Bateaux Mouches
 

Will be traveling to Paris in February- for the 3rd time- this time taking my parents, who have never been- I know it is touristy, but interested in a Bateaux Mouches...giving my folks a chance to sit and watch this incredible city glide by.. any suggestions? We do not want dinner- just the ride, with perhaps some wine.. (we can always bring our own!!) Thanks for your suggestions!

Yes,it's touristy, but you are right that it may be a nice treat for your parents. Another touristy thing I did for my Mom on her first Paris visit was a half day tour in a minivan. I was reluctant, but it was terrific - none of the endless walking and stairs to make Metro connections, dropped off right at the major attractions with enough time to get the flavor and choose which ones to go back for more in depth visiting. Most hotels have brochures in the lobby and/or will make arrangements. Avoid the bus tours, go for the minivan.<BR>Enjoy!

I vote a big thumbs up on the Bateaux Mouches. Don't sit inside- it's too hot and the loud speaker will make you crazy. Take an umbrella, warm coat, big scarf to go over your head or a hood, and sit up top by the front. Get your camera ready and get ready for the fun. I vote a big yes on the 4:30 ride cause they light up the buildings - esp the Eiffel Tower and it is stupendous against the grey pink sky - just right for that perfect shot. Take a bottle of wine and some cheese and bread (and glasses, etc). They offer no food/drink on the boat and it's a long ride- 90 mins. They do have restrooms on the boat.They have some drinks and sandwiches you can buy before you get on the boat but they're nothing great. Take a map of the city so you can mark the things you want to go back to see. It will make you want to take a walk along the Seine.<BR><BR>One more tip, after the ride, it will be tough to find a taxi - on George 5th -walk up the left ramp -go left a little ways and take an immediate right - your at the corner of two major busy streets- there is a taxi stand. It will be around 6ish - traffic hour when you get there. Get in line for taxi and try awhile. If no luck - go to a cafe for a bite and ask them to call a taxi for you. When you call a taxi, you must pay for the time it takes them to get to you-usually no more than 50 francs extra but wayyyy worth it. Otherwise you can get on the metro right there at that same intersection - you'll see the entrance. Go at the beginning of the trip - maybe even the first day you get there. We went the last night of our trip and it was spectacular. But we have been to PAris before.

Reservations not needed. Just walk over, get a ticket and walk on. Here are 3:<BR><BR>Bateaux Mouches - leave from the Pont d'Alma on the right bank<BR>Tel: 01-42-25-96-10 All year<BR><BR>Vendettes du Pont Neuf - leave from Square de Vert Galant at the western end of Ile de la Cite.<BR>Tel: 01-46-33-98-38 All year<BR><BR>Bateaux Parisiens - leave from Quai Montebello Pier<BR>also from Port de la Bourdonnais at the foot of the Eiffel Tower<BR>Tel: 01-44-11-33-44 Runs April &ETH; Sept<BR>For more Paris information e-mail me &ETH; [email protected]<BR>

FRED-STOP IT!

I don't understand why Fred isn't allowed to answer a very to the point question, with a very to the point answer.<BR>I see loads of recommedations for hotels and such, and noboday ever was traumatized by the suggestions.<BR>Please elaborate Mr. or Mme. NO ADS.<BR>AD

I agree. Here here. I have never seen Fred be anything but very kind and helpful. Shame on you NADS.

NoAds referred to the fact that when going to Fred's web page you are asked for a donation. In other words it is a veiled attempt to make money.<BR><BR>Fodor's is also again graced with Marianna, the guide in Italy, who sounds most gracious and helpful, but is in essence advertising her services. <BR><BR>NoAds and I thought this was a no no on this board!

You people who freak out every time there's even a veiled reference to an opportunity to make a dime remind me of that kid in the classroom, frantically flailing their arm in the air crying "teacher, teacher, teacher, he...." Take a chill pill. Let Fodors monitor the violators and give it a rest. All you have to do is ignore it. <BR>Fred is full of great info. Nobody is making you go to his website and nobody is making you send him money.

Grasshopper--calm down. Just responding to two people above who apparently haven't been on the board very long. Maybe you should take the chill out pill!

From one Wendy to another (ah what a wonderful world!) I took my mom to Paris last year and we went on the Bateaux Mouches boat the first afternoon. It gave her a chance to see a lot and get a better idea of what she wanted to see more of. And although it's touristy I really enjoyed it too and will be going on one again this Dec. when my boyfiend and I are there. <BR>The other thing we did was to sign up for a "Paris Illuminated" tour on one of our last nights. It was a tour bus that took you through the city at night and stopped at everything that was all lit up. It was beautiful!! I am totally against tour buses of any sort but I really enjoyed this. We booked it at the tourist office by l'Etoille (where else! haha). Anyway I highly recommend doing both as they were not expensive and a great way to cover a lot of ground!

While in Paris last September I too took a ride on the bateaux mouche. My only regret is that I didn't take a second one. I was in my own little world, listening to the piped-in music and taking pictures along the way. It was so beautiful and so serene.

Thank you all for the input (even Fred). Sounds like a no-brainer. I can't wait!

Wendy,<BR>We just returned from Paris today. Among many of the great things we did, one was an evening ride on Bateaux Mouche. We left from Pont de L'Alma about 7:00 pm. The hour long ride went east on the Siene past both islands (Cite and St. Louie) and then west past the Eifel Tower to the "mini" Statue of Liberty. The price was under $7 each. We sat on the upper deck which was cold when going into the wind. However, the site of many of Paris' most beautiful cities lit up was unforgetable. While the Eifel Tower is spectacular during the day, it takes on a whole new life when lit up in the evening. Bring you folks, but be sure thay are budled up with gloves, scarfs, and even a blanket.

Iagree/wnoadds:<BR>Sorry longtimer, didn't realize Fred was economically involved in his advice. Everyone has been so gracious and helpful, that I didn't realize it was an add.<BR>Eg: Elaine has an excellent file on Paris which she sent to me free of charge.

Fred seems like a nice guy. Give him a break.<BR><BR>I wish I were getting paid for doing something I was actually interested in.