Seine River Cruise, Foggy Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus, and the Day Paris Turned Around

After the chaos of our first night in Paris, the rain, the hotel that looked nothing like the photos, and the general “what have we done?” energy, Day Two became our reset button. Paris needed a redemption arc, and thankfully, she delivered.

We stepped out of the Novotel that morning with buffet‑breakfast stomachs so full I said, “I feel like I could explode like Mr Creosote.” My son immediately offered me a mint, he said it was “wafer thin.” The rain had eased into a drizzle, our spirits were high, and we jumped straight into a taxi to start the day.

A Taxi Ride, Paris Traffic, and the Egyptian Obelisk

Paris traffic surprised me. For a city trying to reduce cars, there were cars everywhere. It’s organised chaos, the kind where everyone seems to know the rules except you.

On the way, we passed the Egyptian Obelisk at Place de la Concorde. I’d been waiting to see it. One in London, one in Paris… now I just need New York to complete the set.

We arrived near the Eiffel Tower but not without a little drama. When I tapped my phone to pay the taxi, it took the money but failed on the receipt. The driver locked the door and made me scan again. So now I’d paid twice. Wise eventually refunded the extra charge five days later, but for a moment I thought I’d donated €40 to the Paris Taxi Gods.

That was the moment I decided: no more phone payments in Paris taxis. Wise card only. And honestly, this was also the moment I realised I really need to start using Uber more. Nothing beats having the payment and directions sorted before you even get in the car.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower for the First Time

By the time we got out, the rain had softened to a mist. We walked around the Eiffel Tower for the first time, taking photos, soaking it in, and feeling that buzz you only get when you’re standing in front of something you’ve seen your whole life in movies.

Our tour meeting point was right across the road. This time, I made sure to say “Bonjour” instead of “hello” a small but important victory after yesterday’s language‑barrier fail.

Low‑angle view of the Eiffel Tower showing its iron lattice structure against an overcast sky. — The Eiffel Tower seen from ground level, its intricate ironwork stretching into the cloudy Paris sky.

The Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus: Foggy Windows and Missed Commentary

Our double‑decker bus pulled up, but because of the rain, the open top was covered with a plastic roof. All the windows were fogged up, and someone beat us to the front seats, so we were a few rows back with a very… abstract view of Paris.

The driver was giving commentary, but the speakers were so quiet we couldn’t hear a thing. We caught a foggy glimpse of the Arc de Triomphe, like seeing a celebrity through frosted glass but that was about it.

And honestly? We were pretty disappointed. Sure, it kept us dry, but we could’ve done anything else with our time. I’d been skeptical about the hop‑on hop‑off bus from the start, and we only took it because it was bundled with the river cruise. If we went again, this would be a solid pass.

Gilded Pegasus statue atop a decorated stone column on Pont Alexandre III in Paris. — The golden Pegasus sculpture gleams above the ornate column of Pont Alexandre III, symbolizing glory and artistry.

Front façade of the Palais Bourbon in Paris with Corinthian columns and statues under an overcast sky. — The French National Assembly building viewed from across the street, its neoclassical columns standing against a grey Paris morning.

View of Paris traffic from the upper deck of a bus along a tree‑lined avenue. — A snapshot of Paris street life from the top of a tour bus, capturing the rhythm of the city.

View of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris seen through the glass window of a covered tour bus, with “Issue de Secours” emergency‑exit text reflected on the glass. — A rainy‑day glimpse of the Arc de Triomphe through the fogged roof and glass panels of a Paris tour bus — the city’s landmarks framed by reflections and drizzle.

The Seine River Cruise: Paris Finally Shows Off

This was the real reason we booked the tour and it delivered.

By the time we boarded the boat, the rain had stopped. We sat on the roof, the air was cool, and Paris finally decided to show us her good side.

As we drifted past the Louvre, I remember thinking how strange it was that the city that had felt so overwhelming the night before suddenly felt calm from the water. Paris looks different when you’re not fighting it. Like it finally lets you in.

We cruised past the Musée d’Orsay, Notre‑Dame, the historic bridges, and the golden statues of Pont Alexandre III, a bridge we’d always wanted to see. Check that one off the list.

The river cruise was peaceful, beautiful, and exactly the moment we needed to reset our Paris experience.

Ornate Pont Alexandre III bridge over the Seine with gilded statues and decorative lampposts. — The Beaux‑Arts masterpiece of Pont Alexandre III, one of Paris’s most elegant bridges spanning the Seine.

Traditional boats moored along the Seine River near historic Parisian buildings and trees. — Colourful boats line the Seine beneath the autumn trees, blending history and everyday life in Paris.

View of the Institut de France dome and pedestrian bridge crossing the Seine River in Paris. — The dome of the Institut de France rises above the Seine as boats pass beneath the pedestrian bridge.

Neoclassical façade of the Assemblée Nationale with French flags and gold lettering above Corinthian columns. — The French National Assembly seen from Pont de la Concorde, a symbol of France’s democratic heritage.

The Bakery Line, DuoLingo Failure, and the Best Croissants of My Life

Back at the Eiffel Tower, we were starving. We wandered around and found a bakery with a massive line. And in Paris, if the locals are lining up, you line up too.

This is where I discovered that my two months of DuoLingo were basically useless. I can tell you “that’s a cat” or “that’s a horse,” but could I order three croissants? Absolutely not.

So I pointed, said “Bonjour” and “Merci,” and hoped for the best.

The staff were lovely, probably amused by our attempt at French and then we took our first bite.

The plain croissant was incredible. The chocolate one? Filled with creamy chocolate goodness. Easily some of the best pastries I’ve ever had.

We walked around the park, eating, taking photos, and finally feeling like we were in the Paris we’d imagined.

akery display case filled with croissants, pastries, cookies, and cakes labeled with prices. — A tempting array of fresh croissants and pastries in a Paris bakery — the perfect stop after a rainy morning.

A Domestic Dispute, a Rolling Car, and a Taxi Driver Who Loved the Drama

On the way back to the hotel, our taxi driver suddenly pointed outside the window, telling us to look. A car next to us was rolling backwards because the man driving was getting absolutely slapped around by his wife.

We still don’t know what he did to deserve a handbagging like that, but it was a moment. Even without speaking the same language, we and the taxi driver had a great laugh together at the poor guy’s expense.

Exploring Our New Neighbourhood

Back at the hotel, it was sprinkling again, but we went for a walk around our new neighbourhood and it was everything we’d hoped Paris would be.

Charming cafés. Beautiful restaurants. Little shops. That classic Parisian atmosphere.

We grabbed an early dinner, headed back to our room, put on some French TV we couldn’t understand, listened to the rain tapping the window, and talked about the ups and downs of the day.

Tomorrow: Versailles. A train ride. A palace. And a whole new adventure.

How You Can Do This Too: Practical Paris Day 2 Guide

Getting Around

Uber/Bolt: Best for avoiding language barriers and payment issues
Taxis: Reliable but card machines can be temperamental
Metro: Fastest and cheapest, but not ideal in heavy rain

Eiffel Tower (Ground Level)

Closest Metro: Bir‑Hakeim (Line 6) or Alma‑Marceau (Line 9)
Cost: Free to walk around
Time Needed: 30–60 minutes
Tip: Watch for pickpockets around Champ de Mars

Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus

Verdict: Skip it in bad weather
Best Time: Clear, sunny days
Tip: Sit upstairs front row if you do go