sightseeing seine river cruise paris

5 Best Seine River Cruise in Paris: Your Ultimate Guide

Searching for the perfect Seine River Cruise in Paris, but overwhelmed by the choices? You’re not alone. Paris offers a smorgasbord of cruising experiences, from quick one-hour sightseeing jaunts to luxurious evening sails complete with Champagne and gourmet dinners .

Deciding on the best Seine river cruise can feel like navigating a complex maze of options, each more tantalizing than the last.

That’s why I wrote this guide. I live in Paris, love the Seine River Cruises and curated this exclusive list of the best Seine River cruises available.

Let’s set sail and discover the Seine as you’ve never seen it before.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

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Quick List: The Best River Cruise in Paris

If you’re not in the mood to sift through endless options and prefer a quick guide to the best choices, you’re in luck. Below, I’ve distilled the wide array of Seine River Cruises down to an essential shortlist—featuring the top 3 most popular and highly recommended experiences in Paris.

Best 1h River Seine Cruise

Roundtrip Seine River Cruise
Audio Commentary
Panoramic Views on Eiffel Tower , Notre Dame and more
Boarding at the Eiffel Tower

Best 2h River Seine Lunch Cruise

All-inclusive 3-Course Lunch with drinks
Panoramic Views on Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and more

Best Seine Dinner Cruise

3-Course Dinner with Drinks
Live Jazz Music & Window Seating
Panoramic views on Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and more
Boarding near Musée d’Orsay

These top 3 Seine River Cruises are reliable picks if you prefer not to sift through the multitude of options available for river tours in Paris

However, if you’re interested in exploring additional options, or if you’re still undecided about which Seine River Cruise is the best fit for your Paris trip, continue reading

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The Agony of Choice: Find the Perfect Paris River Seine Cruise

I’ve created a decision tree to help you easily identify the Seine River Cruise that best matches your preferences, expectations, and budget.

The 5 Best Seine Cruises in Pairs

Do you know now which Cruise is the best for you? And which boat tour in Paris matches best your expectations? Then here’s for without further ado the compiled list of the best 5 Seine Cruises in Paris.

#1 The Go-To Option: One-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Seine

➲ Secure your seat on board of the Bateau Mouche here

The standard one-hour sightseeing cruise on the Seine is a fail-safe choice for any Paris visit.

This budget-friendly option allows you to view Paris’s most celebrated landmarks from the comfort of your seat—no extravagant add-ons, just the essentials.

For those pressed for time or seeking flexibility, this is an ideal pick. Most cruises of this kind depart every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day.

The top-rated Seine River Cruise embarks right at the base of the Eiffel Tower. You can book it here . The tour offers a multilingual audioguide available in 10 languages , and accepts mobile vouchers—no need to worry about printing tickets. Just display it on your mobile device, and you’re all set to cruise.

Despite its straightforward approach, the tour doesn’t skimp on amenities, offering onboard WiFi for your convenience. Click here for exact schedules and booking info.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the sights you see from board of a Seine River Cruise

#2 Gourmet Lunch Cruise on the Seine: Savor the Sights

➲ Book this Lunch Cruise in advance , it sells out quickly

Picture this: you’re aboard a riverboat, cruising past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Île de la Cité, all while indulging in a gourmet French meal and sipping fine wine . Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? This two-hour Seine River Cruise offers just that experience .

As you sail, you’ll be entertained with live commentary and treated to a three-course à-la-carte French menu that includes an appetizer, starter, main course, and dessert. And let’s not forget the wine! For an even more authentic French experience, you can add a cheese course as an extra.

The cuisine on this lunch cruise is of a gastronomic caliber because it features a broad selection of French classics like foie gras and duck, as well as various meat, fish, and vegetarian options. To preview the menu in advance, click here.

Be aware that lunch cruises on the Seine are highly sought after and tables fill up quickly. To secure your spot, check rates and availability here and book in advance .

Find the best Seine river cruises in Paris and enjoy Paris sights from the comfort of a boat. No matter if you chose to take a Seine river dinner cruise or a night cruise, you sure have a great time!

#3 Jazz & Dining: The Best Seine Dinner Cruise

➲ Book this 3-Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise here before it’s booked out

Want to elevate your Paris experience? Consider hopping on a 3-course dinner cruise that sets sail close to the Musée d’Orsay. As you drift along the Seine, you’ll catch iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, all from the comfort of your guaranteed window seat.

But let’s talk about the food—you’ll get to savor a gourmet 3-course meal complete with wine, Champagne, and other beverages . If you’re a fan of live music, the Jazz band on board adds a touch of ambiance without overwhelming the experience.

You have the flexibility to choose between a 1.5-hour early evening sail or a more leisurely 2.5-hour cruise. The dress code? Smart casual , so it’s stylish yet relaxed.

One note: the cruise is intended for those 10 years and older.

Don’t wait too long to book . Spots tend to fill up fast.

➲ 1.5h Seine Dinner Cruise starting at 6 PM: See availabilities here

➲ 2.5h Seine Dinner Cruise starting at 8PM: See availabilities here

#4 Private Boat Tour in Paris: An intimate Seine Rive Cruise

➲ Book your private boat tour in Paris here

Opt in a Private Boat Tour in Paris for an intimate and luxurious adventure on the Seine .

The boat accommodates up to eight people, so it’s ideal for your small gatherings, celebrations, or simply an elevated sightseeing experience in Paris. If you travel with a pet, I have good news because your furry companions are also welcome on board.

The journey begins at the Statue of Liberty near the Eiffel Tower and sails all the way up to Notre Dame and back. Here you have the choice to either disembark where your tour began, or near the Louvre. A convenient drop off location, for your next Paris stop.

If you’re in the mood for a Parisian apéro, feel free to bring your snacks and drinks to enjoy as you cruise.

To top it off, the boat is equipped with Bluetooth speakers, so you can set the soundtrack to your unforgettable cruise. All while absorbing Paris from an entirely unique vantage point.

Click here to see if the Captain has still availabilities on your travel dates.

#5 Paris Night Cruise: The Illumination Cruise Explained

➲ Book your Night Time Paris Seine Cruise here

Discover the magic of Paris at night with an “Illumination Cruise” on the Seine. While the name might make it sound like an exclusive, high-priced affair, the reality is much simpler.

Essentially, this is your standard 1h-Seine River Paris Cruise but timed perfectly to showcase the city’s lights. Simply choose a late time slot—ideally around or just after sunset—to experience Paris as it transforms into the “City of Light.”

Aside from the dazzling lights, everything else about the cruise remains the same, from the iconic landmarks you’ll pass by to the ticket price. So you’re getting an extraordinary experience for the ordinary cost of a Seine cruise.

This evening adventure is perfect for photographers, romantics, or anyone wanting to see Paris from a different angle.

Don’t miss out on this enchanting yet surprisingly affordable experience. Book your Illumination Cruise now to capture Paris in its finest light.

Panorama View from a Bateau Mouche

You may be wondering what sights you’ll encounter on your Seine River Cruise and whether it’s worth your time and money. Rest assured, it’s a valuable experience.

Not only does a Seine cruise offer a picturesque overview of Paris in a condensed timeframe, but you’ll also glide past many of the city’s major landmarks.

the Tour Eiffel
Musée d’Orsay
Musée de Louvre
Île de la Cité
Grand Palais
Petit Palais

Your Seine river cruise will also pass through more than 20 bridges – some of them are the most famous bridges in France , like the Pont Neuf, the Pont Alexandre III, and the Pont des Arts.

Paris Seine Cruise: Travel Tips

Be Prepared for the Weather: Don’t overlook weather conditions. Pack sunscreen for sunny days or an umbrella and raincoat for unexpected showers. Keep in mind you may have to wait in an uncovered queue before boarding. ( Find the latest weather forecast here ).

Mobile Vouchers: Check in advance if your chosen tour accepts mobile vouchers. Some tours still require printed vouchers, which can be inconvenient if you’re already on the go.

Dress Code: If you’ve opted for a lunch or dinner cruise, be sure to review the dress code requirements to avoid any boarding issues.

Consider the Paris City Pass : Before finalizing your booking, take a look here at the Paris City Pass . It covers over 60 activities, including the Seine cruise. If you plan on multiple activities, the pass often offers better value. ( Click here for a full list of included activities ).

There you have it—the top Seine River Cruises in Paris, tailored to fit a variety of preferences and budgets. Whether you’re in the mood for an indulgent dinner cruise or just a laid-back scenic ride along the Seine, both are bound to be highlights of your Parisian adventure. Enjoy 🙂

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FAQ Seine River Cruise in Paris

The standard 1h Seine River Cruise with one of the Bateaux Mouchesstarts at €16. Lunch cruises start from €60 and Dinner Cruises from €80.

A Seine Cruise is a lovely way to see Paris. It is very popular and one of the best things to do in Paris. Because while you sit relaxed on board, you see some of the most spectacular sights of Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Pont Neuf and many more.

The standard Seine River Sightseeing Cruise in Paris takes 1h. If you opt in for a Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Seine, allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours. To be on time, make sure to arrive 15-30 Minutes in advance.

To be on the save sight, it’s best to book the Paris Seine Cruise in advance. The standard Cruises are often not dated, and you can use the voucher whenever it suits you. Dinner and Lunch Cruises need to be booked in advance, as they sell out very quickly.

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Best River Seine cruises

Forget the Metro: Paris’s beautiful river is the best way to see the city’s sights – and beyond

It might be chock-full of tree-lined boulevards and covered by the sprawling Métropolitain network, but no trip to Paris is complete without a relaxing ride along the Seine. Trust us. Whether you want to take in the sights and attractions with a bottle of champagne, or prefer to hop on and off as you please, there’s a cruise out there to suit all tastes and budgets. In fact we’ve lined up the very best of them here. All you have to do is find your sea (okay, river) legs and hop aboard! Setting sail on a River Seine cruise really is one of the best things to do when visiting Paris.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best cruises on the River Seine

1. champagne tasting on a seine river cruise.

What could be more pleasureable than taking in the delightful Parisian sights while sipping on a bit of bubbly? Few things, we'll wager. On this 60-minute river cruise, you'll sail down the Seine in style, passing major landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Musee d’Orsay.

2. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River dinner cruise

Let’s face it, cruises aren’t cheap so if you find one that hasn’t got that certain je ne sais quoi then it’s not worth your money. Thankfully, this beautifully decked out boat has you floating past all the sights with a glass of champers in hand, and a live band to keep you company while you tuck into a superb three-course à la carte menu. Tres glam, non?

3. Skip-the-line Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise

Like every world-famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower has become a victim of its own success, and one major frustration when visiting is is the snaking queues to climb up to its viewing galleries. That’s why the savvier visitor to Paris will book this cruise. Once you’ve whizzed up the elegant landmark and snapped a selfie with the Parisian skyline, stroll over to the banks of the Seine river for a close-up of all the sights by boat.

4. Seine River hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise

Take in the City of Lights at a leisurely pace via the Seine River sightseeing cruise. This boat ride, which stops at nine points along the river – including Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral – lets you hop on and off as you please. This not only saves on travel spending, but avoids you having to navigate the Metro network too.

5. Paris illuminations river cruise

Explore the City of Lights in all its dazzling glory via this after-dark cruise, which takes you past floodlit monuments, luminous bridges, not forgetting all those pretty city lights glittering on the water. Oh, and let’s not forget one other pretty major highlight, which is the unbelievably cheap price. Parfait!

6. Bateaux Parisiens Cruise: quick entry ticket

Spent all your euros on fancy plonk? See the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and more from this glass-topped trimaran, which is affordable and informative – if you opt for the audio guide. There’s a real-life human guide aboard too, to provide additional info.

7. Versailles, Paris city tour and Seine River cruise day trip

Kill three birds with one stone on this tour. It begins out of town at the opulent Palace of Versailles, takes you up to the summit of the Eiffel Tower and ends with a relaxing one-hour cruise along the Seine. Perfect for anyone who is only in Paris for a short while, but is determined to do as much in their scant time as possible.

8. Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruise and Moulin Rouge show

If a fancy dinner up the Eiffel Tower, a glitzy show at the Moulin Rouge and a calming cruise along the Seine are top of your Paris to-do list – and if they are, more power to you – then this tour is the one for you. Dig out your sparkliest glad rags and hop aboard!

9. Seine and Marne river loop cruise

Follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists with this six-hour tranquil cruise on the Seine and Marne rivers (the later being a smaller tributuary that makes its way through the east of the capital). The boat will be laid out for lunch so you can tuck into your baguette surrounded by the scenery that inspired some of France’s greatest artists.

10. Seine River cruise and Paris canals tour

Explore the city's canalways; sailing beneath old tunnels steeped in character, through locks that date back tot he nineteenth century and under beautiful bridges. The trip lasts two and half hours and sets off in the morning and afternoon, depending on your preference.

11. Three-in-one: Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Seine cruise tickets

When it comes to your travels, time is precious. So whatever time you save skipping the queues, you can spend enjoying the sights themselves. With this tour, you get to smugly saunter past the chumps waiting in line at the Eiffel Tower AND the Louvre Museum, before chilling on a one-hour cruise of the Seine. Winning!

12. Seine River cruise, Paris illuminations and dinner close to the Champs-Elysees

Ramp up the romance – you are in Paris, after all – with a lamp-lit cruise along the Seine before hopping on a coach that will take you on a route around the city. The tour ends with you tucking into a three-course meal and a glass of wine, overlooking the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Élysées.

13. Paris Seine River Paris Night Bicycle Tour & River Cruise

There’s nothing better conclusion to a day of cycling around the streets of Paris than a boat cruise to rest your aching legs. Oh... and a well-deserved glass of plonk, of course. Combine both on this guided tour and you can contentedly sip your drink as you cruise past sights including the gorgeous Saint-Chapelle on the Ile de la Cité and the Latin Quarter.

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Home > Paris Attractions > Paris River Cruise Guide – What is the Best Seine River Cruise in Paris?

Paris River Cruise Guide – What is the Best Seine River Cruise in Paris?

Glide by the famous sights of paris on a river seine cruise.

The Seine River (La Seine in French) winds its way through the heart of Paris, bisecting the city from east to west. The Seine River is the origin of Paris , and its development is uniquely tied to the River.

If you visit Paris for the first time , book a Seine River cruise to experience the city from a different perspective and spot some of the most famous landmarks in Paris along the waterway. This is especially beautiful on a Seine River night cruise when the historical monuments are lit up: the Eiffel Tower , the Musée d’Orsay , the Conciergerie , Notre Dame , and more.

There are many Seine River cruises in Paris. Some of these Paris river cruises are only for sightseeing, while others come with dinner and music for an all-included magical experience. You can even craft your own River Seine cruise by chartering a boat for you and your crew! Go on reading for the best Seine River cruises Paris offers, with my best tips to help you decide.

Best Seine River Cruises Overview

Day river seine cruises, private seine river tours, seine river dinner cruises, seine sunset cruises, seine river cruises for families.

Table of Contents:

Paris River Cruise – How it Works

Seine river cruises in paris – itinerary & map.

Best Seine River Cruise Paris (Sightseeing Only)

Best Private Seine River Cruise

Best seine river dinner cruise (and what to expect).

Best Seine Sunset Cruise ( Seine River Night Cruise Without Dinner)

Best Seine River Cruise for Families

Seine boat tours – best tips.

A Seine River cruise is one of the top attractions in Paris. I recommend taking a Paris River cruise in the following Paris itineraries:

1 day in Paris itinerary
2 days in Paris itinerary
3 days in Paris itinerary
4 days in Paris itinerary
5 days in Paris itinerary
6 days in Paris itinerary
7 days in Paris itinerary

Many boat companies operate on the River Seine, and they all follow the same itinerary, more or less. The difference between them remains in the starting point, the options, and, of course, the experience onboard.

Seine River cruise times are roughly the same for all companies: 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.

All the boats are adapted to disabled visitors (wheelchair accessible).

A Paris Seine River cruise (only sightseeing) usually lasts 60 minutes to 90 minutes and is available every day of the week. Some cruises offer a glass of champagne, other drinks, and snacks as an option.

A Seine night cruise can be with or without dinner. A Seine River dinner cruise usually lasts 1hr 15 min to 3 hours, and it comes with or without live music. Most of these River Seine cruises with dinner offer different menus with vegetarian and vegan dishes, and this is something that you need to specify during the booking process.

With few exceptions, the itinerary is very similar to all the Seine River cruises in Paris. It covers the part of the Seine River that goes through the central Arrondissements of Paris , from the Eiffel Tower in Paris 7 to the Ile de Saint Louis in Paris 4.

Boats follow the Seine’s Left Bank downstream and turn after Ile de Saint Louis to follow the Seine’s Right Bank upstream.

Along the way, visitors can admire the following top sights: the Eiffel Tower, Assemblée Nationale, Musée d’Orsay, Institut de France, Cité de la Mode, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, Conciergerie, Concorde, Grand Palais, and Palais Chaillot.

Usually, the Seine River dinner cruises sail further to the Statue of Liberty on the Ile-aux-Cygnes .

The map below shows the point of departure of the best Seine cruises in Paris.

Click here to view this Seine River Cruises Map on Google

Yellow: Bateaux Mouches
Red: Bateaux Parisiens
Green: Vedettes de Paris
Purple: Batobus Paris
Black: Paris en Scène
Blue: Paris Canal (Seine River + Canal Saint-Martin)
Brown: Trattoria On Seine (Italian meal + panoramic rooftop)

Best Seine River Cruise Paris ( Sightseeing Only)

Best combo tickets with a paris seine cruise (sightseeing only).

Save money with a Paris combo ticket! Combo tickets usually include 2 or 3 top attractions in Paris at a discounted price (usually 10-15% off).

1. Bâteaux Mouches

The company Bateaux Mouches has been operating on the Seine River since 1949! The iconic Bâteau Mouche is today the fourth most visited paid attraction in Paris, only after the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Centre Georges Pompidou.

The Bâteaux Mouches can transport up to 600 passengers. They are the big double-decker boats with orange seats sailing on the River.

With this Seine River cruise, Paris’ top landmarks won’t have more secrets for you as the cruise is complemented by a pre-recorded narration in multiple languages. You can also book a glass of champagne.

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Departure /arrival point: Pont de l’Alma Rive Droite – Port de la Conférence, Paris 8 Right Bank
Adapted toilets on the pier, a removable ramp for access from the pier to the boat, and no steps on board. No adapted toilets on board.

Click here to Book this Seine River Cruise

2. Bâteaux Parisiens

The Bateaux Parisiens offer similar boat tours to the Bâteaux Mouches. The fleet consists of fully glazed boats that offer an amazing panoramic view, and they can transport up to 250 passengers. Visitors can also stay outdoors on the deck, but space is limited.

Starting from the Eiffel Tower, this Paris Seine River cruise comes with an individual audio guide that is available in 13 languages. The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour, and there’s the option to book it with a glass of champagne.

Duration: 1 hour
Departure /arrival point: Port de la Conférence, Paris 7 Left Bank
Adapted toilets on the pier. Some boats have wheelchair access on the main deck and inside, while others can be accessed through a temporary wheelchair ramp. For adapted toilets also onboard, ask for “Juliette Greco” or “Brigitte Bardot” boats.

TIP: This Seine cruise is included in the Paris City Card . If you are considering buying this fantastic card, this is an extra reason to get it now!

3. Vedettes de Paris

The Vedettes de Paris are elegant, smaller boats that transport fewer people. During the 1-hour Seine River tour, you will learn about the history of Paris and the sights along the River with audio commentary.

This is the best Seine River cruise Paris has to offer to avoid crowds. The onboard bar offers interesting French-inspired apéritifs and snacks. If you know you will be tempted to try some, I recommend booking them online with your ticket: they are usually more expensive if paid onboard.

