Batorama Boat Tour on the Ill

The Batorama boat tour on the Ill departs from the landing stage beside the Palais Rohan, close to the cathedral, in Strasbourg, in the Alsace area of France's Grand Est region. It is a guided loop of about 70 minutes on glass-roofed boats that run through the canals of the Grande Île, the locks of La Petite France and out along the river to the European Quarter. Passengers sit under cover and listen to commentary through headphones in multiple languages. The route passes under low bridges and through one or two locks, so visitors can see how the water level is raised and lowered. It gives views of the half-timbered houses of La Petite France, the Ponts Couverts and the Barrage Vauban from the water, then continues past the Palais Rohan and the University Quarter to the Parliament, the Council of Europe and the Court of Human Rights. The experience is relaxed and suits all ages, with a typical duration of about an hour. Departures run about every 30 minutes, roughly 10:00AM-6:00PM, with extended hours and evening cruises in summer; adults pay about €17 and children about €9, according to the listed fares. Queues build from late morning, so booking at batorama.com or by phone at +33 3 88 84 13 13 is sensible in summer and in December. The best seats are on the side of the boat facing the quay, and the glass roof allows photography in most weather. The cathedral, the covered bridges and the lit evenings in summer are strong photograph subjects. Early or late departures are less crowded, and the tour is a good rain option since the boats are covered. Visitors should check current times, fares and conditions with the operator before travelling.