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Where can I take a boat tour in Paris?
Paris is an iconic city and a popular tourist hotspot thanks to its world-renowned monuments and attractions. One of the best ways to explore the city from a unique perspective is to take a boat tour, whether it be on the Seine or one of the many canals and rivers that cross the French capital. Whether you are looking for an entertaining trip with family and friends or a romantic cruise for two, there’s a boat tour for you in Paris.
Bateaux Mouches
One of the most popular and oldest boat tour operators in Paris has to be Bateaux Mouches. This company has been in business since the 19th century and they offer sightseeing cruises through the heart of the city. The cruise runs along the Seine and passes the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and other famous monuments, giving passengers informative explanations along the way.
Bateaux Mouches also offer dinner cruises and champagne cruises if you are looking for something a bit more romantic. Prices start at just €12 for adults and €9 for children and tickets can be bought online or at their offices. Bateaux Mouches have many different boats and six landing stages to choose from. To learn more about their services and availability, visit bateaux-mouches.fr.
Vedettes de Paris
Another boat tour operator offering some of the most popular cruises on the Seine is Vedettes de Paris. This company offers one-hour cruises every day of the year, perfect if you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to a boat ride. The commentary on board is provided in both English and French, ensuring that everyone aboard can appreciate the views.
The tour departs from three different embarcations –Port de Suffren, Almeida station and Iéna station, allowing passengers to choose the option that best suits their schedule. Tickets are around €15 (€13 for children) and can be bought online or in person at the tourist offices near both of the embarcations mentioned above. For more details on their prices, routes and availability, visit vedettesdeparis.com.
Paris Canal
For something a bit different from the Seine cruises, it’s worthwhile to check out what Paris Canal has to offer. They provide 90-minute canal cruises through some of the quieter parts of the city and provide informative commentary in both English and French. The cruise runs along 10 of the inner-city canals and boasts some of the most beautiful views in all of Paris. The cruise departs from near Hotel du Nord in the northeast part of Paris.
Paris Canal also offers dinner cruises with amazing views, a glass of champagne, candlelit tables and onboard musicians – perfect for couples looking for an intimate setting in Paris. Tickets are around €20 and packages must be booked in advance on their website – pariscanal.com.
Paris Yacht Marina
For something a bit more luxurious, consider taking one of Paris Yacht Marina’s cruises. They provide half-day excursions on their luxury vessels that hop around some of Paris’ most famous landmarks and attractions. Blending classic expertise with modern technology, they offer a unique experience – including onboard Japanese teppanyaki chefs – sure to create spectacular memories of your time in Paris.
Prices start at €100 per person, but this includes plenty of luxurious touches such as charcuterie boards, mains, desserts and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). This is perfect for special occasions or simply getting away from it all for a few hours with friends or family. For more information or to make a reservation, see their website parisyachtmarina.fr.
Conclusion
Paris offers visitors a variety boat tour experiences – no matter what your budget or preferences may be. From budget-friendly river cruises to luxurious yachting experiences, there’s something for everyone who wants to enjoy a little time on the water in Paris. All it takes is a little bit of research and planning to find one that best suits your needs and make your trip to Paris unforgettable.
An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Paris: Experience the City like a Local
Paris is a city known for its romantic charm, picturesque architecture, and alluring culture. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the colorful Montmartre neighborhood, the city offers a range of attractions that cater to both locals and tourists. However, there is much more to the City of Light than just the famous landmarks. So, if you are looking to explore Paris from a local’s perspective, here are some hidden gems, cultural experiences, dining spots, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that you won’t find in the typical Parisian guidebook.
Local Attractions: Discovering Hidden Gems
While Paris has no shortage of tourist attractions, some lesser-known spots are equally worth exploring. One such place is the Canal Saint-Martin, a picturesque waterway lined with picturesque cafes, small boutiques and an Instagram-famous wooden swing bridge. The Sainte Chapelle is a lesser-known gem, famous for its stunning stained glass windows. The Palais-Royal Gardens, the Pantheon and the Musee Rodin are other such hidden gems.
Dining Spots: Savoring Local Cuisine and Culture
To truly experience Parisian culture, you must indulge in its cuisine. Start by grabbing a baguette and a croissant from a local boulangerie. Then, head to a local market like the Marché des Enfants Rouges where dozens of vendors sell gourmet cuisine from all over the world. Stop at a Breton crêperie to taste the famous savory galettes, or savour smoked salmon at L’As du Fallafel. Lastly, savor artisan chocolates from Les Marquis de Ladurée on the Champs-Elysees.
Cultural Experiences: Delving into Art, Music, and Festivals
Paris is a hub of art and culture, with numerous museums and music venues. Head to the Musée d’Orsay, tucked across the Seine from the Louvre, to see a world-famous collection of Impressionist art. For music, experience the soulful tunes of jazz at the Caveau de la Huchette, an iconic 1940s jazz club. Lastly, sample the city’s culture and traditions at one of Paris’ numerous festivals like La Fête de la Musique in June or the Festival du Cinéma Américain de Deauville in the summer.
Local History: Fascinating Stories from Paris’s Past
The past of Paris is wrapped in captivating stories and historic events. Visit the Paris Catacombs, a winding underground labyrinth that contains over six million skeletons. Also, make your way to the Palais Garnier Opera House, an iconic 19th-century building with a history as intriguing as the performances. Lastly, delve into the history of Paris’ Jewish community at the Holocaust Memorial or discover the city’s circus past at the Cirque d’Hiver.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique and Unforgettable Experiences
If you’re looking for something different, Paris is home to several unique experiences that will stay with you forever. Visit the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature to learn about the art of hunting. Take a cooking class at La Cuisine Paris or book an urban hiking tour led by Paris Running Tours. Lastly, make time to catch an old French classic at the Cinémathèque Française, a legendary cinema treasure trove tucked away in Bercy.
In conclusion, Paris is a city of endless experiences, stories, and memories. Use this insider’s guide to embrace the local culture and discover the hidden gems that make Paris so unique.