TIP: This Seine boat tour is included in the Paris Seine Pass . If you are considering buying this fantastic card, this is an extra reason to get it now!

Departure /arrival point: Port de Suffren, Paris 7 Left Bank (see our Google map)
Options: sightseeing cruise, sightseeing cruise + glass of champagne, sightseeing cruise + drink and /or snack
Passengers with wheelchairs can be accommodated with the help of a staff member if passengers are able to climb the 3 steps. There are adapted toilets at the embarkation point and on the boats Paris Etoile, Paris Iéna, and Paris Trocadéro

4. Batobus Paris (Seine River Cruise Hop-On Hop-Off)

This Seine River cruise hop-on, hop-off is the less touristy option available on the Seine River, and it is without audio commentary. It is a great alternative to the classic Paris hop-on hop-off bus because it avoids the traffic jams on the streets of Paris.

This is the best Paris River cruise for a more local experience. It is possible to get on the Batobus Paris as often as you want over a specified period of time without buying new tickets.

Batobus is the Seine River tour that I know best because years ago, it was included in the monthly Navigo Pass Metro pass. It was fun to sail the River Seine from time to time!

Duration: 1 day or 2 days, with unlimited trips
Departure /arrival point: passengers can hop on and off the boat at any of its nine stops: Eiffel Tower, Invalides/Pont Alexandre III, Musée d’Orsay, St Germain des Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardin des Plantes /Cité de la Mode, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre, Champs-Elysées.
Only the stops at the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are accessible to wheelchair users. The other stops have too many steps.

6. River Cruise Paris with Champagne Tastings (Maxim’s + Ô Château)

This 1.5-hour Cruise with Champagne Tastings with a Professional Sommelier is the perfect combo for a unique afternoon in Paris. Board Maxim’s Bâteau Ivre , decorated in the Art Nouveau style, and enjoy the tastings of three champagnes carefully selected by the chef sommelier of Ô Château .

This is a more intimate and fun Paris Seine cruise, set in a Belle Epoque atmosphere. Your sommelier will also share stories about the monuments you see along the cruise while you enjoy the breathtaking view of Paris from the water’s edge.

Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Departure /arrival point: Le Bon Port, at the foot of Notre Dame, in Paris 4 (see our Google Map)

Click here to Book this Seine River Cruise with Champagne Tastings

7. Canal Saint-Martin + Seine Cruise

This Paris River cruise navigates the waters of the Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin. Admire Paris classics, like the Orsay Museum, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, before heading to the tunnels and locks of Paris’ most picturesque Canal.

This is a one-way cruise that starts at the Orsay Museum (Paris 7) and ends at Parc de la Villette in Paris 19. Then, you can explore this less-touristy district of Paris, with interesting sights like the Parc de la Villette, Parc Buttes-Chaumont, and the banks of the Bassin de la Villette. If you prefer, you can sail from La Villette to the Orsay Museum in central Paris by booking this tour .

Duration: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure /arrival point: Port de Solferino, in Paris 7 Left Bank /La Villette or vice-versa (see our Google map)
Options: sightseeing cruise only

Click here to book this Seine River + Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

Craft your own experience and book a private cruise on the Seine River. Admire Paris’ most beautiful avenue while sipping a glass of wine or enjoying a picnic onboard.

There’s no best private Seine River cruise; it depends on what you are looking for! You can book this private Seine boat tour which follows a similar itinerary to the other Seine boat tours, or choose another boat more adapted for you and your group ( the map on this page shows where the boats are moored).

Most of the boats for rent in Paris come with a skipper, so let him do the hard work while you sit back, relax, and have fun with your partner, family, or group.

With this kind of river cruise, Paris will delight you. You can bring your own food and wine for a picnic or a French apéritif . Sometimes, you can purchase them as an add-on during the booking process.

Click here to book a Private Seine Boat Tour

A Paris night cruise with dinner is one of the best things to do in Paris at night . Enjoy the views and some of the famous foods in Paris while sailing through the city’s most beautiful avenue.

Some boat companies offer two Seine River dinner cruises a day, the first starting around 6 p.m. and the second starting at 8:30 p.m. or later.

The first Seine River dinner cruise is usually less expensive. This is because the menu options are more limited, and the cruise is shorter. The second dinner cruise is fancier and usually features live music.

For some people, 70 minutes is long enough to have their meal while enjoying some of Paris’s most beautiful sights. Others will find that it is a bit rushed.

Another important thing to consider is the time of the cruise, especially during the summer . If you want to do this Seine cruise at night, check out the Paris sunset times and plan your Seine night cruise accordingly:

The 6 p.m. Seine River night cruise finishes around 7:10 p.m. This means that during the summer, you will be sailing in daylight.
With the 8 p.m. Seine night cruise, you can be sure to enjoy the Paris illuminations during the tour, at least for the last part of the cruise.

The dress code for a dinner cruise in Paris is usually smart casual (check what to wear in Paris here ), but nobody will complain if you wear your best dress or suit! Find the best dinner cruise in Paris for you from the options below.

1. Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise

Bateaux Parisiens offers a Seine River dinner cruise starting at 8:30 p.m.

In general, this Seine River dinner cruise gets good reviews for its food, drinks, and kind staff. The 3-course meal comes with different starters, main dishes, and dessert options, and all the proposals include a glass of champagne. There is also a vegetarian option available.

This Seine River dinner cruise features live music and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. The price varies depending on the menu and the placement of your table.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: I suggest paying a little extra to be seated along the windows (Service Privilege) or at the bows of the boat (Service Premier). It is well worth it!

Click here to Book this Seine River Dinner Cruise

2. Paris en Scène Dinner Cruise

Paris en Scène is perhaps the lesser-known boat company offering Seine River dinner cruises in Paris. However, its proposal is very attractive and flexible, and it is definitely one of the best Paris River cruises with dinner.

First of all, the boats are imagined like a theatre where the Seine River is the main stage. All the seats are arranged in front of the windows to admire the Seine River and all the monuments illuminated along the way. The passengers are comfortably seated in large club chairs and they dine side by side on tables specially designed to enjoy both the view and the meal ( click here to see the pictures ). Boats also have a bar and a huge open sky terrace, so visitors can get the most out of the Seine River during the cruise.

With prices starting at 59€, this is definitely the least expensive dinner cruise in Paris. The meals are Parisian bistro-style, all cooked on-site, and with fresh and seasonal produce. Enjoy a 2-course menu starter, main, and dessert at your window-facing table, and upgrade it with wine or champagne.

3. Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise

Bateaux Mouches offers a River Seine cruise with dinner starting at 8:30 p.m. In general, this river cruise gets good reviews for food, wine, and entertainment.

The all-inclusive menu offers 3-5 different options (depending on the chosen menu) of starter, main dish, and cheese or dessert, and there’s always at least one vegetarian option for each course. Beverages and coffee or tea are included.

Bâteaux Mouches offers a romantic dinner cruise lulled by the sound of the piano and violin. Enjoy a three-course menu designed to bring you the best of French cuisine and good live music with your best company in the City of Light.

Best Seine Sunset Cruise (Seine River Night Cruise Without Dinner)

For those who wish to cruise along the Seine River at sunset – at night, admiring Paris illuminated, without having dinner –, there are a few options competing for the best Seine River night cruise without dinner.

An important thing to consider for a Paris night cruise is the sunset time, as the sunset in Paris in summer is quite late. If you want to take a Seine sunset cruise – night cruise, check out the Paris sunset times and book accordingly.

Both the Happy Hour Evening Cruise on the Seine and the Apéritif Cruise on the Seine are mid-size boats that come with music and a bar onboard. The difference between these two Seine cruises is the duration of the cruise, with a longer itinerary for the Happy Hour Evening Cruise. This Happy Hour Evening Cruise also offers the option to buy some food.

TIP: Save money with the Paris Seine Pass , a combo ticket that includes the Apéritif Cruise on the Seine mentioned above, access to the Sainte-Chapelle and the Orsay Museum , and a 10% discount on other Paris attractions.

What is the best Seine River cruise in Paris for families? There are a couple of Paris River cruises especially designed for families with children. They both last 1 hour, and the commentary is more adapted for the little ones.

The Paris Cruise for Kids (with Quiz) comes with a booklet – a Paris quiz for children, but it is in French.

In my opinion, the best Seine River cruise for families is this Family Cruise on the Seine . This Seine River tour comes with a funny live guide (English and French) specialized in capturing the imagination of the little ones. There is also an audio guide in other languages.

Conicergerie - View from the Seine River

» While you can buy tickets for most of the sightseeing cruises the same day at the dock, you may be able to save money by purchasing it online in advance. Be sure to print the confirmation email out and take it with you to claim your ticket at the dock.

» First arrived, first served! Tickets for sightseeing cruises do not have a seat assigned, so try to arrive well in advance to find a good seat to admire the Seine River.

» On a Seine night cruise with dinner, it is worth paying a little extra to be seated by the window and enjoy a better view.

» The Paris City Card tourist card includes a Seine River cruise. If you are considering buying this fantastic card, this is an extra reason to get it now! Find all the Paris City Card benefits here .

» Seine cruises might be canceled if the water level is too high or too low to operate. In this case, you will be given a couple of options, including a full refund.

So there you have it, a selection of the best Seine River cruises in Paris, so you can find the best River Seine cruise for you and your crew. Which Paris Seine cruise would you like to take right now?

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Best Seine River Cruises in Paris, Best Cruises on the River Seine, Sightseeing Seine Cruises in Paris, Seine River Dinner Cruises, Seine Night Cruises

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Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

THE CRUISE DETECTIVE

Home » 5 Best Seine River Cruises in Paris in 2024 (Personally Tested)

5 Best Seine River Cruises in Paris in 2024 (Personally Tested)

Published: Dec 23, 2023 Last updated: April 5, 2024

Author: Adam Dimitrov — Owner & Head Cruise Detective

🏆 Editor's #1 Choice

✔️ tested by author

After personally testing the top five Seine river cruises in Paris, I concluded that Bateaux Parisiens offers the best sightseeing experience .

It's Paris's most popular Seine boat tour, offering a well-rounded experience with virtually no downsides. ‍

Here are the top 3 reasons why:

Choose from two pre-recorded audio guides (14 languages) or enjoy live commentary.
Explore the city on a spacious and modern ship with excellent amenities.
Delight in the Parisian cityscape with 360° panoramic views.

💡 You can also read in this article in French , Spanish , Italian , German or Dutch .

The problem with river cruises in Paris is that there are too many to choose from !

Each promises a great experience, making the decision difficult.

The stakes are high — no one wants a poor choice to ruin an otherwise unforgettable vacation, especially in a city like Paris, which for many is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fortunately, the Cruise Detective is here to help.

I embarked on a 12-day journey to Paris to find definitive answers by trying out the five most popular river cruises and dinner cruises .

Each has thousands of glowing reviews, so the most reliable way to rank them was to experience them all .

This article gives you an incredibly detailed rundown of my findings.

‍ Note: I am not sponsored by any of the companies I review. I pay for my cruises with my hard-earned money and review anonymously to deliver thorough and unbiased reviews.

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps sustain my work. Cheers!

Summary & Comparison — 5 Best Seine River Cruises in Paris

💡 Reviews are calculated using the weighted average and aggregate review count from GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor, and Viator. I also include listings that I consider "arbitrary duplicates" of the original ones (e.g. the same cruise during the day vs night).

Paris River Cruise Itinerary

Every river cruise on this list follows the same itinerary (except the St. Martin Canal cruise), which runs between the Statue of Liberty and Pont de Sully (Sully Bridge). The route passes nearly 20 landmarks, including:

The Eiffel Tower
Pont Alexandre III
Musée d'Orsay
Grand Palais
Petit Palais
Institut de France
Île de la Cité
Notre Dame Cathedral
Hotel de Ville
Louvre Museum
Place de la Concorde
The Statue of Liberty

Is It Worth Trying A Seine River Cruise in Paris?

Yes, absolutely.

A caveat I’d add is that while the Eiffel Tower is beautiful to witness, particularly after 8 pm when the sparkling lights are on for 5 minutes at the start of every hour , I have to say that I found the Seine River to be less captivating compared to other cities like Budapest , London , or Amsterdam .

Next, let's get into the nitty gritty of our review.

1. 🏆 Best Paris River Cruise Overall (Bateaux Parisiens)

✔️ Great All-Around Experience ✔️ Modern and Well-Equipped Ship ✔️ Great Location at the Eiffel Tower ✔️ Great Smartphone Audio Guide (Web Browser Based, Download Not Required) ✔️ Live Commentary and Built-In/Non-App Audio Guide Available ✔️ Covered Waiting Area ✔️ Vending Machines Available On Board

❌ Top Deck Seats Face the Sides, Not the Front ❌ Built-In Audio Guide is Unhygienic, Impractical and Has Low Sound Quality ❌ Live Narrator Hard to Understand in Non-French Languages ❌ Smatphone Based Audio Guide Requires Earbuds

Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?

Miles ahead of other Seine river cruises in popularity based on review counts, I was very curious to try Bateaux Parisiens.

I wasn’t disappointed.

Bateaux Parisiens and its boats are top-notch — they have spacious decks, 360° panoramic views up top, cozy seats, vending machines and clean restrooms. However, the top deck seats face the sides, which means some neck turning.

Peak season crowds are inevitable , but you know how Paris is — it's bustling everywhere. I experienced it myself, but when I visited in October, it wasn't that bad.

They claim to be wheelchair accessible, and they sort of are. The main deck has numerous 1-step stairs scattered around, and there’s limited space to maneuver with a wheelchair.

Additionally, there’s no way for a wheelchair user to ascend the stairs to the top deck unless you can cast Wingardium Leviosa.

(Update: They have access ramps available, so you can to move around on the bottom deck. The top deck is inaccessible.)

The audio guide on the smartphone is crystal-clear and of high quality. They offer three different options (smartphone, phone dial, and live), which is a little excessive.

The location is right next to the Eiffel Tower, so finding it is easy peasy.

In summary, the sightseeing cruise was well-organized from start to finish , with no next to no inconveniences during my experience.

💡 Duplicate listing warning: This Bateaux Parisiens sightseeing cruise with over 9700 reviews is exactly the same as the cruise I recommend in this article. Same service, same price, same ship. It's a duplicate. Just mentioning this to clear up any confusion.

About Bateaux Parisiens

Bateaux Parisiens was founded in 1956 and currently operates a fleet of 8 sightseeing boats and 5 restaurant cruise boats .

Their compound is located just 2 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower. The company has a diverse workforce of 270 staff members from 37 nationalities, representing 50 different professions.

Each year, they welcome 3.4 million passengers on board their boats.

💡 Other popular options cruises and bundles from Bateaux Parisiens: 1. Cruise with Crepe Tasting 🥞 near the Eiffel Tower 2. Day or Sunset Cruise with Drink 🍷, Ice Cream 🍨 or Dessert 🍰 3. Cruise with Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket 🎫 4. 2-Hour Lunch Cruise on the Seine

Video: Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise Review

Take a look at this short video I made to get an accurate feel of the cruise:

Teaser Video (Made by Bateaux Parisiens)

What's included.

A 60-minute Seine river cruise with an audio guide (2 pre-recorded options and a live narrator are available) in up to 14 languages .
Food or drinks are available from onboard vending machines.
You can show up anytime (for the day you selected) and board the next cruise with your ticket.

Detailed Breakdown — Before the Cruise

Assembly area.

Bateaux Parisiens is located in the most prominent section of the Seine’s lower embankment, near the Eiffel Tower , which makes it convenient and easy to find.
The assembly area includes a ticket office, parking spots, restaurants (the Bistro Parisien), and various vendors selling food, drinks, and coffee.

To board, head to Zone 3.1 for a mandatory bag check as part of the security process. After clearing security, you’ll enter a covered waiting area equipped with vending machines.

Getting There

🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France

Detailed Breakdown — During The Cruise

The ship is a modern and spacious double-decker with a 400-person capacity. For the best views and comfortable seating, head to the upper deck.
Bateaux Parisiens has 8 sightseeing ships in its fleet, so you’re experience might be slightly different than pictured here.

The Lower Deck

Seating downstairs is divided into two types: window seats and middle seats. The window seats are preferable, as you can’t see much from the middle seats.
The lower deck also features a toilet (only urinal for men) and vending machines in the back.

The Top Deck

The upper deck offers 360° panoramic views , which lets you enjoy the city panorama and snap photos.
The seating arrangement consists of benches oriented to the sides (without backrests), with a standing-only frontal section available for those who prefer to face ahead.

Cruise Itinerary & Views

The cruise follows a standard itinerary , covering the area between the Eiffel Tower and the Austerlitz Bridge.

Key landmarks along the route include the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Palais Bourbon, Musée d’Orsay, Institut de France, Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Conciergerie, the Louvre, the Obelisk, the Grand Palais.

Audio Guide

The audio guide on Bateaux Parisiens offers three options .

Smartphone Audio Guide

The best option is a mobile-friendly website available in 7 languages (French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Chinese).
It offers clear audio and high content quality , along with interactive features like photo filters and quizzes for each location.
Try the fun photo filter. You won’t regret it 😉
It's accessible through your browser. No app download is required.

Wired "Phone Dial" Audio Guide

The second option is a wired audio guide that resembles a phone dial available at each window seat. They are literal dials that you could pull out from a hole and put next to your ear like an old phone. One could alternatively use plugged-in earbuds.
It comes in 14 languages (English, German, Chinese-Mandarin, Korean, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, French, Arabic, Hindi).
Based on what I saw, not many people were using it . Maybe due to hygiene concerns? It had basic controls (change language, change volume) and subpar audio quality (like on an old phone).

Live Audio Commentary

A live guide is also onboard , offering narration in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German, which can be heard everywhere on the ship.
However, his heavy accent in languages other than French made them hard to understand . Personally, I found the smartphone option satisfactory if I wanted audio commentary.

Quick Facts

📅 Schedule: Cruises depart every 30-60 minutes from 10 am - 10 pm. Tickets include flexible arrival times - show up when convenient and board the next cruise.
🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
🌐 Wifi: Available ✔️
💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
🚬 Smoking: Not allowed ❌
♿ Wheelchair accessible: Lower levels only with access ramp ✔️
🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible (️infant seats also available) ✔️
% Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-3), 50% off standard ticket price (age 4-11) ✔️ ‍
🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near the meeting point (subject to availability) ✔️

2. 🥈 Second-Best Paris River Cruise (Bateaux Mouches)

✔️ Great All-Around Experience ✔️ Modern, Massive and Well-Equipped Ship ✔️ Great Location at the Alma - Marceau metro ✔️ Great Loudspeaker Commentary in English ✔️ Covered Waiting Area ✔️ Air-Conditioned Waiting Lounge ✔️ All Seats Face the Front

❌ No Bar or Vending Machines On Board ‍

Bateaux Mouches offers a slightly different yet stellar sightseeing experience in the same weight class as Bateaux Parisiens.

Located near the Alma-Marceau metro station, it’s a short walk from the Eiffel Tower .

The assembly area has a covered waiting area , an air-conditioned waiting lounge , and a ticket office.

Paid parking is also available (for free if you go on one of their dinner cruises ).

Their ships are massive, double-decker vessels capable of accommodating over 1000 passengers each at a time.

The upper deck of these boats offers 360° panoramic views and front facings seats (vs. side facing on Bateaux Parisiens — this way, you don’t have to turn your necks constantly), ideal for photo opportunities.

The lower deck provides comfortable outdoor and indoor seating , though with a lesser panorama. The lower deck is spacious enough to accommodate wheelchair users .

The audio guide , broadcast via loudspeakers in English , offers high-quality sound and informative content, enhancing the sightseeing experience.

