After a relaxing afternoon in the sun and flowers of Jardin Du Luxembourg we decided to head back to our place to rest and get ready for our cruise on the Seine.

We were happy that one of our favorite bakeries was still open, and we decided to purchase our favorite large meringue and some other items. If you are in the Latin Quarter, this shop is a must for its pastries, and they won Best Baguette of the Year.

Build in times to rest. When we vacation, we are explorers, and we plan a busy schedule along with times to sleep in, take naps, and do laundry. Or, just sit and talk while sitting on the couch with the windows open, listening to the people on the street and the breeze on your face.

I did not expect a private, luxury cruise. Go with the mindset that you are with other people, experiencing the Seine and the sights from the waterway. Our boat was small, making it more intimate and less cruise ship style. We also paid a little extra for the window seat, which was worth every penny. We chose the Paris En Scene Dinner Cruise. Their service was excellent. The food was okay. If you don’t want the dinner cruise options, Paris has many boat ride options, such as just buying a ticket and waiting in line to ride a boat with many people around the Seine. We wanted something more intimate and relaxing. If you Google search “boat rides on the Seine in Paris”, you will have many options for booking tours, private tours, and websites that offer suggestions.

We had beautiful weather, with some days in the 70s! However, the temperatures could drop at night. I wore a sweater and scarf, along with my black jumpsuit and black shoes. My nice wool scarf was a lifesaver! We casually met other couples. One family was celebrating their son’s birthday, and the staff made this a big deal for him, playing the birthday song and providing a cake.

A Serene Journey Along the Seine

Sitting by the window on the boat, I found myself spellbound by the Seine’s captivating beauty. The gentle rippling of the water mirrored the soft hues of the Parisian sky, creating a tranquil canvas. As the boat glided effortlessly down the river, I became part of a living masterpiece—an intimate dance of light, architecture, and human connection.

The architecture along the Seine felt like a storybook unfolding, each bridge and building telling a tale of timeless elegance. On the riverbanks, groups of friends and families gathered, their laughter and joy unmistakable as they waved warmly to us. It was as though the Seine brought people together, weaving connections across its picturesque shores.

One of the most enchanting moments came as we passed an alcove nestled by the water, adorned with a majestic weeping willow tree. Its cascading branches seemed to sway in quiet reflection, offering a serene sanctuary amidst the vibrant city. It was a fleeting yet unforgettable scene, one that seemed to hold the very essence of Paris as young people waved and smiled at us.

As night fell, the Eiffel Tower came alive, its golden lights shimmering like a beacon of dreams. Its brilliance was only rivaled by the striking presence of the Statue of Liberty, standing nearby as a nod to the enduring friendship between two nations. The juxtaposition of these iconic symbols, illuminated against the darkened sky, was awe-inspiring—a sight that filled me with a profound sense of wonder.

For those craving a panoramic view, the top deck of the boat offered an unparalleled vantage point. From there, Paris unveiled itself in all its glory. Cameras clicked as travelers sought to capture the city’s magic, but no photograph could truly replicate the feeling of being immersed in such splendor.

Sailing the Seine wasn’t just a journey through Paris; it was a journey into the heart of its beauty, its history, and its spirit. Each moment, from the quiet alcoves to the dazzling lights, felt like a gift—one I will carry with me always.

If you’ve made it this far in the post, I’ve decided to share a funny, intimate moment with Parish at the end of the day. Remember, we purchased a huge meringue from Bertrand’s? Parish decided to record the first bite! We sent it to the family, and Valentina requested we bring one home! She had to experience “that crunch.” Can you hear it? 🙂

Our next adventure is on Wednesday, April 2! We will challenge ourselves by taking our first train ride in Paris from Gare Saint-Lazare to the charming town of Bayeux in Normandy. I’m glad we didn’t know what we were getting into, as we plan to rent E-bikes for our trek to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. There will be many tips, lessons learned, and lots of laughter. If you have an E-bike, what are some of your favorite bike trails?