Half Day Paris Cruise & Walking Tours: Eiffel, Louvre, Notre-Dame

If you’re visiting Paris and only have a few hours to scratch the surface, this half-day Paris cruise and walking tour offers a well-balanced way to see some of the city’s most famous sights. It’s designed to give you a taste of Paris’s charm, history, and beauty without feeling rushed, making it perfect for travelers pressed for time but eager to experience the highlights.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it combines guided walking with a hop-on hop-off boat cruise—giving you a multi-sensory experience. The guides are well-reviewed for their knowledge and friendliness, making the tour both educational and personable. Plus, the inclusion of a free guidebook with insider tips adds extra value, helping you explore beyond the main sights at your own pace.

A possible consideration is that only the Louvre’s entry ticket is included, so if you want to visit other monuments like Notre-Dame or the Eiffel Tower, you’ll need to buy separate tickets. However, this flexibility can be a plus for those wanting to customize their experience. This tour suits first-time visitors, busy travelers, or anyone eager to see Paris’s big sights with minimal fuss and maximum insight.

Key Points

• Concise and well-organized: A 4-6 hour tour hitting Paris’s top landmarks.
• Expert guides: Friendly, knowledgeable, and great at sharing stories.
• Photo opportunities: Plenty of chances to snap iconic views and selfies.
• Inclusion of a useful guidebook: Insider tips and hidden gems.
• Flexible sightseeing: Hop-on hop-off boat allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Limited monument entry: Only the Louvre is included—other sites require separate tickets.

If you’re longing to see some of Paris’s most photographed landmarks but don’t have days to spare, this tour aims to give you the essentials in about four to six hours. It’s a mix of guided walking and cruise that captures the essence of the city’s beauty and history.

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at 13 Allée Paul Deschanel in the 7th arrondissement, a location accessible by public transportation. You’ll spend around 3-4 hours on the guided portion, with the rest dedicated to a 24-hour hop-on hop-off boat cruise. This flexibility allows you to relax while enjoying views of Paris from the Seine—arguably one of the best ways to see the city.

The Itinerary in Depth

First Stop: The Louvre Museum
The tour kicks off with entry tickets included—a real plus given the long lines often associated with this world-famous museum. Inside, you’ll get to see masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, as well as other renowned art collections. The museum’s surroundings, including the Jardin des Tuileries and the Pont des Arts, add a scenic backdrop to your visit.

Second Stop: Place de la Concorde
Here, you’ll enjoy a selfie tour around this grand square. You’ll learn about the historic significance and architecture of this important city hub. As one reviewer said, it’s a chance to “learn the history and culture behind this Parisian hotspot” while capturing memories.

Third Stop: The Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without a selfie with the Eiffel Tower. The guide will take you to the best photo spots and share stories about its history. The tour ensures you don’t just see the tower but also understand its place in Paris’s identity.

Fourth Stop: Pont des Arts Selfie Tour
This picturesque bridge offers a chance to snap a shot with the Eiffel Tower in the background, along with other scenic views. The guide shares insights into the bridge’s history, making your photos more meaningful.

Fifth Stop: Notre-Dame Cathedral
From its stunning architecture to its storybook façade, Notre-Dame is a highlight. The guide’s stories about the cathedral’s history and secrets add depth to your photos and your understanding of Paris’s religious and cultural significance.

Seine River Selfie Tour
Finally, the Seine River cruise provides a relaxed way to see Paris’s bridges, historic buildings, and iconic sights from the water. The guide points out the best spots for selfies, making this a highlight for social media lovers.

The value of this tour is enhanced by several inclusions:

• A 24-hour hop-on hop-off boat cruise, which you can enjoy at your own pace, offering spectacular views of the city from the Seine.
• A free “101 Paris Secrets and Treasures” guidebook (worth nearly $20), packed with insider tips, hidden spots, and budget hacks—helping you extend your Paris adventure beyond the tour.
• Entry to the Louvre Museum, allowing you to skip long lines and see highlights like the Mona Lisa.
• Several guided stops at key landmarks—Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Place de la Concorde, and Pont des Arts.
• An English-speaking, engaging guide who’s praised for friendliness and deep knowledge.

However, not included are tickets for other monuments like the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame, which can be purchased separately if you want to go inside or explore further.

The Cost and Value

At around $190 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the included Louvre tickets and the expert-guided storytelling. The experience is designed to maximize your sightseeing time, blending walking, photos, and boat rides seamlessly. Plus, the bonus guidebook provides a lasting resource for your Paris trip.

Multiple reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides like Yemisi and Yemisi make the experience memorable. One reviewer said, “Yesemi was a very knowledgeable tour guide. She provided us with tons of fun facts. We would recommend her without reservation.” Another noted how her guide’s friendliness made her feel like she was touring with a friend rather than a guide.

Travelers appreciate the stunning photo opportunities, especially around the Eiffel Tower and Pont des Arts. The combination of guided storytelling and scenic views helps make this a well-rounded quick tour of Paris.

One traveler, visiting from Australia, remarked, “Ekaette was our tour guide and was very informative. We all had a wonderful tour.” This highlights how guides’ personality and knowledge enhance the experience, turning sightseeing into a memorable story.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Paris’s key sights in a limited timeframe. It also suits travelers who prefer a guided experience with minimal planning, especially if they want insider tips and stunning photo ops.

Those who enjoy photo-taking and want to see Paris from multiple perspectives—on foot and from the water—will find this tour appealing. It’s especially good for families, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a cost-effective, well-organized introduction to the city.

For travelers eager to maximize limited time in Paris, this half-day tour offers a sensible balance of sightseeing, storytelling, and scenic cruising. The expert guides and well-chosen stops ensure you get a meaningful glimpse of the city’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

The inclusion of Louvre tickets and the bonus guidebook make it an excellent value, especially for those new to Paris or with busy schedules. While you’ll need to arrange additional tickets if you want inside visits to other landmarks, this tour’s focus on photo-worthy sights and engaging stories makes it a memorable way to spend a few hours.

If your goal is to see the iconic sights, learn some engaging stories, and enjoy spectacular views from both land and water—all with friendly guidance—this tour hits the mark.

• How long is the tour?

It lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and the time spent at each stop.

• Are tickets to the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame included?

No, only the Louvre Museum entry is included. Other monument tickets are sold separately.

• Where does the tour start?

It begins at 13 Allée Paul Deschanel in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

• Is the boat cruise included?

Yes, you receive a 24-hour hop-on hop-off boat cruise ticket, allowing flexible sightseeing on the Seine.

• Can I reschedule if I’m unable to attend?

Yes, the tour has a flexible and customer-friendly rescheduling policy.

• Is this tour suitable for children?

Most travelers can participate, and the friendly guides make it engaging for families and kids.

• What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, a camera or smartphone for photos, and your curiosity.

• Are guides available in languages other than English?

This tour is primarily offered in English, with engaging guides sharing stories and insights.

• What if I want to see inside the monuments?

You’ll need to purchase separate tickets for inside visits, especially for sites like the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame.

• How far in advance should I book?

Most travelers book around 64 days ahead, highlighting the tour’s popularity.

This half-day Paris tour provides a balanced, engaging, and scenic overview of the city’s most iconic sights. Perfect for those who want a quick, memorable taste of Paris’s magic with expert guidance and beautiful photos.