big bus tour prices paris

• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to content

Paris Top Ten

Best of Paris

Big Bus Tours Paris

• Rating: 4.1
• Description

Discover the City of Light with Big Bus Tours Paris! Hop on and off at your leisure to explore the iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral. their open-top buses offer panoramic views of the city, so you won’t miss a thing! With live commentary in multiple languages, you’ll learn about the fascinating history and culture of Paris. Don’t forget to indulge in some local cuisine like croissants, macarons and cheese, and immerse yourself in the Parisian lifestyle. Book your Big Bus Tour today and experience the magic of Paris!

• Photo Gallery

• Top-Rated Tours in Paris

Table of Contents

Why Choose Big Bus Tours in Paris?

Navigating the city: key routes and stops, ticket types and how to get them, making the most of your hop-on hop-off experience, enhance your journey with audio commentary and live guides, must-see attractions along the big bus route, beyond the bus: additional services and offers, tips for first-timers: maximizing your big bus experience, frequently asked questions, what are the ticket options for big bus tours in paris, can you provide a comparison between tootbus and big bus in paris, what are the must-see stops on the paris big bus tour, are hop-on, hop-off bus tours in paris a worthwhile experience.

Exploring the streets of Paris is an unforgettable experience, and the Big Bus Tour offers an ideal way to immerse yourself in the city’s enchanting atmosphere. With the convenience of a hop-on hop-off service, you can visit the renowned landmarks at your own pace. You can savor panoramic views aboard an open-top, double-decker bus and listen to pre-recorded commentary, sharing insights into the rich tapestry of Parisian history and culture.

Imagine gliding past the Eiffel Tower , pausing momentarily to appreciate its majestic structure, and then continuing to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral while absorbing the narrative unfolding through your headphones. Each bus stop is strategically located near major attractions such as the Louvre Museum, the opulent Champs Elysées, and the storied cobblestones of Montmartre.

This tour connects you with the city’s top sights and offers the flexibility to hop off at a whim, perhaps to venture inside a museum or to sit at a café and watch the world go by. It’s the perfect blend of structure and spontaneity for sightseeing in Paris , allowing you to curate your adventure in the City of Lights.

When you’re in Paris, the epitome of a cultural and historical feast, it’s essential to find a tour that efficiently covers all the famous sights. Big Bus Tours offers a comprehensive hop-on hop-off experience, allowing you the freedom to explore the City of Light at your own pace.

Convenience and Flexibility

• Hop-on hop-off access : Join and leave the circuit at your leisure across multiple stops.
• Frequency : Buses arrive every 7-15 minutes, reducing your wait time.
• Tickets : With flexible ticket options, plan your days with ease.

Panoramic Views

• Experience unobstructed vistas on a double-decker bus, perfect for snapping photos of the iconic Eiffel Tower and other Parisian landmarks.

Cultural Experience

• Audio Commentary : Learn about Paris’ rich history in multiple languages.
• Guided Options : Select tours have a guide for a more personalized touch.

Multi-Purpose Tours

• Options include night tours and packages with river cruises offering varied city views.

By incorporating both practicality and enrichment, Big Bus Tours caters to your travel needs, ensuring no famous monument , from the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower to the historic streets of Montmartre, is missed. The blend of convenience, panoramic views, and informative audio commentary will enhance your Parisian journey.

Exploring Paris with Big Bus Tours is a convenient way to see the city’s most famous landmarks . When you embark on a Big Bus tour, you’ll encounter two primary routes that cover a broad spectrum of must-see locations.

• Red Route : The Classic Red Route will take you past iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Champs-Elysées. Buses start at 9:30 AM and continue until 5:40 PM, making planning your day easy. For a closer look at Parisian grandeur, the Arc de Triomphe and the Opéra Garnier stops are not to be missed. You can find more details on the bus route map .
• Blue Route : If you’re eager to see the bohemian heart of Paris, the Montmartre Route (Blue Route) offers an intimate tour of this artistic enclave. Although smaller than the Red Route, it includes the storied Montmartre district, renowned for its quaint streets and rich history.

