Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Map & Route Guide (2026)

Understanding the Paris Hop-On Hop-Off (HoHo) map is key to maximizing your sightseeing pass. The city is vast, but the bus routes are designed to connect the most iconic landmarks in a logical loop. Whether you are riding with Big Bus, Tootbus, or City Sightseeing, the core path—often called the "Red Route" or "Classic Route"—covers the essential heavy hitters of Paris.

This guide breaks down the map, the paths, the venues, and the monuments you will see along the road.

The Classic Red Route: The Heart of Paris

This is the main artery of Paris tourism. It usually takes between 2 to 2.5 hours to complete a full loop if you don't hop off.

1. The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

The Start & End Point. Most maps mark this as Stop #1.

• What to see: The Iron Lady herself, the Champ de Mars gardens spreading out behind it, and the Trocadéro across the river.
• Photo Op: Best shots are from the Trocadéro stop or right at the base looking up.
• Nearby: Quai Branly Museum (indigenous art) is just a short walk away.

2. Champ de Mars

The Green Lung.

• The Path: The bus winds around the massive green park.
• Venues: École Militaire (Military School) stands impressively at the end of the park.
• Vibe: Perfect for a picnic stop if the weather is nice.

3. Opéra Garnier

The majestic turn.

• The Monument: The Palais Garnier is an architectural masterpiece of the 19th century.
• Shopping: This stop drops you right near the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores on Boulevard Haussmann.
• Nearby: Place Vendôme (luxury jewelers) and the Ritz.

4. Louvre-Pyramide (Big Bus / Tootbus Hub)

The Center of Art.

• The Monument: The world's largest art museum. You'll see the glass pyramid ensuring a modern contrast to the historic palace.
• The Path: The bus often drives along the Rue de Rivoli here.
• Nearby: Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) and the Place Royale.

5. Notre-Dame & The Latin Quarter

The Historic Heart.

• The Monument: The cathedral itself (reopening/restoration dependent).
• The Area: Cross into the Left Bank (Rive Gauche). Explore the Latin Quarter with its narrow medieval streets, bookshops (Shakespeare and Company), and cafes.
• Stops: Usually labeled as "Notre-Dame" or "Saint-Michel".
• Bonus: Sainte-Chapelle and the Concierge are just across the bridge on Île de la Cité.

6. Musée d'Orsay

Impressionist Paradise.

• The Venue: A stunning museum housed in a former Belle Époque railway station.
• The Art: Home to Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir.
• The Path: The bus runs along the Seine quays here, offering lovely river views.

7. Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

The Grand Avenue.

• The Drive: Driving up the Champs-Élysées is a highlight. You feel the scale of the avenue.
• The Monument: The Arc de Triomphe stands at the top of the hill.
• Photo Op: The bus circles the massive roundabout (Place Charles de Gaulle), giving you a 360-degree view of the Arc.
• Note: Traffic can be heavy here, but that just gives you more time to look around!

8. Grand Palais & Petit Palais

Exhibition grandeur.

• The Building: Massive glass-domed exhibition hall built for the 1900 World Fair.
• Nearby: Pont Alexandre III—often called the most beautiful bridge in Paris with its golden statues.

9. Trocadéro

The Best View.

• The Spot: Across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower.
• Why Hop Off: For the classic "Eiffel Tower across the river" photo. It's the postcard shot.

The Blue Route: Montmartre (Optional / Connector)

Some maps (like Big Bus) include this as a separate loop you transfer to, usually near the Louvre or Gare du Nord.

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: The white-domed church on the hill. The bus gets you to the bottom (Anvers/Pigalle area), and you take the funicular or walk up.
• Moulin Rouge: The famous red windmill cabaret in Pigalle.
• Gare du Nord: The major Eurostar station.
• Vibe: Artistic, bohemian, but also busier and grittier than the polished center.

The Night Tour Path

While not a "hop-on hop-off" route (it's usually a non-stop panoramic loop), the path is distinct.

• Illuminations: Focuses on monuments that light up: Eiffel Tower (sparkles hourly), Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, and the pyramid at the Louvre.
• The Route: Typically starts near the Louvre or Champs-Élysées and does a 1.5 to 2-hour loop.

Strategic Tips for the Route

1. Sit on the Right: For the best river views when driving along the Seine (Rive Droite to Rive Gauche).
2. Traffic Awareness: The route between Opéra and Champs-Élysées can be slow during rush hour (5 PM - 7 PM). Use this time to rest your legs or listen to the audio guide.
3. One Full Loop First: It is highly recommended to ride the entire Red Route once (approx. 2 hours) to get the lay of the land before you start hopping off.
4. The Map is Your Friend: Download the operator's app. The paper map is great, but the live bus tracking on the app matches the map to reality, so you know exactly when the next bus is coming.

With this map guide, you can confidently navigate Paris, knowing exactly where the bus takes you and what treasures lie at each stop.