The Best Paris Tour Costs Just €2.50 – But Most Tourists Have No Idea
Most visitors to Paris rush to book expensive boat cruises or guided tours, but there’s a cheaper way to see the city – one that locals take every day without thinking twice.
The Paris Métro Line 6 is an above-ground metro route that offers some of the best views of the city for just €2.50, the price of a regular metro ticket.
Running from Charles de Gaulle–Étoile (near the Arc de Triomphe) to Nation, it passes through key Parisian neighborhoods and crosses the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, one of the most filmed bridges in the city.
The line is mostly elevated, which means you get stunning views that no underground metro ride can offer. If you’re visiting Paris and skipping this ride, you’re missing out on one of the city’s easiest, cheapest, and most overlooked experiences.
Here’s why this fantastic ride is one of the best cheap experiences in Paris.
1. The Best Eiffel Tower View From a Metro
Most tourists flock to Trocadéro for Eiffel Tower photos, but the best moving view of the tower is from Line 6. As the train crosses Pont de Bir-Hakeim, you get a clear, wide-angle shot of the tower without the crowds.
If you’re aiming for a great picture, sit on the right side of the train when traveling east (toward Nation).
2. A Ride Over the Historic Pont de Bir-Hakeim
This bridge is an architectural gem. It has two levels, one for cars and pedestrians, the other for the metro. This makes it one-of-a-kind in Paris.
It’s also a Hollywood favorite, featured in Inception and Last Tango in Paris. Riding the metro here feels straight out of a movie.
3. A Scenic, Open-Air Metro Experience
Unlike most metro lines that stay underground, Line 6 runs mostly above ground, giving you a tour-like ride through classic Parisian streets.
You’ll pass Haussmannian buildings, tree-lined avenues, and bridges over the Seine. It feels like an open-top bus ride, but without the price tag.
4. Stops at Major Paris Landmarks
Line 6 is not only scenic, it also connects some of Paris’ biggest attractions. At Bir-Hakeim, you’re just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. A couple of stops later, Trocadéro has one of the best panoramic views of the tower.
Further down the line, Denfert-Rochereau takes you straight to the entrance of the Paris Catacombs. And at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, you’ll step out right by the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées.
You could easily plan an entire sightseeing day using this metro line alone.
5. A Quieter, More Relaxed Ride
If you’ve taken Line 1 during rush hour, you know how packed Paris metros can get. Line 6 is different (except during peak hours), it’s usually less crowded and offers a much more enjoyable experience.
You’ll actually get to enjoy the views instead of being crammed between commuters.
6. A Chance to Ride Paris’ Rubber-Tyred Metro
Paris has a few rubber-tired metro lines, and Line 6 is one of them. Unlike steel-wheel metros, these trains accelerate and brake more smoothly and provide a quieter, more comfortable ride.
Transit enthusiasts love it, but even if you’re not a metro geek, it’s a cool detail that makes this ride unique.
7. A Hidden Gem for Photographers
Whether you’re capturing the Eiffel Tower from the train or the beautiful symmetry of Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Line 6 is a goldmine for photographers.
The bridge itself is one of Paris’ most photogenic spots, with its elegant iron structure and unique double-deck design.
How Much Does It Cost?
Just €2.50, the price of a single metro ticket. No tourist surcharge, no special reservation, no hassle. You can also use a Navigo day pass if you’re traveling multiple times, making it even cheaper.
Final Tip
For the best experience, take Line 6 in daylight (for clearer views) and try to grab a window seat on the right side when heading toward Nation. If you’re heading west (toward Charles de Gaulle–Étoile), sit on the left.