One notable feature is that they turn off the lights after dusk to eliminate window glare on the bottom deck.

Overall, Bateaux Mouches offers a memorable tour of Paris’ key sights along the Seine . There are no significant drawbacks, making it my number two choice.

💡 Why so few reviews? Bateaux Mouches is the second most popular cruise company in Paris, on Par with Bateaux Parisiens. They have five sightseeing and five dinner cruise ships running day and night. They've got a vast compound where I stood in line. It was brimming with people. This reality isn't well reflected online for some odd reason. They seriously need a proper online presence.

Video: Bateaux Mouches River Cruise Review

About bateaux mouches.

Bateaux Mouches, founded in 1949 , offers Seine sightseeing and dinner cruises with a fleet of 15 boats. It stands as the 4th top-paid attraction in Paris, serving 2.5 million visitors annually .

During peak seasons, the operation supports over 450 employees , and each sightseeing boat has a capacity of 1,000 passengers .

Since its inception, Bateaux Mouches has welcomed over 150 million guests.

💡 Other popular options cruises and bundles from Bateaux Mouches: 1. Louvre Museum Reserved Access and Boat Cruise 🎫

Before the Cruise

A 70-minute Seine river cruise with an audio guide (pre-recorded, broadcast via loudspeaker) in English only .
Food or drinks are available from the onboard bar.

Bateaux Mouches is located next to Pont‘d Alma (metro station Alma-Marceau), a 15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
The assembly area includes a ticket office, parking spots, an air-conditioned waiting lounge, and vending machines.

To board, head to the large building and get in line. There weren’t any security checks when I went. After validating your ticket, you’ll enter a covered waiting area equipped with vending machines and an air-conditioned waiting lounge .
🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France

During The Cruise

The ship is a massive double-decker that has the capacity to accommodate over 1000 passengers on some ships. The upper deck provides better views, as usual.
These boats can get crowded , but they have a large capacity to handle the crowd. Crowds are a common occurrence in Paris, it’s something we all have to accept.
Bateux Mouches’s fleet comprises 6 sightseeing boats , so your experience may vary.

The outdoor seating arrangement (on the sides of the ship) comprises two columns of chairs, each two chairs wide, with backrests facing the front. These have better views than the indoor seats, but they don’t offer 360° panoramic views like on the upper deck.
The indoor seating arrangement has two columns of chairs, each three chairs wide, with backrests facing the front and a central aisle for walking. This area is great for warming up during winter, but it does not offer as much of a view.
A nice touch I discovered is that they turn off the lights when it’s dark, allowing you to see outside without the glare.

The upper deck offers 360° panoramic views , which lets you enjoy the panorama of the city and take photos.
The seating arrangement comprises two columns of chairs, each three chairs wide , with backrests facing the front and a central aisle for walking.

Audio Commentary (Broadcast Through Loudspeakers)

The audio guide on Bateaux Mouches is broadcast in English only through loudspeakers. I found it informative, enjoyable, and high quality - both in terms of sound and content.
📅 Schedule: Departures run frequently from 10 am to 10 pm.
🌐 Wifi: Not available ❌
♿ Wheelchair accessible: Accessible ✔️
% Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-3), 6€ tickets (age 4-12) ✔️ ‍
🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near the meeting point (subject to availability)✔️

3.🥉 Best Paris River Cruise with French Music (Vedettes de Paris)

✔️ Great All-Around Experience ✔️ Modern and Well-Equipped Ship ✔️ Great Location at the Eiffel Tower ✔️ Bar Available On Board ✔️ Covered Waiting Area

❌ No Built-In Audio Guide Available, Only Optional Smartphone App ‍

If you're looking for a more intimate, cozy, and smaller-scale cruising experience, Vedettes de Paris is the perfect choice compared to sightseeing cruises, which handle massive crowds daily.

They are situated in a prime location near the Eiffel Tower and Bateaux Parisiens, which is perfect.

Their small-to-medium-sized, double-decker ships can accommodate around 220 passengers each.

The lower deck features open-air built-in benches and indoor standard seating with limited views, whereas the upper deck provides 360° panoramic views of Paris – making it the prime spot for this cruise.

They played pop music on their ships on the loudspeakers on this cruise.

Update (2024 Jan): They changed this to quintessential French songs so visitors can enjoy that quintessential Parisian vibe we all expect.

A downloadable audio guide app is available in six languages. Alternatively, you can join a cruise with live narration in English and French .

On this Seine River cruise, you can explore Parisian landmarks between the Eiffel Tower and the Austerlitz Bridge, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Grand Palais.

Video: Vedettes de Paris River Cruise Review

About vedettes de paris.

Vedettes de Paris was established in 1976 and offers sightseeing cruises on the Seine River with smaller, more intimate boats in Paris.

The cruises depart from the Eiffel Tower and include guided day cruises and evening aperitif cruises with music.

The company has a dedicated staff of 70 employees .

💡 Other popular options cruises and bundles from Vedettes de Paris: 1. Seine Cruise with Drinks 🍷 and Snacks 🌭 2. Seine River Morning Guided Sightseeing Cruise 🌄 3. Family-Friendly River Seine Guided Cruise 👪

A 60-minute Seine river cruise with an audio guide (via downloadable app) in 6 languages . This identical cruise by the same company has a live English/French narrator on board instead.

Vedettes de Paris is located in the most prominent section of the Seine’s lower embankment, near the Eiffel Tower , which makes it convenient and easy to find. It’s right next to Bateaux Parisiens.
The assembly area includes a ticket office, parking spots, restaurants (the Bistro Parisien), and various vendors selling food, drinks, and coffee. Just head over to Bateaux Parisiens to find them.

To board, find the ticket office — the boarding area is right next to it . Vedettes de Paris has a covered waiting area, like most other cruises.
🗺️ Meeting point: 2 Port de Suffren, 75007 Paris, France

The ship is a medium-sized double-decker that has the capacity to accommodate 220 passengers. There’s a wide variety of seating arrangements, so bear with me.
Note that Vedettes de Paris operates different types of boats, so your boat may be slightly different from the one I experienced.

The ship’s outdoor seating consists of built-in benches located both at the front and back. However, they are not front-facing . The toilet and stairs to the upper deck are located at the back.

The indoor section has standard front-facing seats with backrests, which are located in the middle (below) and front areas (above).

This deck doesn’t provide true 360° panoramic views, as seen in the photos. It’s better to go to the upper deck for that.

The upper deck provides a 360° panoramic view of the city, perfect for taking photos.
Seating-wise, there are two columns of chairs, each three chairs wide, with backrests facing the front and a central aisle for walking. There are a handful of side-facing benches at the front.

There is no built-in audio guide available on this cruise. Instead, the ship’s loudspeakers play pop music. Update (2024 Jan): The company switched to quintessential French songs.
There is a mobile app available in six languages (French, English, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, and German), that offers a glimpse into the history of Paris. Using the phone's GPS, it automatically plays the commentary corresponding to the attraction. I haven’t tested it (since I had no earbuds on me), so I can’t comment on the sound and content quality.

Live Commentary

‍ ‍ Alternatively, the company offers this nearly identical cruise with live commentary in French and English . It runs every day until 18:30.
📅 Schedule: Departures run frequently from 11 am to 9 pm.
♿ Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible ❌
👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible ✔️
% Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-3), 9€ tickets (age 4-11) ✔️ ‍

4. Hop-On/Hop-Off Paris River Cruise (Batobus)

✔️ 9 Hop-On Hop-Off Stops ✔️ Unlimited Use for 24–48 Hours ✔️ Can be Useful for Transportation and Getting Around

❌ Not Ideal for Sightseeing as There Are No Great Views. ❌ No Audio Guide available. ❌ The Top Deck is Not Accessible. ❌ If the Sun Shines Too Strongly, It Can Get Hot and Blinding. ❌ No Bar or Vending Machines Available on Board. ❌ Mediocre Ship

Batobus is a hop-on hop-off cruise that provides a flexible way to travel up and down the Seine, with nine different stops near major Parisian attractions.

It is not ideal for sightseeing, and it lacks basic amenities like an audio guide, toilet, bar, or vending machines.

The ship, designed more for transportation than sightseeing, is a single-decker accommodating up to 150-200 passengers . In other words, it lacks a top deck and there are no 360° panoramic views.

The main deck has a wacky seating arrangement , with seats facing every direction. The worst offenders are the seats in the middle of the ship, which offer virtually no views whatsoever.

The ship has a small open-air area in the rear, where people flock to shoot unobstructed photos of the Eiffel Tower or get some fresh air.

The views are rather limited even if you sit next to windows since you’re limited to seeing one bank of the Seine or the other.

Because the ship has lots of glass panels, if the Sun shines from a bad angle, not only it does it get hot, but you won't see anything either.

The cruise follows a standard itinerary between the Eiffel Tower and the Austerlitz Bridge, encompassing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Overall, I recommend skipping this cruise and instead using the metro for transportation and opting for a proper sightseeing cruise for a better experience.

Video: Batobus River Cruise Review

About batobus.

Batobus, established in 1989 , offers a hop-on hop-off river service along the Seine in Paris, featuring nine stops at major attractions . It operates a fleet of eight boats with a capacity of 200 passengers each and additional boats holding 150 passengers.

A 60-minute Seine river cruise with NO audio guide .
Food or drinks are NOT available onboard.
You can embark/disembark as many times as you’d like since this is an unlimited hop-on, hop-off cruise.

💡 Other popular ecruises and bundles from Batobus: 1. Batobus/Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Bus 🚍🚏 with Seine River Cruise

There's no one major boarding area. Batebus has 9 stops next to every major attraction along the Seine , where you can embark/disembark as you please.

I’ve only been to the Notre Dame stop — not sure how the others are. There’s an indoor ticket office there, but otherwise, it’s an open-air area with Batobus flags.
Note: Batobus has several stations along the Seine, as you'd expect from a hop-on hop-off company.

The ship is a relatively small single-decker with a 200-person capacity.
This ship isn’t great for sightseeing compared to every other cruise I tried. There aren’t any 360° views either since there’s no top deck.

The ship has mostly indoor seats , but they open the windows in the warmer season, which is nice since even in October, the sunlight can be blinding and it can be hot inside.
The seats face every direction , some with virtually non-existent panorama (i.e. the middle seats, as seen in the photo above).
This reinforces the idea that this boat is designed for transportation rather than sightseeing.
The side glasses are transparent, while the roof panels are opaque.

There’s a small open-air area in the back.
Unlike most Seine river cruises, Batobus ships are single-decked, meaning there's only a ground floor deck .

Batobus does not offer audio guides or commentary . However, an employee announces stops in English and French.
📅 Schedule: Departures run frequently from 10 am to 5 pm (Mon-Thu) and 10 am to 7 pm (Fri-Sun) , allowing for flexible arrival times — simply show up when it's convenient for you. s Not Operate Every Day of The Week ❌ Only Avai
🚻 Restroom: No ❌
% Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-2), 13€ tickets (age 3-15) ✔️ ‍
🚗 Parking: Depends on which of the 9 stops you want to park near.

5. St. Martin Canal Cruise (Paris Canal)

✔️ Great All-Around Experience ✔️ Slow Paced Experience ✔️ Covers Unique Itinerary (St. Martin Canal) ✔️ Great Live Commentary by Experienced Guide in English/French ✔️ Bar Available On Board ✔️ Covers Part of The Seine Until Orsay Museum

❌ The Location is Hard to Reach ❌ No Covered Waiting Area ❌ Does Not Operate Every Day of The Week ❌ Only Available at 10 am/2.30 pm ❌ The Upper Deck Seats Are Side-Facing ❌ The Ship is Decent but Slightly Dated ❌ The Ride is a Bit Too Long (2-2.5h) ❌ Does Not Cover the Eiffel Tower

Paris Canal’s St. Martin Canal cruise offers a distinctive 2.5-hour experience, starting from Parc de la Villette and ending at Musée d’Orsay.

This journey avoids mainstream Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, instead offering a more authentic view of the city through the St. Martin Canal .

The cruise ship, though slightly dated, accommodates 500 passengers and features a double-decker design.

The lower deck provides indoor seating and a small bar, while the upper deck offers a panoramic view of the surroundings.

The seating , more comfortable on the top deck, includes benches and chairs, with some premium spots in the captain’s heated cabin.

An interesting feature of this cruise is the option to start either from Parc de la Villette or Musée d’Orsay the Seine.

The itinerary is rich in local charm , navigating several canal locks and a mile-long tunnel, presenting a side of Paris less seen by tourists.

The live audio commentary in English and French , delivered by an experienced guide, adds depth to the experience.

Despite its no-frills approach and the sometimes long waiting times at canal locks, Paris Canal’s cruise offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the heart of Paris , making it a worthwhile experience for those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist path.

Video: Paris St. Martin Canal Cruise Review

About paris canal co..

Paris Canal, established in 1977 , specializes in diverse cruises on the Seine, the Marne, and the Paris canals. With a dedicated team and 40 years of history , they offer sightseeing trips, group cruises, and private events, focusing on more unique, lesser-known parts of Paris.

💡 For clarity's sake, here are all the cruises on the St. Martin Canal: 1. St. Martin Canal Cruise TO Musée d'Orsay (2.30 PM) 2. St. Martin Canal Cruise TO Musée d'Orsay (10 AM) 3. St. Martin Canal Cruise FROM Musée d'Orsay (10 AM / 2.30 PM)

A 2.5-hour long St. Martin canal cruise with drop-off at Musée d’Orsay. In other words, you won’t see the Eiffel Tower from this cruise.
There’s live English/French narration on board.
Food or drinks are available at the onboard bar.

Paris Canal cruise starts from Parc de la Villette in the 19th district . There’s a park nearby which is worth exploring, so I’d come an hour earlier to do so.
Alternatively, you can embark at the Musée d’Orsay and sail up the St. Martin Canal. Booking this is possible on Viator , but not on GetYourguide.

There’s no major boarding infrastructure at Parc de la Villette, as this is quite a niche boat tour. It’s open air, but you can take shelter under nearby buildings if the weather is bad.
🗺️ Meeting point: 211 Av. Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France
Note: It's possible to have this trip in reverse e.g. boarding on the Seine and disembarking on Parc de Villete (Canal St. Martin). Note that the ticket is one-way only.

The ship is a large, no-frills and slightly dated double-decker with a 500-person capacity . As always, for the best views and comfortable seating, head to the upper deck.

Most of this deck has indoor seating with feeble-looking yet surprisingly sturdy but uncomfortable front-facing seats with backrests. You can’t see much from here and forget about 360° panoramic views.

The outdoor section at the back and front of the ship does have better views, but alas, there are only a few cold metal seats available.

There is a clean toilet and a small bar serving hot drinks and snacks on this level. Additionally, there’s a staircase in the center that leads up to the Captain’s cabin.

The upper deck offers a 360° panoramic view of the St. Martin Canal and the surrounding cityscape. The only imperfection is that all of the seats are facing the sides instead of the front.

There are three different types of seating options available.
The first type is two rows of bench-style seating (on the sides), followed by two rows of mixed benches and ordinary chairs in a 50/50 ratio in the center.
All of these were more comfortable than the seats downstairs.

Bonus: There are a handful of seats available in the captain’s cabin , which is heated! I really appreciated this feature during the cold weather in November.

Unlike most other cruises, Paris Canal’s cruise takes place on the St. Martin Canal , starting from Parque de la Villette and concluding on the Seine by the Musée d’Orsay.

You will experience several canal lock crossings and a mile-long tunnel .

I found the cruise to be much more interesting than the Seine , and the surrounding cityscape was more charming, authentic and offbeat. ‍
However, there was considerable waiting at the canal locks , where you transition from one section of the canal to the next.

Note: The itinerary doesn’t cover the Eiffel Tower.

Paris Canal’s cruises offer a live audio commentary in English and French , performed by an experienced guide who provides informative and interesting insights and is also available to answer questions.
📅 Schedule: 10:00 and 14:30. Please check the schedule as they do not run every day.
% Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-3), 15-20€ tickets (children, teenagers and seniors) ✔️ ‍
🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near the meeting point ✔️

TheCruiseDetective.com is your free guide to help choose the best river cruises around the world. We test, evaluate and review river cruises in the various cities around the world for your benefit.

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Cruise on the Seine with Bateaux Mouches

Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches® invites you on a cruise to explore Paris from its best avenue: the Seine. Book online for brunch or lunch in a quirky restaurant, a romantic dinner on the water or simply a guided tour for an original way to visit Paris’ most beautiful monuments, from one of our boats.

Explore Paris differently

Climb on board one of our boats and explore Paris from a different viewpoint, from the Seine. Sail past the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris, the Conciergerie, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay ...

Quirky restaurant and romantic cruise

Explore Paris over a delicious meal!

All our dishes are cooked by our own chefs using seasonal products in our boats’ modern kitchens.

Our à la carte menus include aperitif, starters, main courses, cheeses and desserts as well as a selection of wines matched to the dishes served, mineral water, non-alcoholic drinks and to finish, traditional teas and coffees accompanied by an after-dinner liqueur.

A romantic moment in one of the most unique restaurants in Paris

Rental and Privately Hiring a boat on the Seine

All year round Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches is available to host private and professional events by offering its boats for rent or private hire for daytime or evening. You will be assigned a dedicated team to assist you with organising your personal event, helping you hand-pick the services you require: from the wide choice of menus to various types of entertainment, and not forgetting personal decor.

Open today from 10h30 to 23h00

Experience Paris and its monuments from a cruise boat, in a friendly, relaxed setting.

Cruise along the river, at your own pace, with our new mobile audioguide app!

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Embark for a relaxing hour on the Seine, with music and an after-work atmosphere!

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Les Andelys on a Seine River Cruise from Chateau Gaillard

A First Timer’s Guide to Paris and Normandy on Viking

A Ship With a View

Viking Longship Radgrid in front of the Eiffel Tower on the Seine in Paris

A room with a view is one of the ultimate luxuries in Paris; but, being able to see the Eiffel Tower from a hotel drives the price into the stratosphere (the best I’ve done in the past is a sliver of the tower, only spotted when standing on my tiptoes). So I was especially delighted to discover my Seine cruise aboard Radgrid with Viking was not only docked in the heart of the city, but also had a front row seat for prime Eiffel Tower views.

A true highlight: A simple stroll up to the top deck in the evening rewarded me with the landmark’s glittering evening light show, without any of the city’s crowds and without having to step off the ship (I even wore slippers).

Paris is lovely on its own, but sailing down the waterway that creates its beating heart presents an even more majestic view. 37 bridges traverse the Seine, and while I’ve wandered over a few, departing Paris on my Viking Longship , sitting on my private balcony and seeing the sculptural elements up close, was a magical experience. Not to mention being side-by-side with the replica Statue of Liberty in the middle of the waterway, a unique city view.

Delightful Ports

One of the top reasons to sail the Seine with Viking is to step into the storybook towns that line the riverbanks. Many of these were established in the middle ages, dating back a thousand years to when the primary mode of transportation was by boat. So approaching from the water provides a thoroughly authentic entrance.

And the ease of visiting ports was a delight, too. Our Viking Longship would silently slip into place, the gangplank was secured, and within 10 minutes or so, passengers were strolling onto riverside paths and directly into town. I’ve never reached a destination faster (certainly not the time I rented a car in France and couldn’t maneuver through the narrow cobblestone streets).

A Viking Longship moored in front of the gardens of Chateau Gaillard in La Roche guyon

Some of my favorite stops: tiny La Roche-Guyon , where gardens greeted me as I stepped off the ship, leading me up to a perfectly preserved chateau which held sublime tapestries from the 18th century; Rouen , where I explored the Beaux Arts museum and found galleries of Impressionist paintings of the very views I had been enjoying on my journey; and a stroll through the postcard-pretty streets of Les Andelys , which turned up an antique store with vintage silver serving pieces I had evidently been needing all my life.

