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Paris River Cruises

Replies: 11 - Last Post: May 31, 2012 6:36 PM Last Post By: mjan

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madsjane

madsjane avatar

Apr 29, 2012 3:42 AM
Posts:  1

Paris River Cruises

Hi,

I'm going to Paris in August and I'm trying to find a River Cruise from a reputable company that doesn't break the bank. We've seen one for around £80 that includes dinner but would like to find something a little cheaper if possible as we're on a budget. Can anyone recommend?

Thanks

Kerouac2

Kerouac2 avatar

Apr 29, 2012 4:05 AM
Posts:  1,340

2

Yes, normal cruises on the Seine from a variety of companies cost about 10 euros.

LouisXIV

LouisXIV avatar

Apr 29, 2012 5:07 AM
Posts:  809

3

I have used the BatoBus. I think the ticket is about 15€ and it good all day and you can hop on and off at will. I used it instead of the Metro one day. http://www.batobus.com/

This is what it is like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9rseBN3KPw&feature=related

Maestro

Maestro avatar

Apr 29, 2012 6:14 AM
Posts:  4,487

4

Just go down to Pont Neuf on the Ile de la Cité and grab the next one. They don't need to be booked in advance and are somewhere between €10-20 if memory serves me right...

EricaHat

EricaHat avatar

Apr 29, 2012 9:36 AM
Posts:  86

5

i've never been so bored as on a parisian river cruise. honestly, it's no fun at all. walk along the seine, don't waste your money. otherwise, i guess i'd do the batobus. i never have, but it seems like it could be amusing, and then you wouldn't be stuck on some boring river cruise for hours.

LouisXIV

LouisXIV avatar

Apr 29, 2012 9:46 AM
Posts:  809

6

I tend to agree with #5. A boat ride on the Seine is nothing special, the water is lower than the city and you will see a lot of gray rock wall along the shore and the tops of builtings along the shore, not all that exciting in my opinion. The day I took the batobus is was raining a little and that got me out of the weather and my feet were tired from walking.

Also don't waste your money on a dinner on a boat. There are exceptional restaurants in Paris. I have said, go to the chef for the food and the captain for the boat ride.

emmam826

emmam826 avatar

Apr 29, 2012 10:10 AM
Posts:  37

7

Agree with 5 and 6. I'm living in Paris atm and have honestly never understood the appeal of the river cruises. You'll see way more walking along the seine, and there are restaurants/cafes along side La Seine. Or just buy a baguette and some fromage and find a nice bench - the Quai D' Orsay has a beautiful green area right next to La Seine with benches etc....there's also the grassy area in front of La Place Des Invalides which is right along the river. It's packed on a nice day! The bus tours would be worth doing - there are plenty of choices and most sell 2 day tickets.

LouisXIV

LouisXIV avatar

Apr 29, 2012 10:19 AM
Posts:  809

8

#7, that is almost exactly what I would do. Or the Luxembourg Gardens.

Kerouac2

Kerouac2 avatar

Apr 29, 2012 12:29 PM
Posts:  1,340

9

The relatively useless and impractical Batobus is on its last legs. It will be replaced by a new river service next year with three different lines, longer hours, and which will accept the Navigo pass.

JaneyD

JaneyD avatar

Apr 30, 2012 5:44 AM
Posts:  2,195

10

as others suggest, dinner cruise on the seine is a bit boring.
the canal st martin is an interesting day time Paris boat trip (google canauxrama)
or just do the hop on hope off batobus or the bateaux mouches

mjan

mjan avatar

May 31, 2012 6:36 PM
Posts:  14

11

There are a few Seine River Touring companies, offering a range of tours and dinner cruises etc. Four major ones, the Bateau Mouches the classic, the Bateau Parisiens more modern. The Batobus a bit more utilitarian. Surely you can see more walking the the banks of the Seine through Paris in all its glories, but a cruise on the river is a popular activity, and a boat cruise is not really about seeing the sights but the experience of the river view itself. Decide whether a dinner on a boat is what fits your vision or just a hop on hop off way to get around.
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