Paris: Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour

Imagine cruising through the City of Light as it twinkles with holiday magic, all from the vantage point of a bright green open-top bus. That’s essentially what the Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour offers—an easy, scenic way to see Paris decorated for the holidays, without the fuss of navigating busy streets yourself. While it’s not a perfect, flawless experience—traffic can be a challenge and some reviews point out audio issues—it remains a popular choice for those who want a festive overview of Paris’s most iconic sights.

What we love about this tour is the combination of stunning night-time views and a lively, holiday atmosphere. The illuminated landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, and Louvre are truly magical at night. Plus, the inclusion of traditional Christmas songs and commentary in nine languages makes it accessible and fun for international visitors. However, a potential consideration is that the traffic congestion can impact the overall experience, sometimes limiting sightlines or delaying the journey.

This tour is best suited for those who want a budget-friendly, no-fuss introduction to Paris’s winter charm and don’t mind bundled-up sightseeing. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors, or couples looking for a romantic, festive outing. If you’re after a straightforward way to see the city’s holiday sparkle, this experience offers a good, lighthearted way to do just that.

Key Points

• Great for festive views of Paris illuminated at night, especially iconic landmarks.
• Multilingual audio commentary and Christmas music enhance the holiday atmosphere.
• Traffic delays can affect timing, so patience is key.
• Affordable at $37 per person for 90 minutes of sightseeing.
• Comfortable and convenient, with Wi-Fi and an easy meeting point.
• Best experienced bundled with walking tours for a deeper dive into specific districts.

An In-Depth Look at the Paris Christmas Bus Tour

The Experience at a Glance

The 1.5-hour open-top bus ride takes you through central Paris, giving you a panoramic view of the city’s most famous sights shimmering with Christmas lights. The electric green bus is eco-friendly, and sitting on the top deck offers unmatched views—if you arrive early enough to snag a front-row seat. The tour departs from 11, rue Auber, a central location within easy reach of major hotels and transport hubs.

What sets this tour apart is the audio guide available in nine languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, and Russian. This inclusivity makes it a hit for international travelers. The guide is supplemented with traditional Christmas songs, creating a festive soundtrack that enhances the holiday feel.

What You’ll See and Experience

The route covers many of Paris’s most celebrated landmarks, including the Opera, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Each site is lit up beautifully, and the night-time ambiance makes the architecture look even more impressive. Reviewers mention that the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night was particularly special—”You get to see the Eiffel Tower so close,” one traveler commented, capturing the excitement of the moment.

Traffic congestion is a common theme in reviews. Travelers have noted that delays can cut into sightseeing time, and sometimes the bus misses out on passing certain sites like Notre Dame due to holding up in traffic. As one reviewer pointed out, “the traffic was terrible and there were hoards of people on the streets,” but they still appreciated the route and the spectacular Christmas lights.

Comfort and Practicalities

The bus is enclosed and wheelchair accessible, which adds to its comfort, especially in cold weather. The Wi-Fi onboard lets you share photos or listen to music, although some reviews mention that the audio quality can be inconsistent—crackling sounds, or difficulty hearing the narration, were common complaints. Bringing your own earphones, as suggested, helps mitigate this.

Warm clothing is essential—reviewers emphasize layering up, and some brought blankets or thermals to stay cozy, especially since seating on the top deck can get chilly. The tour doesn’t include stops or toilets, so plan accordingly—go before you board and consider bringing snacks or hot drinks.

The Route and Landmarks

The itinerary is straightforward, passing through Paris’s core: Opera, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and culminating at the Eiffel Tower. The sequence of sights is designed to maximize views of illuminated landmarks, and the timing usually aligns with the Eiffel Tower’s famous sparkle at the hour.

Authentic Moments from Reviewers

Many travelers mention how the Eiffel Tower at night was a highlight—“a special experience,” noted one reviewer. Others appreciated the organized entry process—”proper lines to enter each bus” meant no jostling, and the crew was described as friendly and efficient.

Several reviewers also recommend arriving early to secure a seat upstairs—“we arrived early and sat on the top,” shared one. “The guides were friendly, helping everyone get settled,” added another.

The Extras and Add-Ons

While the main tour is the bus ride, Tootbus offers four themed walking tours called Tootwalks, focusing on fashion, art, Montmartre, and the Iron Lady. These are a great way to extend your experience after the bus tour, especially if you want to explore on foot and discover more about Paris’s neighborhoods.

The free Tootbus app enhances your visit, providing additional context and the option to download the walking tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a quick, scenic overview of Paris’s Christmas lights. It’s also perfect for travelers on a budget, as the price point is quite reasonable for a guided, scenic tour. Families with children will appreciate the comfort and the fun of watching landmarks pass by in a festive setting. If you’re a couple or a group seeking some holiday cheer without a lot of walking or planning, this tour fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

The Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour offers a charming, lighthearted way to see Paris decked out in holiday splendor. Despite some challenges with traffic delays and audio quality, the overall experience remains a solid choice for those wanting a festive, panoramic snapshot of the city. The illuminated landmarks and holiday music create a joyful atmosphere, making it a memorable part of your Paris Christmas adventure.

You’ll love the stunning night views and the convenience of a guided tour wrapped in a festive package. It’s a simple, fun way to get into the Christmas spirit, especially if you’re short on time or prefer an overview rather than a deep dive.

However, if you’re seeking a more intimate or detailed exploration, consider supplementing this tour with additional walks or visits. Remember to bundle up, arrive early, and prepare for some traffic—these are the small sacrifices for a glimpse of Paris’s holiday magic.

This experience is best suited for those who prioritize value, comfort, and festive sights. It’s a cheerful, family-friendly outing that captures the essence of Paris during the most wonderful time of the year.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children up to age 3 travel free and sit on your lap. Children aged 4-12 must pay the child rate. The tour’s fun atmosphere makes it appealing for families.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the bus is enclosed, so you’re protected from rain or cold. Still, layering up is recommended as it can be chilly on the top deck.

Can I join the tour if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the bus is wheelchair accessible. However, check with the provider if you have specific needs to ensure smooth boarding.

How long is the tour, and how many sites does it cover?
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and covers major landmarks like the Opera, Concorde, Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower.

Is the audio guide available in my language?
Yes, in nine languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, and Russian.

Can I use my own device for the commentary?
The bus provides individual earphones to listen to the guide, but some reviews mention audio issues. Bring your own earphones to improve sound quality.

What should I bring for the tour?
Warm clothing, gloves, hats, and perhaps a blanket if you tend to get cold. No toilets are available onboard, so go beforehand.

Can I combine this tour with other activities?
Absolutely. Many travelers extend their visit with Tootwalks or other sightseeing options like river cruises or walking tours.

In summary, the Tootbus Christmas Bus Tour is a cheerful, reasonably priced way to enjoy Paris’s holiday sparkle from a comfortable seat on a double-decker bus. While traffic and audio issues are worth noting, the fantastic views and festive atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience for most visitors eager to soak up Paris’s Christmas magic.