Here’s a quick reference list of stops that you shouldn’t pass up:

• Eiffel Tower : Begin your tour with a visit to this world-famous iron lattice tower.
• Louvre Museum : Explore the home of the Mona Lisa and thousands of other treasures.
• Notre Dame : Although currently under restoration, the cathedral remains breathtaking.
• Seine River : Consider a cruise to see Paris from a unique vantage point.
• Champs-Elysées : Stroll down this grand avenue, known for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops.

Each stop offers the freedom to discover the area at your own pace. Headphones provide commentary in multiple languages, enriching your journey with historical insight and stories. Plan your route using online tour maps to maximize your time in Paris.

When planning sightseeing with a Big Bus Tour in Paris, you have several ticket options to fit your itinerary. The hop-on hop-off tickets are popular for their flexibility, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.

• Classic Ticket : Offers you 24 hours of access to the bus routes. Ideal for a whirlwind tour of the city’s landmarks.
• Premium Ticket : This extends your hop-on hop-off experience to 48 hours, often including a scenic river cruise along the Seine.
• Deluxe Ticket : For the most comprehensive experience, the Deluxe option generally includes all Premium benefits plus an additional attraction or night tour.

Online booking is the easiest way to purchase tickets and often provides discounts. Visit the operator’s website, select your ticket type, and complete the transaction. Your e-ticket will be delivered directly to your email, which you can print out or show on your smartphone to the bus staff at any designated stop.

The Big Bus Tours cover many of Paris’s famous attractions. Remember, the buses range 7-15 minutes apart, so you won’t have to wait long. You’ll find a stop nearby if you want to explore the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or the Champs-Élysées.

Planning is key to optimizing your hop-on hop-off bus tour in Paris. Before you board, review the routes and landmarks that pique your interest. Big Bus Tour maps display all the essential sights, allowing you to tailor a sightseeing path that fits your preferences.

• Start Early : Get a head start. Buses are less crowded, and you’ll have more time to explore.
• Plan Your Stops : Pick out must-see attractions from the Big Bus itinerary beforehand.
• Stay Flexible : If a particular site captivates you, stay longer. The buses come frequently.

Seats on the upper deck offer panoramic views, excellent for photography enthusiasts. On colder days, the lower deck provides a cozy vantage point. Remember, an open-top bus ride can be thrilling, but the weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers.

Remember the bus tour times, especially the last departure, to ensure you don’t miss your ride back. While spontaneous exploration is part of the charm, keeping an eye on the time helps cover more sights.

To enhance your experience, consider pairing the bus tour with a river cruise. This combination often leads to a more comprehensive overview of Paris’s beauty.

Lastly, download the Big Bus app for real-time tracking of your bus, saving you time and giving you peace of mind as you navigate the City of Lights.

Embarking on a Big Bus Paris tour , you have the unique opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks with enriching audio commentary and the company of insightful live guides. The experience merges knowledge and convenience to cater to your adventurous spirit while providing historical context and intriguing narratives about the City of Lights.

Audio Commentary :

• Available in Multiple Languages : Tailor your sightseeing experience by selecting an audio guide in your preferred language.
• Engaging Narratives : Learn about Parisian history, architecture, and culture with captivating stories and facts.
• Flexibility : Use the provided earbuds to listen to the commentary at your own pace.

Live Guides :

• Personal Connections : Interact with seasoned guides who bring a personal feel to your tour.
• Insider Tips : Gain insights into the best spots for that perfect Paris photo or a cozy cafe nook.
• Real-Time Q&A : Have a question? Your knowledgeable guide is ready to provide answers on the spot.

Each bus stop presents an opportunity to discover something new about Paris, whether it’s the architectural splendor of the Arc de Triomphe or the vibrant history of Moulin Rouge . With the merger of audio-guided commentary and live guides, your journey through Paris will be informative and thoroughly engaging. Embrace the full spectrum of what the city has to offer while enjoying the flexibility to hop on and off at your leisure.

