what are these astonishing amphibious shuttles seen in the Seine?

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“I was passing the Valvins bridge when I saw the machine: I had already seen amphibious vehicles in the army, but never such models.” William, a resident of Samoreau (Seine-et-Marne), made a unusual discovery : while driving, he saw a curious vehicle going up the Seine, during the European Heritage Days weekend. And this amphibious vehicle is set to return…

Curious vehicles to discover heritage on land and water

It was a shuttle from the Paris Duck Tour company, a company founded by Xavier Hesse, which combines shuttle and boat tours to help people discover heritage. Launched in Paris, the concept has been offered in the Fontainebleau sector since the beginning of September.

“We board at the Château de Fontainebleau, then we offer a visit to the villages in the area and a passage in the Seine with a cruise using our hybrid vehicle,” says Paris Duck Tour. A 12-seater amphibious shuttle for discovery on land and water with a machine that does not go unnoticed…

If cruises were offered during the European Heritage Days, the company hopes to be able to establish a lasting presence in the Fontainebleau area. In terms of prices, allow €39 per adult and €25 per child for a 1 hour 30 minute guided tour. Places are still available for visits on October 9 and 10, 2025.

A competitive market with another similar offer

And competitive market since another company offered a similar deal that weekend: The Ducks of Paris. This time it’s a 35-seater amphibious buswho transported the tourists. “We offer a historical and fun visit,” explains Philippe Mallet, one of the founders of the company.

The Canards de Paris offered a circuit alternating from the castle to the forest of Fontainebleau, via Veneux-les-Sablons and a cruise on the Seine and the Loing. “It’s a way of discovering heritage differently,” he continues. For this offer, count on €32 for adults and €18 for children (2 to 11 years old), but a large family rate is also available.

The Seine as an axis of tourism development

The company indicates that it wants to renew the offer next September in the sector, but consideration is being given to reproposing it before then. As for the Pays de Fontainebleau tourist office, we view these initiatives rather favorably.

“We have an approach to promote tourism on the banks of the Seine,” says Laurent Roussel, in charge of tourism in the urban area. The inauguration du port de Valvinsin the spring, goes in this direction and all the initiatives which aim to enrich the offer and the attractiveness are viewed favorably to highlight the river, from Samoreau to Samois-sur-Seine, via Bois -le-Roi, Chartrettes or Héricy. »

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