Bateaux Mouches - Seine River Cruises

Bateaux Mouches, which literally means fly boats, is the French term for the most popular boat cruise line along the historic Seine River.From the apartment we had to rush to the Seine as it was almost 10 PM. The night was so cold it felt like the temperature was below 10 degrees celsius. My hands were freezing I hated myself for not remembering to bring my gloves. Nonetheless we still decided to stay at the upper deck to enjoy a better view of the sites. I myself was concerned about how to take advantage of the Seine River Cruises and see the Eiffel Tower the best way possible.



The Bateaux Mouches Seine River cruises start at the Trocadero and Alma Bridge. The Eiffel Tower, located at Champ de Mars, is clearly visible from our location, albeit a thick fog obscured the top part of the iron structure. At around 10:00 pm the yellow orange lights that decorate the Eiffel tower sparkled, all the more capturing everyone's attention.



The light spectacle occurs hourly at the start of the evening until 1 am. Frankly, just seeing the Eiffel tower was such an awesome experience; I was truly mesmerized - like I am in a dreamland. I have seen the tower countless number of times on photos, TV and films but there's nothing like seeing it in person and witnessing it in all its grandeur.

After we passed by the tower, we continued with the cruise on the Seine River. We stood pat in staying at the upper deck despite the freezing cold. But it was all worth it. The beauty of every historic and grand monument and edifice and every bridge that make Paris made me go though the freezing night. I simply do not want to miss anything, not a single landmark.



Musee d'Orsay, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Concorde, Grand Palais, Hotel de Ville. The list that only speaks of splendid history and magnificense goes on and on. Apart from the buildings, we also marvelled at the bridges that spanned the river, numbering more than 30.



Each boasts of its own design and unique story to tell. Incidentally, our boat has an audio system that provides announcements and commentaries on every historic site that it passes by - in English, French and Chinese (or is it Japanese?).



What a city, I can only say. I was hoping it was not an anti-climax of sort as I am sure that in the next four days I would be witnessing other facets of greatness that is Paris France. But definitely the Bateaux Mouches cruise on the Seine River is one of the highlights of my trip. It is one stunning experience that I will never forget.

My First Night in Paris France

November 19, 2010 It was 2 PM when our El Al plane landed at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. The weather in Paris was cold and cloudy, further dampening my already messed-up spirits. Francois, a dear friend and three-time visitor of Tel Aviv, was there to welcome us. In an instant, he engaged me about all the possible wonderful things to do in Paris, France. However, fresh from a restless flight; knowing what to expect from our Parisian visit was the last thing on my mind.



I realized that getting inside Paris was much easier than going out of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. At CDG, there were no questions coming from the officer at the booth; except his query on when our connection flight date would be. It was definitely a breeze, and for this I had a sigh of relief.



Francois Versele somewhat superfluously offered information on Charles de Gaulle, its gargantuan size, and unique sun rays shape. Even the airport workers' frequent strikes! However, I just couldn't seem to care less because my mind is still focused on Tel Aviv - I was missing Jaffa dearly.



We proceeded to take some snack at the CDG Airport's Mcdonald's Restaurant. I went with Francois at the counter and checked at the prices. Six euros for a Big Mac meal. Hmmm...around 30 shekels, so more or less the same price as in Israel.

After the snack, we rode the regional train to Paris. Francois urged me to look beyond the panoramic window for my first views of the French landscape. Chalets, clusters of buildings, a stadium, and farms. I begun to wonder where Eiffel tower is.



Patience, I was told as the imposing landmark is found at the city proper. Picturesque views and all, the train ride was unfortunately giving me discomfort because my left leg had been aching since my flight.

From the train station, we went straight to Francois' house located at the 16th district. It is one of the premier areas in Paris - I was told. His was a small apartment, yet the cost of having and maintaining it is expensive enough to afford two large ones outside the metro.

Woe is me. I am still wailing about how I miss Tel Aviv.



While waiting for our first Paris night out at 9 PM, we went to check on the vicinity. We passed by Rue de Passy, a popular shopping area, where we ate jambon fromage ham and cheese sandwich 4 euros in a boulangerie. We chanced upon the Philippine Embassy located just a few blocks from the apartment.

Somehow, despite this sickening (no other way to describe it) homesickness - home being Israel, I was actually looking forward to the things to do in Paris, France. I'd really like to make the most of my six-day stay here.