Ten years ago, backpacking in Paris as a poor student, I couldn’t ride the Bateaux-Mouches and only watched from afar. The first thing we did upon arriving in Paris was ride the Bateaux-Mouches.
Arrived in downtown Paris. Paris has a short history among European cities. Modern Paris is only a little over 100 years old. The Paris remade by Haussmann has gray-toned buildings. That unified feel might be modern Parisian chic.
Passing the Arc de Triomphe by car.
The Arc de Triomphe was under restoration.
Strolling Paris makes you feel like a Parisian. Walking on, you reach the Bateaux-Mouches pier on the Seine.
Bateaux-Mouches tickets. Countless people boarded this Seine cruise. The Bateaux-Mouches lets you see Paris at a glance along the Seine. About an hour ride.
After departure, first behind you see Paris’s landmark, the Eiffel Tower.
The first bridge you meet is the Pont Alexandre III!
And the Louvre Museum in the distance!
Behind my mom is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, famous for the Hunchback of Notre-Dame! I went inside as a child and remember being disappointed that the interior was nothing special.
Notre-Dame!!
With long days and it being Friday, young Parisians gathered on the Seine. I wanted to feel that leisure too. They looked so free, the Parisians.
Here’s the Musée d’Orsay. We didn’t stop this time, but I’d been before. To see Van Gogh’s works, the Musée d’Orsay is a must!
The slowly darkening Paris skyline. The sunset was so beautiful.
Passing through the city, the last stop was back at the Eiffel Tower.
As we neared the Eiffel Tower, everyone started taking photos. Everyone stood up, snapping away, total chaos.
The Eiffel Tower came out so beautifully. Did I really take this?!!
We also took tons of photos with the Eiffel Tower! But I think I chose the wrong sunglasses. I wore these because they’re unique, but they look like a mantis, like an insect. The very unflattering Versace sunglasses. Actually the Seine is best on a night cruise, but a summer night cruise is too bright to call it night. In summer the Eiffel Tower lights come on past midnight, so word is you have to wait until midnight. The Eiffel Tower climb story will continue in the next post.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in September 2016 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.