When you hop on a Big Bus tour in Paris, you’re in for a treat with an itinerary that showcases the crown jewels of the city’s heritage. Here’s your guide to not-to-miss stops:

• Eiffel Tower: Be swept off your feet with the grandeur of the Iron Lady . It’s a perfect photo-op and a majestic start to your Paris adventure.
• Louvre Museum : As your bus passes, the Louvre beckons with its stunning glass pyramid and priceless art like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: Although under restoration, the architectural marvel of Notre Dame still imparts its historical significance.
• Champs-Elysées : The bus glides down this grand avenue, dotted with shops and cafes, leading to the towering Arc de Triomphe.
• Seine River: Catch the glint of the sun or the city lights on the waters, which many of the city’s treasures call home.
• Montmartre : This artistic enclave offers panoramic views of Paris from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica .
• Arc de Triomphe: Concluding your journey at this monument is a salute to the valor and spirit of France.

While the classic hop-on, hop-off tours are a staple for seeing Paris’s magnificent sights, Big Bus Tours extends your experience with several enticing services.

Seine River Cruise: As part of your exploration, you can see Paris from a different vantage point on a Seine River cruise . This addition allows you to glide past iconic Parisian landmarks while the city’s history unfolds from the comfort of a boat.

• Panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame
• Multilingual audio commentary
• Options to combine with bus tickets for a comprehensive experience

Night Tour: Experience the ‘City of Lights’ at its most enchanting with a night tour . Paris transforms after sunset, and a night bus tour showcases the illuminated monuments in their full glory.

• 2-hour panoramic tour
• Unparalleled views of Paris lit up at night
• No stops, so you can soak in the sights uninterrupted

Ticket Flexibility: Choose from a range of tickets offering 24 to 48-hour validity, allowing you to explore at your pace.

• Discounts on online bookings
• Free walking tours included with certain tickets
• Fully flexible tickets with free date changes

Sightseeing Tours: Your Big Bus ticket opens doors to various sightseeing tours . You’re not limited to the bus route; you can pair your tour with walking tours to discover the intricacies of Parisian culture.

When you’re setting out on your first Big Bus tour of Paris, planning can significantly enhance your experience. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Purchase Tickets in Advance Secure your spot by buying tickets online before your trip. Not only can this save you time, but it might also offer early bird discounts.

Familiarize with Routes Paris is packed with sights, and big bus routes cover much of the ground. Check out the routes beforehand to know which landmarks you’ll pass.

Plan with Hop-on Hop-off The hop-on hop-off feature allows you to explore at your own pace. Identify the stops you definitely want to visit to make efficient use of your time.

Start Early To avoid the crowds, begin your Paris tour early in the day. This way, you’ll have more time to explore and fewer queues.

Stay Informed about Duration and Frequency Keep track of the duration between buses to plan your visits accordingly.

Pack Accordingly The weather in Paris can be unpredictable. Bring a jacket or umbrella, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Big Bus Tours in Paris offer a variety of ticket options including 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tours that can also bundle extras like a Seine river cruise or night tours. For example, an Adult ticket starts from €67.50 for a 48-hour package, including a river cruise and panoramic night tour .

While both Tootbus and Big Bus provide comprehensive hop-on hop-off experiences in Paris, Big Bus is known for its inclusive packages that offer panoramic night tours and river cruises. Tootbus might appeal for its thematic tours and affordability. Your choice may hinge on whether you prefer more inclusive experiences or want something more budget-friendly.

The must-see stops on a Paris Big Bus Tour include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Champs-Élysées. Essential for any visitor, these iconic landmarks are part of the comprehensive routes offered, ensuring a memorable snapshot of Parisian history and architecture.

Yes, hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Paris are a worthwhile experience, especially for first-time visitors. They offer flexibility and convenience for exploring the city at your own pace with insightful commentary, ensuring you don’t miss out on the rich history and culture of Paris’s most famous sights.