Spectacular Staff

The chef on French Night on a Viking Longship

“Be sure to visit the bakery,” my friendly Viking room attendant told me when she saw me donning my jacket to step outside in La Roche-Guyon. “It’s better than Paris!” With an enticement like that, how could I resist? (And she was right, they were, without a doubt, some of the best eclairs and croissants I’ve ever eaten.)

On a river cruise, I discovered it's easy to get to know the staff – they’re constantly making sure you have what you need and learn your names and preferences nearly instantly. At breakfast, the chef remembered how I liked my eggs, in the evening the bartender knew a late night port was my preferred nightcap. And the program director topped it all like a cherry on a sundae.

Sometimes she was like a late night television host, personally hosting cheese tastings, giving insightful and funny port talks, and breaking the ice for the many groups of new cruisers.

Wreath-laying at the American Cemetery on a Viking Paris & the Heart of Normandy Seine River Cruise

Most impressive for me, though, was when she accompanied the ship’s guests to the American Cemetery in Normandy. She arranged a private wreath laying ceremony just for our group, and moved the servicemen and women who were sailing with us into a honor line in front. It was one of the most memorable, and emotional, moments of the trip, in large part due to her very personal touch.

Culture Comes On Board

French Night on a Viking River Cruise included cheese and wine tasting

I quickly learned that river cruises by necessity have limited entertainment space due to their intimate size. But what surprised me on my Viking cruise along the Seine was how varied the evenings could be thanks to new entertainers who came onboard at nearly every port.

In this way, Paris and Normandy came alive every evening in the lounge with live local music ranging from Parisian opera singers to pianists to jazz musicians from Rouen, all of whom would normally be top attractions at venues in their home ports.

When the lounge wasn’t hosting musical diversions, there was a thrilling enrichment activity , whether a regional wine and cheese tastings, French high tea, expert lectures, or even a hands-on painting opportunity.

French Wining & Dining

Dessert selection on Viking River Cruise on the Seine

The French are famous for their cuisine, and it can often consume my days trying to figure out where to eat when I’m visiting so that I don’t miss a regional specialty. It turns out I had no reason to worry about missing a single bite of anything, though, on a Viking river cruise.

Garlic-drenched escargot, spoon-tender duck that was cooked for days, crackling creme brulee, and cream-filled profiteroles––the best of regional French tastes were highlighted every day on my Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise, and no two menus were alike since the cuisine represented the town of the day. Not to mention the grand buffet,Taste of Normandy, featuring a variety of Normandy specialties that greeted us in the dining room when we alighted in Vernon on our way to Giverny. Calvados apple brandy, pate en croute, creamy reblochon cheese – the only problem was choosing what to sample first.

Ship Life That's Just the Right Size

Breakfast on the Aquavit Terrace (Credit: Viking)

The intimate size of a river cruise on the Seine was also a delightful surprise. As someone who prefers a personality- and service-filled boutique hotel to a massive high rise tower, a Viking river cruise felt like I had stepped into my favorite land-based hotel. It was easy to reach the restaurant, lounge, and sun deck in just a few moments, and with less than 100 rooms onboard, there was never a possibility of waiting in a line.

Plus, the small size lends itself to a convivial atmosphere of like-minded travelers. I found that whether I was sharing a communal table in the main restaurant, getting a cup of coffee, or enjoying a glass of wine in the lounge, it was easy to strike up a conversation about the French countryside or simply the view we were all enjoying out the window.

The Second Veranda Cabin on Viking Gullveig

Just like my favorite hotels, I found that Viking river cruise staterooms are attentive to comfort and style. My room included a delightfully plush bed; plenty of storage in dressers that ran the length of the wall and in closets that had shelves and deep hanging rods; and even heated bathroom floors.

The best part, though, were the windows. Since all of Viking’s staterooms are “outside” cabins, they all have a view. And there’s always something happening on the river – there’s no such thing as a day of scenic sailing on the Seine. Just kicking off my shoes and stretching out on the bed brought an evolving look at the rolling scenery, and life along the shore.

Terrific, Included Tours

American Cemetery in Normandy (Photo: Chris Gray Faust)

Every day of a river cruise shines a spotlight on the port of the day with a guided tour. Viking’s inclusive value provides one included tour in every port. These tapped into local experts and guides with a wealth of knowledge and insider tips for exploring. Some of my most memorable moments were on Viking's shore tours of the D-Day beaches and the American Cemetery as part of a full-day excursion where our guide helped create the context of what the people of the area had lived through, including his family, as the drama of the war played out around them.

Another highlight: The Chateau de Malmaison, the home of Napoleon and Josephine just outside of Paris; a hidden gem I don’t think I would have found on my own, where our guide talked about Josephine like she was Kim Kardshian (which is to say beautiful and way smarter than anyone gave her credit for.)

My First River Cruise, But Definitely Not My Last

Ports that are riverside treasures, endless sightseeing from the comfort of a cozy room, incredible staff, fabulous food, and a ringside seat to all of the wonders of Paris and the Seine. It’s easy to say that although this was my first river cruise in France, it certainly won’t be my last.

Savvy Travel Advice

Seine River Cruises in Paris: How to Choose the Best Seine Cruise Boat Tour

Last updated: February 17, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 103 Comments

A Seine river cruise is a very popular way to see Paris, and one we always recommend to visitors to the city. 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 Cathedral, etc.—as you float along the Seine River.

Many of Paris’s most famous and important buildings, bridges, and attractions can be seen from the river. The river viewpoint also allows you to gain some good insight into the city’s history, evolution, and architecture. In fact, the banks of the Seine in Paris were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

We have taken many Seine river cruises over the years on multiple visits to Paris with a lot of different companies, and we always recommend one to friends and family when visiting Paris.

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 ones we chose and why for our own Seine river cruise experiences.

Table of Contents:

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 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. Most companies operate sightseeing river cruises in Paris year-round.

In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, the majority of these companies also operate dinner cruises on the Seine (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.

Some of the companies offer cruises seasonally whereas others operate year-round. Those that operate year-round often offer less frequent cruises in the low season. High season is generally from April to September and low season is from October to March.

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.

The sightseeing cruises last approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Bateaux Mouches Seine cruise river Paris France

Departure Points(s)

Leaves from Pont de l’Alma (right bank) in the 8th arrondissement.

Pre-recorded narration is provided in several languages, including English, over the boat speaker system. They also provide printed handouts in 22 languages.

Pricing & Tickets

Current prices (as of June 2023): adults are 15 euros, children age 4 to 12 are 6 euros, and children under age 4 are free.

You can buy tickets online (use our link for a small discount) , 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.

Accessibility

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 difficult to hear if the boat is busy or the weather is bad.

2. Bateaux Parisiens Seine Cruise

Bateaux Parisiens have a large fleet of medium-sized boats. Most of the boats they use for sightseeing cruises have lower enclosed decks and an upper uncovered deck. This is probably the second most popular company on the Seine.

The sightseeing cruises last approximately 1 hour.

Bateaux Parisiens Paris Seine river cruises boat

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 is provided through individual audio devices available in 14 languages on the lower part of the boat. A live guide is also available for questions.

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 set of headphones or earbuds to listen.

If you depart from near Notre Dame then there is live commentary provided by a live guide in 3 languages (including French and English).

Current prices (as of June 2023) are 18 euros for adults, 9 euros for children age 4-13, and children under age 4 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 2 euros 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 requires 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.

Website: https://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 with our discount , making this what we think are some of the best value Seine River cruises available.

If you plan to sit on top, be sure to download the cruise app onto your smartphone and bring your headphones or earbuds if you want to listen to the commentary.

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.

If you use the boat to do a sightseeing tour, the full circuit takes about 2 hours. It stops about every 15 minutes.

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.

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.

For a 1-day pass current prices (as of November 2022) for adult passes (age 16+) are 20 euros and child (age 3 to 15) passes are 10 euros. Children under age 3 ride for free. For a 2-day pass, adult passes are 22 euros and child passes are 11 euros.

Tickets 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: https://www.batobus.com/
There are no toilets on board these boats.

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.

Please note that depending on where you want to go, there may be some walking involved to get there from the port stop. For instance, the stop closest to the Eiffel Tower requires a 15-minute walk to get to the monument from the boat stop.

4. Canauxrama Seine Cruise

Canauxrama is one of the top companies for providing canal tours around Paris , but they also provide scenic tours along the Seine River as well as a combined canal and river cruise. The Canuaxrama boats vary a bit but all have a closed bottom deck and an open-top deck.

The main Seine River sightseeing cruises are 2 hours long and combine a canal cruise with a Seine River cruise.

There are a number of departure points depending on which cruise you take, so it is important to check which is right for the cruise you choose.

Some cruises, specifically the combined Seine River and Canal St. Martin cruises for example, departs from the intersection of Rue Jean Poulmarch and Quai de Valmy.

Specific Seine River cruises leave from Ile de la Cité near 19 Quai de l’horloge in the 1st arrondissement.

Canal cruises leave from the intersection of Rue Jean Poulmarch and Quai de Valmy .

Live narration on board by guide in French and English.

The 2 hour combined Seine River and Canal St. Martin cruise tickets are currently (as of June 2023) 22 euros for adults, 10 euros for children age 4-12, and free for children under 4.

It is recommended 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.

Website: https://www.canauxrama.com/en/
The cruise described is generally only offered in the evening.
Snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are available for purchase at the onboard bar.
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 (1.5 hours and longer) that does not include dinner, this is a good price.

The cruises that combine the Seine River and Canal St. Martin includes the unique experience of learning a bit about locks as the boat passes through a lock as transitions between the canal and the Seine River. 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. The longer cruises may be too long for younger children.

Also be sure to note the departure points and arrival points for the cruises as some leave from central Paris near the Notre-Dame Cathedral whereas others leave from the 12th arrondissement. Some cruises also do not have the same start and finish points. The Port de Paris-Arsenal is a bit further from the center of Paris than most of the other companies, but this may end up being great for those staying closer to the 12th arrondissement.

Another option if you are interested in combining a Seine River cruise and Canal Saint-Martin cruise is this 2.5 hour cruise with Paris Canal that includes a 1-hour Seine River cruise and then 1.5 hour 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 operates smaller sized boats along the Seine River. The boat configurations differ a bit but each holds approximately 250 people for the regular Seine cruises.

The regular sightseeing cruises are 1 hour in length. They also offer short 30 minute stopover cruises that go between the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as longer round-trip cruises that last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The company also offers a special family-friendly cruise that is geared specifically to children and families.

Boats for the 1 hour cruise leave from Port de Suffren (near Eiffel Tower) in the 7th arrondissement.

Most boats now include an audio guide that will play in several languages including Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. But some boats still have live narration on-board by guides in French and English on some cruises.

The 1-hour non-stop Discovery sightseeing cruise is currently (as of June 2023) 20 euros for adults, 9 euros for children age 4-11, and free for children under 4.

There is also an evening aperitif cruise , including a choice of a glass of wine (€24.5) or glass of champagne (€29). It’s also available without a drink for €20.

There is also a 1-hour family cruise offered that is geared to children and families, with a live guide in both French and English.

Tickets can be booked in advance online here , or purchased at the Port de Suffren port office.

Access to the Vedettes de Paris boats are now wheelchair accessible since they got a new pontoon platform in 2020. Those in wheelchairs can now embark and disembark with step-free access. 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.

Website: https://www.vedettesdeparis.fr/
Paris de Vedettes offers dinner and themed cruise options with snacks. They also offer a special children’s cruise.
Snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are available for purchase onboard. You can also eat at the affiliated seasonal restaurant near the boat dock called Le Cafe des Vedettes. Sometimes 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. Live narration 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 offers some of the least expensive Seine River cruises.

The basic sightseeing cruises are 1 hour in length.

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)

Narration is provided by live guides who give commentary in both French and English. You can also download the company’s free app that provides commentary in French, English, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese.

The website says the tickets (as of June 2023) are regularly 15 euros for adults and 9 euros for children 4-12. However, they often have a discount if you purchase the tickets online from their website .

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.

However, it is advised that you call in advance before booking if you need the ramp to ensure access on your planned date of travel.

There are no wheelchair accessible toilets on board or near where the boats are docked.

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.
The company now offers lunch and dinner cruises as well

If you are looking for the cheapest Seine River 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 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. You also have the option to download the commentary in advance and listen to it during your trip with your own smartphone and headphones.

7. Bateaux de Paris Seine Cruise

Bateaux de Paris is the newest company to offer regular Seine River cruises. Although the company primarily does private events, one of its smaller boats is used for seasonal tourist sightseeing cruises. The boat is one of the smallest boats offering regular cruises and easy to spot with its bright orange color.

The company only operates cruises between April and September and does not offer them daily.

The sightseeing cruises are 1 hour and 15 minutes long. They also offer shorter one-way cruises and cruises that include stopovers at the Eiffel Tower.

Seine River boat cruises Bateaux de Paris Insolite boat

Leaves from near the Pont Saint-Michel (12 Quai des Orfèvres) in the 1st arrondissement in Paris.

No narration or commentary is offered on the basic cruise. However, you can add a handheld audioguide with commentary for 3 euros.

Current prices (as of June 2023): adults are 15 euros, children age 4 to 12 are 7 euros, and children under age 4 are free.

Tickets are also available for half cruises and cruises that do stopovers at the Eiffel Tower.

You can buy tickets online . Be sure to bring your booking confirmation to the cruise departure point.

Boat access requires being able to climb up and down a set of stairs so you need to be at least somewhat mobile to do the ride. There are approximately 30 steps from the dock to the boat. For those who can handle the steps, wheelchairs and walkers can be accommodated on the boat and there is a wheelchair-accessible toilet aboard the boat.

Website: https://www.bateauxdeparis.net/
Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board the boat
Sightseeing cruises only operate between April and September

Bateaux de Paris is the newest company to begin operating regular sightseeing tourist cruises on the Seine. It currently has only one boat that offers these cruises and it only operates seasonally.

The boat is one of the smaller boats on the Seine and also one of the least known, so it can be a good one if you are looking for a cruise with fewer people. The prices, if you don’t want the optional commentary, are some of the lowest.

The boat is covered on top but open on the sides to allow for good viewing. Because the chairs are set up facing one direction, we’d definitely recommend taking the full cruise so you get a chance to fully see both sides of the river bank. You can also walk along the deck.

If you want commentary during the cruise, you can hire the optional audioguide. We recommend bringing along your own headphones or earphones so you can better listen to the commentary.

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 specialty 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 (choice of dinner at Eiffel Tower or on the cruise) includes a Seine dinner cruise, Eiffel Tower visit, and Moulin Rouge show.

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 check in advance to make sure it can be accommodated.

There are over a dozen companies offering 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. We also have a complete guide to our favourite Seine River dinner cruises to help you choose one.

Seine River 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 River 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:

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. Vegetarian option available. Smart dress code enforced. Wheelchair accessible. Tours depart from Port de la Conférence (5 minute walk from Pont de l’Alma).
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 de Solferino, 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur 75007 (near the Musée d’Orsay). We have done this dinner cruise and enjoyed it.
This 2 hour dinner cruise by Captaine Fricasse offers a 3-course meal that is freshly cooked onboard the boat. Plant based menu available on request. Upgrades are available to add Champagne and drinks to the reservation or can order from the beverage menu. Tours depart from Île aux Cygnes, middle of the Bir-Hakeim bridge in the 15th arrondissement. We really enjoyed this dinner cruise when we did it.
This 1 hour 45 minute dinner cruise by Paris en Scène serves a 3 course dinner (choice of main) in a casual bistro-like setting with all dinner chairs facing windows for a good view. Meals are freshly prepared on board. Champagne and wine options available. Vegetarian option available. Cruises depart from Île aux Cygnes, middle of the Bir-Hakeim bridge in the 15th arrondissement.

Paris dinner cruise Seine river boat dinner cruise

Seine River Cruises: Private Boat Cruises

Most visitors to Paris want to join one of the regularly scheduled 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.

Lakana Paris Cruise – This company offers a 2.5 hour private boat cruise on the Seine for up to 4 guests. It is small company run by Gaël and Raphaël. This is the private cruise company Laurence and I have personally used and can recommend. Note that the cruise departs from outside central Paris (easily accessible from central Paris by bus and metro).
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.
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.
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 people 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!

Green River Cruises private Seine River boat cruises

How to Choose Your Seine Cruise

So there you have it, the details of seven 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 River 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
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.

Best Time of Year to Take a Seine River Cruise in Paris

Most companies operate Seine River cruises year round. The high season for the companies is generally April to September with these being the most popular times to take a river cruise in Paris. Most companies have more frequent departures and more boats operating during the summer months.

Obviously the cruises are more pleasant, especially if you want to sit or stand outside, during the warmer months. It can be too cold or windy to sit outside during the winter months. If you have a flexible schedule, I’d try to go on a day without rain forecast.

The boats can become crowded, especially in the summer months and around school holidays. The first and last cruises of the day are often less crowded. If you are in Paris during a busy time of year, we recommend making sure you go to the port well in advance of your desired cruise departure to get your ticket and be among the first in line to get aboard.

Note that the cruises cannot operate in severe weather so during storms they are often canceled. They also cannot operate if the river levels get too high or low. Between November to April in particular, the water levels can often get too high making it difficult or impossible for them to go under some of the bridges, causing cruises to either stop operating or modify their sailings.

Seine River Cruise Tips

Once you know the cruise you want to take and have booked your tickets, here are some things to remember:

We recommend booking your ticket in advance for any of the Seine cruises as the prices online may be discounted. However, for most of the general sightseeing cruises you can normally buy same day tickets in person at the dock. But for the meal cruises and any special event cruises, it is generally necessary to book in advance and have a reservation.
Many of the Seine River cruise companies have very similar names. Be sure you know the exact name of the company you book your ticket with so you don’t get confused when trying to find the departure point. Even if you book the ticket through a third-party seller like Viator, you’ll want to know the boat company’s name.
Make sure you know the location of the departure point and leave some time to find it. Many people have difficulty finding the cruise departure points since they are often not at an exact address. Most of the ticket kiosks are located along the riverside quays so you will need to be looking right along the river. You will often need to walk down a set of stairs to reach the riverside quays and find the boat docking location.
Most boat companies ask that you be at dock and get your ticket at least 30 minutes before your departure. But this varies by company and the type of cruise.
Many of the boat companies offer smartphone applications that you can download with the cruise commentary in various languages. If you wish to do this, be sure you bring your fully-charged smartphone and have headphones with you . You can download the app before your cruise or once you are there. In some cases, this is now the only option on some cruises for commentary.

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:

A guide to finding the best Seine river cruises in Paris. The guide reviews all the top cruise companies, listing cost, duration, narration type, departure points, and other information. We also provide information for those wanting to book a dinner cruise or private Seine cruise. #Seinecruise #Paris #Seinerivercruise #Seine #river #cruise #France

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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BabaWaga Post author

May 19, 2023 at 5:26 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence, just wanted to send a little message of thanks: randomly found your blog post whilst researching Seine cruises for an approaching visit to Paris and can honestly say I didn’t need to go any further, your wonderfully informative article covered it all. Thank you so much! We have opted for the Vedettes de Paris sightseeing tour with our children as nice & close to the Eiffel tour where we are booked in to visit later that same day (I ordered the onboard champagne as a surprise for my hubs!)

As we will have a bit of time between disembarking and the Eiffel visit we’re looking for somewhere to stop by for lunch? Is there anywhere you would recommend nearby – cafe’s, restaurants all considered. Many thanks and warmest regards.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 21, 2023 at 9:46 am

Hi BabaWaga,

So happy to hear that our Seine River cruise post was helpful in choosing a cruise company and booking a cruise. I am sure you will have a good time.

