Questions about Louvre, Orsay, and Big Bus Paris Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

The HoHo bus offers several loops and the idea is you can hop on and hop off at any stop. The best place to hop on would be the stop closest to where you’re staying. Each loop would take roughly 2-3 hours to complete depending on traffic. Definitely stay on the loop and don’t get off to get your money’s worth. How many days are you in Paris? If your time is limited, just follow Rick’s advice and take the public bus #69 tour. It takes you past the major sites for the price of a regular bus ticket. I really can’t say what day is best to take the HoHo as Paris is a very busy city.

For HOHO bus, Sundays and Saturdays have less traffic than weekdays.
As for Louvre and Orsay: they are closed on Tuesday for Louvre and Monday for Orsay, and tend to be extra busy when the other one is closed. So, avoid Mon-Tue altogether if you can.
I don't see why you'd need to take the bus tour before going to a museum, as the point of the museum is largely to see what's inside. So, do as you please, and don't overthink it!

The disadvantage to taking the #69 is the fact that it is a public bus. There is no commentary about the sites/sights you're passing. It's crowded so its route is frequently abbreviated. You are expected to give up your seat (if you have one) to the elderly, (over 75) infirm, pregnant women. Unless you board at one of the ends of the line, your chances of getting a window seat are minimal.

I hate riding the buses of Paris because I almost never get a seat and yes, you must give up your seat to elderly and infirm people and those are the people who ride the buses since the metro is more efficient but harder to use for those with mobility issues. I am not 75 and even I have had to give up my seat occasionally as someone with clearly greater need gets on.

The HOHO is a nightmare of slowness and waiting at stops. If you want an orientation tour take the two hour Foxity bus tour of major sights and then use the metro to get where you are going.

I have used the hoho a few times in pAris - not the big red one though , but the green and yellow ones L’Open tour as they have more routes and stops .

It’s not fast efficient travel / but it is relaxing and I loved sitting up top and seeing the neighbourhoods as we drive through them . Both times I’ve had kids with me and it was a great rest and snack time too .

We bought the two day tickets as it’s impossible to do all the routes in one day if you plan on getting on and off at a few places .

I never pre purchase as it is weather dependent , who wants to sit inside bus in rain - the best views are from top uncovered floor .

Also don’t use bus to go to Louvre just walk there or take metro as the museums take hours - why waste a bus tour day on that ?
Hohos are to give you an oversight of Paris - not ideal as transport everywhere - but of course noce to jump on and off at a few spots you don’t want to go to on your own