Please rate this post

Your page rank:

Other Travel Guides

• Eiffel Tower History: The Iconic Landmark of Paris and Gustave Eiffel’s Masterpiece
• Expat Jobs in Paris: Discover Exciting Career Opportunities
• Job Opportunities in Paris: Can I Get Hired Without Speaking French?
• Immigration Attorneys in Paris, France: Expert Legal Services for Visas and Residency
• Best Coworking Spaces in Paris, France: The Ultimate Guide
• Mortgages in Paris France: A Guide to Financing Your Dream Home

• All Paris Attractions
• Paris Museums
• Paris Statues
• Paris Monuments
• Paris Landmarks
• Paris Squares
• Paris Bridges
• Paris Gardens & Parks
• Paris Restaurants
• All Paris Entertainment
• Paris Cabarets
• Paris Night Clubs
• Paris Circuses
• Paris Theatres & Operas
• Paris Music & Concerts
• Paris Bars
• Top Attractions
• Paris City Life
• Eiffel Tower
• Musee du Louvre
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• River Seine
• Paris Transport Systems
• Paris Metro Maps
• Paris Bus Maps
• Paris Night Bus Maps
• Paris RER Train Maps
• Paris Tram Maps
• CDG Airport
• Orly Airport
• Disneyland Paris
• Chateau de Versailles
• Paris Sightseeing Tours
• All Paris Accommodation
• Paris 1 Star Hotels
• Paris 2 Star Hotels
• Paris 3 Star Hotels
• Paris 4 Star Hotels
• Paris 5 Star Hotels
• Paris Palace Hotels
• Paris ApartHotels
• Paris Unusual
• Paris Hostels
• Paris B&B
• Campsites France
• Paris Tourist Info Maps
• Paris Public Toilets
• Paris Drinking Water Fountains
• Jardins du Trocadero
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Paris Photos
• Paris Videos
• France Videos
• Travel Guides
• Paris History

Big Bus Paris sightseeing tour maps with stops, timetables and pricing

About big bus paris sightseeing tours, big bus paris sightseeing tour map for red and blue bus lines with stops and timetables.

Big Bus Paris Red Route stops:

Big bus paris montmartre blue route stops:, big bus paris daytime sightseeing tour ticket prices:, big bus paris daytime sightseeing tour maps with stops and timetables:, big bus paris night time sightseeing tour map with stops and timetables.

Big Bus Paris day and night time sightseeing tour ticket prices:

Big bus paris night time sightseeing tour maps with stops and timetables:, buying big bus tickets:, other paris bus line maps with stops and connections, other paris transport maps, airport transport maps, transport to paris attractions, paris train stations, paris tour services.

• Paris by night Paris by night
• Versailles Versailles
• Giverny Giverny
• France France
• Day trips from Paris Day trips from Paris
• Fooding Fooding
• Cruises Cruises
• Find your order
• Our Sanitary Program
• +33 (0)1 44 55 60 00

Choose a place

Hop-on Hop-off Paris and Open Tour Paris: Our Bus Tours

Active filters:

TootBus Ticket - Pass 1 day

Paris at your own pace

1 Day E-Ticket Big Bus Hop on Hop off Pass

Take advantage of a one or two-day pass to visit Paris in total freedom at your own pace aboard a double-decker Big Bus. Hop on and off as you please with one of the two tours offered. Discover the must-see sites of Paris while listening to the city's history through a recorded audio commentary available in several languages.

Open Tour Paris

The Open Tour Paris gives you access to a whole network of tourist buses running different routes to link all the main Parisian tourist sites with a single ticket, unlimitedly for one or more days depending on the pass chosen. The frequency of service (every 15 minutes from April to October and every 20 minutes from November to March) ensures that you have minimal waiting time and can stop off at your own pace, without having to keep to a set schedule.

