text:
Characters: Sam and Dean and Lucifer and Sam's visions
Rating: PG
Word Count: 2300
Warnings: child endangerment & disappearance
Spoilers: S11, 11x9, 11x10
Notes: Written for spn_summergen.Thanks to the mods!
So many thanks to laughablelament for conversation/inspiration.
Title from Gloryland.
Summary: Children are disappearing in West Virginia. Visions aren't always wrong.
On AO3
Children were disappearing all over in those days, Missouri said. But that was a long time ago, before Sam knew—blood, or god, or blood. Before they knew anything. Before there was a devil, before the earth opened into heaven, hell.
Children are disappearing all over, the witch in West Virginia said, it's always been.
Sam's clothes still reeked of hell-border and craft, of devil's breath.
(It was me, Lucifer said, it was always me.)
It's not the first time, said the psychic witch, and made a sign in the air.
She kept in her barn a barn owl.
The Bunker goes heart-shaped, sometimes, contracts. That's when Sam laces up, wipes the flop sweat and goes--healthy salts, winds, exertion and the prairie, the stone road and the miles under.
That's when he hunches, sweat-stained, pinches his nose over the empties, elbows patched-out on the table, lets Dean roll in to eye-question, brew some up black.
I thought it was god, Sam says, simple, plain like linens on line, way they can't often speak to one another, and Dean's face goes laundry-day, just like that.
I really thought it was--
Yeah Sammy, I know.
Dean made food, in the aftermath of hell, sliced up bananas; the peanut butter was all-natural. There was a storm coming up outside, freehand lightning, electric memory. Sam kept his mouth in a straight line and listened--
Dean doesn't get it; he's never longed for god. Or not in the same way, which isn't to say not at all--
listened for angels in the concrete.
When you're disappointed, dead-terrified: a case. Sam dreams of his brother's breath; arms bracing him maybe, of the children they once were, might have been.
Chokes awake kicking, thinking the earth might have eaten them long ago, or what if it had, forest or prairie, what if it had.
The earth is a cage—ribs, jails, strata.
It holds us, its children.
That's the voice in his dreams; that's what Dean wakes him from, pets him once, clavicle-squeeze, puts him to the map and the mountain counties, speaks the names:
Goshen, Heavener Grove, Ivy, Five Forks, Hemlock, White Oak.
Six kids, gone in thirty days. Crystal Givans, seven, the latest. Rocky Ford.
Sam washes the sleep out with spring water.
They roll out into the cold Kansas dawn, turn east for the hills.
Cas could always sorrow with the best of them.
Random thing to think, on the road, when they're rolling, West Virginia-ing:
Farmers' markets, Sam says, lots.
Slaw dogs, Dean says, and some kind of pepperoni thing—it's, like, the state food.
Mushrooms, Sam says.
Yeah, they're never gonna agree on road eats, on what states have best to offer.
You hungry at all, Dean says, eyes a mile mark. Baby still shudders a little these days, way she did when the Dark broke out, when they unlocked her.
Could be some rogue ghouls, Dean says, gives the seat a pat, better not be fairies.
Buckhannon, Sam thinks, Knobly Peak, the graves at Hinkleville--and Sago Mine, and Upper Big Branch, where forty souls, more maybe, were lost to the earth, and only one survived.
There are weeping women all over the state, not just at that grave in Parkersburg, far to the west.
There's a ghost, up Mineral way.
Here: frantic parents and farm food, cold creeks and deeper shade. Town hall that peaked in the sixties, peaks now in clouds out of the damp gap.
Claws and heart-shaped faces, someone says. Red eyes, says another, I saw 'em. Tobacco-breath, big wings,moving lights. Banshee-shrieks.
Laundry whistles on lines, ghost-sheets. The air smells like lightning and shale.
These people have read a lot of local lore, Dean says, deflects Sam's side-eye, made themselves a nice lore casserole.
You think it's some kind of psychic projection. Like a collective—
Hallucination. Yeah, maybe.
Like a sacrifice, Sam says. There's a sweatlet between his shoulder blades, little tributary.
The earth is a cage.
We are its children.
You OK, Dean says, gives him the eye again. It's not hot out here, far from.
Not demons, weres, no fairy-tale oven-stoker.
Not a serial, no evidence. Their children just wandered out into the dark, changeling-ghosts, and disappeared. Maybe no monster they've known.
The land's been hollowed out, it gets hungry; people see red eyes, women weep.
Sam says yeah, I'm fine.
Shakes it off.
Crystal Givans was born on a Wednesday, with a single red hair and eyes too dark to be blue. Crick-eyed, her mama said, and named her for one she knew as a girl.
You boys ain't FBI, she says, plucks a piece of down from Sam's suit, but the government's not gonna find my girl now, is it.
Her house smells burnt; her husband, Ray, weighs his shotgun, heavy-hearted.
We're hunters, Sam says, doesn't know which way she takes it.
Dean raises an eyebrow, cups a creased photo (Crystal, five then, blackberry patch) in his palm.
She was just gone in the morning, her mama says, like tears or the moon.
Been a lot darker around here, lately, says her mama, and it's not like we ain't used to it.
Yeah, Dean says, we know.
We're gonna get her back, Dean says.
Sam sits, doesn't think why, takes her mama's hand.
This is the Cardinal Motel. Old-school. Dean drinks, lightly (he picked up a six of Almost Heaven, looked sheepish, set it back down, grabbed a can with a mothman on it, shuddered, went for an old reliable), looks out at the lot with its dusked-up edges. Paler, Sam thinks, his brother is, even the smile less sure.
Sam lies down and dreams of earth, its twisted roots, its prisons.
Sam wakes up hot, stung in the third eye.
(It was me, Lucifer said, it was always me.)
Aftertaste of the devil is cold cinnamon, coal, ice-burnt coffee dregs, leaves you blackened as trunks, flattened for sentinels.
Sam, Dean says, from the other bed.
Sam sits up, flips the laptop up, open.
All of these kids, Sam says, born on Wednesdays.
Doesn't say: there's a voice in there, in my head, again-- not god, not the devil.
I'm listening.
The state's dark with idled mines. Closings and shutterings, out-of-works.
Upshur, Sam says, the county, founded by two brothers, soldiers, who lived in a sycamore, hunted rabbit 'til they ran out of ammo, left the woods to find out the war had passed them by.
Dean laughs at that, fusses with the radio, says, too many ghosts and no freaking leads. Dean drives them out to Leer and Three-Fork, where they boot up, walk the bank.
Buckhannon, where Crystal's daddy fished muskie and sunfish, where they track for nothing in the foothills of the Alleghenies.
In the morning Route 4, Flatwoods to Ireland, a Shoney's, biscuits and gravy, the ultimate breakfast buffet, Dean says.
Burnt coffee.
Sam drinks soft water at Crystal's mama's table, breathes in the scent of fire.
Crystal could call the crows home when she was three, her mama says, see weather before it came on.
There was a blue-tick puppy followed her home; he's a hound now.
You're not gonna believe this, Sam says, takes a sip, but—I'm hearing something, a voice; only lead we've got.
I believe you, Crystal's mama says, just—
Find her.
Annis Birch has music on her porch at night, and fireflies.
Songs about strawberry roans, whiskey before breakfast, walking in Jerusalem.
Oh, she says, when Sam pulls up, been waiting on you.
The house is bible-black, ash-color roof.
Don't you bring that sorrow here, boy, Annis says. Flowers and vines twine up her face.
Oak blossom, broom, meadowsweet maybe, from the old country.
How did you—Sam says, did you speak to me, in my dreams.
These hills like their gospels, Annis says, winks.
You've met an angel, she says, more than one.
You've died, and will again.
There's more, she says, much more.
Yeah, Sam says, there is.
You think we don't know darkness, these hills, Annis says, but we've always had her here. Just now things are waking up. The earth is.
What things, Sam says, wonders at the prick of his knife, the weight of his weapon, the way spells weigh on the memory, the spice-burn of hex.
There are candles guttering in Annis' fissured windows, faint singing, holes in the ground and sun-don't-shine.
You know where she is, Sam says, Crystal, maybe the others.
This is gloryland, Annis says, people love their god around here, and hate the devil, but not all the witches are burnt, natural or borderer.
I can see that, Sam says.
There's foot-a-night vine, there in the yard, dried out. There's an owl out in the gray barn.
I can help you, Annis says, come in.
Pale. Dean's face; light at the Cardinal Motel.
Who is she, Dean says.
You're saying you just knew which house was hers, Dean says, and you heard her talking about …cages and the earth, in your sleep. You knew her name.
Yeah, Sam says, and there's the pinch between the eyes, old familiar.
I don't like it, Dean says, grouses really, into his cup.
We don't need another witch right now.
Yeah, Sam says, I know.
We got no collar for this one, Dean says.
Doesn't say: we don't need more voices, either, or visions.
No, Sam says, and I don't trust me right now either. But--
Trust you anyway.
Yeah, Sam says.
All of these kids, Sam says, born on Wednesdays. Their fathers had worked the earth, 'til the mines closed. Six of them'll never be seen again, he knows it.
But this one.
Crystal's sister died when she was two, born too soon.
Her mama said: I tried to tell her she was alright, told her save her tears, she weren't different enough to disappear too; I tried to tell her she'd grow up strong, mountains in the blood and all.
Winchesters: don't got mountains in the blood, but they got something.
Or I do, is what Sam thinks, maybe says aloud, never have shed it.
Sam drives slow, blinks against the sundown.
Annis makes him tea, bloodroot.
I can take care of that headache, she says.
Devil's afterburn, she says, that's what it is; drink this.
Were they all special, these kids, Sam says; wants to say, like we were special, all those years ago, demon-touched; hunted, haunted.
Not in the way you mean, Annis says.
I can almost see them.
There's a way, Annis says. It's not too late.
What's that, Sam says.
You know.
Blood, Sam says.
Bleed then, Annis says, bleed.
And spreads out the map.
They make six cuts, true enough, set flashfire to the yellow paper.
Dark veins to dark veins; anthracite, psychic ley lines.
Sam bleeds.
When Dean finds him on Annis' porch it's going slow earthquakes, rivulets over the scorched map, blood-branches snaking to the idled mine, big sycamore just by.
Jesus shit, Dean says.
Takes Sam's cold shoulders, shakes his head at the last drops.
Catch those, Annis says, points to the map, and go quick.
Not, Dean says, a big witch fan.
Doesn't say: stopped this kind of flood, too many times.
We gotta go, Sam says.
Your brother is, Annis says, presses into Dean's hands a leaf, two, bitter and broad.
They wrap Sam's opened veins; drive, drive, let Baby shake them out at the rusted sign, mine: tunnel here.
Dig Crystal out of the roots, from under the big tree, humus-haired, breathing.
Sometimes, Annis said, the earth eats its own.
They came out of the earth, shed what passed for the cage, wondered where Cas had gone.
(It was me, Lucifer said, it was always me.)
Dean sliced bananas, made some kind of homegrown sandwich. Said Sam should go to bed. Said Sam should shower, lie down.
Says now: I might have fallen for the darkness but you –
(Had to see him again. Had to say no. Had to think you were wrong.)
--nearly bled out, Dean says, again.
He's never longed for god, not in the same way. But these hills love their their gospels, their ghosts.
Six empty graves, weeping women and one live girl, kicking. Crystal Givans, cuckoo-eyed and wild, to her parents' arms. Songs on the porches of houses, and down at the mill.
Stands of basswood and ash; a roadside cross on Route 4.
Nightjars, the call of a mark to its maker, curses to the earth.
Folded bills on the nightstand, Cardinal Motel, flickery tealwing neon.
I was wrong, Sam said, when they got back from hell.
The earth is a cage—ribs, jails, strata.
It holds us, its children.
Dean cleans him up, makes him drink. Drives them at dawn to the burnt house.
Zep sings "Gallows Pole", the way folks on these porches sang about friends in eternity, just voices howling at the dark, harmonies worrying, houndpack, at the beyond.
Annis' house is boarded up. Daytime fireflies.
Barn owl nest fallen to dust, out in the barn.
Witches, Dean says, lights up the old map.
Thank you, Crystal's mama said, and gave them back their hands.
Oh, boy, Missouri said, when she swept Dean's soles off her table, all those years ago. If Sam had listened harder he would have heard her tell it: you don't need any blood other than your own to see, to see.
Don't you bring that sorrow here boy, Annis said, don't you do it.
The owl called in the barn.
You're gonna find your god, boy, one of these days. You'll see.
Ohio and Kaw, Allegheny, Mississsipi; land rises between in hills and sinks and darks and hollers, goes flat, flat, ironed out in miles and miles, rivers, dreams.
That was, Sam says, and hears—
god and the devil, demon maybe, an angel—
the whole history of his burnt blood.
You're not wrong, Sammy, Dean says, turns the radio down.
You were never wrong.
Dean's hands rest in what might be prayer, three and something, there on the wheel.
And you're not wrong now.
Sam leans into the window, eye to the sky.
The road, heaven and earth, hell and heaven, gloryland, rises, as it will, up to meet them.


