Experience La River Seine!

 

You cannot go to Paris

without seeing it from the water or 

enjoying the water. 

After all, the river Seine is the soul

of this city as it runs right through the heart of it.

So here are my recommendations

for the Five Best Ways to Experience

the River Seine!

 

1. Take the Last “Bateau Mouche” of the Day

 

You probably already know about the open excursion boats that provide breathtaking views all along the river.  They are often referred to as “Bateaux Mouches” which translates as Boats/Flies, yes the insects.

 

There is no meaning to be taken from that. The boats were originally manufactured in the “Mouche” area of Lyon.

 

There are plenty of other scenic river boats but the “Bateaux Mouches”  is the best-known operator.

 

These boat tours take just a little over an hour and cover a great deal of central Paris, enjoying all the major landmarks on both banks from Notre Dame,  the Louvre,  Musée d’Orsay, and Places des Invalides to the Eiffel Tower.

 

My Recommendation

 

From my own experience, I find that by taking the last boat of the day at dusk and getting on somewhere in the middle of the city, you can arrive at the Eiffel Tower just in time for the lights to go on, and perhaps even see it sparkle at the top of the hour.

 

Be mindful that the time of day changes depending on the time of year.  And note: many boat tours don’t usually run between December through March.

 

There are also lunch, dinner and wine-tasting cruises along the Seine but I have never heard anyone rave about them.

Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Cruise

 

 This boat cruise is like the Hop-on Hop-Off Bus tour with multiple stops. You can get off and explore one location and then get back on and stop somewhere else along the river.  Doing this is much more fun from the water than on a bus in my opinion.

 

I wrote a blog about it some time ago. CLICK HERE to read about that.

 

My Recommendation: Avoid a rainy day! You will see nada!

 

 

2. Paris-Plages/Paris Beaches

 

Nothing relaxes me more than sitting in a lawn chair with an umbrella, and a good book, looking out at the water.

 

Since 2002, one has been able to do this in Paris at the temporary man-made beaches located along the river bank during July and August.

 

Originally, they had sand, but believe it or not, there was a dispute over the company that provided it (an operation that had links with a terrorist group) so sand was replaced with grass and wood chips.

 

Note: The beaches are Free and very popular so like when you are staying at a hotel on vacation, you might want to get early to ensure you get a chair.

And this year? Not sure what will happen with these beaches during the Olympics…TBA.

(They might be opening places to swim in the Seine for the first time since the 1920s but that will be another blog when it happens.) 

 

3. Dance on the Riverbank

 

Ok. I have not done this myself but I have gone by in one of the boat cruises and also stopped along the Seine to marvel at people dancing al fresco usually on the left Bank in the 5th arrondissement.

 

It starts with someone who has brought a boom box or radio/tape deck to provide the music.

 

Everyone greets each other which is so very civilized.

 

People are also very trusting and leave their belongings along the side

 

Some dress up. Women often wear high heels, but you see people in sneakers and bare feet too.

 

They might be doing a waltz, the salsa but mostly, people come for the tango.

 

Some dancers are practiced but many others are there to learn just by watching.

 

Such a nice way to spend an afternoon or evening in the late spring and summer months.

 

 

 

4. Picnic

 

There are so many spots along both sides of the river to picnic and sit or hang over the bank with your feet dangling over the bank.

 

Where? Near the semi-natural island known as Ile St-Louis; the quays around Notre-Dame Cathedral; and nearby the Pont des Arts are particularly popular.

 

In some places, there are trees and grass to sit on. (Bring a blanket!)  But these spots fill up especially at the apéro/cocktail hour around 5 pm.

 

Nearby with all the specialty food stores,  you can pick up some famous local cheese such as Camembert, Brie or Roquefort, a crispy baguette and a delicious French pastry.

 

Don’t forget a bottle of wine, glasses and a corkscrew.

 

 

5. Walk Along the River

 

Last but not least is the obvious. Just pick the right or the left bank and walk.

 

My recommendation: Start at the  Hotel de Ville on the right bank, cross past Notre Dame Cathedral on Ile de la Cité,  and then over to the left bank in the “Saint-Michel” and “Quartier Latin” area.  Head west along the river to the Musée d”Orsay and keep going until you get to the bridge that takes you over to Place de la Concorde.

 

From there turn right and work your way back maybe walking through the Jardin’s des Tuileries towards the Louvre and back to the Hotel de Ville.

 

Best time of the year to walk?

 

Spring and fall are when the weather is fresh and it’s not as crowded.

 

Before and during sunset is magical.

 

 

Paris Fan Club

Community Billboard

Jewellery Store Recommendation?

 

Today on our Community Billboard Paris Fan Club BAGUETTE Member Cynthia Iris has a question:

 

Cynthia is going to Paris in late March for a special birthday. Great idea Cynthia!

 

 

Here is the advice she is seeking:

“I am looking for a ring for myself.  Would anyone know a jewelry store in Paris in the mid-price range?”

“My style is modern and clean; for instance, a wide gold band with aquamarine stones. Something classy with some sparkle. If you know of a good jewelry shop, I’d appreciate the recommendation. ”

Ideas for Cynthia?

Please leave a comment at the bottom of this blog or email Cynthia directly at dinimartini76@gmail.com

If you have something that you would like other members to know about or to ask them, please email me at diana@womanofacertainageinparis.com and I will include it in an upcoming blog. 

Hey Paris Fan Club Members!

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is Back!

Our First one for 2024 is:

Title: Unleash Your French Chic!

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