Hop-On-Hop-Off Seine Tour
It was not as nice a day as this the day I decided to take “Le Batobus.” Similar to the Hop-on-Hop off Bus tour that you find in most cities, this is a boat tour that buses you along the Seine, allowing you to experience Paris both on land and from the water.
In my opinion, it is an absolutely super way to see the city in a day or two no matter what the weather!
Don’t let dropping temps and a little rain dampen a Batobus trip.*
Get On and Off at 9 Different Stops
The Batobus stops at the best known locations of Paris, as it cuts a swath across the city from the Jardin Des Plantes on the east side, to the Eiffel Tower on the west. You can get on and then off at the various stops for as long as you like, and explore each area at your leisure. There are a number of these boats constantly cruising by to pick you up.
I got on mid-way at Place de La Concorde, the closest location to my apartment. My Batobus was named after the French actor and singer Yves Montand, and our guide looked like Tom Cruise.
We are off to a good start!
Heading east, it was fun to see Paris from the river and watch people along the banks even in the less than ideal weather (the rain was on and off too!).
Couples warmed up by dancing to music on the banks of the Seine! Only in Paris!*
Stop at Notre Dame Cathedral
Debarking at Notre Dame Cathedral is a must. Especially to see how the renovations are progressing. I still cannot quite grasp the damage that the terrible fire had on the 800-year-old church. Clearly there are years and years of work to be done but how resilient this structure is!
Scaffolding at the back of Notre Dame Cathedral
Side shot where the stained glass has been removed until they rebuild and stabilize the overall structure.
They are barricades to prevent anyone getting too close but people still flock to take photos. In and out under umbrellas, this bride and groom were persistent enough to get a shot in front of the church.
The bride was wearing running shoes. Smart.
Finally!
Back on the boat, the rain started up again as we toured past the Louvre on the right bank and the Musée d’Orsay on the left bank. (I had already done so several times, but if you are only in Paris a few days, a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, the home of many of the Impressionist painters, would be my recommendation! They have fabulous private tours that are definitely worth the price of admission. See below.)
This young lady sat across from me and never once looked up to see the scenery! Ah youth — so wasted on the young.
Stop at The Eiffel Tower
It is always a thrill to arrive at the Eiffel Tower, even seeing it through a rain soaked window!
The Eiffel Tower from the Batobus
Tourists line up to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower even in the rain!
I wandered around the tower enjoying it from all vantage points before finding a cozy bistro for lunch and then hopped back on the Batobus to enjoy the ride back to where I started.
Such a lovely way to spend the day in Paris.
Hop On Hop Off Seine Tour Info
One Day Pass Approx. $26 CAD/$20 USD Two Day Pass Approx. $28 CAD/$21 USD
To see more and to purchase tickets — Hop-On-Hop Off Seine Boat Tour
Musée d’Orsay Tickets and Tours
I recommend if you go, to buy your tickets to this museum online ahead of time. That way you skip the line-ups which can be lengthy.
Even better I recommend taking the guided tour where you will be surprised at what you will learn.
*Thank to my shipmate Peg McPhedran for taking these pictures marked with an*
See more of my blogs at www.womanofacertainageinparis.com
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Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Looks like you had a wonderful time. I really enjoy my weekly Diana updates.
They are terrific!
Xxoo twink
Hi Twink — nice to hear from my dear cousin. I do like exploring Paris and all that it has to offer — even in the rain. Thanks for commenting!
Diana
I love the Batobus, too–so convenient for getting around, especially during les grèves 😀
And yes, Notre Dame is stunning to see like this. I cried.
Gabrielle — so great to hear from you! I never thought of that! Le Batobus must be very busy when there is a strike.
Would you keep me posted about your writing retreats? I would really like my readers to know about them and I would be happy to write a blog about this! Diana
Thanks for your support, Diana! We’ve almost finalized the program–will DM you 🙂
Keep us posted Gabrielle. I am going to be writing a new book called Woman of A Certain Age in Paris and would love to participate in one of these retreats!
Diana
Salut Diana,
You photos are so evocative! Paris in the rain…so moody, so romantic…there’s no better place to spend a rainy day…enjoy… thanks for sharing.
Amicalement,
Anne
Sounds like a lovely day- even in the rain. So much beauty and history in Paris. No lunch at Jules Vernes? That is a day trip all by itself! I’m looking forward to going back- hopefully soon! Thanks for sharing.
–Timmithea
Have you eaten there Timmithea? For those reading this, Jules Verne is the resto that is at the Eiffel Tour. It is rated with a Michelin star and lunch for instance with 5 courses runs about 190 Euros..maybe I should do that — anyone game to join me?
Diana and I had so much fun on this day, despite a few rain drops! Everything from the Eiffel Tower (from the ground only), to a delicious French bistro lunch, as well as a very moving ride past Notre Dame Cathedral. And yes the weather was a bit chillier than we expected, hence Diana’s purchase of her “I ❤️ Paris” sweatshirt!
It was wonderful to spend time with you Peg!
Visit Paris again with me anytime!
I would love to!!