Every Wednesday was a half-day at my summer academy in Paris, so during our first week the staff arranged for our cohort to go on Seine cruise with Bateaux Mouches. The sun was shining, the weather was warm and we were all just getting to know each other.

I’d been to Paris before, but I’d never taken to the river – I’m so glad we did.

It is the best way to see the sights of Paris, get a feel for the lay of the land and see Paris from a totally fresh perspective.

This is particularly useful for capturing gigantic landmarks that you need a bit of distance to fit in frame, but  are surrounded by other buildings that would block your shot if you were on land. Passing under bridges also presented cute photo opportunities,  framing the water, skies and banks with one of Paris’ many bridges.

Some of the highlights include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Musee D’Orsay, the Conciergerie (where Marie Antoinette was beheaded), Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris), Pont Alexandre III ( the most beautiful bridge in Paris) and Pont des Arts, AKA the Love Lock Bridge (the most talked about bridge in Paris).

Afterwards, we wandered through the 1st and 2nd arrondissements and got to know each other better over a long lunch. By dusk, the few of us left concluded a perfect day by the water with bottles of wine and ham & cheese crepes enjoyed on the banks of the Seine.

Seeing a city from the river is a great way to see things differently and I’m going to try and get on the water more often, wherever I go.

Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise

Cost: 13,50 Euros for 1 hour

Duration: Approx 1 hour

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