We’re doing a My Way trip in May and want to do a day time sightseeing cruise (no lunch). It appears we don’t have to pre book. Is that correct? We want to allow maximum flexibility on our itinerary on our first day so ideally we’d book same day. But we don’t want to be disappointed. Also we (think) we would prefer one with a live guide vs audio guide. I’ve seen good feedback on Vedettes Pont Neuf but wondered if anyone had alternate ideas.
Posted by
Upstate NY, USA
892 posts
Vendettes Pont Neuf is great, and you don't have to pre book (you get a discount if you buy online btw). Bateaux Mouches also requires no pre booking but I haven't taken them.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I agree -- Vedettes du Pont Neuf does a great job, live narration, no prebooking needed. Sit up top for the best views. There's a small discount for online booking, and there must be some times when the boats fill up and you'd have to wait for the next one. But you want flexibility to do this in good weather, so booking days in advance wouldn't be a good idea.
Other cruises leave from a pier close to the Eiffel Tower. I'm sure they are fine also, if that location works better for you.
Posted by
11569 posts
We have taken several Seine cruises with both Bayeux Mouches and Vedettes Pont Neuf. I do not remember ever buying tickets in advance.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7797 posts
I’ve taken the Seine river Bateaux Mouches cruise several times. One time it was when I was on the RS 1-week Paris tour. I’ve always just purchased it on their website or in person the day before or day of the ride.
If you take this specific one, the street corner where you walk down the ramp to the boats is very close to the entrance of the tunnel where Princess Diana was killed. There’s a small memorial at that corner.
Oh, I just noticed that you mentioned daytime. I’ve always done the cruise in the evening when the buildings are illuminated and the Eiffel Tower twinkles as we approached it at the top of the hour. I don’t know how busy they are during the daytime, but you could always check on-line to see what times tickets are available.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks, everyone! This is helpful and gives us the comfort to book same day.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
We enjoyed Bateaux Mouches. I recall we got a two day pass and did not pre book. We enjoyed the day tour to get “the lay of the land” prior to our walking tours. We especially enjoyed the evening cruise to see the city of lights at night. The twinkling of the Eiffel Tower is magical!
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwixn4jv9sP9AhV5ADQIHXoJCawQFnoECBMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bateaux-mouches.fr%2Fen&usg=AOvVaw0b6l4pQfe_tXKhOQyCVdi6
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2636 posts
We have taken the Vendettes Pont Neuf cruises a handful of times. We buy the tickets ahead of time for a small discount, but you are not locked into a specific date. They are good for a year. I agree with Janis, if you go in the evening it is really nice to see the Eiffel Tower twinkling.