There are a lot of river boat operators on the Seine around Paris - I could use some good advise on a small to medium sized boats (it would be preferable to avoid a crowded boat experience) that offer a good opportunity to see some sights at a reasonable rate.. Any suggestions would be appreciated..
We will be arriving this June 2020- and wanted to jump on a river cruise the same day that we arrive to orient ourselves to the city.
Thank You
Posted by
Atlanta
4844 posts
We've taken cruises with several companies and Vedettes du Pont Neuf is, in our opinion, the best. The evening cruise when the city is all lit up is really great -- gives new meaning to "The City of Lights. So far as the dinner cruises offered by some companies, we prefer to have a nice meal in a restaurant and just do a cruise. Food is usually only so - so on dinner cruises. And how does one enjoy a meal and the vistas at the same time? The river cruises offer a little help with orientation, but not much. If you do the cruise on arrival day you may be jet lagged and in something of a daze by sundown. Perhaps another evening would be better? Just something to consider.
Posted by
Chicago
8060 posts
It really doesn't matter. All the boats will likely be crowded We liked the Vedettes Pont Neuf but we also were at the head of the line and so got seats ahead of the bridge which were great. The big flat boats probably don't have a bad seat.
Posted by
Berkeley, California, US
612 posts
I would echo Chicago as far as Vedettes Pont Neuf is concerned. We took a sunset cruise on them about 2 weeks ago and it was great. We have also done sunset cruises on them in previous trips to Paris. We have used other boats but very much prefer Vedettes Pont Neuf. The caveat is as Chicago indicates, arrive early so you can be among the 1st to board. Just be sure that you understand when exactly the sun is going to set. In my opinion it would be better to go a little later than a little earlier as the Eiffel Tower and other sites are more likely to be lit up