We would like to take a night tour on the river. They offer some with the ET and Paris Illuminations it's about four hours . Better for us to book this? Or just a river cruise at night and see the ET separate? Not sure about Paris Illuminations? Any help would be great. I need to book soon going to be there first week of June.
Posted by
Chicago
8560 posts
You can take a Seine Cruise any time; no need to plan. 'Paris Illuminations' is just a fancy way of saying there are lights on in Paris at night (and many of the cruises have searchlights that light up the shore. (I actually dislike this feature and prefer boats that do less of this.)
I'd do the Eiffel Tower on my own.
Posted by
Pittsford, NY, USA
64 posts
I doubt you need to book the cruise in advance. There are a few companies that do these tours. We purchased our ticket shortly before we boarded the boat (which is probably a good idea, in case it rains). I would do the evening cruise without the Eiffel Tower...You will see the beautifully lit ET from the boat. You will not enjoy the boat tour as much on a rainy night, as visibility will be impacted. Regarding a tour of the Eiffel Tower, I would book in advance, if possible, as lines to purchase tickets and to enter the tower can be long. You can also get a great (but different) view of the city from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Paris is beautiful at night. Be aware that you might not be able to hear the narration on the cruise (since passengers are sometimes noisy), but the view alone is worth doing the cruise.
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
We boarded an evening cruise at the the pier at the base of the Eiffel Tower. We bought our tickets out of the machine on the dock and had to wait about 15 minutes for our 70minute tour. It was fantastic, saw all the light of Paris. We rode down to near Notre Dame Cathedral and then the boat turned around and went back to the starting point.
We could sit outside on the seating on the top, or inside - I recommend it.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
I like the Vedettes du Pont Neuf. My favorite time is around sunset and dusk descends and the lights begin to go on as you glide down to Notre Dame, and it's all lit up by the time you've turned around and headed to the Eiffel Tower. You can save a lot by buying tickets online in advance - no specific day or time, just show up with the ticket and board the next boat. Or take it twice, once early in the day, once after dark.
BTW, sunset in June is late. The Eiffel Tower lights begin to go on about 10-20 minutes after sunset, so it won't "twinkle" until 11 p.m.