We are thinking about taking one of the cruises on the Seine when we are in Paris. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done this. Should we book in advance? It looks like you can book in advance, but not for a specific time? The website says to just show up at the time you would like. Has anyone had a problem getting on a tour at the time you choose? Do you have to stand in line for a long time? Which company is better - Bateaux-Mouches or Bateaux Parisiens?
Posted by
Atlanta
5196 posts
Several years ago we did Bateaux-Mouches during the daytime. Several months ago we did Vedettes du Pont Neuf. during the evening. No long lines or reservations either time. Both were interesting, but I'd have to give the nod to Vedettes du Pont Neuf as being more enjoyable.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
Another vote for Vedettes du Pont Neuf. You do not need to book in advance. The Vedettes website lists their schedule and has a coupon for discounted tickets.
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1382 posts
A few years ago Caneauxrama was recommended to me here. They meet right near the Bastille. I had dinner at the fantastic Brasserie Bofinger and after dinner walked my happy Parisian self to the Caneauxrama dock and got on for a nice, leisurely ride. It was a pretty long ride, too. I definitely got my money's worth. You can book ahead online and plan your evening.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Vedette worked better for us since we were staying in Latin Quarter area. Booked online the day before and got a discount. Boats run about once an hour.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10623 posts
Glad you liked it Alexander; I love going through the lock to enter the Seine with the metro going overhead. It's my favorite and like a big kid, I've been on all of them. Not many people know about Canauxrama running their canal boats on the Seine in the evening during summer. The boat was practically empty when we took it; what about when you took it?
Posted by
freelton, ont, canada
183 posts
My wife and I took an evening cruise. Bought our tickets at one of the ticket booth next to the cruise boat in the afternoon, then came back for the evening cruise .no waiting in line .very enjoyable with the lights , then enjoyed a glass of wine sitting on the banks of the seine river after the cruise
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1382 posts
Thanks again, Bets, for the fabulous recommendation! :)
The boat was about half empty when I took it in August of 2013.