Yes, the locations near the Eiffel Tower make it really convenient to visit the tower afterwards. The Champagne I am sure will be a nice surprise. On tip is that I would recommend being early to make sure you locate the correct boarding spot (a few cruise companies board near there so it can be a bit confusing) and to be near the front of the line for your booked or preferred cruise time so you have more choice of seating.

So to be honest, there is not a lot of places I would really recommend there. But one nice (and inexpensive & kid-friendly) experience if the weather is nice is to get sandwiches or buy ingredients for a picnic (or buy them before your cruise) and have a picnic lunch on the Champs de Mars with a grand view of the Eiffel Tower. There are some benches there as well as areas of the grass that you are allowed to sit on (parts were closed when we were last there a couple of weeks ago but there was still plenty of space open). Just be sure to bring something to sit on and something to pack away your rubbish until you find a bin. I did this with my own family a couple of weeks ago and it was really nice.

Hope that helps and wishing you and your family a lovely trip to Paris!

Best, Jessica

Okon Post author

November 9, 2022 at 7:06 am

Great information at one spot! My spouse and I are planning a first-time Paris tour in the Spring, 2023, the tour that will include a dinner cruise on the Seine. Some of the luxury tour boats we see in pictures look like cattle boats. We’d like a boat which is less cram and with a seat/table choice. What interests us most in your presentation is the mention that Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise has seat/table choice options. I wonder if there are other companies with that offer. Any more information in this regard will be highly appreciated.

November 10, 2022 at 10:23 am

So glad that you and your spouse are vising Paris for the first time in the Spring. Such a wonderful city 😉

So yes, the Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruises on the Seine do offer you a seating/table choice. But so do most of the other dinner cruises. I would recommend trying to get a table for 2 persons only with a window view. Some boats only have window views, but many have a middle row of tables as well.

Captaine Fracasse is another company that focuses only on lunch and dinner cruises and is often rated as having some of the the best food on the Seine.

But if you are really wanting a true luxury cruise and want a more private experience, you’ll probably want to book a private cruise if you have that kind of budget. In all the cruises they do try to pack in tables to get in the most guests for the given floor space.

As all the main companies are serving 50-100 guests a 3-course meal in a 1.5 to 2.5 hour period on a boat. The food and service was good in our experience and we enjoyed the dinner cruises we’ve taken, but it is not necessarily a luxury experience. All the dinner cruises are fairly similar. So you’ll want to go in with realistic expectations I think to enjoy the cruise as you are paying for being able to enjoy dinner while floating on the Seine.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Paris.

jeff cabine Post author

April 6, 2022 at 4:37 am

I found it interesting when you said the boat layouts vary, but there are around 10 stairs to the second story, which is not wheelchair accessible. I used to think differently and now it makes more sense my disabled friend should love this trip to have fun. What you said about seine tours was really interesting to me.

April 6, 2022 at 7:19 am

Yes, I think you are referring specifically to the Bateaux Mouches boats as their boats are wheelchair accessible to get onto and the ground floors are accessible. But as you note, many of their boat have a second story which requires going up a set of stairs so are not accessible for those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

There are a few different Seine River cruises that are wheelchair accessible which is great. It is always a good idea to double check with any of the boat companies in advance of your visit as sometimes construction, docking, etc. issues can temporarily impact accessibility even if the boat itself is accessible.

Wishing you and your friends a great trip to Paris, Jessica

Jenn Post author

February 16, 2022 at 6:59 am

I just wanted to say thank you for including detailed accessibility information on your blog post. It is so helpful to me and almost no one includes actionable accessibility information. Thank you so much!!

February 16, 2022 at 7:05 am

You are very welcome, and I hope the information is helpful in choosing a Seine boat cruise company in Paris. The information was accurate pre-COVID so you may want to double check before booking with any company if the info is not noted when booking as I know some companies are running fewer boats now and have had to make some changes. But I think most of the information should still be valid.

Wishing you a great trip to Paris and just let us know if you have any questions!

SA NY Post author

November 11, 2021 at 12:22 am

Awesome info! Thanks for sharing this information on Paris cruises with us.

November 11, 2021 at 4:07 am

You’re welcome SA, and just let us know if you have any questions about choosing or booking a Seine cruise in Paris!

Jessica Post author

October 25, 2021 at 7:06 pm

Thank you for your helpful guidance! We will be in Paris for Bastille Day on July 14, 2022. Any suggestions for a Seine river boat cruise where we can watch the fireworks?

October 26, 2021 at 6:37 am

Hi Jessica,

Yes, Bastille Day is a great time to be in Paris if you enjoy celebrations and festivities. A couple of the cruise companies usually offer Bastille Day cruises in the evening, such as this particular dinner cruise which includes a special 6-course dinner with wine and Champagne.

I haven’t seen an announcement about the specific plans for Bastille Day in 2022, but the river is typically an excellent place from which to watch the illuminations and fireworks in central Paris. Normally the main fireworks are shot off from the Eiffel Tower and you get a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower from the river. There will be both tourist cruises out as well as lots of small private boats to watch the fireworks.

Just note that for a holiday like this prices are going to be higher both for Seine cruises but also for dinner around that time period because of the holiday as many restaurants will be serving special menus. But it is a great time to be there. Just be sure to book well in advance for any cruises, activities, or dinners!

Mel Danbrook Post author

August 31, 2021 at 10:42 pm

Hello! We will be arriving in Paris on September 18/21. (arriving around 12:30pm) We only have that afternoon and evening to try and see a few sights (taking the train the following morning to Switzerland). Seeing the Eiffel Tower is on our list – the idea of a short Seine River cruise to try and see a little more of the city is intriguing! What would be a good river cruise option that leaves/returns close to the Eiffel Tower – probably one with a meal option as we would be looking to have dinner somewhere anyway. Any suggestions on options that will allow us to see a little more of the city in a short time frame would be wonderful! Cheers

September 1, 2021 at 11:56 am

Yes, it would be pretty easy to combine a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise into one afternoon/evening. A few of the cruises leave near the Eiffel Tower. So one good option is the Bateaux Parisiens (listed above) which leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (a 5 minute walk or less from the Eiffel Tower). There is a discounted ticket for that one available here .

Another option might be take the Batobus hop-on hop-off boat cruise as that will allow you to get on and off the cruise as you wish. The Eiffel Tower is one of its stops. You can see more about it here .

But there are a few options. Most of the normal sightseeing cruises lasts about 1 hour. There are also dinner cruise options available as well which will be longer and in the evening. But since you are wanting to see the city, I’d probably recommend taking a sightseeing one in the daytime so you can more clearly see the landmarks along the river.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Tavish Post author

July 17, 2021 at 9:06 pm

Could you suggest the best option for a longer night time dinner cruise. My daughter just graduated and has never been to Europe, I had hoped to do this on our first evening, but the cost for a nice meal and a window seat seems to be in the 500$ range, and the reviews of the meals are awful, they say there is no customer service, and that many times the boats did not leave the dock without being offered a refund either. Time is not an issue, budget is, but mostly I want to start off her adventure with a really positive experience. The alternative idea was to try to get an earlier dinner at a really good restaurant (I dont know where), and then a nighttime cruise to see the lights and sites. I worry dinner would be too slow, and we would be pressured to get to the boat on time and it would ruin the meal. I would appreciate any guidance/suggestions. Thanks so much.

July 18, 2021 at 4:20 am

For the dinner cruises, you do need to get to the boat on time. You actually need to get there a bit early to make sure you have time to check-in and board. If you miss the boat, you simply miss it. Many people who leave poor reviews had trouble finding the boat, so I’d leave plenty of time for this as if you are not used to looking for addresses along the river, it can take awhile to find the correct spot.

Almost all the dinner cruises last about 2 hours and this was more than enough time for us to enjoy 3 courses. So I don’t think you’d feel rushed in terms of eating. But you do of course do some of the sightseeing while seated and eating your meal.

I am not sure how many people you are booking for but you should be able to easily find an option for $100 per person or less. You do have to pay more for extras like a guaranteed window spot, flowers, Champagne, etc. But for 2 persons on the cruise we did , seem to be currently ranging from $150 to $250 for 2 persons, depending on the extras.

Some of the dinner cruises and regular Seine river cruises are currently not running due to the pandemic so that is something to keep in mind as well as there are fewer choices at the moment than 2 years ago.

Captaine Fracasse is probably the cruise best known for having better food. But I would recommend not booking for the meal itself but for the overall experience, we had good food on our cruises but it was not amazing. Most of their evening cruises are 2-hour dinner cruises.

But if you are looking for the option to order what you want à la carte and the level of service that you can get at a nice restaurant on land, you may be better suited to do the dinner at a restaurant and then get a regular evening cruise to see the sights at night. If you go that route, I’d consider what cruises can work and then find a restaurant within walking distance, a short metro, or taxi ride away from the departure point. If doing a regular sightseeing cruise, your ticket is usually good all day so you have the flexibility of when you get to the boat, you just need to get there well before their final departure time.

Sarah Post author

November 26, 2020 at 5:29 am

Oh, you know, once l used the service of Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise. Water and everything that connected to it is my passion, even in Amsterdam l was sailing on a boat 3 times during 1 week of stay. Enjoyable. Thank you, guys, for this article!

November 26, 2020 at 6:35 am

Glad you enjoyed your Bateaux Mouches cruise on the Seine while you were visiting Paris — sounds like you really enjoy river cruises!

Nancy Post author

February 15, 2020 at 2:53 pm

We will be in Paris June 8, 2020. We are coming in for the afternoon from Charles De Gaulle Airport. We would like to take the evening cruise at 21:00. Since we aren’t staying in Paris and need to get back to the airport after the cruise, what cruise line and departure point would you recommend? We would also like to sit on the top deck outside. Thank you so much for any information you can give us!

February 16, 2020 at 3:24 am

I think the best cruise probably depends on what else you plan to do in Paris and how you plan to return to the airport. So for instance if you plan to visit the Eiffel Tower (or something nearby), you could do that, and then walk from the tower to a boat departure point. Two of the main places where the Seine River cruises leave (and return) are near the Eiffel Tower and near Notre-Dame.

Most of the cruise companies will have a 21:00 (9:00pm) departure time in June as that is a very popular time of year for the cruises. Many of the cruise companies depart every 30 minutes. Most cruises are 1 hour in duration. You have many choices for cruises.

I would suggest maybe checking out Vedettes de Paris or Bateaux Parisiens as they both leave from near the Eiffel Tower and I think most (if not all) of their boats have top decks with outdoor seating. They normally have departures every 30 minutes in the summer. If you buy a voucher online, it is good for the full day and then you can exchange it at the company ticket booth for when you want to take the cruise.

Note that all of the boat companies have multiple boats and the boats can have different deck and seating configurations so you can’t guarantee a particular boat. It also might not be possible (or desirable) to sit outside if the weather is bad. If there is a type of seat you want, I’d get into line early to be among the first to board for your departure.

If you are planning to go directly to CDG airport after the cruise, you could then walk to the metro station, take Line 6 to RER B. RER B will take you directly to the airport. Or, of course, you could catch a taxi to the airport.

February 16, 2020 at 12:11 pm

Thank you so much! We will take your advise. You have a lot of good information on your web site! Nancy

Davina Cipriano Post author

January 3, 2020 at 5:47 pm

My daughter and I will be coming to Paris in March. When we purchase the ticket do we have to purchase for the exact date we plan on using it? We are going to be in Paris for a little over a week. Or do can we purchase the ticket and use it on the day that works best for us? I notice online it make you pick a day but then says its good for like 6 months.

January 3, 2020 at 6:57 pm

Hi Davina, Sounds like a great trip. For the Seine river cruises, it depends on the cruise company and which cruise you want to take. But yes some of the companies that have the regular daily sightseeing cruises allow you to buy a ticket and then use it for any date and time for a certain period of time (6 months, 1 year). So I am not sure which company you are referring to specifically, but if the ticket says it is valid for 6 months, then I am sure it is valid. Feel free to follow-up with the cruise company and I’m happy to double-check for you. Best, Jessica

Lauren Levy Post author

December 14, 2019 at 5:51 pm

HI! We’ll be in Paris in December and want to take a river cruise with teenagers. Thinking we’ll do an evening cruise sans the food. But we want to take a boat out and around the sister of the US Statue of Liberty. What cruise do you suggest? Is it pretty to see this at night or should we regroup and do this during the day instead? Thank you!!

December 15, 2019 at 10:33 am

Yes, unfortunately, many of the boats do turn around near the Pont d’Iéna after passing the Eiffel Tower, which is just before they get to the Liberty of Statue replica statue. For instance, the Bateaux Parisiens course map shows that its longer lunch, dinner, and festive cruises go past it but not the regular 1 hour sightseeing cruises.

The 1.5 hour Canauxarama sightseeing cruise does go there, probably because it is a bit longer, so that might be the best cruise for you if you don’t want a meal.

From the boat, you can see if just after you go under the bridge Pont de Grenelle, it is located just at the tip of the Île aux Cygnes (Island of the Swans). The statue is probably easiest to see and photograph during the day, but they do light it up at night so you can see it at night as well. When you view the front of it from the boat, you can also see the Eiffel Tower in the background.

You can also walk over by bridge to the Île aux Cygnes as well if you find yourself in that area and want to see the statue up close.

Celeste Post author

December 8, 2019 at 3:35 pm

My daughter and I will be in Paris in late December. Given that it will be cold and possibly rainy, do you have a recommendation? We simply want to see the sites (no meal necessary). Also, are the river cruises impacted by the current strikes? Thank you!

December 9, 2019 at 6:56 am

Hi Celeste,

Yes, I think all the regular Seine cruise boats have ample enclosed/covered as well as open-air space, so any of them should be OK in case of rain/cold. But definitely dress warmly as the air moving through the boats will make them feel a bit colder. We’ve personally used Bateaux Parisiens and Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf and I’ve sat inside on both (once during rain).

I’d recommend going during the day as it will be warmer and you can see more – at night you can see the lights and the Eiffel Tower lit up, but you can’t see the rest of the sites very well.

I don’t believe the Seine River cruises are being affected by the current strikes in Paris, but the strikes are having a huge impact on the metro, suburban trains, and traffic. Hopefully they will end before your trip, but if not, you’ll need to allow more time to get around.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions.

Cindy Post author

October 16, 2019 at 3:06 pm

I’m so confused. 2 of us will be travelling to Paris in May 2020, which Seine River cruise would you recommend for us and which canal cruise would you recommend? Is a canal cruise worth doing? Thank you

October 17, 2019 at 10:47 am

It really depends on the type of cruise you are looking for and I review all the major companies that offer Seine cruises above. Do any sound better to you than the others?

If you are just wanting a sightseeing cruise (no meal) and don’t have a particular price point or concern for where it departs, I would say Bateaux Parisiens is a good one to consider. We’ve done it and it is a standard and popular sightseeing cruise that offers daytime and evening cruises. Cruises last about 1 hour. It has both covered and open seating and you can listen to narration on your phone (pre download app to phone) or in the bottom part of boat using wired in wands. You can read more and book ahead here .

If you are interested in also doing a canal cruise. I would consider combining a Seine River cruise and Canal Saint-Martin cruise, you might consider t his 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 and ends at Parc de la Villette (it is NOT a round-trip cruise).

If you have limited time in Paris and are not overly interested in the canal, then I’d say to just do the Seine River cruise. I’ve done the canal cruise and enjoyed it but the canal section is much slower as it has to slowly go through each lock and there are no major attractions to see unlike the Seine River portion which goes past places like Notre Dame, Musee d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower.

BTW, if you plan to purchase the Paris Pass , then a Seine River cruise is included so don’t book separate tickets.

Hope that helps, Jessica

October 17, 2019 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for the great advice.

Cassim Degani Post author

May 25, 2019 at 8:23 am

Will like to take the Siene cruise on the historical boat on June 5th during midday

May 25, 2019 at 8:29 am

Hi Cassim, Which cruise company do you plan to take? You can book your ticket online in advance or just show up a little early and buy it at the dock. You can often save a few euros by booking in advance, depending on the cruise company, so that is generally what we recommend. Also in summer, although boats have large capacity they can sometimes book out in advance. Enjoy your Seine cruise. Best, Jessica

Patty Post author

May 10, 2019 at 1:10 pm

Thank you for this review. We will be in Paris in two weeks and wanted to take an anniversary dinner cruise. This will help me out a lot to make a final decision.

May 12, 2019 at 11:58 am

Hi Patty, Glad you found our article helpful, and I’d read over the reviews for the dinner cruises and pick one that sounds like a good fit. Wishing you a wonderful anniversary in Paris 😉 Best, Jessica

Bob Post author

February 25, 2019 at 7:24 pm

Excellent info, thank you so much for sharing a great article. We are in Paris for a week (first time, probably only time) and we having a hard time deciding between day and night. Do you think it would be worth it to take a day and evening Seine cruise? Thanks for any input.

February 26, 2019 at 6:49 am

Hi Bob, Yes, I think that if you want to see the views from the river both during the day and night, then taking two cruises may be a good choice for you since you have a full week in Paris. I would not recommend this if you had only a few days. You might consider doing one of the cruises as a meal cruise (lunch or dinner) and then one just as a sightseeing cruise to change it up a bit. Enjoy your time in Paris. Jessica

Peter Post author

February 20, 2019 at 6:52 am

Great advice. I’ve had the pleasure of staying at a hotel near this river where I could jog from Notre Dame to the Eifel Tower. It was a wonderful trip.

February 20, 2019 at 7:23 am

Hi Peter, Yes the area along the Seine River in central Paris is great and you are able to see a lot of the most notable attractions from a Seine River cruise which is nice! Best, Jessica

jdawg Post author

January 29, 2019 at 11:51 am

Thanks you for the comprehensive article.

Trying to narrow down and decide which to take. My wife and I will be traveling with out 7 & 9 year old kids.

Would you recommend an evening / nighttime cruise or daytime?

Also thinking that the 2 hour tour might be too long for the kids?

Thanks again!!

January 29, 2019 at 12:31 pm

Hi there, Yes, I agree that I would choose one of the 1 hour cruises as 2 hours may be too long for the kids (and perhaps some adults).

If looking for a cruise (not a hop on hop off) I’d skip Batobus. If cost is a factor Vedettes du Pont Neuf usually offers the lowest priced online tickets. But I’d also let location guide you if none stand out to you and a few of the companies leave from the Eiffel Tower and a couple from Notre Dame so that might help narrow down which might fit better into your itinerary.

Day or night is hard and we’ve done both. Both are enjoyable in different ways. The highlight of the evening cruises for most is seeing the illuminated monuments, particularly the Eiffel Tower sparkling but you can see a bit more in the day time. If traveling in winter, I’d definitely make sure you have a boat with indoor seating. I’d maybe ask your kids opinions and let them choose between night and day 😉

Enjoy your Seine cruise and time in Paris! Jessica

Marlene Post author

December 15, 2018 at 11:45 pm

I just wanted to let you know simply how much I appreciated the time you took to write this useful post on Paris cruises. It is so complete and helpful, and as my father travels with either a cane or wheelchair, the accessibility information was essential and something we did not find elsewhere. Thanks so much for your excellent travel blog!

December 16, 2018 at 5:23 am

Hi Marlene, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and we are so happy to hear that you found our information helpful. We hope that it has helped you decide which Seine river boat cruise is best for you. Yes, it can be difficult to find a river cruise that is accessible but there are a few boat companies that make this possible for those using canes or wheelchairs. Wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris! Best, Jessica

Sharon Post author

October 22, 2018 at 11:05 pm

This article was very helpful! It really narrowed down the options. Thank you!