Nearly 40 stops are scattered throughout the city along 4 routes :

• The blue line is certainly the most complete tourist circuit to admire the main Parisian monuments: Les Invalides, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Palais Garnier, the Luxor Obelisk, the Arc de Triomphe or the Trocadero, it is probably one of the most popular lines.
• The green line invites you to cross the Seine to discover the left bank of Paris, from the Latin Quarter and the Jardin du Luxembourg to the Montparnasse Tower via the Invalides
• The yellow line invites you to discover the Saint-Germain des Prés district and the Place de la Bastille
• The red line , to the north of the city, takes you to the Opéra Garnier, the department stores, the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur, the Place de la République and many places of interest.

The double-decker panoramic bus or open top bus tours allow you to travel around the city in comfort while enjoying the urban panorama and an exceptional view of Paris as you travel. The Hop on Hop off concept allows you to visit Paris at your own pace and is ideal for short stays to make the most of the attractions offered by the French capital. The individual audio guides available on board in ten different languages will enable you to learn more about the monuments. Tales and Parisian legends are even available for the youngest passengers, who will discover Paris in a playful way.

With Paris City Vision, you can even book your pass for the tourist buses and the Batobus with unlimited access in one go . Some offers also allow you to combine your Open Tour Paris pass with a museum pass to access more than 60 museums and monuments in Paris. Who hasn't dreamed of visiting the Louvre Museum during a tour of the heart of Paris? Discover the capital in a different way, avoid long metro journeys and swap the boat cruise on the Seine for a bus tour through the streets of the City of Light.

Big Bus in Hop on Hop Off

Board the red Hop on Hop off coaches of the Big Bus tour company and set off to discover the City of Light through two tours:

• The red tour (classic) passes close to the most beautiful monuments of the capital, from the Île de la Cité to the Champs-Elysées, via the Champ de Mars or the Louvre Museum.
• The blue tour invites you to discover the north of the city and passes through the tourist areas of Montmartre and Pigalle, in front of the Moulin Rouge.

Book your Big Bus or Open Tour tickets today: the Hop On Hop Off is ideal for getting around at your own convenience while enjoying the monuments and tourist treasures of one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Whatever your preferences, you are sure to find the perfect offer thanks to the many tours on offer. Parents and children will be able to discover the capital city in the best conditions to live a unique experience with family or friends.

Paris City Bus Tours

Paris has several tour bus operators . The most renowned are OpenTour, Big Bus Paris and Foxity Sightseeing Tour. Find in-depth information about what each company offers and choose the best option.

All sightseeing buses in Paris are open-top double-deckers and include an audio guide in English .

We provide you with information on each of the different tour bus operators so you can choose which one you prefer:

Paris OpenTour

The OpenTour bus is yellow and blue and allows its passengers to hop off and hop on as many times as they want during the validity of their ticket.

Paris OpenTour has three different routes with over 34 stops and passengers can choose any of these 3 lines and combine them without any problem.

• Blue line : Rides past the top landmarks of Paris, like the Louvre Museum, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Les Invalides…
• White line : Travels down the left bank of the River Seine. It passes by the Catacombs of Paris, Boulevard Montparnasse, St. Germain-des-Prés, and the Pont Neuf, among others.
• Red line : This line includes the main attractions on the right side of the Seine, like the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre , and République, among others.    

Schedule & timetable

The routes and schedules of the OpenTour buses vary depending on the route and time of year . Between April and October, buses run from 9:30 am to 8 pm approximately and from November to March from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. The frequency also varies, ranging from 10 – 30 minutes.

Adults with a Paris Visite  travel card have a € 4 ( US$ 4.30) discount for the 1-day Open Tour and children under 4 travel for free. Those who want to combine the Batobus  with an OpenTour bus tour can purchase a special rate for a 2-day pass for both means of transport.

Big Bus Paris

Big Bus Paris (used to be called Les Cars Rouges) is the oldest tour bus operator in Paris. These buses are red , as the name used to suggest.

Paris is extremely well-lit up at night and it's worth discovering the city after dusk. This is why the Big Bus operator includes a tour of Paris at this time of day when visitors will be able to see the main monuments illuminated. 

