River Cruise on The Seine

Living in Paris means I don’t do what I’d consider to be ‘touristy’ things very often. I usually avoid places like the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and Notre Dame because I don’t want to get trampled in the tourist crush. But the other week Groupon had a 50% discount offer for cruises with Vedettes du Pont-Neuf. A one hour cruise for 2 people was 12 euros instead of 24. Bargain!

It was raining the day we went so I didn’t get any good photos (I took them from behind glass) but winter is definitely a good time to go because you can easily see all the buildings and monuments through the bare trees.

The cruise starts just below the oldest bridge in Paris, le Pont-Neuf.

We then headed under the pedestrian only Pont des Arts.

The Assemblee Nationale is France’s parliament building and of course you can see la Tour Eiffel in the distance.

One of my favourite museums in Paris is the Musee d’Orsay which not too long ago was a train station.

We then went past the magical Eiffel Tower without having to endure the crowds.

Then the boat turned around and we went under the beautiful Pont Alexandre III.

Next up was the Place de la Concorde with La Grande Roue which I have yet to go up.

Le Louvre is not one of my favourite museums but is definitely one of my favourite Parisian monuments. I love walking around what was once the King’s palace.

Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris was beautiful even with the rain and grey clouds.

Notre Dame from past the Pont de Sully:

Last up is another of my favourite buildings, the Conciergerie. I love the turrets. It needs a good clean though.

There were only about 10 of us on the boat that day so it was quiet and relaxing. I definitely recommend the Vedettes du Pont-Neuf if you want to take a break from the crowds and relax for an hour as you are taken along the Seine. It would also be a fantastic walk if you have the time and energy and wanted to save a few euros. I think I’ll walk it next spring and see if I can’t get some better photos.