October 22, 2018 at 11:07 pm

Hi Sharon, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and we love to hear our post was helpful. Just let us know if you have any questions about Seine cruises in Paris! Best, Jessica

Ro Post author

October 21, 2018 at 3:30 am

Any offer vegan food on the dinner cruises?

October 21, 2018 at 8:34 am

Hi Ro, Most offer meat options as mains, but most also offer a vegetarian option. A few can do vegan options by request. I know Paris en Scene offers the option for a vegan menu on their Seine dinner cruises, but you need to make the request to the company after you make a dinner cruise reservation. Here is an example of one of their dinner cruises. Best, Jessica

Bill Post author

August 6, 2018 at 1:35 pm

Can you provide any information on wheelchair accessibility? There is a lot of very general information available on the cruise websites but very little specifics. My wife travels in a wheelchair buy is able to manage a few steps. Are there steps to board the boat? (and how many?) Is there a lift to the top deck? Are toilets available and are there steps involved? Thank you for any information you can provide.

August 6, 2018 at 2:13 pm

Yes, the cruise boat operators unfortunately do not share much info on accessibility (France is notoriously bad about this). I don’t know a lot about the accessibility of the boats but many do have stairs and I doubt any of them have lifts. The other issue is that most companies have several boats, and not all are of the same design.

I actually researched this a bit for another reader who emailed last week which Seine cruises were wheelchair accessible. It seems like the best chance is going to be from one of the cruises that leave from near the Eiffel Tower as these are the most popular and appear to have the most services and there is at least once access ramp here.

I would recommend calling the company you are most interested in to check specifically about accessibility and the specific needs you may have, but here is the info I found on the main Paris Seine River cruise company websites:

-Here is what the Bateaux Parisiens website says: “Bateaux Parisiens welcomes people with reduced mobility. For safety reasons, the number of seats may be limited depending on the configuration of the boat. Access to toilets on our boats is only by stairs. PMR toilets are available at Bistro Parisien, our restaurant dock, pontoon n ° 2.”

-Here is what Batobus website says: “Can disabled people in wheelchairs board the Batobus? Because of the many steps leading to the quays and/or the boats, only the Eiffel Tower stop has wheelchair access. NOTE: access to this stop is via a ramp that is also used by vehicles.”

-Here is what Canauxrama says: “The access to the boats is problematic for people with wheelchairs, especially at the Marina Arsenal since it is entirely paved. Plus there are stairs on some of our boats. Only the persons with manual wheelchairs can do the cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal if they are accompanied with people who can help them. It is the same problem for the cruise on the Marne River, because there are stairs at the landing stage in Joinville le Pont.”

-I could not find NO accessibility information on the Vedettes de Paris , Bateaux Mouches , or Vedettes du Pont Neuf websites.

I would love to know what you find out if you contact the companies about this and I would love to hear about your experiences to update this article and better help future readers. I will note that the other reader I was talking to said that the company he contacted did not respond to his email, so calling is probably the best way to get an answer from some of them.

Hope this helps! Jessica

Regina Post author

June 21, 2018 at 8:25 am

What is the temperature month of October ? What would be a nice romantic dinner an Eiffel dinner or Seinne river cruise ?

June 25, 2018 at 1:19 am

In October the weather in Paris is often cool but not cold, although it can be warm. Rain is definitely a possibility. I’d check the forecast closer to the time. I’d just check the forecast that morning and dress appropriately. You’ll be covered and warm at a Eiffel Tower restaurant or a Seine River dinner cruise (just make sure it offers indoor or covered dining area) so the weather should not matter too much. I think both would be nice. I have eaten in the Eiffel Tower and most tables have a nice view over the city (I’d request one when you make your booking). But on the boat you are on the water with the ever-changing scenery of Paris and you have the Eiffel Tower as a beautiful backdrops.

There are a few restaurants on the Eiffel Tower (e.g., 58 Tour Eiffel and Le Jules Verne) and the most well known is probably Le Jules Verne which offers fine dining. Note that the prices here are high as you are paying more for the location and view than the food here. It is a nice experience but expensive.

The Seine River dinner cruises are likely going to be less expensive than a dinner at the Eiffel Tower but may not offer as many options or be as nice as a restaurant. You can check out compare some of the dinner cruise options here .

If budget is a factor, I’d consider visiting the Eiffel Tower first and then doing a dinner boat cruise in Paris. Many of the cruises leave near the Eiffel Tower. That sounds like a very nice romantic evening that combines both the Tower and the cruise 😉 But either way, I am sure you’ll have a wonderful evening, just be sure to book in advance.

Hope this helps, and wishing you a romantic trip to Paris! Jessica

Mae Post author

June 5, 2018 at 9:29 am

Hello there. I’m so thankful I found your blog. This is very helpful. It’s my first time visiting Paris this July. I was wondering if you think it will be a good decision to do the cruise in the evening. I have a Paris Pass, btw. Will the ticket for the cruise that’s included in the Paris Pass allow me to do the Seine cruise in the evening? How long does the cruise take?

June 6, 2018 at 3:28 pm

Glad you found our articles helpful in planning your Paris trip 😉 A night cruise can be nice, we particularly like getting on the boat just before sunset. But we’ve also done them during the day and at night to see the lights – any time is nice really as long as the weather is good 😉

Currently, Paris Pass holders can claim a free ticket for a Seine River cruise with Bateaux Parisiens. The cruises take approximately 1 hour. The current schedule shows that these tours depart every 30 minutes between April-September from 10:00 to 22:30. So yes you can definitely do a night cruise if you wish.

But you can consult the Bateaux Parisiens website or this page for the Paris Pass information on the cruise for more details and the latest updates before your trip.

Hope this helps and wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris!

Laura Post author

April 15, 2018 at 6:36 pm

Very helpful article! Thank you! I think I would looking at Vedettes du Pont Neuf due to location. I leave in may, can’t wait!

April 17, 2018 at 10:49 pm

Hello Laura, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and enjoy your trip to Paris and your Seine river cruise!! Best, Jessica

Michael Barnes Post author

April 15, 2018 at 12:09 pm

Hi – great blog, so thanks for the time you’ve taken to share what you’ve learned. Question, though – in this page about the river cruises, you mention that the Paris Museum Pass included a particular sightseeing boat tour, but your page about the Museum Pass says that no boat tours are included. Looking at the Museum Pass’ own website, it looks like there is no longer a boat tour included. Is that now correct?

April 15, 2018 at 12:12 pm

I think I just answered my own question – here you’re referring to the Paris Pass, not the Paris Museum Pass. Thanks.

April 17, 2018 at 10:47 pm

Hi Michael, Yes, the Paris Pass and Paris Museum pass are separate passes although the Paris Pass includes the Paris Museum Pass as well as several other attractions, including the Seine cruise. Best, Jessica

April 17, 2018 at 10:46 pm

Hi Michael, Glad you found the post helpful. Yes it is the Paris Pass (not the Paris Museum Pass) which includes a Seine River cruise and the information is still correct as of today. Enjoy your time in Paris! Best, Jessica

Norma Post author

March 23, 2018 at 5:54 am

Amazing post here, Thank you so much for taking the time to write about and compare all the Paris river trips. I think I am going to do a dinner cruise on the Seine!

March 23, 2018 at 7:00 am

Hi Norma, Great, glad you found it helpful and wishing you a lovely dinner river cruise in Paris 😉 Best, Jessica

Philippe Post author

March 7, 2018 at 2:53 am

Your article was very helpful! Thank you so much! 🙂

March 7, 2018 at 7:45 am

Hi Philippe, You’re very welcome 😉 Enjoy your trip to Paris. Best, Jessica

hind idris Post author

March 4, 2018 at 1:24 am

thank you for the kind info on seine river boats really thank u

March 4, 2018 at 6:03 am

Hi Hind, You are very welcome 😉 Hope you have a fantastic time in Paris. Best, Jessica

Chartres Post author

January 17, 2018 at 11:29 pm

Thanks for this amazing blog about boat cruises in Paris. Very helpful!

January 18, 2018 at 6:31 am

Glad you found it helpful, wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris!

Andrew Drogby Post author

December 1, 2017 at 4:55 am

Hi thanks for this article about the river cruises in Paris . I tried Bateaux Parisiens after reading your article. My experience was great. And I wanted to share it with you… If you go in Paris in winter especially I advise you the illumination cruise. It s cold during the winter but you will be able to feel all the romanticism of Paris city. After 5 pm the darkness come over the city and the buildings around the Seine river are illuminated. This emphasizes the character of the city . Be sure to bundle up otherwise you will be a Mr Freeze!

December 2, 2017 at 12:37 pm

Hi Andrew, Glad that this article helped you choose a Seine river cruise, and glad you had a great time with Bateaux Parisiens. Yes, warm layers are definitely a must on river cruises, especially in the winter, when it can get pretty cold outside in Paris!! Stay warm and enjoy the rest of your winter trip to Paris! Best, Jessica

Sacha Post author

June 22, 2017 at 1:25 am

Good & helpful information on Seine river boats!!!

June 22, 2017 at 10:19 am

Hi Sacha, Glad you found our Paris article on Seine river cruises helpful, and thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a comment 😉

John Post author

June 14, 2017 at 8:38 am

I have a few safety tips for the Seine river boat cruises. Watch out for your stuff at all times. Check whether all your bags are present throughout the entire trip. Be extra vigilant when changing locations and boats to avoid loss or theft. While these tips are important, there’s nothing like experience to help ensure a safe voyage.

June 15, 2017 at 10:19 am

Hi John, Thanks so much for sharing these safety tips for the Seine Cruise boat tours in Paris! Best, Jessica

Nicolleen Post author

May 5, 2017 at 6:40 am

I really thank you for your amazing write- up. It really did helped in making my mind up with regards to the Seine river boat company that I needed, You should write more since you are doing such an impressive job!!! Thank you once again

May 5, 2017 at 12:55 pm

Hi Nicolleen, Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad that our article helped you choose the Seine cruise tour that was a best suited for you! Enjoy your trip to Paris. Best, Jessica

alicia Post author

May 2, 2017 at 8:32 pm

FYI all the children’s cruises are in French

May 4, 2017 at 1:50 pm

Hi Alicia, Thanks for this information!

Note: She is referring to the fact that Vedettes de Paris have recently introduced special children’s boat cruises on the Seine for children (mostly for school groups, reservation required) and they are currently only available in French as of May 2017.

sai kapoor Post author

February 1, 2017 at 8:21 am

We are planning for a short trip to paris, your article was very helpful in planning our trip. Thank you

February 2, 2017 at 4:25 am

Hi Sai, Glad to hear this and thanks for taking the time to comment. I hope you found the perfect Seine Cruise boat for you and that you have a lovely trip to Paris! Best, Jessica

Mohammed Post author

July 19, 2016 at 8:51 pm

I really thank you for your amazing write- up. It really did helped in making my mind up with regards to the Seine river boat company that ! needed, You should write more since you are doing such an impressive job!!! Thank you once again

travelcats Post author

July 21, 2016 at 4:49 am

Hi Mohammed, glad the post was useful to you and thanks for taking the time to leave us a comment. Enjoy your trip to Paris! ~ Jessica

Gulzar Post author

June 25, 2016 at 5:49 am

Thank you for the write up. This really made it easier choosing the Seine cruise for my upcoming trip to Paris.

June 25, 2016 at 8:02 am

Hi Gulzar, Great, glad this was information was helpful in helping your choose the best Seine river cruise for you. Have a great trip to Paris! ~ Jessica

Shannon Post author

May 27, 2016 at 3:58 pm

Wow, I am planning our 21 day European vacation and know that I want to do a cruise on the Siene River. I have been overwhelmed at the choices and trying to figure out which company to go with. Thanks for writing this article! It includes all of the major companies that have come up during my research. Since we are staying near the Eiffel Tower, I will take location into consideration, however I do like the idea of a live guide.

May 27, 2016 at 6:43 pm

Hi Shannon, Thanks for taking the time to write a comment, we greatly appreciate it and it makes our day to know we are providing useful and helpful travel info! I hope you have a great European vacation and best of luck on choosing a Seine river cruise; I am sure you’ll enjoy any cruise on the Seine. Paris is a wonderful city! Happy travels, Jessica

Ginn Post author

January 21, 2016 at 5:26 am

Very good info, im glad that i found your blogpost here. I was trying to google which boat offer an open deck

January 21, 2016 at 6:13 am

Hi Ginn, Glad you found the post on Seine river cruises helpful. As you can probably see by looking at the photos, almost all of the boats have some open deck seating. I would just avoid the Batobus as it is not very open and is not really designed for sightseeing (it is a hop-on/hop-off boat). I think you should be fine with any of the other companies, and just try to get in line early to make sure you get the type of seat on the boat you want. Enjoy your time in Paris! ~ Jessica

Devon Post author

November 7, 2015 at 10:55 am

This is a great post. I’ve been writing similar one during my trip around the world and I’m happy to use yours. I’ll be on the Seine tomorrow!

November 8, 2015 at 3:35 am

Hi Devon, glad you liked the post and hope it helped you choose a Seine cruise in Paris that is right for you. You are happy to link to our post in your own post about the Seine. Enjoy Paris, I look forward to visiting again next month! ~ Jessica

Mike Post author

October 15, 2015 at 7:03 am

Hey, yes cruising in the Seine river certainly one of the best thing to do in Paris. I have tested many of them. I think the best one certianly the cruise between Normandy and Paris. (the impressionist road by the river). I also like dinner cruises in Paris, it’s a good way the visit the French capital. We I have some visit (familly or friends) I generally book a simple cruise with bateau. For originality ,you can also try the canauxama in the Canal St Martin.

October 24, 2015 at 7:08 am

Hi Mike, yes, I also really enjoyed the cruise on the Canal Saint Martin which is a nice thing to do if you have already done a Seine river cruise in Paris. You can read about our experience on the canal cruise here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2014/02/16/canal-cruises-paris-boat-ride-canal-saint-martin/

Meghan Post author

October 16, 2013 at 12:10 pm

I wish I could remember with which company I went on a boat cruise when I was in Paris. But I do remember it was a great way to rest our feet after tromping around the city and up the Eiffel Tower!

October 16, 2013 at 4:55 pm

Yes, it is definitely great to get an hour or two off your feet after a lot of walking!

MOl S Post author

October 16, 2013 at 4:28 am

Excellent! I’ll definitely take a cruise on the Seine the next time I’m in Paris

October 16, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Yes, hope you enjoy it!

Missy Homemaker Post author

October 12, 2013 at 9:44 am

I am just loving reading about your travels! I’ve nominated you for a Sunshine Award. You can read about it on my post today 🙂

Vanessa Morgan Post author

October 7, 2013 at 3:45 am

Beautiful photos of Paris and great information.

October 7, 2013 at 8:44 am

Thanks Vanessa!

Kate Post author

October 6, 2013 at 11:59 pm

I never took advantage of a boat tour on the Seine because I used to walk past it so frequently and saw a lot of parts of it in my time living in Paris. I had some friends that did and said they enjoyed it. But I think it’s different when you are just visiting I guess, less time to see things.

October 7, 2013 at 8:43 am

Yes, what I think is interesting about the cruises is they give you a different perspective of the buildings and scenery from the water than from the banks.

Miwa Post author

October 6, 2013 at 4:00 pm

New follower! Your blog is amazing! Such great photos and detailed info. I will definitely keep this post bookmarked for the next time I’m in Paris. (Not sure when that’ll be but hopefully soon!)

October 6, 2013 at 4:09 pm

Thanks for stopping by, glad you enjoyed the post. Paris is a special place for us as it was my first international trip when I was 16 and about 10 years later the first place Ethan and I visited together as a couple. Look forward to checking out your blog as well.

Suzanne Lucas Post author

October 5, 2013 at 8:02 am

Although I’m sure the rain wasn’t the greatest for your cruise, I must say the picture of the Eiffel tower through the rainy window is stunning. Paris is definitely on my must-see list. Thanks for the insight.

Stopping in from the Happy Kids Blog Hop.

October 6, 2013 at 12:06 pm

Yes, between the rain and having to keep the windows closed during about half the cruise, it did put a bit of a damper on the cruise but we came prepared with a travel blanket, jackets, and rain ponchos and made the best of the trip. We’d love to do it again with the rain!

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Since 1959, vedettes du pont neuf and canauxrama have been offering the most complete range of cruises in paris and île de france..

Discovery cruises: the secrets of Paris

Accompanied by a guide, you will go back in time on the most beautiful historical axis of Paris: the Seine. Discover all its secrets through numerous…

13.00€ / pers

"Happy Hour" cruise on the Seine (1 hour)

Our boat and its bar welcome you during this unique 1 hour cruise in Paris; the soft musical atmosphere on board will plunge you into the magical…

23.00€ / pers instead of 25.00€

Our boat and its bar welcome you during this unique 1 hour cruise in Paris; the soft musical atmosphere on board will plunge you into the magical atmosphere of Paris at the end of the day; the first drink (champagne, wine, beer or soft drinks) is included.

Cruise on the Canal Saint Martin and the Seine (duration 2 hours)

Discover Paris differently! Let yourself be surprised by this unique and atypical cruise which combines the charms of the Canal Saint-Martin, the…

25.00€ / pers

Discover Paris differently! Let yourself be surprised by this unique and atypical cruise which combines the charms of the Canal Saint-Martin, the heart of Paris for Parisians, and the Seine of historic Paris.

From our exclusive embarkation points, the Ile de la Cité or the Port de l'Arsenal at the foot of the Place de la Bastille, sail off to discover a…

Champagne and macarons cruise on the Seine with Vedettes du Pont Neuf

35.00€ / pers

From our exclusive embarkation points, the Ile de la Cité or the Port de l'Arsenal at the foot of the Place de la Bastille, sail off to discover a magical Paris. Enjoy a glass of champagne and a trio of macarons from the sun deck with its panoramic view, or in the covered dining room of our human-sized boat. You can enhance your cruise with an optional charcuterie and cheese board (+13€).

"Discovery” lunch cruise

Enjoy a lunch cruise at an exclusive price with France Tourisme. Admire the iconic monuments of Paris while savoring home-cooked cuisine prepared by…

66.00€ / pers

Enjoy a lunch cruise at an exclusive price with France Tourisme. Admire the iconic monuments of Paris while savoring home-cooked cuisine prepared by our chef!

Share an original, magical and playful moment with your family! Departing from the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf, this one-hour cruise on the…

20.00€ / pers instead of 22.00€

Share an original, magical and playful moment with your family! Departing from the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf, this one-hour cruise on the Seine is animated and specially designed for children. A snack is also included.

Dinner cruise Bistronomique, departure from Alexandre III bridge

An unforgettable cruise to discover all the wonders of Paris in a cozy and musical atmosphere on the Seine. A refined and seasonal dinner for an…

from 55.00€ / pers

An unforgettable cruise to discover all the wonders of Paris in a cozy and musical atmosphere on the Seine. A refined and seasonal dinner for an exceptional price!

Champagne Relax cruise on our brand-new 100% electric boat

A friendly 1h30 cruise on the Seine with a free drink! Make yourself comfortable on board our new electric boat and discover Paris and its monuments.

30.00€ / pers instead of 35.00€

Dinner cruise, "Romantic Paris"

At the foot of the Musée d'Orsay, enjoy a unique gastronomic experience with refined, home-cooked cuisine prepared by our chef.

85.00€ / pers

More Lunch and Dinner Cruises

Interview with the president of France Tourisme on the BFM set.

2024, a great year for Tourism.

The President of France Tourisme, Guislain de Richecour, was invited to the BFM set. He presented his perspective on tourism for the year 2024. This will be a great year to face challenges. We wish you a happy New Year.

Posted on 03/01/2024

Paris 2024 Olympics: rehearsal of the opening parade on the Seine

On 17 July, a Vedettes du Pont Neuf's boat, Europa, took part in a rehearsal of the 2024 Olympic Games opening parade on the Seine.

