Cruises on the Seine River
When enjoying one of those romantic cruises on the Seine River, which I had during one of the cold wintry evening of November, of course any tourist should not look any farther as all the great landmarks and structures are ready for you to view and enjoy as you go down the river.
One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower, which you will certainly see on your river cruise. In fact, it is one of the first structures that you will lay your eyes on even before the cruise starts. We went up the barge at around 9PM, and it was exactly the time when the lights of the Eiffel Tower sparkled, rendering me in awe with the magnificent show of lights that I witnessed.
I had the chances to go aboard one of those Bateaux Mouche, which literally means fly boats. A typical boat is wide and two decked. It provides tourists and visitors a grand view of the city as it goes along the cruise on River Seine. One can even enjoy a romantic Seine dinner during the cruise. There is a notion that all boats that go along the Seine are called Bateaux Mouches; actually it is but one of the most well-known operators of the barges.
Cruise on River Seine via Bateaux Mouches
It was a cold Sunday evening when we rushed to the port where the Bateaux Mouches boats wait for passengers to come in and occupy all the seats in the barge before they can start cruising along the River. While waiting for more passengers, we decided to have our seats at the top deck of the barge. It was already cold - too cold for comfort. The temperature was 8 degrees, but I decided to brave the elements and insisted that the group moves to the top of the barge.
Actually, I wanted a better look of the sights and so I thought it is a must that we position ourselves at the top deck. In fact, I was very much enthralled by the view of the Eiffel Tower that brightly lit up in a blanket of orange illumination as whitish lights around it sparkled. Tour de Eiffel was the first structure that I saw in Paris straight from Charles de Gaulle Airport. It likewise captured my attention at the Seine River cruise. Definitely, it is one Parisian landmark that I will always remember.
What are bateaux boats? These are considered as popular means of enjoying attractions at the city of Paris. Actually they were originally steamers that were displayed in the 1867 Exhibition. Today, like the one that I rode when I was in the city, many of them can easily accommodate tens of tourists. All have open-air, upper decks where most wanted to stay for a much better view of the city.
Awesome Structures along the River Seine
Most barge cruises on River Seine include commentaries on the beautiful sights. However, it was confusing in my case since the commentary was not clear about which structures were being referred to as the barge coasts through the river. Anyway, our Bateaux Mouches cruise lasted for about an hour. While we didn’t eat while on board as we had a quick dinner; our boat, like any others, offered Seine dinner during the cruise.
Apart from the Eiffel Tower, other historical and famous structures, building and landmarks include Montaigne, Champs-Elysées, La Défense, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Place de la Concorde and L ‘Opéra just to mention some in the long list of great places. The Seine River continues it stretch to the River Shannon and Yonne River. Further still down the stream, you will reach the Normandy beaches where a lot of recreational and river activities can be enjoyed.
Brightly-lit Saint-Michael Bridge
Along the river, you will also have the chance to enjoy seeing the brightly-lighted and decorated bridges. One of the most popular bridges in the stretch of the river is the Saint-Michael Bridge or the Pont Saint-Michel, named after the Saint-Michel Chapel. This beautiful bridge structure is near Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. In fact, it is one of the most admired bridges along the Seine. When lit up during the evenings, it displays all the colors in the rainbow – blue, gold, green, orange, peach. Saint-Michael Bridge links Place Saint-Michel, which is situated on the river’s left side to the Île de la Cité.Checking the Seine River Spots Online
Needless to say, the city of Paris has a great and awesome list of historical structures, building and landmarks to view and enjoy as you travel on a cruise on the Seine River. If you are a first-time traveler to Paris, it is helpful that you check the Internet and familiarized yourself with all the top spots along the river.
Likewise, you must get hold of Paris tourism pamphlets on Seine River cruise to better help you in planning your tour of the river.
