No matter how your trip is going in Paris – good, bad or a topsy-turvey mixture of both – nothing will settle you in more than a relaxing drift along the Seine. There we were the six of us floating past the Eiffel Tower with a glass of chilled Champagne in our hands.
Cut to thirty minutes earlier than when we stepped foot on the boat and you would have seen a very different scene.
Picture the six of us running through the streets of Paris frantically trying to catch the right metro to get from the Marais to the Eiffel Tower. We only had 18 minutes to spare by the time we purchased our tickets and got on the right train. The mugginess was getting to us. Our makeup never stayed on for the entire day and the nearest tourist brochure functioned as a makeshift fan to cool your face.
Finally, 6 stops later we arrived at the Eiffel Tower with only 3 minutes until our boat was set to leave. We were supposed to be 15 minutes early but with 5 people doubting the length of time I surmised it takes to get to the Eiffel Tower my carefully planned evening was shot along with my carefully applied makeup.
When you’re rushing to get to an appointment you cannot look like a local. Worse yet, you cannot look like a chic strolling Parisian when your face and neck are damp with thick humidity and your cheeks are red as you huff and puff from running like you’re in the Amazing Race with heels. We caught it just in the knick of time and boy did we look silly doing it.
At one point we had to cut corners and hop over a short 1 foot iron rod fence protecting green grass. As we trampled over it we heard fellow Canadians saying, “They must be American.”
No, we were just in a rush!
After the crazed rush we were able to board our boat looking a bit of a mess but nothing can calm your nerves, settle your heart and realign you like a Seine Champagne cruise.
Ô Chateau was our choice of tour for the evening. Not your typical bateau-mouche. Our Sommelier on board had pre-selected 3 lesser known Champagnes to our North American ears and each one was more delicious than the former.
I crammed into the hull of our long boat allowing the breeze to ease my hair back in place, or as much as it could, and took it all in – the history, the experience, the bumps and the successes.
Lovely post! Love the pictures! What restaurant have you had the best champagne? Remember to add it to your Besty List! http://www.thebesty.com/thewanderfulltraveler
I have done several boat rides by various companies up and down the Seine, but have not done this one! You had me at champagne!
Ha! As someone who’s perpetually late (one reason I do really well in the Caribbean and Italy), this is pretty much me. All of the time. But I can’t think of a better reason to rush and sweat than to get on a river cruise and drink champagne!
I’ve always felt deeply connected to water, so I bet I would love this river cruise just as you’ve described it!
I have done these kinds of mad dashes through foreign cities, and yes, there is nothing quite like one of those to make you feel less like a local. You guys sort of sound like superheroes, jumping over stuff, although, superheroes don’t really sweat, do they?
I love to get out on the water whenever possible. This looks beautiful! I’m putting a boat ride on the Seine for next summer’s visit to Paris.
Wonderful post, lovely photos and video. Warm greetings from Montreal.