3 boats from Vedettes du Pont Neuf are among the 120 boats parading for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics. On 17 July, we took part in a rehearsal of the opening parade of the 2024 Olympic Games on the Seine. The event attracted the attention of many spectators who flocked to the banks. The precisely orchestrated test parade was a unique opportunity to appreciate the scale of the event and the enthusiasm of Parisians for the Games.

Posted on 18/07/2023

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Bateaux Parisiens

Sightseeing Cruise in Paris on the Seine

Discover Paris in a unique way with the Commented Cruises of Bateaux Parisiens. Embark on an adventure along the Seine, uncovering the history and beauty of the City of Lights. Our commented cruises provide an immersive experience, highlighting the famous Parisian landmarks with informative and engaging commentary. Onboard our fully glassed boats, enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of Paris’ iconic sites. Whether you’re a tourist seeking discoveries or a local wanting to rediscover your city, our commented cruises are designed to offer you a unique perspective on Paris. Book your river journey now and dive into the fascinating history of the French capital with Les Bateaux Parisiens.

E-tickets / Fast-track tickets valid at the time of your choice for greater flexibility

To guarantee your place, get your e-tickets in advance

Useful information

The guided cruise aboard the Bateaux Parisiens is available every day of the week (7 days a week) at the following times:

A departure approximately every 30 minutes between 10.00 am and 10.30 pm.

* Your e-tickets give you direct access to the boats at the time of your choice, without having to wait at the ticket office. The times and address are shown on the ticket. If you change your mind about coming, no problem, your e-tickets are automatically valid for 12 months on the date and time of your choice.

Duration of the cruise: 1h00

All Bateaux Parisiens cruises depart from and return to Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris.

Included in your cruise :

1-hour cruise on the Seine River departing from the Eiffel Tower – Port de la Bourdonnais (returning to the same place)
Panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and other Paris landmarks
Individual audio guides available in 14 languages
Free admission: access to 2 levels (covered and glazed below – open sky upstairs)

Your E-tickets :

Are sent instantly by e-mail
Are queue-cutting and allow you to board without waiting at the ticket office
Are automatically valid for 12 months

Get ready for an unforgettable cruise with Bateaux Parisiens by buying your e-tickets in advance. Avoid long queues , especially during busy periods such as weekends, bank holidays, school holidays and summer.

Accessibility for people with reduced mobility (PRM): Yes

Explore our options for dinner cruises and lunch cruises to enhance your experience with Bateaux Parisiens.

The Bateaux Parisiens depart from the Port de la Bourdonnais 75007 Paris.

Nearest Parking : Port de la Bourdonnais – 75007 Paris

Are you a group of more than 14 people? Contact us for a personalised quote. Paris en un Clic guarantees you the best tickets at the best prices!

Included in your cruise

Commented Cruises:

1-hour cruise on the Seine departing from the Eiffel Tower – Port de la Bourdonnais (return to the same location)
Panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and other iconic sites in Paris
Individual audioguides available in 14 languages
Open seating: access to 2 levels (covered and glazed below – open sky above)

Lunch Cruises:

2-hour cruise
Lunch Star service: Central location on the boat + Aperitif + Starters + Main courses + Desserts + Drinks (1/4 bottle of wine + mineral water) + Coffee
Lunch Privilege service: Bay window location + Aperitif + Starters + Main courses + Cheese + Desserts + Drinks (1/4 bottle of wine + mineral water) + Coffee
Lunch Premier service: VIP location at the front of the boat + Aperitif + Starters + Main courses + Cheeses + Desserts + Drinks (1/4 bottle of wine + mineral water + Glass of champagne) + Coffee + Mignardises

Dinner Cruises:

2h30 for the 8.30pm departure or 1h15 for the 1st round at 6.15pm
Dinner Star service: Central location on the boat + Aperitif + Starters + Main courses + Desserts + Drinks (1/4 bottle of wine + mineral water) + Coffee
Discovery Dinner service : Location with panoramic view + Aperitif + Starters + Main courses + Cheeses + Desserts + Drinks (1/4 bottle of wine + mineral water) + Coffee
Privilege Dinner service: Bay window location + Aperitif + Starters + Main courses + Cheeses + Desserts + Drinks (1/4 bottle of wine + mineral water) + Coffee
Premier Dinner service: VIP location at the front of the boat + Aperitif + Starters + Main courses + Cheeses + Desserts + Drinks (1/4 bottle of wine + mineral water + Glass of champagne) + Coffee + Mignardises

Commented Cruises: Adult Rate (12 years and older): 16 euros (instead of 18€ on-site) Reduced Rate for children (4 to 11 years): 7.50 euros (instead of 9€ on-site) Free for babies and children under 4 years old

Lunch Star formula Adult Rate (12 years and older): 75 euros Reduced Rate for children (up to 11 years): 39 euros

Lunch Privilege formula Adult Rate (12 years and older): 95 euros Reduced Rate for children (up to 11 years): 39 euros

Lunch Premier formula Adult Rate (12 years and older): 115 euros Reduced Rate for children (up to 11 years): 39 euros

Dinner Star formula – 06:15 pm Adult Rate (12 years and older): 95 euros Reduced Rate for children (4 to 11 years): 39 euros

Dinner Star formula – 08:30 pm Adult Rate (12 years and older): 115 euros Reduced Rate for children (4 to 11 years): 39 euros

Discovery Dinner formula Unique Rate for Adults and Children: 139 euros

Privilege Dinner formula – 06:15 pm Unique Rate for Adults and Children: 125 euros

Privilege Dinner formula – 08:30 pm Unique Rate for Adults and Children: 185 euros

Premier Dinner formula – 06:15 pm Unique Rate for Adults and Children: 149 euros

Premier Dinner formula – 08:30 pm Unique Rate for Adults and Children: 215 euros

Scenic Cruises: Weekday departures (Monday to Thursday): 10:30 am, 11:15 am, 12:00 pm, 1:15 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:15 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:40 pm, 6:20 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:40 pm, 9:20 pm

Friday departures: 10:30 am, 11:15 am, 12:00 pm, 1:15 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:15 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 9:30 pm

Saturday departures: 10:30 am, 11:15 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 9:30 pm, 10:00 pm

Sunday departures: 10:30 am, 11:15 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:40 pm, 6:20 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:40 pm, 9:20 pm.

The duration of Scenic Cruises is 1 hour.

The selected date during the reservation is a tentative date. Please note that e-tickets are valid for 12 months, allowing you to come on the date and time that suits you.

Lunch Cruises: 12:15 pm: Boarding 12:45 pm: Departure 02:45 pm: Return to the dock

Duration of the cruise: 2 hours

Dinner Cruises: 08:00 pm: Boarding 08:30 pm: Departure 11:00 pm: Return to the dock

Duration of the cruise: 2 hours and 15 minutes

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where is the boarding point for Bateaux Parisiens? All cruises of Bateaux-Mouches take place at Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris. Boarding and arrivals occur at the same location.

Is advance booking necessary? For Commented Cruises, reservation is not mandatory, but due to high demand, it is highly recommended (average waiting time on-site: 1 hour). Opt for our E-tickets for direct access to the boats, eliminating any wait at the ticket counters. For a convenient and hassle-free experience, these electronic tickets are not nominative, providing total flexibility in their use. Additionally, for on-site reservations, please note that a surcharge of €2 per E-ticket applies. E-tickets are valid for any reserved day departure and, in case of unforeseen circumstances, automatically remain valid for 12 months, always on the date and time of your choice. For lunches and dinners, advance booking is mandatory. We recommend a reservation at least 15 days in advance.

When will I receive my E-tickets for the cruise? Upon confirmation of your purchase, your E-tickets are automatically dispatched via email and are ready for use upon receipt.

How long are my Scenic Cruise E-tickets valid? Your E-tickets are automatically valid for a period of 12 months and can be used at the date and time of your convenience. The calendar aims to keep you informed of any closures in the coming weeks.

Are cruises available on public holidays? Absolutely, cruises are available all year round, including bank holidays.

Will I be seated in a bay window? Regarding Commented Cruises, seating is open on the boats. The boats are fully glazed and also have an open upper deck. For lunch/dinner cruises, bay window seats are guaranteed with the formulas:

For lunch cruises: Privilege & Premier formulas,
For dinner cruises: Privilege & Premier formulas.

Are there stops during the Cruises? All cruises are non-stop with departure and return at Port de la Bourdonnais, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Are pets allowed on board? For hygiene and safety reasons on board the boats, unfortunately, we are not able to accept pets, except for guide dogs.

What is the recommended dress code for visiting Bateaux Parisiens? No specific attire is required for Commented Cruises. However, for lunches and dinners, decent city attire is appreciated. Please note that sportswear, flip-flops, shorts, and caps are not allowed.

Where can I park when I go to Bateaux Parisiens? The Port de la Bourdonnais has a pay car park reserved primarily for tourism professionals. We recommend that you park in the public car park at the Musée du Quai Branly.

Are Bateaux Parisiens cruises available throughout the year? Bateaux Parisiens are delighted to welcome you throughout the year, except on January 1st for Lunch Cruises and on the second Monday of January when the site closes at 5 pm, regardless of the service. Please note that these hours may be subject to changes in case of exceptional navigation restrictions imposed by the authorities.

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How To Pick The Best Seine River Cruise In Paris

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that for any qualifying purchase you make through one of my links, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. For more information, check out my disclosure .

A Seine River cruise is – quite simply – one of the best things to do in Paris. It was actually the first thing I did as soon as I arrived in the Ville Lumière on my first visit: as soon as I dropped off my bags in my Airbnb in the Marais district, I walked towards the Seine River to board my cruise.

Yes, Seine River cruises are meant for tourists – and there should be no shame in that whatsoever. From the river, you can get magnificent views of the city so it is a great taster of the wonderful days you are going to spend in town.

Many of Paris’s most important landmarks can be seen while cruising on the Seine, and that includes Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower , the Louvre Museum and the Musée d’Orsay .

Head over to my post Where To Get The Most Impressive Views Of Paris .

The banks of the Seine River are even UNESCO inscribed since 1991 : that’s how important they are for the history, culture and life of the city.

If you are in the planning stages of your Paris trip and are considering taking a Seine River cruise, this post is for you. I will share everything you need to know – from what you get to see during a Seine River cruise to what you must know to decide which cruise is the best one for your travel needs and budget.

Table of Contents

Is A Seine River Cruise In Paris Worth It?

Yes! Absolutely. This is the best way to see many of the sights in Paris, often with no other buildings in the way. You’ll also get to see them without having to walk for miles and miles and will get to learn about the history and significance of the buildings from the guides aboard river cruise boats.

Another plus point of Seine River cruises is getting to embark on a river cruise at night. This allows you to see Paris, which is nicknamed “City of Lights” (Ville Lumière in French), illuminated after dark — made extra special by the reflections in its famous river.

What To Know About Seine River Cruises

What do you see on a seine river cruise.

A cruise on the River Seine allows you to take in a whole swathe of Parisian sights. Depending on what cruise you opt for, the sights you see will vary, but generally speaking — on a one-hour cruise — you’ll pass by the Eiffel Tower, Hôtel de Ville, Ile de la Cite, the Grand Palais, Les Invalides, Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Place de la Concorde.

There will also often (not always though, I am afraid) be a guide on the boat, offering up a running commentary of the sights you’ll see, giving you some insight into the history of each one.

If an individual guide isn’t on offer, the cruise will sometimes have an audio guide provided (in multiple different languages).

But cruises do vary. The sights you see will vary depending on both the tour you choose and the time of day. For example, those booking an evening tour will see city sights such as the Eiffel Tower illuminated, while in the daytime you’ll see more details.

How long does a Seine River cruise last?

River Seine cruises typically last around an hour. Most of them will be around an hour and a half in duration. An hour is enough time to tick off the top sights along the river, and particularly during the colder months, or when it rains (like when I took my cruise) an hour is probably the preferred time!

Some cruises, however, are longer, with some lasting up to two and a half hours. These may take you further along the river, but may also include additional perks such as entertainment, a meal and drinks.

I will take care to specify the duration of the cruise for each company mentioned in this post.

How much does a Seine River cruise cost?

The cost of a cruise on the River Seine varies considerably, depending on the type of cruise you wish to take.

A classic one-hour cruise will cost around €20, but this can change depending on the season; for example, in winter it’s not uncommon to see prices discounted by €5 or more, and Seine River cruises costing just €15.

Those looking for a longer cruise of two hours or more can expect to pay around €70 for a lunchtime cruise (including a meal).

A pass for a hop-on, hop-off cruise can be an affordable €15 to €20 (depending on the season) — a great way to see the sights of Paris at your own pace.

A three course dinner cruise in the evening, lasting two hours, starts at around €85 per person.

Can I reserve specific seats?

Not really, actually. Regular cruises have free seating and you can sit wherever you find a spot – and also move around for views and photos during the cruise. On lunch and dinner cruises, you’ll be seated at a table but you can’t specifically pick one.

Can a disabled traveler go on a Seine River cruise?

Absolutely! Most Seine River cruises are accessible to passengers with reduced mobility and on wheelchair, with step-free access and disabled / wheel accessible toilets available in some (though not all) boats and – where they are not – in the docking area.

Don’t worry: I will specify which companies are fully accessible, and the ones which require a bit more work to access.

Can I bring my pet on board?

All companies will allow guide dogs on board, and some such as the Vedettes du Pont Neuf will also allow small animals as long as they are on a leash or in a basket. Pets other than guide dogs are never allowed on lunch and dinner cruises.

Do boats have toilets?

Most boats that ply the Seine River do have toilets. In any case, there usually are toilets right by the docking area available for passengers’ use.

The Best Seine River Cruise Options

No time to read the entire post? Here are my recommendations for the best cruises:

Bateaux Mouches cruise – a classic Seine River cruise and a favorite of travelers, you also have the option of a lunch or dinner cruise.

Bateaux Parisiens cruise – another favorite, the ferry in this case is glass covered to give you even better views.

Vedettes de Paris cruise – one of the most budget friendly cruises in Paris, you can opt for a longer one that has a stop at the Eiffel Tower.

Batobus – a nice hop-on hop-off cruise that is a great option for sightseeing, and very budget friendly.

Bateaux Mouches

One of the leading boat tour companies that provide cruises along the River Seine is Bateaux Mouches. Literally translating to “Fly Boats”, their various boats have been plying not only the Seine but the canals of Paris since 1949.

The boats used by Bateaux Mouches are large and feature an open upper deck and an enclosed lower deck. The company has a selection of different River Seine cruise options for visitors to the city, including the classic one-hour cruise, as well as lunch and dinner cruises on their specialized dining vessels.

These restaurant boats are specifically designed with tables clustered around large windows, so passengers are able to get wide views of city sights as they dine; they’re also often accompanied by live music.

Bateaux Mouches boats offer tours in all weathers, thanks to heating, making this still a pleasant option in the winter months.

Cruises on the Bateaux Mouches start at just €15 for the most basic sightseeing one, but the lunch and dinner cruises are more expensive and up to €100.

The cruise lasts little over one hour, leaving from Pont de l’Alma in the 8th arrondissement. There’s no live guide on board but there is a narration in various languages (of course, English is one of them) and hand outs are provided to all passengers.

Bateaux Mouches cruises are also wheelchair accessible – just the bottom floor though, not the second one which remains not accessible to passengers on wheelchairs. There are no accessible toilets on board but you will find them in the docking area.

This is the cheapest Bateaux Mouches cruise option – it comes with no frills so it is perfect if you are traveling on a smaller budget.

You also have the option of booking a Bateaux Mouches cruise that includes lunch – there are vegetarian options available, but enquire for vegan options and point out any food allergies you may have upon booking.

Finally, you could consider this Bateaux Mouches cruise that includes dinner – again you will have vegetarian options, and you will also have live music on board.

Bateaux Parisiens

Another mainstay of boat cruise companies in Paris, Bateaux Parisiens offer up a range of cruise options with a fleet of seven sightseeing boats and five restaurant boats.

The sightseeing boats provide ample space to see the Eiffel Tower and other iconic sights as part of their one-hour cruise offering. Bateaux Parisiens’ restaurant boats have been cleverly designed with glass walls, affording guests panoramic views as they float along the city’s river.

Bateaux Parisiens also boasts the Bistro Parisien, a permanently moored vessel at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Prices for Bateaux Parisiens boats vary, particularly for the dining options. Mostly, the cost of a River Seine tour in this case depends on where you want to be seated, and what menu you opt for. The plain sightseeing cruise costs €18, with occasional offers for cheaper prices.

The Bateaux Parisiens leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais, which is close to the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement. Some cruises leave from the Quai de Montebello (by Notre Dame), in the 5th. They make a loop before going back to the starting point.

The boat ride lasts about one hour. In terms of narration on board the Bateaux Parisiens, this vary. Cruises departing from the Eiffel Tower are provided with audio guides in several languages.

There also is a live guide on board in case you feel like asking questions. If you depart from Notre Dame you should have a live guide (also available in English).

Like the Bateaux Mouches, the Bateaux Parisiens is accessible to travelers with reduced mobility and on wheelchair. However, there are no toilets for wheelchair users on board – these are available in the docked Bistrot Parisiens.

The cheapest option is this Bateaux Parisiens cruise – perfect for travelers on a smaller budget.

You can splurge a bit more with this Bateaux Parisiens lunch cruise that includes a 3-course meal and white or red wine.

There also is a Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise – in this case, you will have a la carte menu and live music on board.

The Bateaux Parisiens is also included among the attractions of the Paris Pass – however, available attractions on the pass vary on a regular basis so you may want to double check before getting one!

Vedettes de Paris

Vedettes de Paris is another one of the French capital’s boat tour providers. They’ve been offering Seine River cruises since 1976. The company provides trips along the Seine in quite compact vessels — actually the smallest tour boats on the river.

The company claims to offer up a “warm and friendly experience unlike any in Paris”, perfect for whether you’re discovering Paris for the first time, or if you’re a second or third-time visitor who just wants to learn more about the city.

With the comprehensive list of sights on offer, a trip with Vedettes de Paris is a great way to see a whole lot of Paris’ top sights.

Once aboard, passengers will be whisked along the waterway, passing by the Eiffel Tower (obviously), Cathedral de la Sainte-Trinite, the American Church in Paris, Les Invalides, Pont Alexandre III, Pont de la Concorde, Musee d’Orsay, Pont Neuf, Concierge and The Louvre — to name just a few.

Prices for the Vedettes de Paris start at €19 for adults. Boarding takes place at the Port de Suffren, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement.

The boat ride lasts around one hour, but some cruises are much longer as they include a 30 minutes stop over by the Eiffel Tower and by Notre Dame, so you can get off for more photos if you want.

Most boats on the Vedettes de Paris now offer audio-guides in a variety of languages to passengers, but some also include a live guide with commentary in three languages: French, English and Spanish.

You can also opt for a themed cruise, such as champagne tasting, and a family friendly tour, meaning there’s something for all sorts of different travelers.

Vedettes de Paris boats are now fully accessible to passengers with reduced mobility and on wheelchair, who will also find disabled toilets on board.

This is the most basic Vedette de Paris cruise option – it includes drinks as snacks as an additional option.

You also have the option of this family friendly Vedette de Paris cruise which is perfect if you are visiting Paris with your children.

Vedettes du Pont Neuf

Another well known company that provides boat tours along the River Seine, the Vedettes du Pont Neuf has been running tours of the River Seine since 1959, and also provides cruises along the Canal Saint Martin for those looking for an alternative to the Seine itself.

