Touching The Heart Of Paris On French River Cruises

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world and considering the bohemian cafescene, the globally renowned museums, the glamorous shopping avenues and the plethoraof wonderful things to do, it is little wonder. A stop off in this capital city also offers theperfect complement to relaxing French river cruises that meander along the beautiful RiverSeine, taking in the seductive scenery of this stunning part of France.

It is true, however, that a visit to Paris, a city that breeds high expectations, can often leavefirst time visitors disappointed and wondering how the heart and soul of this place hasbecome so elusive. This is the way with many cities overtaken by tourism, but rest assuredthat not too far beneath the overpriced meals, elbow-to-elbow tourists and tacky souvenirshops, sits Paris laid bare.

If you’re on one of the French river cruises and have a chance to stop off in the ‘City ofLight’, take heed of our top tips below and you will be able to make the most of your shorttime. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve managed to get under the skin of this truly magnificentplace.

Go by Foot

Firstly, while it may be tempting to jump in a taxi or hire an electric scooter to whizz aroundall the main sites, please try to resist the urge. It is about quality, not quantity when you visitcity attractions, and there really is no better way to absorb yourself in the atmosphere of aplace than by walking. ‘Flâner’ means ‘to stroll’ in French, and this is definitely the best wayto experience Paris. It is only a couple of miles wide and walking offers you the opportunityto discover out of the way places and bars and cafes that you would never normally find.You’ll get to rub shoulders with the locals and expose yourself to a much more authenticexperience. You’re never far from a metro station either so, if you do need to rest the legs,travel like the locals do.

Get the Best Views

Everyone wants to head up the Eiffel Tower, but if it is the best view you’re after, from theviewing deck at the Montparnasse Tower you get a fabulous panorama of the skyline thatincludes the Eiffel Tower. Plus, the crowds and queues are not as long here.

Seek Out the Canal St. Martin

While most people consider Les Deux Magots on the Boulevard St Germain the ‘place tobe’, this one time hang out of de Beauvoir and Sartre has sadly lost its authenticity over theyears. Instead, head to the Canal St. Martin where the Bobo (the bourgeois bohemian)hipsters have taken over. The area is thriving and the energy is infectious. Busy cafes andtrendy boutiques line the Rue Beaurepaire, and the veranda of the Paname BrewingCompany up on the Bassin de la Villette buzzes with activity; it’s a great place to stop for areviving beer!

If you’re inspired to unearth a little of the true French capital, start with these threerecommendations above and you won’t regret it. Instead of taking home lots of run of the milltourist shots and tales of uninspiring hours spent in queues, you’ll be telling wonderful talesof the atmosphere, one time experiences and how the ‘City of Light’ made an impression onyou that will be forever imprinted.

Paris is a popular stop off on French river cruises and if this style of travel appeals, makesure you book with a recommended tour operator. While the company takes care of all thelogistics, you can look forward to your relaxing holiday in France.

Author Plate

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK`smost respected provider of all-inclusive luxury barge holidays. If you`re looking for the best French river cruises or cruises to other great destinations they are the go-to experts. Part of a teamof experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-pacedbarge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.