text:
Overall Take-Aways:
What part of today squares with your beliefs? What is still circling inside your head? Let's reflect on today's work before we move on to tomorrow's…
Overall Take-Aways:
What part of today squares with your beliefs? What is still circling inside your head? Let's reflect on today's work before we move on to tomorrow's…
Today was so interesting and engaging without anyone being made to feel uncomfortable during group activities. A workshop approach is needed in classrooms, and many writing philosophies of choice can be more appreciated if teachers would truly use their assessment to guide their instruction. This is a shift that is not only long overdue, but will take much time and buy-in from teachers and administrators. Hopefully someday we can freely and openly instruct our students using the best research and practices.
I really enjoyed terming the process of using a "mentor text". I had never heard of that before, yet I realized my team and I do use mentor texts as we teach reading and writing. However, we call them novel studies. I will be using this phrasing with my students this year. I also appreciated the conference rehearsal-I thought the volunteers did a fantastic job. I plan on referring to the conference cheat sheet often this year. Finally I plan on asking my students "what have you read that is most like what you are trying to write?" It really makes sense to me to build on their background knowledge that can only come from what they have read.
As I heard you sharing today, all I could think was, "Get that guy to the Summer Institute for Teachers!" I know Val and I may seem biased, but it truly is such an inspiring place for educational inquiry, an exchange of ideas between like-minded educators, and to practice and explore your own craft as a writer.
See you tomorrow!
I thoroughly enjoyed the day today. I thought the information shared and the enthusiasm for writing was incredible. I want to jump right in and make changes to what I have been doing. I am excited to try some new approaches this year, and I want to do loads more! I have been doing a writing workshop for years, but I have gotten away from the way I did it years ago due to time restraints. Today I learned a lot of ways to adjust what I have done and make it far better. I loved the mini lessons with the mentor texts especially to help with conferencing. In the last several years, I have gotten away from a conference like the ones modeled and done much more of just listening to whole pieces and conferencing from that. I like this approach much better. The one thing that is still circling in my head is how to start up the actual workshop. In the past, I have taught how the writing process works in my room (the steps) and modeled how they should look etc. I am wondering if that is still needed or not. Without any knowledge on the Units of Study that were mentioned, I feel like I am not sure where to begin. Now, if only I could be given permission to do writing workshop more than 3 out of the 6 day cycle for 30 minutes. That has not worked and from all that was covered today, will clearly still be an issue.
As a 5th and 6th grade "Reading" teacher, it was amazing to hear the phrase, "What have you READ that is what you are trying to WRITE?" I am not "supposed" to be teaching writing (insert laugh here)…that is for another teacher in my family. However, I am the teacher with the passion for writing, the one who is always trying to gather new ideas and tools for my teaching that has now spanned over two decades, the one who revolved my entire differentiated supervision plan from Val's FR Writing Institute that I observed last summer….anyway, you get the point. I LOVE teaching writing, I love reading my students' writing (I have over 100 students every day), and I am so excited about the ideas that we implemented today. It is obvious that all of the teachers in attendance are incredible educators that want to foster a love and reading and writing on a daily basis…bring on the 2015-2016 school year!!!!!
I love love love teaching writing, too. I wish I could do it all day (within the reading, too)! I want to get further training and look into the institute next summer. Keep up the great attiitude!
I was exposed to Lucy Calkins two years ago when I read Pathways to the Common Core. From there, I have read other research as well to help my own classroom Workshop Models (ELA & math). I have witnessed and have data to support that a Workshop Approach supports individual student learning, so today's information was very validating. I still struggle with time constraints and students exposing some very personal stories in their writing that requires intervention from our guidance counselor.
I'm sure it comes as no surprise that everything about today squares with my beliefs. Having become a WPWP Fellow, I was forever changed as a teacher, especially a teacher of writing. That being said, I haven't always been able to successfully implement all of the ideas that I have or to meet all of the goals that I'd like to achieve as a teacher of writing. Thank you, Val, for giving me more tools in order to improve my artistry.
Circling through my head (pretty much non-stop!!) is HOW and WHERE TO BEGIN. Brandy and I are thinking, discussing, researching, rethinking, etc., so that we can put into practice what we are learning at this workshop and make it work with much of what we are already doing well. I am wrestling with so many questions: How do I start? Where do I start? With what material do I start? Do I start with small excerpts and pieces? Do I start with a larger piece, such as the memoir we practiced today? What will be most effective? How can I ensure this is (primarily) a success? And that's only the icing on the cake.
It's a bit much, eh? Well, you asked, my friend. You asked. 🙂
Thank you for an inspiring and informative first day. ❤
Today was wonderful! I am eager to incorporate new approaches to my writing workshop time this year. One of the most invaluable areas that I feel needed in a classroom of writers is building a community in which the students feel comfortable to take risks and empowered in sharing part or all of their pieces. I love the idea of utilizing mentor texts and providing the students with multiple pieces of amazing writing to pull from as models and to provide various strategies to store in their writing tool belts. I am not very familiar with the Units of Study that was mentioned today. I tried to google some information when I got home today, but I wasn't able to view a sample for my grade level. Although the students' writing will certainly guide workshop time, I feel it would be helpful to have some starting points/suggestions. Because time is always a factor in any classroom, I love the idea of reciprocity of reading and writing. Although I feel like I was attempting reciprocity, I believe that I could be doing so more efficiently, and I look forward to the additional days of sharing strategies and ideas.
Today was a great first step in trying to help improve our student's writing. I really liked how we can use writing to also teach similes, personification, etc. We currently have no curriculum for writing. I feel this workshop will provide me some ideas and skills that I can take back to the teachers I work with. I learned a lot on this first day and I am very excited for the next two days. I have so many ideas from today and I am excited to try and implement these ideas in my classroom this year.
Today's workshop was very beneficial to me because I am very new to teaching writing. I would like to learn more about scaffolding lessons during writer's workshop. I want to implement the mentor texts with the mini-lessons into my current curriculum. My favorite part of the day was the conferencing demonstration. I, myself, am guilty of giving "cotton candy compliments" instead of meaningful feedback. I am looking for strategies to help with peer conferencing/editing, as well.
Today's workshop was filled with a wealth of information and ideas for teaching our student writers. Using mentor texts with students is ideal for minilessons in writing and can also be used to teach other skills. Through the use of mentor texts, students have the opportunity to mimic an author's craft and feel more successful in their own writing. Conferencing with students was a challenge this past year. Today, however, while watching various examples of conferencing, something clicked. Seeing it in action made it more meaningful than just talking about conferencing. Thanks for a wonderful day!
Today's session affirmed so much that I believe about teaching writing. It should be student driven and it makes so much sense that it be about individual writers since no two writers will have the same ideas, same concerns, same pacing, etc. However, most schools -and I am guilty of it too – don't teach writing this way. Here's the prompt class, let's all develop an argument, everyone write a five paragraph… that is what most of us do despite what we know is best. So, what is circling in my head? How do I make it work? Can I see it in action? Are there videos of actual classrooms I can watch? Mentors I can talk to when I panic about it not working the way I anticipated? I have wanted to run a workshop based class for years but never felt confident enough to do so and had only read about it. How do I transform my classroom to do this? I have not used mentor texts, but this summer prior to the workshop I started to focus on pieces I was reading to use this way. But, where do I find ones for the informational and argument? I am not a non-fiction reader, so I know these mentor texts will be far more difficult for me to find…..
I had an hour to kill before an eye appt. after our session today, and I found myself wondering around Joann fabrics. I bought little stars and poster boards. For the accountability of my students, I will put their name on a star and they will post it on one of the charts to show me where they are that day in class – drafting, reading, wanting a conference, etc. Experience tells me that I will have students who simply will choose not to progress,. So I wanted a visible check in my class to see where everyone is and to see if they can progress to an inevitable deadline. Does this sound like a good idea?
WOW… I had a hectic night after I left… but I'm still in awe over the fabulous training today! I meant it when I said I wish I could have you in my pocket, or a little ear piece, at the very least, Val!! I am extremely new to all of this, and am usually not as nervous– but I have a feeling once I leave on Wednesday, I am going to feel like I am right where I need to be! I have been reading Lucy Calkins, Ruth Column and John Collins' work– I have met with several colleagues and friends- but like others stated above, today really started to tie things together for me…
I am still trying to figure out how to best reach the 4th grade students that I will only see once every six days… that doesn't sit well with me– and I like your idea to wait until we depart on Wednesday to finalize my thoughts and somehow present the problem and a possible solution- whether that means teaming up with the corresponding ELA teachers or somehow conferencing during homeroom, etc.
My other concern is organizing everything for each of my seven sections of writing (and four social studies). EEEK!
I, like some of my new friends, am eager to research mentor texts, and to utilize them in the best way possible in my mini lessons and in collaborating with the ELA teachers.
Most of all, THANK YOU, Val! You're nothing short of amazing! If I wasn't so far, I would definitely join you next year as a fellow!! (I will be applying to Pitt– and look forward to the experience!!!)
See you in the morning!
I left today's session already thinking of ways I can incorporate a writing workshop into my schedule so my students are given more opportunities for writing. The use of mentor texts with mini lessons is something I am eager to incorporate. I think it will be very beneficial when teaching such concepts as figurative language, word choice, point of view, and grammar skills. What's circling in my head is where do I begin and how do I make a writing workshop work in my daily schedule. I know it's going to take time to develop a writing workshop that provides the best opportunities for my students. The implementation of a workshop is going to be a work in progress, but worth it for my students.
Today's writing workshop helped me to further my knowledge of teaching narrative writing. The session reinforced my belief in the importance of modeling and scaffolding and showed me the importance of using mentor texts and how to use them. There are many ideas still circling in head. I am trying to figure out where to start making changes to my writing instruction, what units of would be most beneficial to my students, and how to incorporate these ideas into what I am already doing in the classroom.
Today was fantabulous! . . . and now that I am home from rehearsal, I can focus on my homework. 😉
My dissertation research focused on students' lived experiences as academic writers, Reading and writing have always been a part of me (I ate my first book. Yep. I did.), so spending the day inquiring and reflecting and sharing (Oh, My!) was perfect and validating. Today squares with my beliefs and practice wholeheartedly. Time to run proper wrtiters' workshops may never exist for me, but that doesn't mean that I won't do them. Many of my colleagues are floored a by my comfort level at not having a word-for-word script for teaching, or my ability to go with the kids and let their minds lead my teaching, but that is just how I have always operated — despite the OCD and hyper organizations in most areas, I have always let the students guide my teaching.
I was (and am) already thinking about how I can rejig my lessons to even be more mini for the upcoming year, and am excited about using the writers' notebooks. Lots of ideas . . . .
I was talking to a few people about videos of this type of stuff in action, and one of my favorite sites is http://www.teachingchannel.org. Great videos. Sarah Brown Wessling is one of my favs. A go-to video is: https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/teach-students-to-think. She guides her students through learning how to analyze. She uses a short story – micro fiction – and the story is "Waiting" by Peggy McNally. It is one sentence! Great mentor text to use for various units of study. Link to that and other micro fiction is: http://www.sabatinomangini.com/uploads/4/…/micro_fiction_–_jerome_stern.pdf.
Off to attempt some sleep while visions of choreography, lines, lyrics, and writing dance in my head. Until tomorrow . . .
Here's the link to Corbett Harrison's amazing writing resources: http://corbettharrison.com.
And here are the Alpha Genres: http://corbettharrison.com/lessons/alpha-genres.htm
I checked out this site, and it is great! Thanks for the resource!
Val, Thanks for your presentation at MC. It was great to see some of the instruction you are using at your school in your work as a Reading Specialist. I appreciated the opportunity for our teachers to work together to experience using some of the strategies that you use.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Marinello is the name of beauty colleges located throughout the state. Their main campus is in Whittier, but they needed exterior photos of their campuses in SF, Santa Clara, and Castro Valley to put in their offices. They were on a tight schedule, needing the photos by the 30th. I shot them on the 28th, but figuring the CDs wouldn't reach them on time, I posted them on shutterfly to ensure they could make their necessary enlargements.
Now I know where to get my hair done :)
Jay Photoshoot (11/24/10)
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Yesterday I got the chance to try my hand at my second bourdoir shoot (first being in Oakland with Noelle). Jay got this half body length tattoo she wanted to take photos of...not knowing how much it covered her body, I only got told she wanted to wear lingerie two days before!
She was understandably timid in the beginning, but after a few clicks, outfit and jewelry changes, she looked like a pro! These type pf shoots are always a nice time to use my newest jokes, and fortunately she appreciated them and reacted with beautiful smiles amongst her sexy and sultry looks :)
Not wanting to give away the photoshoot surprise, we held the photoshoot in my apartment...I suggested it because the big windows faced another building away from the streets, so she wouldn't be as uncomfortable.
She was a great sport and I am excited about the initial photos...I'm thinking of perhaps trying to "specialize" in this type of photography...who knows?
Kathy Family Photoshoot (11/21/10)
Kathy contacted me because of the greatest compliment a photographer can have - a referral - from Shanna, whose family I had shot on Halloween day.
Kathy annually gets her kids photographed for Christmas cards. From what I heard, her father-in-law was the one who normally took care of it...needless to say, I had some very big shoes to fill.
It was a nice half hour shoot inside their homes...Mariana and Teddy were full of smiles the whole time...although Kathy and her husband, John, had a lot to do with it with their funny faces behind me ;)
Theresa Photoshoot (11/15/10)
I am tinkering around with more model shoots, one on one. My first attempt was with Marianna, and I had such a good time that I wanted more!
I met Theresa around a small hidden dog park in Redwood Shores for the photoshoot. The landscape is pretty flat, and had a nice walking trail that I thought would offer several shooting opportunities...plus, the sky has been real clear so the lack of obstruction around this area would provide some good unfiltered light and background.
The sun sure did go down fast, though :(
After getting the headshots out of the way, we started our little photoshoot...but for only 20 minutes, since before we knew it the light was fading. Theresa is a really cool girl, so I'm definately planning on shooting with her again in the near future...hopefully for more than 40 minutes.
I met Martha and James at their movie, The Confessional, premiere in SF. A very talented songwriter, musician, actor, and director, James posted an ad for a photographer online for his premiere a year ago...and fortunately for me kept me contact information the whole time.
Monterey...what can one say? Stunning scenery, seemingly gorgeous skies all the time, and the drive ain't too bad, either! When I arrived, James was dressed in a shirt and pants, being followed by his friend to ensure he would be ready for the ceremony! Setting up his keyboard and playing a little snippet of his song for Martha's entrance, I knew the ceremony would be a beautiful one.
After I left his company, I went into the hotel room to take a few photos of Martha, accompanied by her mother and daughter. As I walked in, all I noticed was her beautiful white flowing dress and I said, "wow" in my head! That is a bridal gown!
Dancing and singing, and merriment and friendship ended the night. As my "time" was coming to a close, Martha started singing to James's piano, and I was just mesmerized...I ended up staying another hour, without a camera in my hand...simply...enjoying the night.
Contacted several months prior, meeting two different times for a sit down conversation, and an engagement shoot out of the way, the only thing left to do was to check off the wedding!
The ceremony and reception was held in Greens Restaurant, a well known vegetarian restaurant around Fort Mason with amazing views of the SF bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Before the ceremony, we took some casual photos around the piers and surrounding buildings, before the crowd arrived. Both of them seemed very relaxed, from the moment Wen-shing slipped into her dress shoes, to the moment they were putting gifts into the car.
The weather was perfect! A nice 70ish sunny day, and with Greens's large bay windows, the inside was illuminated in gorgeous light...allowing me to go around nonchalantly to sneek photos of people without the use of flash.
At the reception, a good number of their friends and families stood up to speak on their behalf...great stories all around...the love and fun was definately in the air :)
Best to you both!
August 2016


