In his 2019 Paris book, RS encourages travelers to see the Paris Monuments illuminated in their splendor at night by using a taxi or Uber. He provides a map that you can share with a taxi driver or an Uber driver. Has anyone done this driving tour? Is there really a way to "program" the Uber app to allow you to hit the 21 sites on the tour? Also, with both an Uber driver and a taxi driver, we are concerned about a language barrier, as our native English and high school Spanish likely won't cut it. Any feedback that will tell us how it really plays out and that perhaps will allay our concerns would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Or night boat tour.
Posted by
77 posts
We are considering a night tour offered by one of the “hop on/hop off” bus companies (the night tours are not hop-on/hop off). I’m interested in what people have to say about these vs. an Uber or taxi tour. Most of the busses seem to drive by the major sights. We don’t care much about commentary, just want to see everything all lit up.
Posted by
25 posts
I read the same thing in the 2019 Paris book and was hoping to see an answer here. I primarily use Lyft, but Uber is similar and is point-to-point. How would I ever put in a driving trip? Has anyone actually done this? Thx.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
There has been mention here of evening tours of Paris in a Citreon 2CV, which I think would be wonderful if the weather is fine. Probably expensive, though.
Posted by
Rural Georgia
2195 posts
There has been mention here of evening tours of Paris in a Citreon 2CV, which I think would be wonderful if the weather is fine. Probably expensive, though.
We used 2CV Paris Tour and had a blast! We did the 2 hour tour and started at 8:00. You drive around downtown until just before 9:00, and they drop you off for 10 minutes to watch the lights on the Eiffel Tower. Then, it's off for more fun, including climbing up Montmartre to the Sacre Coeur.
Yes, it was pricey at 140 Euro, but it was our big Paris splurge and worth every penny! BTW, they pick you up and drop you off at your doorstep.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2409 posts
hey gleefreed
haven't heard or read about this app. what is the cost in euros and how long is the tour? how many people?
there are a few night tours if you're interested:
2cvparistour.com thanks @dougmac
pariscedrics.com (which donate to orphans of firefighters and discount for firefighters)
withlocals.com (the best of paris on a new ride with julian)
retro-tour.com (ride in sidecar motorcycles with jacket hemet and goggles)
flyview360.com (virtual reality flying over paris and seeing it from above)
we did a 2cv tour thru the vineyards and small villages tasting champagne in reims, fun times.
whatever you decide have a fun time, you'll enjoy it
aloha
Posted by
Canada
365 posts
I haven't done this, but am planning to this August, just as Rick recommends in the book. We plan to do as he suggests and bring a map to share with the driver and have the concierge at the hotel explain what we intend to do. I don't care about commentary on the sights from the driver, but if you want that kind of information, a bus or guided tour is probably your best bet. Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks for all of your responses. We did look into other tours of Paris by night, but are drawn to the recommendation of Rick Steves. We don't want to be part of some big tour bus, don't need a guide, but just want to take it all in. The tours provided in the Citroen vehicles seems to be very short and pricey. We just want to see the lights in the city of light. We just are not sure how you get Uber to work. Since we are going in April, we can let you all know. We have the maps and information that RS provides and will start with the Concierge.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7810 posts
As Laura mentioned, the night boat cruise is a great option to see Paris in the evening. I’ve taken the evening boat cruise (not the dinner cruise) each time I’ve been in Paris. I select the departure time to coordinate with being under the Eiffel Tower at the top of the hour when it’s twinkling.