Audio GuideBateaux-Mouches
Glass-roofed riverboats providing iconic Seine cruises with views of landmarks and captivating cityscapes.
Point of Interest
Paris, France
Bateaux Mouches originated in the shipyards of the La Mouche area in Lyon, where skilled artisans crafted robust vessels initially designed for shipping and transport. These early steamships garnered attention during the Universal Exposition in eighteen sixty-seven, where they served as both functional transport and a glimpse into modern innovation for attendees. After World War Two, the visionary Jean Bruel revitalised the service, converting these boats into a leisure attraction offering leisurely cruises along the Seine.
Today, these contemporary boats are equipped with glass-enclosed areas, retractable canopies, and adaptable deck layouts, accommodating up to one thousand passengers. Each one-hour cruise offers live and recorded commentary, guiding visitors past stunning landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Pont Neuf, and more. In the evening, cruises captivate with illuminated cityscapes, while daytime excursions and dining cruises provide diverse experiences.
Beyond Paris, similar services have become iconic in locations like Montreal and scenic routes such as the Saint Lawrence River. Bateaux Mouches have also earned a place in film and literature, enhancing their reputation as beacons of romantic urban river journeys. Remarkably, they transported athletes during the opening ceremony of the twenty twenty-four Summer Olympics.
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