Bus & Coach · OPEN-TOP BUS TOURS IN FRANCE
Every trip has one spare day too few. These 8 open-top bus tours in France justify the slot, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes.
Ride a double-decker open-top bus through Paris after dark, passing the Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge, Champs-Élysées, and Eiffel Tower. A multilingual audio guide adds context as you ride. The two-hour loop returns to 156 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, with covered seating available in poor weather.
“the audible was no working well. but the rest was great!!!”
Ride an open-top bus from Quai de la République through Ajaccio’s Napoleon sites and along the Sanguinaires coastal road. You’ll stop for about 20 minutes at Parata for views of the islands, with recorded commentary in five languages. At $14, it suits cruise visitors and anyone wanting a quick first look at the city and coast.
“The tour was OK. It has nothing so special to see but in case you want to discover the city and the coast having no other transportation is fair enough. We did it with our little son and it was OK.”
Ride through Paris after dark on a 90-minute Tootbus Christmas tour from Boulevard des Capucines to Boulevard Haussmann. You’ll pass the Opera, Place Vendôme, Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and department stores while listening to multilingual audio, Christmas songs, and city views from the upper deck.
“This was the best way to see Paris holiday lights at night. Stopped near Eiffel Tower when it flashes. Great pictures. Highly recommend!”
Take a 90-minute panoramic bus ride from Place de Sydney past the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and more. An audio guide covers several languages, while a hostess helps at the start. Bring headphones, and expect a fast overview rather than stops at each monument.
“Efficient and helpful staff when we arrived at the office. Tour bus clean, comfortable and air conditioning perfect temperature. Audio guides clear and informative. Bus driver careful, given heavy traffic at times. We were able to get good views of all the sites.”
Start on the Champs-Elysées and ride through Paris after dark, passing the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Moulin Rouge, Notre-Dame, Seine, Arc de Triomphe, and Palais Garnier. Audio commentary comes in eight languages, with free Wi-Fi and earbuds. The bus returns to the starting point, though poor weather may mean a closed roof.
“This Xmas lights bus tour was a wonderful way to see Paris at night all lit up for Christmas. The onboard commentary available in English and other languages was excellent and so informative”
You’ll drive a fun three-wheel open-top car from Nice with a live English-speaking guide such as Zack, Julie, or Emil. The four-hour route includes Mont Alban, Èze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, coastal viewpoints, and a Fragonard perfume visit. Bring your license, sunglasses, and beachwear. Drivers must be 18 or older.
“Our guide Zac was really friendly and professional. Appreciate the care and ensure that we elder parents are well took care of. Surely a recommended once in a life time experience.”
Ride a double-decker bus from central Avignon around the city walls, across the Rhône, and into Villeneuve lez Avignon. Audio commentary covers Pont d’Avignon, Fort Saint-André, the Lambert Collection, Chartreuse, and Île de la Barthelasse. The ride is mainly a sightseeing loop, not a classic hop-on hop-off service, and some admissions cost extra.
“This tour is worthwhile to get the lie if the land on the outskirts of the city. It more of less skirts around the city walls and goes across the Rhone and back again over two different bridges. This tour is on the usual double decker bus seen in many cities, the audio is good. There is a smaller 'mini' articulated bus if you want a tour of the inner city.”
Travel from Épernay along the Avenue de Champagne in the open-top Impériale, then visit Hautvillers for views, Champagne tasting, and a sabrage demonstration. The longer route adds Aÿ, home to Bollinger. Marie-Antoinette and her team provide commentary, music, snacks, soft drinks, and three Champagne glasses for adults. No winery visit is included.
“It was a wonderful experience for us. We will remember it. We did enjoy the tastings and the guided tour and explanations.”
Pick a deck, a route or an hour.
