There's nothing like drinking champagne on a boat cruise

Combining the best of what Paris has to offer without the crowds, the O Chateau wine tasting group offers a one-hour champagne cruise on the Seine, starting at the iconic Eiffel Tower.

At around a quarter to six, you board the shiny new Vedettes de Paris cruise boat at the foot of the pont d’Iena below the promenade quai Branly. Take a seat near the front of the boat in the glass-encased salon. There is a bar with snacks and other drinks, but who needs that when there will be bubbly? While waiting to start the cruise, you can watch the elevators bring people up and down the Eiffel Tower, or let yourself become mesmerized by the glistening water all around.

Cruising under the Pont Alexandre III

In the relaxed atmosphere of a small group, you will glide over the Seine while passing majestic monuments such as le Pont Alexandre III, le Grand Palais, le Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, le Louvre, and more. All the while, a pleasant sommelier will come around periodically to serve you three glasses of champagne: first brut, then demi-sec, and finally a rosé. He will tell you a little bit about each, and more if you ask, but most of the cruise is spent sipping the champagne and admiring the view.

Paris' Little Liberty

Near the end of the tour, we were graciously offered a fourth glass of the champagne of our choice, and had the pleasure of admiring “Little Liberty” by the Grenelle Bridge on the Ile des Cygnes. The statue looks towards the Atlantic Ocean to her big sister in New York.

When the bubbles are gone and you’ve gotten off the boat, take a promenade along the quai de Branly and soak up the magic of the Seine for just a bit longer.

O Chateau Paris Champagne Cruise:

http://www.o-chateau.com/paris-wine-tasting/paris-packages/seine-river-cruise-paris

© 2012 Pasa’s Paris