Seine — Attraction in Évry

The next day I'd go sight seeing. As I sat in my hostel hour on hour plotting out the route to the Eiffel tower I picked the best one my mind could scratch. Go behind hotel until reach canal, follow canal until park, follow park to Seine, follow Seine to big tower looking thing that looks like Eiffel tower and happened to in fact be the Eiffel tower.

Paris, this is when I started to like you. This is when I realized a city like this is fitting for someone like myself. Someone like myself who can't walk 200 yards in a big city without getting turned around. They have so many markings and unique locations that it makes getting around easy for a direction blind person like myself. Would be nice if I knew what half of them were, but whatever. My first night living on my own in Dublin on the other hand and I got lost along the river Liffey, it's pretty much a straight line. In Japan the grid system was nice but resulted in myself wandering around the same places lost with the world passing by like a looping background reel in a cartoon. When most people go on holiday they go to have fun and relax, I go on holiday and spend half my time sitting around the hostel or wandering lost like a headless chicken asking directions or siting alone at a bar, lest the road outside wash me away.

I don't really use buses wherever I am, but I enjoy running. It felt easier to me and more productive to run the 10km to the tower. That way I could see the city, stay fit for the French Foreign Legion and snap some photos en-route. It proved to be a great city for running. The route from the hostel to the tower was long but easy to navigate due to its many markings and picturesque locations. A river side path an underground tunnel makes keeps the trek uninterrupted by roads. Traffic lights and the people were abundant, but all moving quick enough so as not to clog the street. Jay walking seems to be a publicly accepted sport, as it will often come down to mobs of people defying moving traffic or vic versa to see who gets the upper hand. If your team succeeds, yell an obscenity or pump your fist like a penis then both sides carry on like nothing happened. I haven't been to a city with traffic that moves so fluently as this, while being so awash with socialized chaos. The same scene in Dublin would result in a crazy cat lady clinging to your windscreen screaming her revenge. I did a flash running tour of Paris during the jog to the tower, stopping to photo what happened to catch my eye.

I did get turned around briefly upon reaching the Place de la Bastille July monument, but fortunately I looked up, into the sky, and saw two contrails merging to form the shape of a bow and arrow pointing west, so naturally I took it as a sign and followed its direction to the river Seine. As I approached, sunlight peaked out from behind a coddle of clouds, an auroric glow of light fermented the skyline to a citrine eulogy for the day's demise. I noticed an almost heart shape break in the clouds which hovered above the tower. This would be my first clear view of la tour Eiffel so in some memorable way I took it as subtle comfort from the universe; hidden in plane sight, a protective force without shield or sword.

Beside me an Asian lady snaps pictures of the skyline on a camera that would likely crumble the pictures I took on my phone cam. Another time traveler coming to take...

• Comprehensive sightseeing route: A 2-hour cruise typically covers the full central loop of the Seine, starting from the Eiffel Tower or Pont Neuf, passing under the city’s iconic bridges and landmarks including: • Eiffel Tower • Musée d’Orsay • Louvre • Notre-Dame Cathedral • Île Saint-Louis • Grand Palais and Pont Alexandre III • Hôtel de Ville and Conciergerie • Beautiful views & relaxed pace: You see Paris from a new angle — bridges, architecture, and riverbanks unfold slowly, perfect for photography and quiet observation. • Different moods day vs. night: • Daytime rides give great visibility and historical commentary. • Evening rides (especially near sunset) are romantic, with city lights and illuminated monuments reflected on the water. • Comfortable onboard setting: Most boats (like Bateaux Parisiens, Vedettes du Pont Neuf, or Bateaux Mouches) have both open-air decks and indoor heated salons, so the experience is enjoyable year-round.

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⚠️ Things to keep in mind • Crowds on popular operators: Cheaper cruises (like the €17 Bateaux Parisiens 1-hour version) can get crowded, with limited seating on deck and mediocre commentary quality — music and pre-recorded audio often replace live guides. • 2-hour rides are calmer but pricier: Longer cruises with commentary or dining (such as Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise or Bateaux de Paris) cost more (€35–€60) but offer a quieter, more comfortable experience. • Limited stops: Most cruises are continuous — they don’t allow you to hop off mid-way. • Weather impact: In rain or winter, upper decks may close; indoor cabins are warm but windows can fog,...

The Seine River Cruise was an enchanting way to experience the beauty of Paris from a unique perspective. Gliding along the calm waters of the Seine, I was captivated by the breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks, each illuminated in its own grandeur.

The cruise offered a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. Seeing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre from the river provided a new appreciation for their architectural splendor. Passing under the historic bridges, especially Pont Alexandre III, was a delightful experience, as each had its own story and charm.

The ambiance on board was serene and romantic, enhanced by the soft lighting and gentle breeze. For those who choose the evening cruises, the city truly lives up to its name as the “City of Lights.” Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle while floating on the Seine was a moment I’ll never forget.

The staff was courteous, and the audio guide provided fascinating insights into the history and significance of the landmarks. Everything was well-organized, from boarding to the duration of the cruise, making the experience seamless and enjoyable.

I’d highly recommend the Seine River Cruise to anyone visiting Paris. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a relaxing escape, or a new way to explore the city, this cruise is a must-do. My only regret is not...