Floating tours beneath the bridges of Paris
Paris began on a small island in the Seine; this legendary river has defined and divided the city since its birth. In its prehistoric glory, the raging waters scooped out a bowl from the Ile-de-France. Today, that basin is the city of Paris and the surrounding heights mark its limits. As they flow from east to west, the waters split the city into the Right Bank and the Left Bank. These names often confuse tourists, who see the halves as north and south. But from a river-goer's perspective, with the upper part of the city passing by on their right and the lower part on their left, it makes more sense.
What is it that captures the imaginations of the poets and painters, the lovers and broken-hearted, the natives and the world-weary travelers? Artists can't resist its allure. Hugo and James. Monet and Pissarro. The Seine sets the stage for romance, tragedy and everything in between. Yes, the swirling water could tell more stories than those written about it.
See our slideshow of Scenic Seine River Cruises.
With all this attention, it's unsurprising that river boats cruise up and downstream all year long for tours, dinners and off-land excursions.
Within the boundaries of Paris, there are 32 bridges crossing the Seine. Many of them are docking points for river boats. Stroll down the Pont de l’Alma near the Eiffel Tower and choose from a number of touring companies, including the Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens. Or if you’ve just visited the Notre Dame, escape the crowded Ile de la Cité via the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf. Look for the statue of Henri IV and chances are good you will find the Vedettes du Pont Neuf, too. They offer a basic but pleasant hour-long cruise highlighting the main attractions visible from the Seine. It’s a good choice for school or tour groups. Beth Epstein, assistant director for academic affairs at NYU in Paris, says that they always use the Vedettes to welcome new students at the beginning of every semester. They like it because it’s “a simple cruise, without all the bells and whistles.” If you’re able to plan ahead, take advantage of the discounted tickets available online and bring a picnic lunch aboard.
The mid-1900s gave birth to the Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches. Named after its founder Jean-Sébastien Mouche, this company is the prototype for river cruises in Paris. Most boats seat hundreds, with enclosed space on the lower deck and an open-aired upper deck. In London and New York, double-decker buses cram tourists into small seats and push through traffic-lined streets. Straining to hear the guide over honking cabs, this sight-seeing experience may not be worth the stress involved. Parisian boat tours are a less hectic alternative.
See our slideshow of Scenic Seine River Cruises.
The Bateaux Mouches offer tourists an off-the-beaten-path tour. If you’re exhausted after hours spent walking through the various neighborhoods, museums and cathedrals in Paris, floating along the Seine is an opportunity to unwind as the city unfolds before you. Although you can't get up close and personal, the views from the river are prime photo-ops and will help the aesthetic of your scrapbook at the very least. Book a Bateau Mouche tour at the beginning of your trip, as an introduction to Paris. As the tour progresses, take note of the sights you might want to revisit later on foot.
For an informative way of getting from point A to point B without the tour guide rigmarole, look for the Batobus (it shouldn’t take long to find). Chicer than the bus line, Batobus offers “hop on, hop off” service to eight of Paris’ top tourist destinations. A ten-minute boat ride might seem pointless, but experienced travelers know that sight-seeing can get monotonous. (We don’t like to admit it, but it's true.) Rejuvenate your traveling excitement with a quick jaunt on the Batobus before getting back to your itinerary.
In lieu of tour philosophies aimed at quantity over quality, Parisian boat tours know the value of your time spent on the Seine. Instead of rushing the experience, many boat touring companies offer delicious ways to extend your river excursion. A lunch or dinner cruise shifts the focus of your experience away from mere sightseeing. Why not take advantage of the fine dining available on the Seine? At Yachts de Paris, cruising is made elegant with old-fashioned ambiance. Mingle and sip on a cocktail in the l’Escale reception room before stepping aboard their plush Don Juan II vessel. Noted chef Jean-Pierre Vigato serves his own imaginative style of French haute cuisine coupled with an extensive selection of vintage wines.
From taxi service to fine dining, you can cruise the Seine any way you wish. Every tour company offers a different experience, so know what you want out of your cruise before booking. But keep in mind it’s the Seine that defines Paris—your choice sets the course. And the rest? It's at the whim of the waters.