For the smoothest ride in Paris, visitors may want to consider an alternative form of transportation - a boat. There is a service called the Batobus(a play on words with the French word bateau) that runs up and down the Seine. The service runs year round except during January, February and the beginning of March. The boats run every fifteen to twenty minutes and stop at eight places along the Seine.
The service begins at the Eiffel Tower, continues to the Champs Elysées, the Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Hôtel de Ville and finally the Jardin des Plantes. It is the perfect way to linger at your favorite monuments and not miss the boat! It is also highly recommended to those of who may have jet lag and are not ready to put on the walking shoes yet.
There are various packages one can buy to ride the Batobus:
- Half ticket-stops at four destinations
- One day ticket for unlimited use
- Two day ticket for unlimited use over two consecutive days
- Monthly pass
- Season ticket
- Children under twelve pay half price
Eiffel Tower
The first stop on the Batobus route is the Eiffel Tower. Visitors can choose to go tour the tower or spend time wandering the nearby Trocadéro Gardens.
Champs-Elysées
The second stop on the Batobus route is the Champs-Elysées.This stop is perfect for travelers who want to do some shopping. Luxury shops and department stores line the avenue.
Musée d'Orsay
The third stop on the Batobus route is the Musée d'Orsay.The Musée d'Orsay hosts the largest collection of Impressionist paintings in the world. For a visit here, plan to spend the afternoon.
Louvre
The fourth stop on the Batobus route is the Louvre museum.The Louvre has one of the greatest art collections in the world. Visitors who stop here on the boat tour can also choose to visit the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries next to the museum.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The fifth stop on the Batobus route is the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church. The surrounding area is full of bohemian cafés so it is a great place to stop off for refreshments and people-watching.
Notre-Dame
The sixth stop on the Batobus route is near the Notre Dame cathedral.The Notre Dame is literally the center of Paris. A tour is definitely worthwhile to see the effects of the stained glass windows from the interior and climb to the balconies to see the gargoyles close up.
Hôtel de Ville
The seventh stop on the Batobus route is the Hôtel de Ville.The Hôtel de Ville houses the mayor's office in Paris. The style of the building is based on the French Renaissance designs of the chateaux in the Loire Valley.
Jardin des Plantes
The eighth and last stop on the Batobus route is the Jardin des Plantes. The Jardin des Plantes is a botanical garden and has several divisions within its grounds. Among the different floral species on display are a rose garden, an iris garden and a winter garden.
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