It's a zen-like, other-world experience.

You are close to the water. You are close to history's great monuments. You are close to family, friends or colleagues you've invited aboard.

You sit beside a skipper, but in essence, YOU are the skipper. You go where you want. You stop where you want. Pictures you capture will be unique—historic bridges, péniches (houseboats), up close Seine boatlife, Paris standouts—the Conciergerie, Notre Dame and other major sites.

Unlike bateaux mouches, where tourists are herded aboard and blasted with canned messages on a pre-ordained, unswerving route, you go where you want (suggestions readily available).

Bien sûr, the tour is accompanied by champagne. You arrange other amenities depending on the occasion—wine, hors d'oeuvres, chocolates, a musician and/or hostess—lunch or dinner on board or at the renowned restaurant, Maison Blanche. Scroll down to the 2nd article).

You can pull up to a yacht facing Notre Dame for overnight accommodations, if desired.

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