Open Top Bus Tour of Paris France
Paris Vacations Should Include the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower
Jul 17, 2008
The first stopping point for the familiar green and yellow L'Open Tour bus is Trocadero, an elevated area of Paris on the opposite side of the River Seine from the Eiffel Tower. From there you will get a superb view of one of the world’s best known landmarks.
Although it’s tempting to press on, it’s worth stopping at Trocadero to visit the Palais de Chaillot, which houses a theatre and a number of museums. In the surrounding streets there are other museums to explore, they include the wonderful Musee National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet which has collections from different parts of Asia, including the Indian sub-continent.
For the art lover there is Musee d’Orsay with its unsurpassed collection of Impressionist paintings.
Paris River Cruise
If time allows you can walk back along the river to the Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful and ornate bridges over the Seine. The 40 metre long structure is decorated with sculptures of angels and cherubs, guarded by four gilded statues perched high on granite columns. There are also a number of Paris river cruises which leave from various spots along the river.
While there is bus stop at the Eiffel Tower it’s only a short walk across the river from Trocadero.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was formally opened in 1889 having taken around two years to build, it weighs in at just over 10,000 tons. With the flagpole raised it is 324 metres high.
There are four floors in the Tower. On the ground floor there is a souvenir shop for visitors to investigate.
On the first floor, large displays tell the story of the Tower’s history, there is a small café and a patio to take in the view.
On the second floor there are more souvenir shops and further cafes, a restaurant and an Internet station.
Of course the best thing about the top level is the view.
At the time of writing the prices for entrance to the Eiffel Tower were:
Adults and children over the age of 12.
Access to the top level: 12 Euros.
Access to second level: 7 Euros 80
Access to first level: 4 Euros 80
There are reduced rates for children 3-11 years of age.
Where to Buy Your Ticket for Paris L’Open Tour?
You can buy one or two day tickets at a number of places including: Paris tourist offices, at La Boutique on Rue Auber, which is near the Paris Opera House or on any of the L'Open Tour buses. There are distinctive bus stops at all the major sites.
Paris Open Tour Route
There are four separate circuits of the city:
Montparnasse – Saint Germain
Montmarte – Grand Boulevards
Bastille – Bercy
Paris Grand Tour
Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower is part of the Paris Grand Tour which can be accessed at any one of 19 points on the circuit.
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