Paris: see the city of lights by boat

Indeed, there is an increasing amount of people jetting off to the farthest reaches of the earth as they seek that once in a lifetime experience. But, the classic destinations shall always remain popular with holidaymakers too, with France receiving almost eighty million visitors in 2006 alone, and over thirty million people visiting the capital city and jewel in France’s crown, Paris. And it’s not difficult to see why. Paris is one of those rare places that can conjure images of grandness, sophistication and wonderment by the mere mention of its name alone.

Of course, there are the classic iconic structures such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, recognisable by their silhouette alone. But as great as these places are for photo albums, they don’t even come close to telling the whole story. Indeed, rather than heading straight to the tourist hotspots, bypassing all the wonderful places in between, Paris is a city that is best discovered by travelling through it at a steady pace, whilst taking the time to soak in all that makes Paris what it is.

Given its ideal location by the River Seine, perhaps the best way to get to know the real Paris is by boat. The Seine is home to many open excursion boats, known locally as ‘Bateau Mouches’. And, given that the Seine snakes from south to north through the very centre of Paris, a boat tour covers a significant part of the city, taking in all the major sites of interest along the way.

Moreover, for those who believe in the magic of romance, then it’s perhaps worth waiting until dark to take in the splendour of Paris by night. Many boat companies offer fine-dining in the evenings, as well as a myriad of entertainment options including live music during the meal, and sometimes even a show afterwards. And it’s this side of Paris that most people probably think about when dreaming of a trip to a city that has come to be known as ‘the city of lights’. The River Seine is synonymous with elegance and has been the backdrop to many a romantic image from poets and painters, to photographers and storytellers.

Furthermore, Paris has a massive network of canals too, which means it’s possible to meander through much of the city by boat, exploring many hidden haunts that would perhaps otherwise remain undiscovered by the less adventurous tourists. The two-and-half-hour Canal Saint Martin cruise, for example, explores one of Paris’ best-kept secrets and takes in the neighbourhood of Saint Martin. Indeed, this is a hub of quirky boutiques and cafes, where locals flock to the canal banks throughout spring and summer to wile away the warm, sunny evenings.

So, with so much to see and do in the French capital, it’s little wonder that Paris hotels are always in such great demand; after all, thirty million visitors can’t be wrong! Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.