My Paris River: private tailor-made cruises on the Seine in Paris

Interview with Benjamin David, company’s manager

My Paris River offers a unique service of private cruises on the Seine, for 2 to 12 people. To know more about these intimate cruises we interviewed Benjamin David, one of the company’s managers.

Rédigé par Saliha Hadj-Djilani translated by Joséphine Foucher le Samedi 9 Juillet 2016

My Paris River Cruise

TourMag.com: Can you introduce My Paris River to us?

Benjamin David: “Since 2013, My Paris River organizes private and tailor-made cruises on the Seine, for 2 to 12 passengers, around and especially in Paris.

The idea sprouted when Antoine, the founder, got his boat driving license at the footstep of the Eiffel Tower. A Parisian since always, in love with his city, its history and architecture, he realized that the offer of cruises on small, more intimate boats is only nascent. A paradox for a city whose river is crossed every year by more than 8 million visitors.

This is the concept: discover and rediscover Paris through its most beautiful avenue - the Seine - but only with your closed ones and adapted to your tastes.

TourMag.com: What makes your cruises stand out?

B.D.: “The uniqueness of our cruises first lies in the choice of our pontoon boats. Imported from North America, these very popular, flat-bottom boats provide both stability and security for all ages, but also incomparable comfort. Set up with large benches around two tables, they are like floating lounges, both friendly and cozy. In fact, they are also adaptable, as they can be opened to let the sun in, or can shield from the wind and the rain while providing a 360° view.

Our skippers offer à la carte commentary (in French, English, or Spanish) but our passengers can also listen to their own music, let us organize a finger food dinner buffet or they can bring their own drinks and food. Our cruises can be organized at any hour and any season.

TourMag.com: What clientele are you targeting?

B.D.: “Our tailor-made offer is aimed and adapted to all types of clientele, French or foreign. For a couple on a romantic stroll, a marriage proposal or even a small size wedding. For a family, to be reunited in a timeless moment or for a festive birthday. With friends, bachelor or bachelorette parties, foreign students in France, gatherings in a unique setting, apéritif on the water etc.

Companies contact us to strengthen or reward their teams for a unique and relaxed team building excursion or to host a particular client, for an aperitif onboard while visiting Paris before going to dinner: relaxation guaranteed!

Finally, we also welcome audiovisual professionals for photo shoots on or from the boat, or to shoot a film, music video, commercial or even an interview…”

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TourMag.com: What are some of the most popular cruises and why?

B.D.: “Our typical cruise gathers a family or a small group of foreign tourists eager to explore the “Real Paris” off the beaten tracks and far from the crowds, with a skipper-guide who tells them about the history, naturally, of the major monuments but also about the local life and inhabitants.

They often appreciate a lunch onboard or simply share a glass of Champagne paired with sweet delicacies. Many fiancés, locals and foreigners alike, choose our cruises for their wedding proposals.

They can benefit from the unique and totally intimate aspect of the boat along with the magic of Paris, sometimes with very intricate scenarios: flowers onboard, particular music for the specific moment, projecting a message on the banks when they pass by… When possible, we recommend that they wait to propose until the Eiffel Tour is lit up.

Bachelorette parties are also some of our biggest demands. Groups of girls (more rarely men) enjoy the VIP and private aspect of the boat. They put on their music, dance and drink, often before going to nightclubs.

Finally, the hour of the aperitif, followed by the dessert, is by far the most popular cruise for professional and individuals alike, since the boat is ideal for sharing a special moment with friends or colleagues.”