time on your feet during brief stops. The weather can impact the experience, so bringing rain gear (included in the tour) is wise if rain is forecast.

Practical Details and Value

At $94 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the access to major sights, expert guidance, and the fun of riding a Segway. Compared to traditional walking tours, it covers more ground, making it ideal if you’re short on time but want to experience as much of Paris as possible.

The tour includes helmets, gloves, raincoat, and photos taken by the guide, which are all thoughtful touches that enhance comfort and convenience. Not included are food and drinks, but the tour is well-suited as a quick overview—perfect before heading to a nice Parisian café or restaurant.

Arriving 10 minutes early at the meeting point ensures smooth check-in. The briefing takes place inside a parking area, so don’t worry if you don’t see the team immediately. Being on time is crucial, as late arrivals risk losing their spot, given the strict start times.

The tour route primarily uses bike lanes and sidewalks, making it accessible and safe, especially in good weather. However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a fun, active way to see Paris’s highlights without the fatigue of walking, this tour hits the mark. It’s excellent for first-time visitors eager to get a broad overview, as well as for seasoned travelers who want a different perspective. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it suitable for couples, small families, and friends.

Since many reviewers highlighted the helpfulness and friendliness of guides like Thomas, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, engaging experience. If you’re comfortable riding a Segway and are okay with city traffic and pedestrian zones, this will likely be a memorable part of your Paris trip.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Segway tour strikes a good balance between fun, education, and sightseeing. The expert guides, combined with the ease of Segway riding, make it stand out among traditional city tours. You’ll cover a lot of ground quickly, with plenty of opportunities for photos and interesting stories along the way.

While it’s not perfect for those with mobility restrictions or very young children, most travelers will find it a delightful way to experience Paris’s iconic sights. Plus, the value for money is excellent considering the inclusions and the small group experience, ensuring you get personal attention and a smooth ride.

In short, if you want a lively, memorable way to get a snapshot of Paris’s top landmarks with a knowledgeable guide and some adventure, this tour should be on your list.

FAQ

Is a prior Segway experience necessary?
No, the tour includes a safety briefing and test drive, making it accessible for beginners.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. High heels, sandals, or flip-flops aren’t allowed for safety reasons.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 12 years old due to safety concerns.

What if it rains?
Raincoats are provided, so you’ll be prepared for wet weather.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, guides will assist in taking photos at key landmarks, ensuring you capture memories.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 2 hours, including the safety briefing, riding, and sightseeing stops.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets and gloves are included for safety.

What’s the maximum group size?
Limited to 10 participants, providing a more personalized experience.

The Paris: City Highlights Segway Tour offers a lively, efficient way to see many of the city’s most famous sights while enjoying the novelty of riding a Segway. It’s a fantastic option for those wanting a fun, quick overview delivered by friendly and knowledgeable guides.