Where Do River Cruise Ships Dock in Paris?
Introduction
Paris, the gate to Europe having been called the City of Light, is not only famous for the marvelous attractions and couples-friendly environment but can also offer various sorts of cruises on Seine River. In this case, the information that someone looking forward to going on a tour through the River in Paris would wish to know is where the ships are likely to be anchored. Subsequently, the breakdown of this article presents docking locations in Paris that you should consider and a guide to make your river cruise experience in the French capital as great as possible.
Port de Grenelle
Port de Grenelle is one of the important docking points for river cruise vessels in the city of Paris. It is located in the 15th arrondissement and is well connected with the various tourist-friendly attractions including the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars Park. The facilities of the port are not vast but tourists can use it as a good base from which to visit numerous places in the city.
Pros:
- Close proximity to the Eiffel Tower and other attractions
- Walking distance to public transportation
Cons:
- Minimal facilities at the docking area
- An activity can be busy at certain times of the year where a number of tourists tend to visit the historical sites.
Port de la Bourdonnais
Still, the 12th district of Paris hosts another significant docking area, the Port de la Bourdonnais that is situated close to the Port de Grenelle. It is located by the river, facing the Eiffel Tower and is within a couple of minutes walk from Rue Cler; a hub of markets, cafe; restaurants and specialty food shops.
Pros:
- Scenic views of the Eiffel Tower
- The buildings are close to shops and restaurants at Rue Cler
Cons:
- It may be crowded mostly because of its popularity.
- Limited facilities available
Port de l’Arsenal
If one is interested in a docking location that is slightly more centrally located in Paris, then the Port de l’Arsenal is ideal for you. This port is located in the 4th district near the Bastille Square and within walking distance from the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the district of Marais with several nice shops and art galleries.
Pros:
- Central location in the heart of Paris
- Close proximity to popular tourist sites
- Availability of various opportunities for using the service and the number of services offered makes it very convenient
Cons:
- Can be crowded as it is located at the central area.
- Some destinations may be located at a distance apart and would thus require extra conveyance within the center.
Port de Javel Bas
The Port de Javel Bas is another docking area for river cruise ships and it is located in the 15th arrondissement. This port gives the tourists views of the replica of the Statue of Liberty which is close to attractions such as Beaugrenelle Shopping Centre as well as André Citroën Park. Although it is only fifteen minutes by metro from the centre of Paris, this district offers truly exotic and rather intriguing atmosphere.
Pros:
- Picturesque views of the Statue of Liberty replica
- Shops and the park around the area Accessibility
Cons:
- To get to this area, one has to take a local transport from the city centre of Paris.
- Relatively few restaurants and pull-out entertainment facilities are available within its vicinity.
Conclusion
Determining the docking site for your river cruise in Paris forms one of the most crucial factors that would definitely enhance the experience. As it appears the different ports contain different facilities and characteristics, different ports like Port de Grenelle, Port de la Bourdonnais, Port de l’Arsenal, and Port de Javel Bas can be said to have different benefits and may suit different people. When choosing between those facilities, the distance to the attractions, availability of services, and the environment within such place should be taken into consideration. But whichever socket and, therefore, whichever part of the Seine River you opt for, a cruise in the splendid city of Paris promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
