Paris Day Trip from London: Eurostar, Seine Cruise & Eiffel Lunch

Summary

Eurostar ride to Paris, city sights by coach and river, Eiffel Tower lunch with a view

You’ll board the Eurostar early from London and find yourself rolling into Paris before you’ve finished your coffee. With a local guide leading you through city highlights by coach and along the Seine River, plus an option for lunch inside the Eiffel Tower itself, this day trip is packed yet surprisingly personal—leaving you with more memories than photos.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, the idea of waking up in London and eating lunch inside the Eiffel Tower sounded a bit like something out of a movie—so I was half expecting it to feel rushed or touristy. But there’s this weirdly calm moment when you’re gliding through the English countryside on the Eurostar, croissant in hand (if you splurge for 1st class), and suddenly it hits you: Paris is actually just over two hours away. Our guide, Samira, handed out maps at St Pancras and joked about how she still gets lost near Gare du Nord sometimes. I liked that.

Paris itself felt bigger than I remembered—maybe it’s the sweep of the boulevards or just seeing everything from the windows of that air-conditioned coach. We zipped past the Arc de Triomphe (I caught a glimpse of someone taking a selfie right in traffic) and then rolled down the Champs-Élysées while Samira pointed out which bakeries she thinks are overrated. The Seine cruise was quieter than I expected; the water smelled faintly metallic but not unpleasant, and there was this breeze that made my hair stick up. Passing Notre Dame from below is different—somehow sadder and grander at once.

If you go for the Eiffel Tower lunch upgrade (which I did because honestly, when else?), brace yourself for security lines—they’re serious about bag checks here. The elevator rattled a little on the way up. Inside the brasserie, people were speaking French all around us; our server grinned when I tried to order wine in my best accent (not great). The cod croquettes were crisp on top but soft inside—I still think about them—and there was this view over Trocadéro that made me forget to check my phone for a good ten minutes. Dessert had sea salt in it; not what I’d expect but somehow perfect after all that walking.

We stopped outside the Louvre for photos but didn’t go in—Samira warned us about traffic messing with timing so don’t try to squeeze too much in. There’s some free time built into this Paris day trip from London, enough to wander or just sit with an espresso if your feet hurt (mine did). The ride back on Eurostar felt slower somehow, maybe because everyone was tired or just full of new things to remember. So yeah—I’d do it again if only for that feeling of being somewhere else by lunchtime.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury Paris day trip from London

• Meet guide at St Pancras station
• Board Eurostar to Paris
• Panoramic coach tour of Paris
• Enjoy 1-hour Seine River cruise
• Photo stop at Louvre Museum
• Free time near Louvre Museum
• Optional 3-course lunch at Eiffel Tower
• Return to Gare du Nord station
• Eurostar back to London

Top questions

How long is the Paris day trip from London?

The tour lasts approximately one full day, departing early morning from St Pancras International and returning around 8:30pm.

Is lunch at the Eiffel Tower included?

Lunch at the Eiffel Tower is included if you select the upgrade option; otherwise you'll have extra free time in Paris instead.

Does this Paris day trip include hotel pickup?

No, you'll need to make your own way to St Pancras International station for departure.

Are train tickets included in this tour?

Yes, return Eurostar tickets between London and Paris are included as part of your booking.

Is there free time during this Paris day trip?

Yes, depending on your chosen option you'll have up to 3 hours of free time to explore Paris on your own.

What happens if lunch at Eiffel Tower isn't available?

If access isn't possible, a 3-course lunch will be provided on a Seine River cruise or at a nearby bistro instead.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes—a valid passport is required for travel between London and Paris on Eurostar.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip Eurostar tickets between London and Paris, guided panoramic sightseeing by coach through central neighborhoods like the 8th Arrondissement and past landmarks such as Arc de Triomphe and Opera House, a one-hour Seine River cruise with commentary, plus an optional three-course lunch with wine at the first-floor brasserie inside the Eiffel Tower (if selected). Free time lets you wander or rest before heading back to London in the evening.