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Cocteles Calientes
Art Direction:
Anthony Deluca
Make a cookbook for any category of food/drink.
These recipes for spicy cocktails started as a physical book that was reimagined as an iPad app. I wanted to feature 5 drinks that each use a different hot pepper. It features facts about the origin of each pepper and a map.


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The Great Performing Rope
Inspired by the town's rich history of rope making and traditions of rope walks, The Great Performing Rope created a 900 metre long piece of rope that wove its way through Berwick Town Centre carrying the personal stories, memories and hopes of the people of Berwick and its visitors. A series of installations, live performances and free activities brought the route of the rope alive from 23–25 October 2015.
November Club worked with individuals and communities in and around Berwick to build up a collection of memories and hopes – celebrating the town's 900th year in history and looking forward to another 900 years, to reveal the many stories of Berwick, its history, its future, its people and places.
Artists worked with local people to create and perform a series of works telling stories about and for the town. Artist Carl Von Weiler collaborated with local people to make a special sculptural 90m stretch of the rope, composer Katie Doherty created a new sea shanty which was sung by local school children, the senior section of the local girl guides produced a youth manifesto outlining the hopes and dreams of the younger generation and poet and performer Alfie Crowe wrote a series of poems.
To find out more visit www.thegreatperformingrope.com
The Great Performing Rope was co-produced by November Club and Culture Creative in association with artist Carl von Weiler. Presented as part of Berwick 900 www.berwick900.org.uk. The 900 stories will form a digital archive of Berwick's 900th year at the Woodhorn Museum and Archives to be explored by future generations.
Created by: Carl Von Weiler, Julia Barton, Katie Doherty, Dan Fox, The people of Berwick
Supported by: Arts Council England, Active Northumberland, The Community Foundation, Ernest Cook Trust, Sir James Knott Trust, Berwick upon Tweed Record Office
Partner schools and groups: The Grove School, Holy Trinity Church of England First School, Prior Park First School, Scremerston First School, Tweedmouth Community Middle School, Tweedmouth West First School, Berwick Trefoil Guild, Berwick Guiding Senior Section, The Beehive @ Berwick Youth Project, The Golden Square Singers
Photography: The Image Farm
Awards: Runner Up for Best Event Northumberland at the Journal Culture Awards 2016
Katie Doherty 'All Hands to the Rope'
What people said
'It was quite moving … and it gave a real sense of social history, the people's history rather than the history you get in books.'
'It brought the community together and I think every community needs that, we're all very fragmented and have been for decades. Anything that can draw people together ... I think that's really valuable.'
'A great project remembering our town's history. There was real community involvement - a platform for sharing experiences and memories.'
'This made me see my home town with new eyes and I thought … we really ought to celebrate it and be so grateful that we live in this amazing place.'


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Interior design can be tough at the best of times. But, when it comes to keeping your kids happy and entertained, things can become tougher than ever. When decorating our kids' rooms, we want to choose decor and accessories that keep them entertained. But, that actually compliments the rest of the house as well. And, that's where things get tricky. If you're lacking inspiration for your child's bedroom however, here are the 5 kids' room ideas to inspire you.
1. Pink Princess Kids' Room Ideas
If you have a little girl with an avid interest in Disney princesses, a pink princess room will go down an absolute treat. You can use bright pinks, light pinks, dark pinks, creams, whites, rose colors, and more for the walls, and whichever bedding you deem appropriate. Go with princess accessories such as crowns, tiaras, stuffed toys and stunning pink carpet scattered around the place. Your little girl will absolutely love what you've created.
2. Sports Themed Room
If your child has a keen interest in sports, you can really go to town and create the perfect bedroom for him. You can go with stadium wallpaper. So, it literally looks like their bedroom is a football stadium surrounded by thousands of fans in the crowd. You could include a football rug, sports-themed bedding, and even the name and logo of their favorite sports team of athlete on their wall.
3. Treehouse Bedroom
Kids absolutely adore tree houses. Although, they'd sleep outdoors in a real tree house if they could, for your own peace of mind, this will probably not be an option. What you can do however, is create a tree house bedroom for your children so they get the best of both worlds. Kid's room ideas will comprise having the walls painted with woodland scenery, or in the style of an outdoor garden. Complete with plenty of greenery and woodland themed accessories. You can then construct a bunk bed to resemble that of a tree house, and use any other finishing touches you like the look of. You can recreate the outdoors, indoors.
4. Racing Track Room
If your child loves motor racing, then a racing track themed bedroom is definitely the room for them. First off you can go with a race car bed, which they will absolutely adore instantly. To take things further, you could have a grey carpet to resemble the racetrack surface itself, along with spectator wallpaper so they feel as if they are on the racing track being watched live by thousands of motor racing fans. You could ordain the walls with hubcaps, license plates, and any other accessories with a motor-racing theme. This is indeed one of the wonderful and fascinating kid's room ideas for you.
5. A Beach Retreat Themed Room
Kids absolutely love going to the beach and so do adults. For that matter, why not bring the beach to them and decorate their bedroom in the style of a beach retreat? You can have the walls painted in the style of the sea, complete with distant tropical islands and palm trees. You could use the carpet or wooden floor to resemble the sand. To finish things off, you could even construct a boat-shaped surround for their bed. So, it literally will feel as if they are sleeping on a boat on the beach each night.
These are the 5 unique kids' room ideas. Apply any of them based on your kid's choices and preferences.


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You think ants can't be eaten? Think again! Ants in Guatemala are delicious and locals love them. Crunchy roasted ant butts (this is actually the edible part) taste like peanuts. They are cooked with a little butter and salt and commonly served with a tortilla and lime juice. Besides, these yummy treats are added to the famous guacamole made of mashed avocado, tomatoes, chili peppers, and chopped onions.
Leaf cutter ants are in season only in May, hence comes the name "Zompopos de Mayo," so do not miss this exotic delicacy if you happen to be in Guatemala during this time which also marks the beginning of the rainy season.


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Happy Friday Friends! Here is another edition of Friday letters. Hope you enjoy!
Dear God, I know more than anything in my soul that you exist. I feel the gift you have given to me growing inside my body. Please keep the baby safe as well as all the other kids in our family. That's my concern. Thank you for listening to my prayers.
Dear Romeo, you wake me up every morning. I don't even need the alarm clock at this point. I love you kitty cat.
Dear House, I hope you are the one. Fingers crossed!
Dear Ryan, I love you. I have only love a couple of men my entire life and you are the one I have loved the longest. Can you believe how long we have been in each others lives? I should have known that it would be you. It's been you since I have been 5 years old. I really do love you and thank you for loving me back.
Dear Mom, it's fun watching you travel around. I am glad you are having a fun. You and Don deserve it. I love you.
Dear Sunshine, I loooove you! You make me feel so much better.
Dear Jackson, we need to spend more time together. I know you love all the boy things you do with your dad but could you please make time to hang out with me a little more. I miss you and love you.
Dear Car, you really need to be cleaned out.....maybe later today.
Dear Trina, I still don't know why you are so obsessed. You are a grown woman who has her own life. Stay out of mine. You get it wrong more than you get it right. I have never ever weighed 150 lbs. Never. That probably is what one of your thighs weigh. Just stop already. It's more than apparent why you have no friends. Do what you should do and go on with your life. We both loved him. We are not in competition. He is gone. I have moved on and you should too. And honest to God, hasn't he put us and our families through enough?? You don't have to continue the bad bazaar behavior. Be free and happy for once in your life.
Dear Work, I almost quit this week. Someone really upset me but instead of acting out of anger, I just stayed calm and got through it. One day at a time.
Dear Laura, I am proud of you for working hard and getting it done. You are a good mom, a good daughter and I love you very much.
Dear Stomach, please calm down. I have only had a little coffee at this point and I would like to keep it down.
Dear Stephanie, I love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Dear Nails, you are really growing and looking so nice. I am so happy there are no more acrylics on top of you. They served their purpose but now it's just us. Stay strong please!
Dear Brittany, I am so proud of you. Thank you for helping me with the groceries yesterday. Sorry about making your dad mad.....thanks for taking one for Gabby! I love you and will see you in a few hours.
Dear Baby in my body, I have waited for you since 2003. I have lost you twice and all I want is for you to grow inside of me and come join our family when you are ready. There are a lot of people waiting to meet and love you. My belly is growing and I just feel so happy. I can't wait to meet you.
Dear Donald Trump and Mike Pence, keep doing what you are doing dumb men. You are actually walking yourselves right into impeachment....just stay on that path please. :)
Dear Donald Trump and Mike Pence, keep doing what you are doing dumb men. You are actually walking yourselves right into impeachment....just stay on that path please. :)
Dear Dad, I miss you everyday. I know you have already met this baby. I hope when my time comes, you are the one who escorts me to the other side. Come see me in my dreams.
Dear Maekenzie, your daddy loves and misses you. We hope you are making the right decisions and doing good. Make time to come visit.
Dear Smart TV, I loooove you! I barely watch regular tv at this point.
Dear Shanna, Thank you for always listening to me. I love you. You are one of the best friends any girl could ask for.
Dear Grandma Mary, like a few other of my family members who are no longer here....you live inside of me and will till my last breath. Thank you for trusting me with your life story. I know was never easy for you to open up. However, because you did with me....you impacted my life forever. And forever you will live inside of my heart...my soul. I miss you. I really miss you.
Dear Beth, I am sorry about that pitbull. Just stay away from her as much as possible. Thank you for everything you have done for me.
Dear Baby Names, we are having the hardest time with you. I like Ophelia and Adeline for a girl....and AJ and Grayson for a boy. Ryan has other picks he likes. I have no idea how we are going to figure this out! Hopefully this gets easier.
Dear Laci, I am glad you have found love and are happy! I can't wait to meet him. I love you.
Dear Future Work & Schedule, I am trying to figure out a new way of living after the baby comes. I don't want it with other people more than it's with Ryan or myself. So maybe I work nights when Ryan can take care of the baby. Whatever it takes, I will do. Please work out for me. Give me the right opportunity please!
Dear Youtube friends, sorry I said Tylenol and Advil in that update. I am not taking advil. I only take Tylenol. I think it was just out of habit that I said that. I am being as careful as I can. Thank you guys for watching and having concern. That's why I love you. Hope you have a great day. xx


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Ouija: Origin of Evil (Review)
United States/2016
Format Viewed For Review: FandangoNow
Netflix Streaming: No
Amazon Prime: No
"In Origin of Evil, he [Flanagan] showcases his ability to create character and suspense."
In 1967 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters are haunted by an evil presence after introducing a Ouija board into their séance scam business...
Ouija: Origin of Evil is a prequel to Ouija (2014). Fortunately, you do not have to watch the original to watch this film. Origin of Evil takes place in 1967 Los Angeles, so it immediately has a unique and attractive old-fashioned style. The film follows a small family: mother Alice (Elizabeth Reaser), daughter Lina (Annalise Basso) and youngest daughter Doris (Lulu Wilson). This family operates a scam business where they perform fake séances. However, after implementing a Ouija board into their routine, they quickly find out Doris has the ability to communicate with the dead. They capitalize on her newfound ability, but Lina quickly notices Doris' shift in behavior. The plot doesn't really take any major risks, but it works. The final act is a little disappointing, though. This is another supernatural movie that ends up becoming a slasher by the end. The actual ending was decent, though.
Ouija: Origin of Evil is a great movie. Just by writing that, I think it's pretty obvious: this prequel is a lot better than the original. The film—at least the first two acts—focuses on atmosphere and character while crafting some eerie scenes/scares. Although it often uses jump-scares, I felt like the horror was well-balanced. The jump-scares work, the suspense is plentiful, and there are some great scenes where the background comes to play—not enough films use the background nowadays. It does take a tumble towards the end. It doesn't become bad, but it just doesn't feel frightening anymore. It feels like just another horror movie. Couple that with the often sheer stupidity of some of the characters and you have yourself some noteworthy flaws. Still, the overall experience is great.
The acting was also great. Elizabeth Reaser performs well as the widowed mother. I think Annalise Basso and Lulu Wilson stole the show, though. Basso stumbles during some of the more demanding scenes, but she's natural and charismatic during most of the film. Wilson also performs well, especially for a child actress. The film looks and sounds great, too. Some of the computer visuals are... mediocre, but it fortunately doesn't rely on them too much. The film was written by Mike Flanagan and Jeff Howard; Flanagan also directs. Like I said, the plot doesn't take many risks and it tumbles towards the end, but it is effective. I'm especially impressed that they were able to create a prequel from the original film. If you've read my reviews, you know I'm a fan of Flanagan. In Origin of Evil, he showcases his ability to create character and suspense.
Overall, Ouija: Origin of Evil is a very good movie. It has its fair share of flaws, but it is much better than the original. Even if we erase the original from existence, this is a solid standalone film. If you're a fan of Flanagan or movies like The Conjuring, I think you'll enjoy this one.
Score: 7/10
Parental Guide: Some violence and blood.


