I think arriving at the Pont Neuf departure site 20-30 min ahead of time is plenty at this time of year; even later would probably work, but you might not get the seats you want. We always like to sit outside, and the best seats fill up fast for the 9:30 cruise.

Is 930 still the best time to take Vedettes du Pont Neuf ride mid July? I'm just wondering because I wouldn't think it would be dark by then so half the ride would be in the light and half in the dark. I had been planning on 945 but if it doesn't run at 945, then that's a problem too... really didn't want to be out too late for the kids so if 930 works, all the better :-)

Merci, grandmere!

To my knowledge the Vedettes don't do a 9:45 cruise. It's not as though the 9:30 cruise is going to be bright sunshine one minute and pitch dark the next. IMO, it's the best bet for seeing the ET twinkle.

We took the 9:30 in July and it was great. The lights were on along the river...just beautiful and memorable.

We prefer the Pont Neuf vedettes. And also prefer to go at "dusk" so that by the time we get to the Eiffel Tower the lights are on--and the lights along the way are coming on. Take a bottle of wine and some glasses. They'll sell you a bottle at the dock for a fortune if you forget.

So I guess my final decision is: take Vedettes, show up for the 9:30 cruise 30 minutes early WITH my prepaid ticket (which will cost less because I paid online and used the coupon!). Be prepared to be wowed by Paris all lit up in the night. I feel like this is a solid plan :)

I have to say, who needs google when you have the Fodors Europe message board to help you plan your trip?

Thanks so much for the great advice on this everyone!

go_laura: I hope you have a blast on your trip! I'll be headed to Provence after Paris myself, only I'll be going in June, and I can't wait. So jealous that your trip is already upon you :)

Ahiddenbird: from my report on a previous trip to París: "we take our Seine cruise in the “Vedettes du Pont Neuf”.It is very cold, but we resist in the upper(open) part of the boat.Another perspective of Paris, unforgettable, really not to be missed( buy your tickets on the web, save 5 euros each and skip the lines, as there is a special window for internet tickets).When we return, on the Pont Neuf there is a plaque about Jaques de Molay, last Master of the Templars being burnt here.I found interesting that the name of Jaques de Molay has survived, and nobody cares about the French king that killed him and other Temple Knights in order to take their treasures." If you arrime a littlemearly, you can take a look at the plaqueta, may be Thanks a littlemearly of those brave men and also take a look at he beautiful garden nearby.
Enjoy your trip!

P.S. Sorry for the typos, my IPad insists....

Thanks, jelopez33! I'll make a point to read the rest of your report :)