Bateaux Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf
Métro: Pont-Neuf. Bus: 24, 27, 58, 67, 75.
An inexpensive one hour cruise up and down the Seine. Passengers board directly under Pont-Neuf at the tip of Île de la Cité adjacent to Square du Vert Galant. This is my favorite Seine River cruise and I enjoy it most when Paris sparkles at night. It’s a good first-day introduction to the city and a memorable farewell to Paris on the last night. Price is about €14. Check the website for sailing times and significant discounts. No credit cards accepted at the pier ticket office, only online. 1 hour. Website: www.vedettesdupontneuf.com.
Bateaux Mouches
Métro: Pont de l’Alma. Bus: 63, 72.
A trip to Paris is not complete without a cruise down the Seine. It departs across the river from the Eiffel Tower near the Pont de l'Alma. Tickets are €12.50 for the cruise alone. Dinner options range from 99 to 140 euros per person. There are better places to have dinner in Paris for those prices, but it’s your money. Website: www.bateauxmouches.com.
Canal Saint Martin-Canauxrama
Métro: Jaurès. Bus: 26, 48.
Enjoy a special treat with a lovely boat tour through the Canal Saint-Martin. There are some limited evening tours, but daytime tours are better. Cruise through some of the most adorable residential neighborhoods, going under bridges and moving up and down the locks. Depart from the Bassin de la Villette and end up at the Bastille. Sit at the very front of the barge. 1 ½ hours.
Website: www.canauxrama.com.