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The Plane Truth Junior Development Program
This is a year long program that encompasses everything a junior needs to realize their potential. Whether their goal is making the high school golf team or to become the next great tour player, we have the tools to help them succeed. Our experience working with PGA Tour players such as Matt Kuchar and Scott Piercy has helped us design a program that will bring out the best in your child.
Levels 1-3
Futures Program
$100 monthly
5-9 years old
1 Practice per week (day of your choice)
Mondays 4:30-5:30pm
Wednesday 4:30-5:30pm
Saturday 10:30-11:30am
This team is designed for a new player who is curious about golf and would like to find out if it is a sport they could enjoy. The focus of each practice is on fun, developing golf skills, learning golf rules and etiquette, general athleticism, and building team camaraderie. The juniors will play regularly on our fantastic six-hole par three and nine-hole golf courses preparing them for the next phase in their golfing careers.
Levels 4-6
Developmental Program
$175 monthly
10 years old and up
2 Practices per week
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30-6:30pm
This team is designed for the moderately experienced or beginning junior golfer interested in the game. A mixture of instruction, on-course play, and other sporting activities creates a fun and fast paced environment that kids are excited to return to. Players on this team are encouraged to begin participating in NTPGA tournaments. These events will help them discover how interested they truly are in competitive golf and general improvement.
Levels 7-9
Elite Programs
Contact Coach Joe Brown for details.


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Downton Abbey in Real Life!Sunday, May 6, 2012
I knew that Alex, the father, is from England. And that his wife lived there for quite some time. I also knew that Alex is the head butler at the St. Regis resort here in Deer Valley (my good friend Kate--who did all the table and lobby decor for the benefit concert--THANK YOU! --I swear, she's a traveling event rolled into red-haired goodness--What was I saying--Oh, she also did all the interior design for the St. Regis so she works with Alex)...
Incomplete Sentence.
Anyway, what I didn't know is that he worked for the Queen of England for ten years as one of the, oh dear, "head horsemen"? Footman? Something super fancy and formal. He was out in front of his house the other day after work in his very spiffy clothing and had a large framed photograph in his hand. The photo was with the Queen of England and her entire staff--and there he was!
I asked him if it was like Downton Abbey and he said, "Yes! It is. Except the maids wear two uniforms. White in the morning and black in the evening." He had all sorts of stories and comparisons. Yes, he watches and very much enjoys the show.
So. Cool.
They are leaving in a few weeks to go back to England for a visit. This leaves me with a few questions--How can we be included in their next trip? And if you are reading this and don't know what Downton Abbey is or haven't watched it on PBS, I have no idea why I am talking to you right now. Friendship over.
9 comments
I just started watching "Downton Abbey" on April 15. Funny coincidence; it was my wedding anniversary (I got married on the 65th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic) and as I started watching the first episode I quickly realized that the Titanic had just sunk. I have already watched the entire first season and 3 episodes of the second. It's a great show!! What brought your neighbor to Park City? That's a major change from working for the Queen.ReplyDelete
OK, small world. Jessica is my son's teacher at Shining Stars. We adore her and her hubby and their little ones. They are the sweetest of all people. And whenever her husband is around, I like to hang about (stalker), just to hear him talk. Awesome they're your neighbors, Molly. Luckkkky! (And they're lucky, too.)ReplyDelete
Blast! I don't have cable or whatever. Never heard of Downtown Abbey. So sad that we can't be friends. :(ReplyDelete
First time commenting and I LOVE DOWNTON ABBEY!!! So can't wait for the third season...and I too wondered if people still did that kind of stuff for a living!ReplyDelete
Oh... I LOVE downton abbey. I can't even express how much!!!ReplyDelete
He did a "spot" on Channel 5 news the other night. He showed what butler services in the St. Regis includes. It was highly entertaining. Seemed like he has no problem laughing at himself. Small World.ReplyDelete
Downtown Abbey is where I would love to live and be so proper...of course upstairs and with all the fancy clothes and parties! I must not forget the beautiful hats as well! How about that love scene with the long awaited proposal between Matthew and Mary? It's about time! I think I may watch an episode this evening!ReplyDelete
How cool! I used to babysit the most adorable boys from England, and that whole family was so sweet. The boys were so sweet and so proper. Can't wait for the next season of Downton, and I'm so glad you're not dumping me :)ReplyDelete
Oh and can we talk about those vintage Chanel dresses of Mary's. WOW! IF only...ReplyDelete


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Conservation Education Center at F.W. Kent Park announces summer weekend hours
OXFORD– The Conservation Education Center (CEC) in F.W. Kent Park, located three miles west of Tiffin just off of Highway 6, will be open weekends 1 to 4 p.m. beginning May 23 and continuing through Labor Day. The Education Center will also be open Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, from 12 to 4 p.m.
The CEC hosts 12 exhibits, designed by Will Thomson, Iowa City, include a prairie diorama, a cross section of a 200-year-old oak with a timeline of events that occurred during its life, a crawl-through log, a bird and wildlife viewing station, a small live animal display featuring some of the reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the park and an aquarium featuring representative fish from Kent Park Lake.
This year the Conservation Education Center is also featuring photos taken by local Wildlife Photographer Wilber Suiter of Oxford. The photos highlight a variety of wildlife species including whitetail deer, song birds and raptors.
"Wilber does an amazing job of capturing wildlife in their habitats with great detail and clarity," stated naturalist Brad Freidhof.
Whether you want to view the exhibits or enjoy some great wildlife photography the Johnson County Conservation Education Center has it all. Stop in and take a look, then go enjoy a walk or a picnic at F.W. Kent Park.


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This topic provides information about Zuora sessions.
Each session maps to a particular user, and all data created has the "Created By" information as that user. Zuora recommends using one session per user.
The default timeout value is 15 minutes. However, this can be configured in the Zuora application, under Administrative Settings > Security Policies. There the session timeout can be changed from as low as 15 minutes to as long as 8 hours.
There is currently no way to verify a valid session. If a session is invalid, the system will return an INVALID_SESSION error, which means that you need to log in again. The recommended approach is to keep a timer and when it passes the configured threshold minus a margin (for example, if the threshold is 15 minutes, then the timer should expire in 10 minutes), to log in again and get a fresh session.
INVALID_SESSION errors can occur when the user's session has reached the configured threshold. The code should retry again with the credentials to obtain a valid session.


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Learn to trade directly from a London FX Fund with our Free 2-hour Workshop
Do you want to change your life and be financially free to do the things you want to do? Do you have what it takes to be a Forex Trader earning over £100,000 per year? At our free trading workshop, we show you how to take the first step to turning those dreams into a reality…
Here's what you'll learn:
- – The fundamentals of Forex Trading
- – How to pick the best and most liquid Currency's to trade
- – The process to developing a professional traders mindset
- – London Trading Groups unique trading strategy
- – How to create and define a Trading Plan
- – Risk management strategies to keep you in the game


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Primary contact
Joe Fleming
Phone number
Phone number (alternative)
This week/ASAP
Postal address
PO Box 302 479
North Harbour
North Shore City 0751
About us
We deliver fast, friendly and quality service, on time, every time and to always clean up afterwards.
What we do
Don't waste hundreds of dollars on Plumbing Maintenance with Big franchise company's with high operating and advertising costs. We minimise our overheads to maximise your savings. Best Prices in Auckland! Shoreside Plumbing LTD. No job to small.
Certifying plumbers and gasfitters
We charge No travel time.
Free quotes, call us or txt us today.
Joe 0212698635
Blake on 0211281577
Or e-mail us at [email protected]
Categories we service
Roofing Contractors, Plumbers / Plumbing Contractors, Hot Water Systems & Repair, Gas Installers / Gas Fitters, Emergency Plumbers
Areas we service
Waitakere City and Suburbs, Waiheke and Gt Barrier Islands, Torbay, Takapuna, Sunnynook, Stillwater, Stanmore Bay, Silverdale, Rodney Area, Ponsonby, Pine Hill, Papakura Area, Orewa, Northcote, North Shore City and Suburbs, Murrays Bay, Milford, Manukau City and Suburbs, Mairangi Bay, Hillcrest (North Shore), Glenfield, Franklin Area, Epsom, Castor Bay, Browns Bay, Birkenhead, Beach Haven, Auckland Region, Auckland City and Suburbs, Albany


