Paris, capital of romanticism. Its monuments, its History, its majestic avenues and little tangled streets, its museums, its parks, its shops... So many unforgettable things to discover. Some say that the city's major charm comes from the fact that the Seine is going through it. The river separates Paris into two banks (Rive Droite in the North and Rive Gauche in the South), and into two islands in its center (Île de la Cité and Île Saint Louis). But above all, this opens magnificent viewpoints on the architecture of the capital. Take the time to stop in the middle of one of the many bridges connecting the two banks, and you will enjoy breathtaking views on some of the most beautiful parisian monuments. In the cold morning breeze or at sunset, the light sparkles on the surface of the water and gives the landscapes a very romantic note.
If you are someone who likes to take the time to contemplate the beauty of the capital under different angles, you will certainly enjoy an opportunity to travel for a little while on a boat along the Seine, just for the sight of it, or perhaps long enough to have a meal or enjoy a show on board. A few companies offer excursions on the river, with different formulas, long or short, that will ravish all tastes and budgets. Here is an overview.
A cheap and flexible option : the Batobus
The Batobus is a shuttle service as many others, only this one does not take roads, but the Seine. Aboard a boat, semi-covered with glass, you will sail around Paris from one point of interest to another whilst enjoying the tremendous view on the bridges and monuments of Paris. The main advantage of this formula that will ravish travelers with a tight schedule and budget stands in the fact that it gives you total freedom. The boats make a circle circuit on the Seine and stop – as a bus would – at 8 differents stations across the city. A new boat comes every 25 minutes. After having bought your ticket (for 1 or 2 days, or even for the whole year if you are a resident), you will be able to hop on and off the shuttle as you please. A good way to move around Paris in between museum visits and shopping trips without missing on the sight of Parisian landscapes !
Practical information
The company's website : http://www.batobus.com
Timetable :
From 10 a.m to 7.30 p.m from September 8th to April 10th
From 10 a.m to 9.30 p.m from April 11th to September 8th
Prices :
1-day pass : 16€ for adults and 7€ for children below 16
2-days pass : 18€ for adults and 9€ for children below 16
For a sightseeing cruise
Some companies such as Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf or Les Bateaux Parisiens offer sightseeing cruises, with which you will sail along the Seine and discover the wonders of Paris.
Les Bateaux Parisiens
Departing from the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame, you will leave for a one-hour cruise on a boat, equipped if you so desire with an audioguide that will point you to the points of interest and their history (available in 13 languages). The company's best feature ? Cruises especially made for children, that offer a fun yet educational show, animated by two actors !
For more information : http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/croisieres-promenades-paris.html
Prices : between 13 and 15€ per person
Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf
With this company also, you will be able to enjoy a unique view on Parisian architecture along the water during morning, afternoon and even evening cruises. The company's best feature ? You can also enjoy classical music concerts during some of the evening cruises !
For more information : http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/croisieres/
Prices (current promotion) : between 9 and 10€ for adults, and 5€ for children between 4 and 12
A meal on water
The Bateaux Parisiens, and the famous Fly-Boats company also offer cruises that will allow you to combine the pleasure of the eyes with that of the taste buds, by enjoying lunch or dinner along the water. As a bonus, and according to the formula you choose, you can also benefit from different shows on board, from a musical animation to a full cabaret show.
Bateaux Parisiens :
From 57€ for lunch on board, and from 69€ for dinner
Possibility of a musical animation
For more information : www.bateauxparisiens.com
Bateaux Mouches (Fly-Boats) :
The Fly-Boats offer prestigious formulas for an unforgettable romantic dinner.
From 55€ for lunch on board, and from 99€ for dinner
Possibility of enjoying a Crazy Horse show
For more information : http://www.bateaux-mouches.fr