Curator’s statement
On my first trip to Paris, the best advice I got was simple: take the Batobus on your very first day. And they were right. Gliding along the Seine, I saw the city unfold like a storybook—towering landmarks and graceful bridges floating past in slow motion. It was the perfect way to get my bearings without hopping metro lines or checking maps every five minutes. The Batobus isn’t just transportation—it’s an experience. You can hop on and off at all the major sights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, and it saves your poor feet from doing all the heavy lifting. No traffic, no blisters—just smooth sailing through the heart of the city. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and lets you explore Paris at your own pace, with the Seine as your guide. If you’re new to Paris (or even if you’re not), start with the Batobus. It’s like Paris whispering, “Bienvenue. Let me show you around—no sore soles required.”
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Things to do in Paris
Pont Alexandre III bridge represents the Nymphs of the Seine
The nine Batobus stops
Tour Eiffel
Must-do: Take in 360° panoramic views from the top of the Eiffel Tower—Paris from above never gets old.
Invalides
Must-do: Visit the Dôme des Invalides to see Napoleon Bonaparte’s ornately sculpted tomb.
Champs-Élysées
Must-do: Tour the Grand Palais’ soaring glass-roofed exhibition space, a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture.
Musée d’Orsay
Must-do: Admire Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces—from Monet to Van Gogh—inside a former train station.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Must-do: Explore the historic Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris, with roots dating back to the 6th century.
Notre-Dame
Must-do: Stroll the medieval streets of Île de la Cité and visit the hauntingly beautiful Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stained glass.
Jardin des Plantes
Must-do: Visit the Galerie de Paléontologie, home to centuries-old skeletons and fossils in a magical, old-world science hall.
Hôtel de Ville
Must-do: Explore the winding side streets of Le Marais, filled with 17th-century mansions and tucked-away courtyards.
Louvre
Must-do: Take a peaceful walk through the Tuileries Garden, with statues, fountains, and sweeping views toward the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
Places to eat & drink in Paris
Eiffel Tower viewed from the River Seine
Batobus stops—what to taste nearby
Tour Eiffel
Must-taste: Sip Champagne at the Eiffel Tower’s Bar à Champagne at the summit—because bubbles at 905 ft taste better.
Invalides
Must-taste: Enjoy a velvety hot chocolate at Café Richard – Les Invalides, served with views of the Golden Dome.
Champs-Élysées
Must-taste: Indulge in a classic éclair or Saint-Honoré pastry at Ladurée on the avenue—elegance in every bite.
Musée d’Orsay
Must-taste: Head to Bar du Musée d’Orsay, tucked beneath the iconic clock window, for a glass of wine or espresso with museum flair.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Must-taste: Order a café crème at Café de Flore, one of Paris’ most storied cafés—perfect for people-watching and literary daydreaming.
Notre-Dame
Must-taste: Try the famed Berthillon ice cream on Île Saint-Louis—Paris’ most beloved frozen indulgence since 1954.
Jardin des Plantes
Must-taste: Visit La Grande Mosquée de Paris and enjoy mint tea with honey-soaked pastries in the tranquil tiled courtyard.
Hôtel de Ville
Must-taste: Grab a seat at L’As du Fallafel in the Marais for the city’s most iconic falafel wrap—fast, flavorful, unforgettable.
Louvre
Must-taste: Stop into Café Marly, just under the Louvre’s arcades, for a chic glass of rosé with pyramid views.
Need to know
When to ride:
Gliding along the Seine is one of the most relaxing ways to see Paris, and the Batobus makes it effortless. From April to September, boats run 10 am–8 pm daily, with late-night rides available until 9:30 pm on weekends—perfect for catching the Eiffel Tower at golden hour. During the off-season (November to mid-April), service runs 10 am–5 pm on weekdays and until 7 pm on weekends, ideal for a cozy winter cruise.
Boats arrive every 20 minutes in the high season, and every 25–40 minutes when the city quiets down in cooler months.
What it costs:
24-hour pass: €23 adults / €13 kids
48-hour pass: €27 adults / €17 kids
No reservations needed—just hop on at any of the nine scenic stops. It’s sightseeing at your own pace, without the stress of traffic or the ache of sore feet.
Travel Advisor
Marisa Varga
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