Big Bus Paris has one line that takes a little over two hours with eleven stops . Passengers can hop off and hop on at any of the following stops:

• Eiffel Tower
• Champs de Mars
• Notre Dame Cathedral 
• Musée d'Orsay 
• Opéra Garnier
• Arc de Triomphe
• Grand Palais

The Big Bus Paris schedule is approximately from 9:30 am to 8:15 pm . However, it depends a lot on each stop. The last bus passes by the Louvre Museum or Notre Dame at 6:25 pm. The frequency varies between 10 and 20 minutes , depending on the time of year.

For your convenience, you can purchase tickets online here .

Foxity Sightseeing Tour

Foxity Sightseeing Tour was the last tour bus to arrive in Paris. At first, this company only included a bus tour without having the hop-on, hop-off option. However, due to pressure from tourists, it now allows its passengers to hop on and off.

Foxity also organizes night tours. 

The buses leave from the Eiffel Tower and its itinerary is very similar to the Big Bus Paris one. 

The timetable varies depending on the time of year. We recommend checking the times on their webpage . 

The ticket price is 42 EUR for adults ( € 49 ( US$ 52.50) for 2 days) . For children between 4 and 12 ticket price, is 23 EUR ( € 28 ( US$ 30) for 2 days) , and children under 4 years old take the tour for free.

Which tour bus to choose?

All of the above companies offer very similar services , although we recommend Paris OpenTour , as it has more routes and more stops, and therefore offers a more complete tour.

You may also be interested in

Paris has over 20,000 taxis (cabs) on its streets 24 hours a day. It normally isn’t hard to hail a cab, except after midnight.  

The Batobus is a boat shuttle that travels down the River Seine, stopping frequently at the city’s top attractions. One could call it a "floating tour bus".  

Paris Bus Tour

Let the city simply take you by surprise.

As on every first Sunday of the month, on 5 May the Champs Elysées will be reserved for pedestrians and our Champs-Elysées-George V stop will be moved to 98, avenue d'Iéna.  The Louvre stop will be closed until midday, and has been moved to ''Palais Royal/Comédie Française'', 1, avenue de L'Opéra.

Hop-on hop-off tours: explore Paris at your own pace in 1, 2 or 3 days

Paris Discovery

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + walking tours

• 1, 2 or 3 days
• 5 walking tours
• Adults & kids commentary

Must See Paris

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + cruise

• Adults & Kids commentary
• Seine river cruise

Paris themed bus tours: discover the city from a different angle

Paris by Night

Non-stop evening bus tour

Paris Kids Tour

Non-stop live guided bus tour

• Live guided in French
• Fun and educationnal

Discover the Paris exclusive Games experiences

Paris Discovery, Capital of the Games

• 7 walking tours

Paris by Night, a Taste of the Games

• Two extra treats!

Paris Packages: combine our hop-on hop-off visit with an attraction or a night tour

Paris Discovery + Versailles

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + Versailles

• Transportation Versailles
• Versailles Palace ticket

Paris Discovery + Paris By Night

Daytime hop-on hop-off bus + evening bus tour

Need inspiration to discover more of Paris ?

Wi-Fi on board

Audioguide in 10 languages

Family Pass

Walking tours includded

Closable top deck

Kids special commentary

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Aston Martin
• L’Atelier
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Mira Villas
• Panther National
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide
• Why Travelers Are Ditching Paris Hotels for Supersized Châteaux During the Summer Olympics

With prices competitive with the capital's best hotels and space for your entourage, the historic homes surrounding Paris are this summer's hottest booking.

Chrissie mcclatchie, chrissie mcclatchie's most recent stories.

• This 13th-Century Chateau Was Transformed Into a Spacious Retreat in Rural France. Here’s a Look Inside.
• The 7 Best Superyacht Catamarans, From Solar-Powered to Explorer Beasts
• Share This Article

Hidden among 12 acres of private woodland 35 minutes from the center of Paris , Château Bouffément is filled with five Napoléonic-era reception spaces, a sweeping horseshoe staircase, manicured lawns, and a mirror lake. 

