Paris in a Day Efficient Full Day Tour

10 to 11 hours (approximately)
Offered in: German and 4 more

See more of Paris in less time on this well-organized shore excursion from Le Havre. Travel directly into the city, then board a Seine River cruise—a relaxing way to take in top landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and, when water levels allow, the restored Notre Dame Cathedral. Avoid traffic on the roads while enjoying smooth sightseeing from the water. After the cruise, stop for photos at the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, with a little free time to enjoy a snack or shop for souvenirs. The tour is timed to your ship’s schedule, with round-trip transport and a reliable return to port built in.

What's Included

Modern, air-conditioned shared bus transportation
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
English speaking hosts at the port
English-speaking tour guide for shared tours (The guide only joins the bus in Paris)
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Toast with French sparkling wine at the end of the tour
1-hour scenic Seine River Cruise with audio commentary on board
24/7 Customer support, assistance with other arrangements and tours
Complimentary typical French pastries
Pick-up and drop off at cruise ship port of Le Havre
Modern, air-conditioned shared bus transportationEntrance fees (none will be required)
Food and drinks
Gratuities (Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)
Inside visits to Eiffel Tower, Louvre or Notre Dame are not included
Semi-private option "only driver" does not include a tour guide in Paris.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is at the Le Havre Cruise Ship Port, just outside the security gate (NOT the car park directly next to the cruise ship). It is about 3 3-minute walk or 1000 feet / 300 meters from the cruise terminal. Look out for our hosts holding the sign "VEXPERIO".

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 10 to 11 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Begin your Paris shore excursion from the Le Havre cruise port, where friendly hosts will greet you outside the terminal. Board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for a scenic 3-hour ride through the Norman countryside. The tour aligns with your ship’s schedule, ensuring a timely return. Enjoy views of iconic Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, all while avoiding heavy city traffic. Experience the highlights of Paris comfortably and efficiently.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Eiffel Tower

    Eiffel Tower Arrival & Photo Stop Your Paris visit begins at the river cruise dock, located just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. Your guide will meet you there and offer a brief, helpful introduction to the tower, the city’s layout, and what to expect throughout the day. You'll take a quick 1–2 block walk to a nearby viewing area—an ideal spot for capturing clear, unobstructed photos of this world-famous landmark without the crowds. Please note: This tour does not include entry to the Eiffel Tower. To save time and avoid long lines, you’ll view it from a nearby vantage point.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Seine River

    Seine River Next, board a 1-hour river cruise departing near the Eiffel Tower. This is a smooth, time-saving way to see central Paris without the need for walking between landmarks. As you glide down the Seine, you’ll enjoy views of major sights like the Louvre, all from the comfort of your seat. Audio commentary is included during the cruise. For those planning to sit on the open-air upper deck, please bring your own headphones to hear the narration clearly.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Louvre Museum from the Water As you cruise along the Seine, you’ll pass the Louvre and enjoy a clear view of its grand classical façade. While the glass pyramid sits on the opposite side, the river offers a striking perspective of the western wing’s Renaissance and Baroque design. From this angle, it’s easy to appreciate the scale of the building and its history—once a royal residence, now one of the most famous museums in the world. It’s an efficient and memorable way to see a major landmark without navigating crowds or long walking routes.

    Admission ticket free
  • Musée d'Orsay (Pass by)

    View of the Musée d'Orsay As you continue your cruise along the Seine, you’ll pass the Musée d'Orsay—a standout landmark with a rich history. Originally built as a Beaux-Arts railway station for the 1900 World’s Fair, its grand façade, arched windows, and detailed stonework are easy to admire from the river. While the cruise doesn’t include entry, this view offers a unique look at one of Paris’s most celebrated buildings, now home to the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art.

    Admission ticket free
  • Grand Palais (Pass by)

    As you cruise along the Seine, enjoy clear views of some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks—all without the need for walking or navigating busy streets. You’ll pass the ornate Pont Alexandre III, known for its elegant Belle Époque design and gilded sculptures. Just ahead, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais appear on opposite sides of the river—the Grand Palais especially eye-catching with its sweeping glass dome and detailed architecture. The boat also glides past Île de la Cité, where you’ll see Notre Dame, the Palais de Justice, and the historic Conciergerie. It’s a smooth and scenic way to take in centuries of Parisian history from the comfort of your seat.

    Admission ticket free
  • Place de la Concorde (Pass by)

    Place de la Concorde As your cruise continues, you’ll pass Place de la Concorde—one of Paris’s most historic and visually striking squares. From the river, you’ll see the tall Luxor Obelisk standing at the center, along with ornate fountains and stately 18th-century buildings that frame the space. This peaceful view from the water lets you take in the site’s scale and symmetry without the crowds, making it an efficient way to experience one of the city’s grand public landmarks.

    Admission ticket free
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris (Pass by)

    Notre-Dame Extension If water levels allow, your cruise will extend to Notre-Dame Cathedral. From the river, you’ll enjoy a clear view of its Gothic façade, twin towers, and signature rose window—all visible without the usual crowds. The calm setting and gentle reflection on the water add to the experience, giving you a peaceful look at one of Paris’s most beloved landmarks. Please note: The route to Notre-Dame depends on river conditions. If water levels are too high, this portion of the cruise may not be accessible. No refunds will be issued in that case.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Arc de Triomphe

    Arc de Triomphe Visit After the cruise, you’ll reboard the bus for a direct transfer to the Arc de Triomphe—no navigating busy streets or transfers required. Your guide will share the monument’s history, from its commissioning by Napoleon to honor his military victories to the symbolic reliefs carved into its surface. Standing 50 meters tall, the Arc marks the start of the Champs-Élysées and remains one of the city’s most recognized landmarks. This stop is designed to keep you on schedule while offering time to take photos and enjoy the view at a relaxed pace.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Champs-Élysées & Free Time (If Available) The Arc de Triomphe anchors the western end of the Champs-Élysées—Paris’s most celebrated avenue, known for its grand architecture, sidewalk cafés, and high-end boutiques. This stretch has long been a symbol of French elegance, drawing visitors from around the world. If time permits, you’ll have a chance to explore on your own, shop for souvenirs, or grab a quick meal before continuing. Please note: Free time at the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées depends on traffic, events, and local conditions. If time is shortened or not available, no refund will be issued.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 6

    fter your day exploring Paris, you'll be comfortably returned to your ship on our coach bus, carrying unforgettable memories. You'll be picked up at the port and return well before departure, so you can relax and enjoy your adventure.

    3 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The free time at the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées is subject to traffic, special events, docking times of your ship, and other circumstances. If your tour does not permit for free time due to these circumstances, or your free time is shortened, we will not be able to provide a refund. If you prefer a tour focused on self-exploration, please consider our "Paris on Your Own Tour" (Viator Product 63772P156)
  • This tour is not suitable for passengers with mobility scooters or traveling with wheelchairs. Only light, foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated. Private tours with wheelchair-adapted vehicles can be arranged.
  • This tour does not visit the Eiffel Tower inside. You will have a photo opportunity from the river cruise, and from a distance of about several hundred yards.
  • This tour does not visit the Eiffel Tower inside. You will have a photo opportunity from the river cruise, and from a distance of about several hundred yards.
  • The route of the tour and time spent in Paris is subject to the ship’s docking times, traffic, special events, and any other circumstances out of our control. Please note we will not be able to provide a refund if the touring time must be shortened because of any of the above
Supplied by Shore Excursions Company

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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Port Transfers
Walking Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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