I decided to see Paris on the Hop-On , Hop-Off due to the strike situation. This post focuses on the Open Tour Bus Red Line and the interesting sights on this route. This route more or less covers the 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th Arrondissement or the Right Bank of the Seine.
Pick-Up Point for the Red Line
I started from the pick-up point where the Blue Line dropped me off.
Moulin Rouge
Stop 31: Open Tour Bus
metro line 2 via the Blanche station.
Bus lines 30, 54, 68 and 74 also pass the Moulin Rouge.
On the small traffic island in front of the Moulin Rouge you can also board the sightseeing train, which takes you on a walk through Montmartre.
18th Arr.
The Moulin Rouge is possibly the most famous cabaret in the world. You can’t miss the Red Windmill in the Pigalle District.There are daily shows 9 and 11pm. If you would like dinner included, it starts at 7pm. The shows are for age 6 and above , however be prepared for topless nudity. Tickets can be bought from the official site. *Money saving tip: You can get tickets cheaper as combinations with other sites through getyourguide.
Montmartre
Stop 32: Open Tour Bus
metro line 2 via the Anvers station or
metro line 12 via the Abbesses station.
Bus lines 54 and 40 stops.
18th Arr.
It is an uphill walk 800m from Anvers to the Basilica. For the people who don’t want to walk , there is a Furnicular as an alternative parallel to the walk. Should you decide to walk – be aware of your surroundings, there are some con artists at work around here. I encountered some of them being pushy to get me to sign a petition for the poor. I refused and they continued to follow until I became very firm and pushed it away. Later I saw a video of how they pick your pocket as you are busy with the signing.
Entrance to the Basilica is free – you can download a free audio guide here.
Being on such an elevated position , you can expect to have great views of Paris from here. The Eiffel Tower is clearly recognizable even on a cloudy day.
At the bottom of the Basilica is another great Carousel. I swear the Carousels here are so colourful and special. I love the detail in the horses and the carriages.
Don't miss this in Montmartre
Take a walk from the Sacre Coeur to the villages nearby. It is picturesque and great pictures for instagram.
Next to the last flight of steps to get to the Sacre Coeur, on the right side you will see a orange / off-white building by the Hill. Shifting the camera to an angle makes it seem as if the whole block is sinking. Hence the name “Sinking house of Montmartre.”
Gare Du Nord
Stop 33: Open Tour Bus
10th Arr
The Gare du Nord is where a lot of visitors come in to Paris. Eurostar trains, RER trains come in to Gare du Nord , so this area is rather crowded – the first time I ever visited Paris I got a hotel in this area. To be honest I did not like the area, it seems not very safe when going around at night. On the plus side this area has a lot of shops and restaurants as well as being in close proximity of public transportation.
Gare de l'Est
Stop 34: Open Tour Bus
10th Arr
Gare de l’Est welcomes trains from the east of Europe and France.
Republique
The Place de la République where all the three arrondissement meet. It has a young and lively vibe with plenty of eating and drinking places nearby frequented by Parisians. The Canal St. Martin is also nearby where it is a popular place for picnics by the bank.
Bonne Nouvelle-Grand Rex
The Grand Rex (Le Grand Rex) is a protected monument – a Parisian cinema which is the biggest in Europe. The building also serves as a theatre and concert hall and hosts world movie premieres. Here is the link of what is showing and tickets.
Grands Boulevards
Grand Boulevards are the oldest boulevards in Paris and I had the opportunity to check out the old Parisian form of shopping arcades. In the covered passages that still offers some Parisian flair with small tea rooms, patisseries, restaurants and specialty shops. These are special as they are not filled with retail franchises.
The Musée Grévin is a famous wax museum of celebrities. The exit of this museum is in the Passage Jouffroy. Here is the link for ticket prices.
Covered Passages in Paris
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I loved Paris; I was in Paris several times. But I never used the open-tour-bus option. It seems to be a great idea, especially if you have little time to explore this beautiful city. Or it is a strike. The bus lines stop at the most famous attractions, so it’s worth considering this type of sightseeing. My favorite place in Paris is Montmartre with Basilica Sacre Coeur, for sure.
We were in Paris four years back and had taken the Red Bus to explore the city. So reading this post made me nostalgic. Although we had also booked the night tour, due to severe rains that night could not avail the opportunity.
Excellent idea that you thought out at that moment and chose a open-bus tour instead of fretting over the strike situation. I’ve never been on an open bus tour. But in some places, esp., when public transport is not so good, they are an excellent option.
I loved Basilica Sacre Coeur in Montmartre. Its a beautiful setting, beautiful architecture and you don’t feel the crowd too much!
Grand Boulevards looks adorable. I’ve been to a similar place in Brussels. They have such a charm.
We love to use the hop-on-hop-off buses when we first visit a new city. It is a great way to learn about the sites. And to get transportation too. I did this tour in Paris many years ago when I took my son to Paris. We even had a portrait done of him when we hopped off in Montmartre. But I must admit there have been open bus tours that were not great – bad or missing audio and awful schedules. Glad this one worked for you.
Paris is one of my most favourite cities and I do agree the best way to see this would be on a bus especially if you get the weather on your side. It does look that it pretty much covers all the important stops in Paris so great coverage it seems. It does give you the option to stop off and look at a attraction and then hop back on and carry on. Thanks for sharing red line which I would keep in mind on my next trip to Paris.
Great post!! To be honest I have never was really a fan of seeing/visiting places on a bus until I actually did it. Though it highly depend on the city you choose to take the tour on, some have excellent service while others straight up worse. I haven’t done an open bus tour in Paris yet I would love to try it soon.
Paris have always been on my bucket list but never imagined seeing the place in a bus. By reading your post, it made me realize how fun it is to look around the city in a local transportation. Moreover you actually covered a lot of cool spots with Red bus. Am definitely gonna recommend everyone to use your itinerary
I’ve never been on the Hop-on Hop-off bus but it seems like a great way to explore Paris. I was in Paris 5 days, so reading this reminds my good experience. I’d love to see Moulin Rouge, Basilica and other attractions on bus!
Seems like the tour bus red line is a wonderful option for seeing Paris as you got to see some of the beautiful places in the city. The view from the Basilica Sacre Coeur is beautiful as well the basilica itself. I also like the Sinking House. It makes me want to practice with my camera whenever I see a location like that.
Awesome information! I enjoyed my trip to Paris last and didn’t eve think about travelling and sightseeing via one of these. Definitely keeping it in my mind for next time!