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Le Mans Go Karts
Adventure Dandenong
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10.00am - 11.00pm, Friday & Saturday 10.00am - 11.30pm
Victoria's biggest go kart, laser tag and paintball complex catering for all ages ranging from 3 years to adult.
Stretching over 23 acres, the massive 4 track complex has been built to be Australia's premier go karting track with no expense spared.
If you'd like to take a break from all the Go Kart racing we've got you covered next door with Le Mans Laserzone. Up to 40 people can battle at once and teams can be arranged.
Next door to Laserzone is Le Mans Paintball Melbourne which is open for adults and kids. A unique feature is Glow Ball (Glow in the dark paintball) and is available with 3 or 4 session options. Great news is you can choose from high or low impact paintballs.
Whether you choose Paintball, Laser skirmish Melbourne or Go-Karting or a combination of both, Le Mans guarantees a fun filled experience for all occasions.
Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Le-Mans-Go-Karts-169740700027/
Paintball website: https://www.lemanspaintball.com.au/
Map & Directions
11-55 Waterview Close Dandenong Victoria 3175


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Seeing the romantic city of Paris by boat is on the must-do list of most visitors to Paris and a Seine cruise is a very popular way to see Paris. These short river cruises allow you to take in many of the highlights of the city—the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame, etc.—as you float along the famous Seine River.
However, deciding on the right cruise may be difficult as there are several companies that provide similar tours along the Seine River.
In this article, we'll give you the details on the most popular sightseeing boat tours in the City of Light and help you decide which one might be best for you. We'll also provide you with a list of Seine dinner cruises and companies offering private Seine river cruises for those looking for a special evening out. We'll also let you know which one we chose and why for our own Seine river cruise experiences.
Seine River Cruises: Main Paris Sightseeing Boat Companies
There are a lot of similarities in many of the Seine river boat cruises that offer larger scale cruises along the Seine. First, most Seine cruises last about an hour in duration (one is 2 hours) and stop and end at the same point unless otherwise noted. They also all complete approximately the same circuit although you can check for the exact map for each by going to the companies' websites.
In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, the majority of these companies also operate dinner cruises (as well as other meals and special event cruises) if you are looking for a meal on board.
While you can buy tickets for most cruises the same day in-person near the dock, you may be able to save money by purchasing in advance. Often tickets are valid for 3 months to 1 year following purchase allowing you to choose the time and date of your Seine cruise. If you purchase a ticket or voucher online, be sure to print it out and take it with you to claim your ticket at the dock.
Below we summarize, the departure points, type of commentary or narration provided, cost of tickets, how to buy the tickets, and other points of interest about each company that offers Seine cruises. This list is in alphabetical order:
1. Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise
This is the oldest company operating cruise boats on the Seine River, starting service after World War II, and these boats have become somewhat of a symbol of Paris. Bateaux Mouches has some of the biggest boats which are easy to spot because they are big, double-decker open-top boats with orange seats.
Departure Points(s)
Leaves from Pont de l'Alma (right bank) in the 8th arrondissement.
Pre-recorded narration provided in several languages, including English. They also provide printed handouts in 22 languages.
Pricing & Tickets
Current prices (as of May 2019): adults are 14 euros, children age 4 to 12 are 6 euros, and children under age 4 are free.
You can buy tickets online, by phone, or at the dock. If you purchase your ticket online, you can collect your ticket before boarding at the Pont de l'Alma at the Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches kiosk. You will just need to present your transaction number and proof of booking.
Step free access is available and the bottom floor of the boats is wheelchair accessible. The boat configurations vary, but there are approximately 10 stairs to access the second floor and it is not accessible to wheelchairs. Access to toilets on board the boats requires navigating stairs, but there are wheelchair accessible toilets available near the docking area. Priority access for disabled guests is available.
Other Points
- Website: https://www.bateaux-mouches.fr
- Also provide lunch, dinner, and special events cruises.
These boats are probably the most popular on the Seine as they are the biggest and you don't usually need a reservation to get on them. However, this makes them very popular with tourist groups so be prepared to share the boat with hundreds of other visitors.
The open-top is great in good weather and provides unobstructed better views than some of the other boats operated by other companies without the extra deck. However, in bad weather you'll be forced into the glassed-in bottom half of the boat. Narration is provided but it can be hard to hear if the boat is full.
2. Bateaux Parisiens Seine Cruise
Bateaux Parisiens have medium-sized one-level glass covered boats, although they have a variety of boats with slightly different designs in their large fleet. This is probably the second most popular company on the Seine.
Departure Points(s)
Leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower, on the left bank) in the 7th arrondissement -OR- from Quai de Montebello (near the Notre Dame) in the 5th arrondissement.
If you depart from near the Eiffel Tower, narration provided through individual audio devices available in 14 languages on the lower part of the boat. Live guide commentary is also usually available if you sit in the lower part of the boats.
If you sit on the upper part of the boat, the boat has recently started asking customers to download a free audioguide app on their smartphones rather than giving out individual audio devices. The app commentary is available in multiple languages, but you will need a smartphone and headphones/earphones to listen.
If you depart from near Notre Dame then there is live commentary only in 4 languages (including French and English).
Pricing & Tickets
Current prices (as of May 2019) are 15 euros for adults, and 7 euros for children 3-13, children under age 3 are free.
Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the ticket offices near the boats.
**DISCOUNT: If you plan to depart from the Eiffel Tower, you can save an extra 1 euro off your ticket price for any trips departing from the Eiffel Tower by booking your ticket online here.**
Note for PARIS PASS holders: Currently a free Bateaux Parisiens Seine river cruise is included as part of the Paris Pass. Check the website or guidebook for most up to date info but Paris Pass holders can currently collect their free ticket by presenting their Paris Pass at the ticket window at Pier 3 at the Eiffel Tower departure port.
Read our review of the Paris Pass for more information, and take a look at our suggested 3 day Paris itinerary that includes this ride.
Step free access via a ramp is available at the Eiffel Tower stop, and the bottom floor of the boats is wheelchair accessible. Access to toilets on board the boats require going up and down stairs, but there are wheelchair accessible toilets available at Le Bistro Parisien, the company's restaurant near their Eiffel Tower dock.
Other Points
- Website: http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/
- They offer lunch, dinner, and special events cruises. They also offer a special family-oriented cruise (offered in French only) that includes music and children's activities.
If you choose Bateaux Parisiens and don't have a strong preference regarding boarding location, I would choose the Eiffel Tower departure point as you'll save 1 euro per ticket and the audioguides are available in more languages. The handheld audioguides are really nice as you have the option to listen to them or not, although you also have the option to hear live narration if you want to see in the lower enclosed part of the boat.
3. Batobus Seine Cruise (well, sort of…)
These are hop-on/hop-off boats that make a circuit with 9 separate stops, all near major tourist destinations (e.g., Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre). The Batobus is not really intended for a sightseeing cruise but can still be a good economical choice if you also want to use the Batobus for transportation.
Departure Point(s)
Boats leave from 9 different stops near the following sites: St-Germain-des-Prés, Notre Dame, Jardin des Plantes, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre, Champs-Elysées, Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, and Beaugrenelle.
The boats stop at each stop every 20 to 25 minutes depending on the season. Please note that each stop is not always super close to the destination, for instance the stop closest to the Eiffel Tower requires a 15-minute walk to get to the monument from the boat stop. So be prepared.
There is no narration during these boat tours as they are designed as a boat taxi service rather than an actual cruise. Staff members are on board, however, and can answer questions in both English and French.
Pricing & Tickets
For a 1-day pass current prices (as of May 2019) for adult passes (age 16+) are 17 euros and child (age 3 to 15) passes are 8 euros. Children under age 3 ride for free. For a 2-day pass, adult passes are 19 euros and child passes are 9 euros.
Passes can be purchased online, at any of the 9 Batobus stops, tourist information offices, or at the Paris L'Open Tour Boutique (3 rue Auber, 75009 Paris).
Step free access via a ramp is available only at the Eiffel Tower stop, and the bottom floor of the boats is wheelchair accessible. However, many of the other stops require steps or have cobbled walkways. There are no toilets on board these boats. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available near their Eiffel Tower dock.
I would not recommend Batobus for those in a wheelchair unless you plan to stay on the boat for a round trip ride as only the Eiffel Tower stop is easy to access for wheelchair users. Since there is no guided commentary on board, you are probably better off choosing another boat company.
Other Notes
- Website: http://www.batobus.com/
- There are no toilets on board these boats.
- If you plan to use sightseeing buses as well, you might consider purchasing a Paris à la Carte pass that allows you unlimited use of both the L'Open Tour hop on/hop off buses and the Batobus river boat shuttle service. This give you access to over 50 stops and these passes can be purchased as 2 or 3 day passes. You can purchase that pass online here.
