We're making final preparations for our Paris/Northern France tour in mid-October. We'll arrive a day before the tour begins and would like to take an evening cruise on the Seine. Any recommendations for companies/tours to check out?
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I agree about the Vedettes du Pont Neuf. You may have bad luck with the weather, but no need to get tickets ahead. There are other boats that leave from near the Eiffel Tower, if that's more convenient for you, but we've had the best experience with the Vedettes.
An evening cruise doesn't have to be a dinner cruise, and I think having dinner distracts from the views and the whole experience. You can't cut your meat and ogle the bridges at the same time. I've read mixed reviews of food quality on these boats, and I'm sure there are variations, but I think you generally can get better food onshore for the same or less cost.
Posted by
Atlanta
5196 posts
Another vote for Vedettes du Pont Neuf. We've used them several times and never had to have a reservation. You might want to google them to see if that is still the case. We ususal do one in the evening for the atmosphere of seeing the city all lit up. Gives new meaning to "the city of lights".
Posted by
Florida
211 posts
Another vote for Vedettes du Pont Neuf. You can bring your own refreshments (including alcohol) aboard or buy some on the dock from the snack bar. It is only an hour cruise and all you need (I’d skip the long, pricey dinner cruises). I usually choose the just-at-sunset departure as it generally gets to the Eiffel Tower as it twinkles for the first time in the evening. As others have said, no need to reserve ahead of time. Just show up. You can check their website for departure times. You can also save a couple euro purchasing your ticket online. https://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/cruises/#contenu
Posted by
11569 posts
We have gone with both companies several times. Everything has gone well using both Vedettes de Pont Neuf and Bateau Mouches .
Posted by
California
1625 posts
Another vote for Vedettes du Pont Neuf. We went in Mid October on the cruise that starts just before sunset, which was really great seeing everything start to light up with the final Eiffel Tower. We started out up top then during the second half it got REALLY REALLY cold so we just moved down below to finish it up.
Posted by
Oregon, USA
207 posts
Has anyone taken the Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise that includes the Canal St. Martin?