Paris hop on hop off bus Open Tour in May

There are two hop-on hop-off bus companies in Paris and we've done both. We prefer the red one. You buy your ticket when you get on. I never saw anyone pay by credit card, but I'd be very surprised if they don't accept them. Sorry I can't be more helpful on that. I highly recommend taking this tour, we love it. I think it is time well spent. We go to Paris often and we do this tour every time and if my time was as limited as yours, I would definitely do it.

jackie,

I've also taken the Paris Red Bus tour, and really enjoyed it. Not only was it a great way to get a good view of the major sites quickly, but it was also a fantastic way to rest my aching feet!

I boarded near the Eiffel Tower and from what I recall the Buses departed about every 15 minutes (but don't quote me on that). I paid via Euros, and didn't see anyone paying by credit card. I doubt they would accept credit cards? I also don't speak much French, and didn't have any difficulty buying a ticket - the staff speak English.

You might want to take your own Earphones, so that you don't have to use the tacky red Earphones they provide. Also, even in May it's probably a good idea to take a coat, as the weather could be chilly. The best seats for viewing or getting photos are on the top deck, which is partially open.

Rick has a good description of the Bus Tours in his Guidebooks. It's unfortunate that you only have 9 hours, as there's SO much to see and do!

Happy travels in Paris!

Jackie, I prefer the L'Open Tour bus, which is yellow and green , they seem to run more frequently and cover more.
I bought my ticket onboard using cash. I did not note if they took CC or debit.
If the weather is nice the open top buses are really a fun and dead easy way to see a little of alot,, and it is fun to go up the Champs Elysees and around the Arc De Triomphe on the bus, I have great photos of my son with the Arc in the bachground.
Some people will say the metro is a better option, I disagree, it is a FASTER option, but, for such a short visit you will have to waste some time on figuring out how to get to each destination, plus, you miss seeing all the neighborhoods, being above ground and up top is much better. Plus, the obvious, you won't have to " think" anything out, just relax and have fun, hop on an off and keep an eye on your time.

I agree with everything Pat just said above. I also took the L'Open bus tour and it had great routes. I had only 2 days in Paris and felt I got to see everything there was to see (of course see - not do). Although I did get to do a lot of the major attractions because it was so easy to hop on and off the buses. I know you can pay on the bus, but I paid by euros - so I'm not sure if you can charge it or not (but I would think you could).

I know you can buy tickets at their office or at the Bateaux Vedettes du Pont-Neuf ticket stand (this is a river cruise on the Seine). I also took the river cruise in the early evening and it was very pleasant. If you do the river cruise do it after the museums close so as to make full use of your time.

http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm

Jackie ... above is Tom's Guide to Paris... fun reading and very helpful ... [and if you still have questions, don't hesitate to click on "contact me" and send your questions to Tom by email. No charge.]
... bon voyage! P.

One thing about the hop-on busses. They do stop running pretty early in the evening so make sure you start early if you want to make the full loop with stops along the way.