While these boats are meant to function as water buses they can still be a good choice for some views of Paris from the river. For some people who don't want to use the bus system or metro, these can be an especially great and economical option.
For instance, a 1 day pass allows for unlimited transportation for an entire day and you can use the Batobus as a bus during the day and then sit back and enjoy the full circuit at night. Just note that if crowded these boats can get quite hot in the summer heat, but can be nice and warm on cool days as they are heated.
4. Canauxrama Seine Cruise
Canauxrama is one of the top companies for providing canal tours around Paris, but they also provide 2-hour scenic tours along the Seine River. The Canuaxrama boats vary a bit but all have a closed bottom deck and an open top deck.
Departure Point(s)
Leave from the Marina Arsenal facing 50 Bd de la Bastille (near Place de la Bastille) in the 12th arrondissement.
Live narration on board by guide in French and English.
The Parisienne Cruise tickets are currently (as of May 2019) 18 euros for adults, 9 euros for children age 4-12, and free for children under 4. They advise that reservations should be made in advance for all cruises.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance, or at one of their two ticket offices at the Marina Arsenal or Bassin de la Villette.
Access to the Canauxarama boat boarding points require going up or down several steps and sometimes cobbled walkways. There are also steps (up to 6 steps) on some of the boats that passengers would need to be able to climb.
There are no ramps for wheelchair accessibility. However, some people with greater mobility who are in manual wheelchairs and have a person accompanying them to help them navigate the stairs and walkways, may be able to do these cruises. Mobility scooters are usually too heavy to be moved onto the boats.
There are no wheelchair accessible toilets on board or near where the boats are docked.
Other Notes
- Website: http://www.canauxrama.com/en/
- The cruise described is generally only offered in the evening.
- Snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are available for purchase onboard.
- The company offers a wide variety of different types of cruises that include the Seine as well as a number of other waterways (mainly canals) in or near Paris, however, some of these cruises are not available year round.
- If you are interested in learning more about taking a Paris canal tour, check out our experience taking a Canauxrama cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin.
Canauxrama is better known for its canal cruises than Seine cruises; however, the company was purchased by Vedettes du Pont Neuf in 2007 which operates Seine cruise boats. If you are looking for a longer cruise (2 hours) that does not include dinner, this is a good price. It also includes the unique experience of learning a bit about locks as the boat passes through a lock as it makes its way into the Seine. Many people also appreciate the option to purchase snacks or drinks during the cruise.
However, if you are looking for just a 1-hour, less expensive tour of the Seine, try another company. A 2-hour tour may be too longer for younger children. Also note the departure point is a bit further from the center of Paris than some of the other companies, but this may end up being great for those staying closer to the 12th arrondissement.
If you are interested in combining a Seine River cruise and Canal Saint-Martin cruise, you might consider this 2.5 hour cruise with Paris Canal that includes a 1 hour Seine River cruise and then 1.5 canal ride. It departs from near the Musée d'Orsay (ends at Parc de la Villette).
5. Vedettes de Paris Seine Cruise
Vedettes de Paris operate smaller sized boats along the Seine River. The boat configurations differ a bit but each holds approximately 250 people for the regular Seine cruises.
Departure Point(s)
Boats leave from Port de Suffren (near Eiffel Tower) in the 7th arrondissement.
Recorded audio commentary in English, French, and Spanish. Explanatory leaflets are available in 8 other languages (German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic) that you can pick up upon boarding.
Pricing & Tickets
The 1-hour non-stop Discovery sightseeing cruise is currently (as of April 2019) 15 euros for adults, 7 euros for children 4-11, and free for children under 4.
There is also a similar sightseeing cruise that includes an optional stopover at Escale Pont Marie and return to Port de Suffren that is 16 euros per adult and 8 euros per child. Cruises to Escale Pont Marie without a return ride are also possible for lower prices.
Tickets can be booked in advance online here, or purchased at the Port de Suffren port office.
Access to the Vedettes de Paris boats require being able to climb 3 steps and there is no ramp.
Passengers with wheelchairs can be accommodated if passengers are able to climb the 3 steps. A staff member (or a companion) can assist in carrying a wheelchair onboard. Mobility scooters, however, are usually too heavy to be easily carried onto the boat. On board, passengers can sit in a regular seat or move around the boat in their own wheelchair.
Wheelchair accessible toilets are available on board the boat and in the boarding area. There is a dedicated disabled parking space. Special ticket fares are available to those presenting a valid disability card.
NOTE: In 2020, the company plans to introduce new pontoon boats which will be fully accessible with step-free access.
Other Notes
- Website: https://www.vedettesdeparis.fr/
- Paris de Vedettes offers dinner and themed cruise options with snacks. They also offer a special children's cruise (French only).
- Snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are available for purchase onboard. You can also eat at the affiliated seasonal restaurant near the boat dock called Terrasse des Vedettes and there is a special deal if you combine a menu and a sightseeing cruise.
- The boat configurations differs depending on the boat, but all appear to have some indoor and outdoor seating. You can see some photos of each boat on the website.
Paris de Vedettes offers pretty much the same standard 1-hour cruise of the Seine as most of the other companies; however their boats are smaller than many of the other companies.
Boats with top decks allow for better viewing and pictures, but during cold weather everyone will be forced into the covered spaces. Pre-recorded commentary can be difficult to hear, especially near the engine and on top deck if crowded.
6. Vedettes du Pont Neuf Seine Cruise
Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf operates a small fleet of small and medium sized boats and have been operating tourist cruises since the 1960's. The company seems to just focus on the basics of providing a 1-hour scenic tour as they don't offer meals or special sightseeing cruises and offer some of the cheapest tickets on the Seine.
Departure Point(s)
Boats leave from the Square du Vert Galant near the Pont Neuf on the tip of the Île de la Cité (within walking distance of Notre Dame)
Provided by live guides who give commentary in both French and English.
Pricing & Tickets
The website says the tickets are regularly 14 euros for adults and 7 euros for children 4-12. However, as far as I can tell they always have a discount if you purchase the tickets online from their website. Currently they have deals for 10 to 12 euro adult tickets and 5 euro child tickets.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the port in person before the cruise.
The Vedettes du Pont Neuf boats have a ramp for access and can accommodate step-free access and passengers with wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The access ramp is located a little further beyond the stairs and staff can help assist in finding the best place to board and exit.
There are no wheelchair accessible toilets on board or near where the boats are docked.
Other Notes
- Website: http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/
- Two of the boats currently have two decks with an open upper deck, but all boats allow for open-air and inside covered seating.
- Vedettes du Pont Neuf bought Canauxrama in 2007, so you may see boats with signage from both companies.
If you are looking for the cheapest tickets, Vedettes du Pont Neuf is probably the best choice if you take advantage of their online deals. They also offer a great central location if you are going to be near the Notre Dame.
If you choose this company, take some time to explore the Square du Vert Galant before or after your cruise as it can be a peaceful little green patch on the tip of the island. Live narration is provided by real guides; however, both sound quality and guide quality can vary.
Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris
If you are looking for a special way to experience Paris, you may want to consider a Seine River dinner cruise. Many visitors want to see Paris at night from the river while having dinner on a cruise.
These cruises typically take place on boats that have a special glass enclosed restaurant area, so you can watch the scenery but are protected from the wind and rain. Some of the cruises are only for those dining onboard and some also carry regular sightseeing guests as well.
In addition to dinner cruises, some cruise companies offer brunch, lunch, and special themed cruises that also serve food. During holidays (e.g., Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, Bastille Day), you'll find a number of special cruises and menus being offered. The cost of a meal cruise generally ranges from about 50 € to 200 € per person. Lunch and brunch cruises are usually less expensive than dinner cruises and speciality themed cruises.
Some Seine River cruises packages are sold that include a Seine River cruise plus other attractions such as a visit to the Eiffel Tower, a private car tour, or the Moulin Rouge. These can be group experiences or, more commonly, private experiences.
For example this evening tour and this evening tour (choice of dinner at Eiffel Tower or on cruise), both include a Seine dinner cruise, Eiffel Tower visit, and Moulin Rouge show. During the day there is also this full day walking tour (guided all day Paris tour with Seine River lunch and Eiffel Tower). These can be a good value option to see a number of the sights you're interested in one day, but be sure to note what is included and what is not.
Note that almost all the cruises can accommodate vegetarians. But if you have a more specialized dietary preferences or allergies (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, etc.), you will want to call or email in advance to make sure it can be accommodated.
There are over a dozen companies offer Seine river cruises with dinner, but we'll provide a list of some of the best rated ones to help you narrow down your search. Be sure to read recent customer reviews to find the one that is the best cruise for you.
Seine Lunch Cruises
