Rick Steves Thinks This Activity Along The 'Lifeblood Of Paris' Is One You Shouldn't Miss
The most beautiful and impressive cities in Europe are often dominated and defined by their rivers. From the majestic Danube in Vienna and Budapest to the famous landmarks dotted along the Thames in London, it is hard to picture Europe's most famous metropolises without thinking about their waterways.
Paris, France's gorgeous and romantic capital city, is no exception. The Seine is the heart of Paris, a stunning watercourse that runs right through the City of Lights, and provides the backdrop to many of its most beautiful sights. And according to European travel expert Rick Steves, a cruise along the River Seine is a fabulous way to see the best of Paris, and one of the best ways to spend €17 in the city.
@ricksteveseurope Several companies run one-hour boat cruises on the Seine River that are about the best €17 you can spend in Paris. A typical cruise loops back and forth between the Eiffel Tower and Pont d'Austerlitz, and drops you off where you started. For a fun experience, cruise at twilight or after dark. #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #paris #travelparis #paristravel
In a TikTok video, Rick Steves calls the Seine River the "lifeblood of Paris" and describes a cruise down its waters as "a more relaxing overview of the city." Some of Paris' most famous sights are on the banks of the Seine, so these hour-long boat rides are a fabulous way to pack in all the destinations in Paris you need to see at least once. You'll be able to see the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadero Gardens, the Grand Palais, the Musee d'Orsay, Sainte-Chappelle, the Louvre, and the Tuileries Gardens, as well as the array of spectacular stone bridges that span the river. If you visit in the summer, you might even see the banks of the River Seine transformed into fanciful faux beaches!
The best river cruises in Paris
Some of the best river cruises in Europe are along the Seine in Paris. According to Rick Steves, "Several companies run one-hour boat cruises on the Seine River ... A typical cruise loops back and forth between the Eiffel Tower and Pont d'Austerlitz, and drops you off where you started." There are a few companies that are particularly popular and offer the best experiences. Bateaux Parisiens, located at the base of the Eiffel Tower, is one of the most popular boat tour operators in Paris. They offer a range of different tours, from classic sightseeing trips to dinner cruises. Another excellent option is the Bateaux Mouches. They are one of the oldest cruise companies in the city, and have been in business since 1949. If you are looking for something a little more intimate, then Vedettes du Pont Neuf runs a range of smaller boats for private group tours.
The classic one-hour sightseeing tour is the most popular option for tourists and ideal for first-time visitors, but there is a range of different types of Seine River cruises available. Rick Steves says, "For a fun experience, cruise at twilight or after dark," and it is certainly true that nighttime shows Paris in its best light, pun definitely intended. The City of Lights comes alive once night falls, and its most famous attractions are illuminated beautifully, creating a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. Lunch and dinner cruises offer an elegant dining experience with a gorgeous backdrop, and some boats even boast live music. And for the most practically-minded of travelers, the Batobus is ideal. This hop-on, hop-off 24-hour river pass allows visitors to combine transit around the city with a great tourist experience, the perfect two-for-one!