Paris, Apr 25: The best way to see Paris is through water, cruising down the river Seine on a beautiful summer day! It’s a one-hour trip meandering under some of the most pretty bridges not only in Paris but in Europe.
Most visitors to Paris take this trip at some stage, for what better way to be introduced to the city of light and water than a cruise through its centre on a glassed-in trimaran, one of three that leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais just below the Eiffel Tower.
The journey makes its way down the Seine, cruising along the left bank until the Ministry of Finance at Bercy, then returning via the right bank. It`s an ideal way to see Paris differently, passing all of the most important buildings and points of interest on the way, and at the same time listening to an expert commentary. The cruise is ideal if your time in Paris is limited because it covers so much in such a short time.
There are 55 points of interest discussed during the trip, revealing all sorts of historical facts and secrets that I would otherwise not have known about. The commentary is split into sections. For example from Pont Neuf to Ile de la Cit`e, eight places of interest on either side of the river are covered. From Orsay Quay to Alexander III Bridge another six places are explained, including the history of the beautiful bridge, where the first stone was laid by Nicolas II, the last Tsar of Russia and son of Alexander III.
This Belle Epoque construction with a single metal span soars more than 100m above the Seine and was the symbol of Franco-Russian friendship at the time. The cruise is probably the most relaxed way to discover and learn a little of this beautiful city, and makes a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of Paris`s notorious traffic.
There are five boats used by the Bateaux Parisiens Cruises, which include an Enchanted Cruise, a Lunch Cruise and an Evening Dinner Cruise. Private charters are available as well. So not only one learns a little more about such places as Grand Palais, the Place de la Concorde, the Hotel de Ville or the Pont Neuf, but also pick on some of the more obscure facts about Paris, such as the history behind the Wallace Fountains, those hundred or so beautifully sculptured drinking fountains which were given to the city of Paris by Richard Wallace, a Briton who absolutely loved the French capital.
Bureau Report