If you'd rather have a meal in the daytime (better for sightseeing), there are several Seine lunch cruises to choose from, here are the ones we'd recommend checking out:
- This 2 hour lunch cruise by Bateaux Parisiens offers 3-course à-la-carte meal (choice of dishes), live music, wine and coffee, and choice to upgrade food and drink options. Vegetarian option available. Cruise departs from Port de la Bourdonnais (near Eiffel Tower).
- This 2 hour lunch cruise aboard La Marina de Paris offers a 3-course à-la-carte lunch and coffee aboard boats with large panoramic windows for great views. Wine package ("drinks package) can be added for extra 10 euros per person. Vegetarian options available. Departs from Port Solferino (near the Musée d'Orsay).
- This 1.5 hour Sunday champagne brunch cruise is provided on Captaine Fracasse which is a company that specializes in meal cruises on the Seine. Brunch includes a mix of sweet (e.g., croissant, pain au chocolat, apple turnover, crepes, fruit) and savory items (e.g., eggs Benedict) that are freshly made on board to eat while enjoying the scenery. A 1/2 bottle of Champagne plus fruit juice and hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) are also included. Only available on Sundays. Departs from Ile aux Cygnes, just off Bir-Hakeim bridge (near Eiffel Tower).
Seine Dinner Cruises
Dinner is the most popular time to eat on a Seine River cruise and there are a lot of options out there. Here are the ones we'd recommend checking out:
- The well-rated dinner cruises by Bateaux Parisiens offer different cruise lengths, seating options, and menus (choice of dishes) across different price points. There is an early evening cruise that is 1 hour and 15 minutes (least expensive option) and a longer evening cruise that is 2.5 hours long that includes live music. Vegetarian option available. Smart casual dress code. Cruise departs from Port de la Bourdonnais (near Eiffel Tower).
- This 2 hour dinner cruise aboard La Marina de Paris offers a 3-course à-la-carte dinner with option to add a glass of champagne and 1/2 bottle of wine per person. Vegetarian options available. Departs from Port Solferino (near the Musée d'Orsay). This is the dinner cruise that we have done.
- This dinner cruise by Bateaux Mouches is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes long and provides a 4-course meal and live music. Two menu choices offered with 1 glass of champagne and 1/2 bottle of wine per person. They also offer an earlier and shorter dinner cruise, you can see here. Vegetarian option available. Smart dress code enforced. Wheelchair accessible. Tours depart from Port de la Conférence (5 minute walk from Pont de l'Alma).
- This VIP romantic version of the above Bateau Mouches cruise is designed for marriage proposals or couples celebrating a special moment. Includes private chauffeured car service to and from hotel, more private table at bow of boat, champagne, photographer, and other extras.
- This 2 hour dinner cruise is provided on Captaine Fracasse which is a company that specializes in meal cruises on the Seine. The dinner cruise offers a 3-course à-la-carte dinner and all food items are freshly prepared on board. Vegetarian option available. There is a bar on-board offering champagne, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. Departs from Ile aux Cygnes, just off Bir-Hakeim bridge (near Eiffel Tower).
- This 1 hour 15 minute dinner cruise by Paris en Scène (another company that specializes in meal cruises) serves 3 course dinner (choice of main) in a casual bistro-like setting with all dinner chairs facing windows for a good view. Champagne and wine options available. Vegetarian option available. Cruises depart from 12 Quai des Orfèvres (next to Pont Saint-Michel)
Seine River Cruises: Private Boat Cruises
Most visitors to Paris want to join one of the regularly schedule group Seine river boat cruises from one of the companies above. However, if you are looking for a special private or semi-private Seine cruise, this can also be arranged.
Most of the previously mentioned companies offer either a semi-private cruise option (e.g., a private area, restaurant, room, or terrace of a boat) or a fully private cruise option (an entire boat just for the exclusive use or you and your group).
Private Seine river cruises are great options for special celebrations, weddings, marriage proposals, large families, holiday parties, tour groups, or corporate travel events. Meals, drinks, and entertainment can also be arranged on most semi-private and private Seine cruises.
Costs for a fully private cruise generally start at about 200 € for an hour for 2 persons or a family and can go well above 2,000 € depending on the duration and type of cruise experience you want.
Here is a list of companies that offer semi-private or private boat tours along the Seine. First, here are those companies which specialize in private Seine cruises which are probably the best fit for those looking for a private experience as a couple, family, or small group.
- Green River Cruises – This company offers boats that can accommodate 1 to 11 persons, and have set prices for cruises from 1 hour to 3 hours in duration. This is perfect for couples, families, and small groups.
- My Paris River – Company offers regular 2-hour private cruises suitable for small groups and families which include complimentary bottle of wine, soft drinks, and appetizers as well as a romantic private cruises which also include a bottle of champagne. Wheelchair accessible. Different departure times and departure points possible.
- River Limousine – This company offers private boat rides in a custom-designed Venetian boat for small groups of 1 to 6 persons. Perfect for couples and families.
The rest of the cruise companies (most of which also offer regular sightseeing cruises) specialize in renting for private hires for larger groups, weddings, and corporate events.
- Bateaux Mouches – This famous Seine river boat company offers a variety of private hire options for up to 350 guests for personal or corporate events.
- Bateaux de Paris – This company currently has 3 boats and rents 2 out for exclusive use and can accommodate up to 250 people. They also have a third boat that started doing regular tourist sightseeing tours in 2018.
- Bateaux Parisiens – Bateaux Parisiens offers semi-private experiences to smaller groups (2 to 50) as well as entire private boat hires for larger groups that can accommodate over 100 people.
- Batobus – A Batobus boat can be hired for private use and can seat up to 180 persons. These hires are geared towards shorter corporate hires.
- Canauxarama – This company offers boats for private use along both the Seine River as well as the Canal St Martin. Boats can accommodate between 50 to 200 guests.
- Vedettes de Paris – This company offers boats that can accommodate 30 to 250 persons for events, cocktail hours, and sit-down meals and can do a variety of semi-private (part of a boat or lounge) to private options.
- Vedettes du Pont Neuf – This company offers various options and can accommodate 30 to 200 person depending on the boat and type of event.
- Yachts de Paris – This company operates a fleet of yachts and barges for private use in Paris which range from small to large boats, which can arrange sailings for groups from 2 to 800 people!
How to Choose Your Seine Cruise
So there you have it, the details of six different companies that operate Seine river cruises in Paris, plus a list of companies that offer dinner cruises and private Seine River cruises!
Summary of Seine Cruise Factors to Consider
So how can you use all the above information to decide which Seine cruise might be the best for you? This is a matter of deciding on what is most important to you regarding the cruise. Main factors you probably want to consider:
- Location of port departure
- Price of tickets
- Narration type and languages
- Boat route
- Accessibility (for those with physical mobility limitations)
- Length of trip
- Size of boat
- Do you want to pay extra for a meal, themed cruise, or private cruise?
- Do you plan to purchase a pass, such as the Paris Pass, that includes a Seine cruise?
If you are short on time in Paris and interested in seeing a lot of highlights in one day (and do a Seine River cruise), we recommend this full day walking tour. It includes a Louvre tour, visit to Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruise, view of Notre Dame, and visit to Montmartre.
Our Seine River Cruise Experiences in Paris
For my first Seine River boat tour in 2012 with then partner Ethan, we prioritized location, followed by price, and then narration. After researching the options ourselves, we personally chose Vedettes du Pont Neuf for an evening cruise along the Seine for a few reasons.
First, it was within a 5-minute walking distance of where we were staying in Paris. Second, it provided the best prices and we booked tickets in advance online for only 16 euros total for the two of us. These tickets also gave us a lot of flexibility regarding when we used them as they were good for one year following purchase.
Third, the live narration was preferred by us over pre-recorded narration although honestly it rained (unfortunately!) and it was difficult to hear the guide during parts of our cruise because of the rain. Finally, we were not interested in any sort of meal or specialty cruise and the no-frills cruises provided by this company was a good fit for us.
Overall, we were very satisfied with our choice as the only major problem was that it started to rain during our cruise. I would definitely recommend trying to do the cruise when you have good weather if you can.
Then in 2017 I decided to do another Seine river cruise with Laurence as he had never done one before. This time we chose the Bateaux Parisiens. Our decision was made simple on this visit as we were traveling with the Paris Pass and we were able to get free tickets with our pass for this cruise.
The main departure point for this cruise is next to the Eiffel Tower which is convenient if you are planning to do a cruise before or after a visit there. See our Eiffel Tower tips for making the most of your visit to the Tour Eiffel!
This time the weather cooperated and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the views. Towards the end we also moved inside and listed to the commentary. The Bateaux Parisiens boats are larger than those by the Vedettes du Pont Neuf and it was more crowded than my first experience but there was plenty of space to sit and move around.
Hope this guide was useful in helping you select the Seine cruise that was the best fit for you during your trip to Paris. Essentially no matter which Seine cruise you choose, you are going to see the same scenery!
If you are planning to travel to Paris in the future, you might want to save this article by pinning it to Pinterest to read again later:
Have you taken a Seine cruise during a trip to Paris? Let us know what company you chose and let us know your feedback and tips for other readers trying to decide on a boat tour.
Have a question about taking a Seine River cruise or another question about traveling in Paris? As always, all questions and comments are welcome.