Related Stories

Ask robb: help i’ve seen it all on safari—including the big 5. what now, you can now sleep in a ferrari museum or the ‘x-men’ mansion thanks to airbnb, savannah vs. charleston: which southern city has the best luxury hotels.

“They have tickets for three days of events, other than that they have various activities in and around Paris planned,” says Gogebakan.

 “We have a few clients who prefer to pop in and out of château properties rather than stay in Paris itself,” says Staunton, an ex-superyacht crew member turned CEO of SoldOut Events . “That way they can invite larger groups of friends and family for a unique experience.”

As it stands, Staunton has personally inspected and confirmed four exclusive-use castle bookings for UHNWI clients flying in for the games from around the world. “The appeal of the château is absolute privacy and the ability to bring in existing house staff, chefs, butlers, and the like because there is space for it,” he explains. 

They also don’t want to be jammed into the chaos of central Paris, since they are mostly targeting particular events.

“These are people who sail or ride horses or play golf or tennis, coming to Paris for their passion sport,” Staunton says.

That’s why a Korean family booked six nights at Château de Méridon , southwest of Paris. They’re coming to town to support their national archery team. At Château de Versailles, an American family is traveling for equestrian events.

“One of the families was eying Le Royal Monceau or Le Bristol , but decided to stay with us because we’re surrounded by greenery,” says Château de Versailles co-owner and managing director Jehanne Bosco. “They’re able to avoid the hassle of Paris yet are only 22 miles away.”

One of the groups coming for the Olympics found the $71,000-a-week property via Instagram. They were wowed by the Art Deco styling of the newly refurbished castle that once stood at the heart of the wildlife reserve of French King Louis XV. 

“We’re like a Parisian palace [a status awarded to exceptional French hotels], but people can enjoy the grounds, breathe in fresh air, and discover the rural side of France here, too,” Bosco says.

Some of the world’s top athletes are also eschewing Paris, and the traditional stay at the athletes’ village, for a château stay. A 45-minute drive from Paris, Château de Farcheville has a one month booking for one American Olympian and their entourage of around 25. The athlete was so sure of their participation that they made the reservation two years ago, property owner Conny Carlsson says.

Surrounded by a deep moat, the 13th-century castle promises total seclusion with all the trimmings including a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a spa and fitness center. 

But getting one for yourself ahead of the games won’t be easy. It’s estimated that there are 500-plus châteaux in the Île-de-France region surrounding Paris, although some are ruined, while others are museums or private homes. And only a small percentage of what’s on the luxury rental market actually tick the boxes for the likes of Staunton’s clientele: swimming pool, helipad to fly in and out of Paris, and separate accommodation for staff. 

Still, not every gold medal worthy property has been snapped up. Just 40 minutes from the Champs Elysées, Château de Villette was finished by the same architect as the Château de Versailles and served as a location in 2006’s The Da Vinci Code .

“The Château has seven luxurious suites and regularly hosts events and A-listers as they seek respite close to Paris,” says Madison Littlejohn of luxury real estate agents Carlton International. 

John Travolta, Tom Cruise, and Lenny Kravitz are just some of those who have stayed at the property which is, at the time of publication, still available for the entire Olympic period at a cost of $76,000 a night. Both Château Bouffémont and Château de Méridon are also showing availability for dates in early August. Talk about historic wins.

Read More On:

More destinations.

Who Needs a Chopper? Blade Is Launching a Luxe Bus Service to the Hamptons This Summer

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Destinations

Kalmar Beyond Adventure’s Porsche Safari in Photos

Oceaya in Photos

More from our brands, img shifts from central hub for nyfw: the shows to designer partnerships, fanatics exec appeals injunction in draftkings noncompete case, kendrick lamar’s beef with drake and j. cole, explained, ancient egyptian pyramids, sphinx close to public for tech billionaire’s lavish wedding, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.