On this trip to Paris for the first leg we were a group of four and so we tried to plan outings that would appeal equally to our first time visitor and returning visitors. Lynette had mentioned that while spending the summer as a visiting scholar at Sciences Po she avoided the Seine River Cruises because they seemed too touristy. It wasn't until a friend visited the city later in her stay that she was convinced to take the Seine River Cruise and ended up really enjoying it.  Since the remaining three of us had never been on the river cruise, we decided that it would be a great way to see some of the key cultural spots of Paris (Notre Dame, Musee d'Orsay, Eiffel Tower, and 9 bridges) from a unique vantage point.

There are a few options in terms of companies and experiences for the Seine River Cruise.  From the basic package to meals, to wine tasting, tour companies offer almost any experience you might want to have on the river.  We decided to go with the basic tour.  I had already reviewed the restaurants I wanted to visit and didn't think that a meal on a cruise boat would be worth the trade off.  That being said, the dining experience boats did have a nice romantic setup and it might be something that you enjoy.

If you're visiting Paris during a cooler month, like me in mid-November, then be sure to bundle up. Initially we started off sitting on the benches surrounded by windows. As soon as the boat was moving, my wife went outside on the front of the boat and enlisted the rest of us to join.  The rain let up and the sun started shinning and the perspective of the city from the outside was incomparable to the view from inside.  

One of the first bridges we crossed under was Pont Alexandre III.  This is the bridge where Lynette and I had decided we would exchange our wedding vows the next day. It was a special added bonus to see the extravagant Art Nouveau decor of the bridge from this perspective and it enhanced our excitement for the following day.       

What are your thoughts on city tours and cruises?  Is it something you enjoy or avoid? Comment below and as always, let me know what you'd like to see/read more of on the blog.  Until next time!