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Orly Airport - La Défense
We are committed to delivering you at your destination soon after your arrival at Orly airport. Our professional drivers are not only skilled at their job but we provide also transfer with no extra charge.
Hotels near la Défense
The Hilton Paris La Défense is part of the Hilton hotel chain. As soon as you enter the hall, the tone is set. The client is in a space of luxury and refinement in one of the classiest cities in the world.
Elegance in the rooms
The rooms are all elegantly decorated. Whether in terms of interior design or equipment, nothing is left to chance in this 4-star resort. The common points between all the rooms are the bathroom totally made of marble, the flat screen with cable channels or even the Internet access by Wi-Fi. For the suites, 66 sqm rooms are available for guests with a large living room and a work area. The hot tub is also a plus to note in the suites.
4 star services
Apart from the rooms, the hotel offers some services worthy of the largest establishments in the French capital. For breakfast, for example, it is possible to order a room service with all the French know-how in the field of modern cuisine. The same goes for those who are hungry and who want to have lunch or dinner, the restaurant Côté Parvis is there to satisfy their taste buds with a very sought after cuisine. For relaxation and a drink, the hotel has a modern and sophisticated bar that rally the guests especially in the evening after a hard day. As the hotel is located in the heart of Paris, it offers 9 meeting rooms, a business center and a large conference room. To complete the above, the Hilton Paris La Défense has a babysitting service, a currency exchange desk and a gym.
Located at the 3 Neuilly Boulevard in Courbevoie in the chic district of Paris, the Melia Paris La Defense is one of the most beautiful hotels in the capital. It proudly displays its 4 stars in one of the most touristic cities in the world.
Modern and open rooms in Paris
The hotel offers several categories of rooms. Each of the rooms offers contemporary decor with very good bedding, a magnificent view of Paris, as well as standard facilities in 4-star hotels. Each room has at least a table and a chair that can be used as a work area. The rooms range from the double Melia with an area of 32 sqm and a king size bed to the so-called 'The presidential level' of 80 sqm with all the luxury and comfort that this assumes.
Top-of-the-range service
The resort is well-positioned with a quasi-personalized concierge service whether on arrival or departure. Room service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Meeting rooms are available and can accommodate 6 people each. In addition, a business center with a secretarial service is available to guests. The internet connection is free of charge via Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. For relaxation, the hotel has a massage and wellness salon as well as a gym. In case of small hunger in the morning, a continental breakfast with fresh and seasonal products is offered by the catering service of the Melia. For the gourmets, the hotel also offers the restaurant with a panoramic view, the Skyline Paris Lounge and Bar, or the Mirror with cooks the former chef of the Spanish royalty, chef Patricio De Diego De La Vega.
The Villa Medici is an architectural style building from the Renaissance. This historical establishment, which is located on Mount Pincio in the Italian capital, is also the entity that hosts the Academy of France. It offers a very interesting accommodation system for any type of traveller.
Rooms with a strong historical imprint
This site with historical vocation allows accommodation according to certain conditions including in terms of reservation deadline which must be mandatory 4 months in advance. The rooms are divided into two categories: historic rooms and classic rooms. The first are the apartments of the Medici family. The decoration has not been reworked to keep the authenticity of the place. They offer a breath taking view of Rome or the magnificent garden of this famous family. These rooms remain of great comfort with an average surface of 70 sqm. For the classic rooms, they are the old rooms of the boarders. They remain comfortable with an average surface of 40 sqm. All rooms are equipped with bathroom.
Authentic services
To keep the charm of the place, the site managers preferred to highlight its atypical character. For example, you will have to climb the stairs to get to some rooms. The elevator was non-existent at the time. For guests who have booked rooms, they are notified that eating and drinking are not allowed in the rooms. The hotel is however able to propose a breakfast on reservation to take in the room dedicated to it. It is also important to emphasize that the French Academy often offers cultural events on the site such as exhibitions. Moreover, it is possible to take a guided tour of the magnificent Medici garden every day.
It takes about 40 minutes from Orly to get to La Défense. Take the A106 ramp from Orly then take the A6a to Rouen and Paris-Center then take the ring road until the Porte Maillot in the direction of La Défense. From here you have to enter Courbevoie and cross the Place de Saisons.