One of the best and most relaxing ways to see Paris is to enjoy a leisurely cruise on it's river. Especially on hot, summer days when walking or just moving is an effort. The week we were in Paris the temperatures ranged from 28-32*C (82-89*F) and it was very dry. Cruising along the water sounded 
just right! So we did just that, twice!
The day of our Anniversary we decided to go for our first boat cruise which was by day. The movement of our boat provided a soft breeze, not really enough to cool down but enjoyable. We passed under a variety of bridge structures. Some were very ornate and imposing, while others were quiet and understated. This is part of le Pont de l'Alma. It was commissioned by Napoleon and built between 1854-1856. It commemorates the first victory in the Crimean War.
Le Pont Alexandre III, built for the Universal Exposition of 1900. The first stone was laid by Tsar Nicholas II in 1896. It still is 
the most elegant bridge in all of Paris.
Say the word 'Paris' and immediately, what do you think of? Just as we passed under le Pont d'Iena, Rob captured the Eiffel Tower. This really is a great view of the 'temporary' structure built by Gustav Eiffel for the Universal Exposition. It was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Right from the start people came from all over to view the monstrosity that was supposed to be taken down after the exposition. Now it has become synonymous with Paris.
This is one of my favourite photos of that cruise. Such a colourful floating restaurant, but it's not the one we sailed on for our last dinner in Paris. People walking along the banks of the Seine enjoy ever changing sights, like these musicians playing to enjoy the summer evening. On one of the hottest evenings it was sublime to cruise along and watch as throngs of people left the heat of the city to catch a breeze from the river.
There were so many wonderful sights it's impossible to show them all here. The National Assembly building at the Pont de la Concorde. We're coming closer to le musee d'Orsay, which was was the gare (train station) d'Orsay. That's a story 
for another post ;)
Waiting on a yacht to cruise along by night. We were catching a whisper of wind while on deck just before sailing. It was a moment of sweet anticipation for a sumptuous dinner being prepared below. Everyone was wearing their latest summer finery and sparkling jewellry.
Between courses of dinner which were timed to let people go back on deck to see the most pleasing sights of the cruise. It was festive and also very romantic.
A memory of our last night in Paris I will cherish for a very long time.
Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them.