This company has a large fleet of boats that provide a variety of different river cruise options along the River Seine. These include an hour daytime (or evening) cruise, a champagne cruise, an evening meal cruise, a happy hour cruise along the Seine, and a snack cruise.

There’s also a number of cruises on offer relating to special events, such as Valentine’s Day and Bastille Day.

Prices for the Vedettes du Pont Neuf start at €18 for adults. Boarding takes place close to the famous Pont Neuf. This location is an ideal spot, situated among many of the French capital’s top tourist attractions, notably Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter to name but two.

The boat ride lasts around one hour, during which you will enjoy live commentary in English and French.

Unfortunately the Vedettes du Pont Neuf is not easily wheelchair accessible – that’s because there are stairs leading you down from the Pont Neuf. You’d have to contact the company to make sure that they can arrange a ramp for wheelchair users a bit further from the stairs.

You should also take care to notice that not all boats have toilets. This is the only cruise that accepts pets other than guide dogs.

You can book your Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise – the tour lasts one hour but it’s quite budget friendly.

This is what I actually opted for the first time I visited Paris and I thought it was actually a good option. The Batobus is a hop-on, hop-off boat that runs along the River Seine, giving you the convenience to explore Paris on your own timescale and allowing you to create your own itinerary.

It’s a bit different from other cruises, because there is no commentary on board at all, but the views are the exactly the same and it’s a good photographic experience. If you do the entire loop (from your starting point and back) the entire loop will take around two hours.

The boats themselves are modern, with panoramic windows and comfortable seats (180 in total). There’s also an open-air deck and a heated lower deck for added comfort.

Tickets for the Batobus vary. For example, you could either opt to buy a pass for a whole day (24 hours), or two days (48 hours), allowing you to pretty much use the Batobus like public transport to get you from A to B.

The starting price is €20 for a 24-hour pass, and €22 for a 48-hour pass. The Batobus vessels turn up regularly, with departures shown online on their official site.

The Batobus service runs on a loop stopping at the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Saint Germain des Prés, Notre Dame, Jardin des Plantes and Hotel de Ville – you can get on board wherever you prefer.

Only the Eiffel Tower stop along the Batobus route is accessible to wheelchair users. If you want to use this as a sightseeing cruise, as long as you board there and stay on the lower deck you will be ok.

But if you can’t really use it as a hop-on hop-off service. Also keep in mind there are no toilets at all on the boat or on any of the docking areas.

You can either purchase a Batobus pass online or directly at one of the nine stops. If you wish to get it online, for easy I recommend using the GetYourGuide site .

Paris en Scène Seine River cruise

For those looking for a high-end dinner experience while cruising on the River Seine, there’s the Paris en Scène Dinner Cruise to consider. Here diners can enjoy delicious food paired with wine and champagne, all while soaking up the surrounding views of the city.

These modern boats boast fully panoramic windows so guests can see all of the capital’s most famous landmarks.

Upon boarding, diners are welcomed by a professional crew, helping you to unwind in a relaxing yet sophisticated atmosphere. Comfortable dining chairs and tables face the panoramic windows, while there’s also an open-air upper terrace when the weather is good.

Meals here are inspired by bistro dining, and are prepared on board by the chef using quality ingredients.

Prices for the Paris en Scène start at €51 for adults for the brunch option, and €74 for the dinner option (without drinks).

The departure point of the Paris en Scène is the Ile aux Cygnes, near Pont de Bir-Hakeim and close to the the Eiffel Tower. From there the boat goes past the Musee Branly, Pont de l’Alma, Pont Alexandre III, past Place de la Concorde, the Musee d’Orsay, the Louvre and Pont des Artes.

The boat ride lasts between 1.5 and two hours, depending on which one you pick. There really is no commentary on board the Paris en Scène as this is meant to be a meal-cruise, but the staff on board will speak English.

Unfortunately the Paris en Scène is not accessible to wheelchair users.

You have the option of booking the Paris en Scène brunch cruise – it’s perfect if you want to have a fabulous Paris style breakfast while cruising.

Alternatively, there’s the Paris en Scène dinner cruise – keep in mind drinks are not included in the price.

Paris CityVision

The Paris CityVision cruise is actually very similar to the Paris en Scène cruise. Again, the whole purpose of the cruise is to dine on gourmet food and sip excellent wine as you cruise along the Seine and enjoy the magnificent views of Paris.

In this case you can also opt for upgrades if you want a particularly romantic experience – for example you have the option to add champagne and flowers to your booking, or to upgrade to a window seat.

Prices for the Paris CityVision start at €58 per person for the lunch cruise with no alcohol, and the cruise can get as expensive as €155 per person for a dinner cruise with champagne.

The departure point is the Port de Solférino on the Quai Anatole France, close to the Musee d’Orsay. From there you will sail past the most important landmarks located along the river, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.

The cruise lasts between 1.5 and two hours, depending on which option you pick. There is no commentary on boat, but you will be welcomed by a host – depending on which boat you pick, it will be in both English and French, or only French.

Unfortunately the Paris CityVision is not accessible to wheelchair users.

You have the option of booking a Paris CityVision lunch cruise – make sure to look for the added options as there even is a Christmas cruise!

There’s also this early evening cruise on the Paris CityVision – keep in mind drinks are not included though.

Finally, there’s the more classic dinner cruise with the Paris CityVision – you have the option of adding a glass of champagne if you wish.

Private boat tour

While there are a fair few tour companies offering a solid variety of options for a Seine River cruise, you may want something a bit more tailor-made for a special vacation to Paris. In that case, you’re in luck — it’s possible to book a private boat tour of the River Seine.

Of course these kinds of adventures are going to cost more money when compared to the standard boat cruises out there, but if you’re traveling as part of a group, or if you want a truly memorable experience with your partner, it’s the perfect choice.

There are a number of different companies that provide private tours. Many of these embark on trips down the Seine, past the classic sights, and passing under historic bridges, while seeing stunning views of buildings like Notre Dame.

The plus point of having your own private cruise of the River Seine means you get to relax in style (and privacy), travel at your own pace, and have more comfort overall.

You’ll also have a captain or guide at your disposal, who can offer up a wealth of information and help to tailor a cruise to suit you.

You can book this private cruise along the Seine River.

Tips To Make The Most Of Your Seine River Cruise

Book in advance.

Booking in advance means that you will be able to get the best value for money. You will often be able to purchase tickets at discounted prices and compare reviews from previous customers too.

Not only that, but during peak travel season in the summer months, the Seine river cruises can get sold out. Booking in advance means that you won’t be disappointed on the day when you turn up at the ticket office.

Consider a combination ticket

This is one of the best things to do if you are traveling on a smaller budget or if you want to have all tickets in one place.

I recommend the Paris City Card on Tiqets – it includes admission to the Eiffel Tower (you have the option to access the second floor, or even the summit) and tickets to the Louvre.

Check the departure point and time

This may seem obvious, but you really should check (and double check) where and when your boat tour of the River Seine is departing. It’s all too easy to misread your booking confirmation, or to simply think, “I’ll remember that” and then totally forget about it when the time comes.

A good idea is to take a screenshot of the departure details, both time and place, on your phone or go old-school and print it out to make double sure that you know where you’re going — and at the correct time!

Arrive early

Turning up for the trip early is a good idea if you want to secure the best spot on the boat. Seats that look from vantage points for the top sights will fill up quickly. Arrive early so you don’t miss out!

You also want to make sure you turn up in time for the departure, the boat cruises along the Seine are busy with lots of passengers, you can’t expect the captain to wait around even if you’re a few minutes late.

For some of the more high-end dinner cruises along the River Seine, you’ll have to dress for the occasion. It may not matter all that much really, but you may well feel out of place if you turn up in trainers, jeans and a T-shirt. Opt for smart shoes and smart casual in most cases.

But you should really check in advance: for example, the Bateaux Parisiens restaurant boat option requires diners to wear formal clothing — no trainers, baseball caps, jeans or shorts.

You should also read my post What To Wear In Paris: A Useful Paris Packing List .

Pin It For Later!

Read this post to discover how to pick the best Seine River cruise - via @clautavani

Claudia Tavani

Claudia was born and raised in Italy, but she also lived in New York, Denver, and London. She's a professional travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips, sharing travel hacks, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of My Adventures Across The World, solo traveler, cat mom to Minnie. Claudia has been featured by the Lonely Planet and the Huffington Post. She has visited more than 80 countries.

2 thoughts on “How To Pick The Best Seine River Cruise In Paris”

Which cruise would you recommend for adults not including dinner. Nice and clean boats that are fairly newer with easy access and shows all the important sites of Paris.

Hello! The route that all cruises follow is the same, so the views will be the same. If you don’t want dinner but just the views and don’t care for a commentary, you can go on the Batobus which is like a hop-on hop-off cruise (you don’t have to get off unless you want to).

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Sights from the Seine: Your Guide to the Seine River Cruise

Sean Finelli Last Updated: May 2, 2024

Paris is a very walkable city which makes exploring it by foot both attractive and popular. That said, one of the most popular activities in Paris for visitors is taking a Seine River Cruise. A Seine River cruise is a little touristy but a truly amazing way to see Paris. You geta truly unique perspective on some of the city’s most famous sites.

Overview of the Seine River in Paris

The Seine River pulls water from a little place known as “ Sources de la Seine” or Source of the Seine . It runs all the way across France to the English Channel. Where is Sources de la Seine? According to Wikipedia the Seine is 775km or roughly 482 miles from the English Channel running almost clear across France. The source of this river is only about 171km (106mi) from Switzerland!

At the “source” it would be hard to believe that this little stream turns into the powerful river flowing through Paris and many other French cities. That said, run-off water from France’s fertile and wet countryside builds up which adds to the size of the river as it flows! You can’t fight physics!

Not ready to jump into a tour? Find out if an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it !

How to See Paris from the Seine?

Walking & Biking! There is a path on either side of the Seine that runs the length of the river which is ideal for a stroll. There are also many bridges crossing the Seine that offer an excellent perspective from above.

Seine River Cruise! Another great way, which we will touch on more below, is taking a river cruise. This is a great way to soak in a large portion of Paris from the water without tiring yourself out. You will get your fill of walking while in Paris so a river cruise is the perfect opportunity to relax a bit before or after dinner.

What Sites Can You See on the Seine in Paris?

The Seine River runs horizontally across Paris and is positioned almost perfectly in the center of the city which is not a coincidence. We take this for granted today, but a water source is a pivotal thing for any city. The Seine wasn’t built in the center of Paris, but Paris was built around the Seine.

From the river, you’ll be able to see many of Paris’s most famous sites. Here’s just a sample of what you’ll catch a glimpse of:

4. The Famous “Love Lock Bridge” of Paris

Paris’ Ponts des Arts is one of the most famous bridges in the world which would appear a mystery at first glance. Bridges like Pont Neuf of Paris or the Golden Gate Bridge are famous due to their architectural prowess and beauty. On the other hand, Ponts des Arts is a rickety metal foot-bridge running from the Left Bank to the Right bank.

Why so famous? The answer is simply Love! Read about it more in our article on Paris’ Love Lock Bridge .

Our Best Guided Tours of Paris

Likely to Sell out

Champagne Day Trip From Paris with Lunch

Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Explore iconic Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot hassle-free. We’ve partnered with top wineries, expert guides, and local eateries to offer personalized tours, complete with round-trip transportation from Paris.

Top Selling

Ultimate Taste of Paris Food Tour in Le Marais

Embark on a culinary journey in Le Marais—one of the hippest neighborhoods in Paris. Most food tours in Paris offer cheese and wine, but we include a full, sit-down meal! Enjoy a feast of French cheeses, oysters, street food, boeuf bourguignon, crème brûlée, and more. This 3-hour food tour combines the best of Paris’ culinary heritage and you won’t find a better deal out there!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out Paris Guide for more resources.

3. Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis

Did you know that Paris is home to two small natural islands? Many tourists walk across these islands, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis , and don’t even realize they’re doing so. While on a river cruise, these islands become much more distinguishable. You’ll get a close-up of the Notre Dame Cathedral, located on Île de la Cité, and see the city’s oldest bridge, Pont Neuf, which runs across the island.

2. Musée d’Orsay and the Musée du Louvre

From the Seine River, you can also see two of the world’s most famous museums. The Orsay Museum , housed in a former train station and known worldwide for its staggering collection of Impressionist artwork, is located on the Left Bank. Almost directly across the river on the Right Bank is the Louvre Museum . You’ll see them at nearly the exact same time!

1. The Eiffel Tower

Several Seine River cruises depart and dock next to the Eiffel Tower which is central and convenient . Seine River cruises are a really cool way to see the Eiffel tower since the river is well kept. The level of the river is also lower which makes the Eiffel Tower look even bigger!

We have a cool Eiffel Tower Tour that includes a Seine River cruise which you can definitely check out!

Seine River Cruise at Night

Appropriately nicknamed The City of Lights, t he only equal to Paris’ sunlit beauty is its moonlit ambiance. That is why taking a Seine River cruise at night offers a great vantage point for seeing Paris. Each of Paris’ landmarks illuminates the sky with bright lights.

W e run an Eiffel Tower at night tour which i ncludes a cruise on the Seine River . Imagine yourself riding on a comfortable riverboat sipping a crisp glass of champagne while looking onto the Eiffel Tower. Our tour includes entrance tickets to the Eiffel Tower and access to the second floor.

You’ll also see The Louvre illuminated, taking in the splendor of the museum’s grandiose design with varied perspectives. This is the perfect way to compliment your skip-the-line tour of The Louvre !

People taking photos of the Eiffel tour from a boat.

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour with Seine River Cruise

Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Our Eiffel tower tour cruises by the famed monument as it lights up and you drink champagne. After, you’ll have tickets to enter the tower and ascend to the 2nd level with an elevator.

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris. It embodies the French vigor for life. Join a passionate English speaking guide for a tour of the most famous artwork. Skip the line admissions included.

I Want More Paris!

Not sure what to do in Paris? Check out our step-by-step guide about how to do Paris in a Day . If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our Paris tours .
Parlez-Vous Francais ? Learn some of the most important French phrases before your trip to Paris.
Follow our European adventures on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube . Then, comment and tell us what you want us to cover next.

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About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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Seine River Cruises

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Seine River Cruise Ticket

Whether it's day or night, come discover Paris aboard a Bateaux Parisiens Seine river cruise. Take in beautiful views of the river's bridges and Paris monuments along the Seine river.

City Tour and Seine Cruise

Discover Paris through a Seine cruise and a sightseeing tour in a panoramic bus. Enjoy comments adapted to all on our mobile app and discover the history of the most emblematic monuments such as the Louvre, the Opera, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel tower, the Invalides…

Bistronomic Lunch Cruise Paris Seine

Enjoy a Paris Seine lunch cruise on board a boat-restaurant and discover Paris in a new and different way, while enjoying a traditional French meal. Experience a true other worldly trip on the Seine.

Lunch cruise Paris Seine - Special Festive Menu

Live your festive moments on a cruise.

Entrance to the Louvre museum with access to Mona Lisa painting (reserved access) and cruise ticket

Discover 2 must-sees of the city of light : the largest museum in the world and the Seine river.

Romantic Seine River Lunch Cruise, Table at the bay window, Drinks included

Romantic Lunch boarding Paris Seine boat restaurant, full set menu with drinks included. Cruise to discover Paris on the Seine river having a wonderful lunch.

Bistronomic Dinner Cruise Paris Seine 6.45 PM

Begin your evening with dinner on board a Paris Seine boat-restaurant. Floating on the water, you will explore Paris and admire its bridges and sights. While navigating the Seine, you will enjoy a delicious traditional meal.

Paris Catacombs Skip the line audio-guided tour and cruise ticket

Go to visit the incredible Paris Catacombs at your own pace. Discover the history of this out-of-ordinary place thanks to audio guided commentaries and take advantage of a skip the line ticket to access there easily. Revel in the romantic charm of the city through a Seine River cruise, where iconic monuments spring to life, unveiling the city's concealed secrets.

View from the bottom of the Eiffel Tower skip the line priority access

City Tour, Seine Cruise and Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor with Reserved Access

Discover the Eiffel tower and enjoy an exceptional view over the rooftops of Paris from the second floor. This offer also includes the discovery of Paris and its main landmarks through a city tour and an audio-guided cruise on the Seine.

Bistronomic Dinner Cruise Paris Seine 9 PM

Have an unforgettable moment during dinner on the Seine with Paris Seine. In a warm setting, you will discover the charm of Paris, while enjoying a refined meal.

Festive Dinner Cruise Paris Seine with live music (early dinner)

Experience an incredible evening on the Seine River. Unforgettable moments and musical atmosphere guaranteed.

Festive Dinner Cruise Paris Seine with live music (evening dinner)

Book your Seine River Cruise night and day in Paris

Taking a cruise on the Seine means treating yourself to a magical and timeless moment. A Paris boat tour is another way to discover the capital and to enjoy incredible views of the capital’s most beautiful monuments far from the hustle and bustle of its streets. Book right now your tickets for your tours on boats and explore the city in a different way.

The best cruises to visit the capital

The Batobus (a play on words: bateau meaning boat, and bus) is a great way to hop around town from one site to another. With an unlimited pass (validity 1-3 days), you’ll be able to freely explore Paris at your own leisure -- and pace! In tandem with the ebb and flow of the Seine and comfortably installed, you will be able to appreciate views of famous bridges and great monuments that pass before your eyes one after the other along the Seine’s banks: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay to name just a few.

Another interesting option is to reserve lunch aboard a boat-restaurant or a gastronomic Paris dinner cruise on the Seine . You’ll be able to see the city set ablaze at sunset, its monuments lighting up as nightfall descends. Not a bad idea if you’re looking for a romantic night out or an unusual outing among family or friends! Another option is to take a boat trip along the Seine with Bateaux Parisiens.

With Paris City Vision, a private nighttime cruise on the Seine with a tour guide is also possible. With the City of Lights aglow and its most striking monuments lit up, Paris is unequivocally stunning at night. The boat tours are truly unforgettable moments for tourists discovering the capital and even for Parisians out for an original night in town.

A priority access to the best cruises

Paris City Vision Seine cruise offers include priority access visits to Paris’ most famous monuments . Think about the time you’ll save and the hassle you’ll avoid by not waiting in line at the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower! These package deals are a practical way to make the most out of your time in Paris and to leave the most touristy city in the world with only positive memories! Finally, for those who want to go all out, there are dinner-cruise-show combo tickets at the Lido (Champs Elysées) or at the famous cabaret, Moulin Rouge . A Seine river cruise will offer you unforgettable moments to share with your loved ones.

Prepare your visit

Seine River Sightseeing Cruise

Book seine river sightseeing cruise.

Enjoy spending quality time with friends and family for an hour and ten minutes on a Seine River Sightseeing Cruise.
Feel captivated looking at the spectacular sights that rest along the famous river.
Listen to the onboard commentary in your selected one out of the ten languages.
Feel relaxed as the onboard hostess looks after your comfort.
Children below the age of 3 years can join the river cruise for free.
Children between the age of 4 to 11 years can avail of the child ticket.

Explore the 1st, the 2nd floor and the summit of the Eiffel Tower
Feel amazed listening to the English-speaking guide tell you facts about the famous tower.
Have a good time with friends and family for an hour on a Seine River Sightseeing Cruise.
Enjoy a glass of Champagne as you witness the breathtaking sights that rest along the famous river.
Children below the age of 4 years can join the tour for free.
Children above the age of 4 years will be considered an adult.

Get the opportunity to explore the city of Paris on a river cruise at your own pace in leisure.
You can enjoy either 24 hours or 48 hours of access with your Hop-on hop-off cruise- 1-day or 2 days pass
Get on board the boats running at every 30-minute interval.
You can start your tour as soon as your ticket gets activated.
Children below the age of 2 years can join the tour for free.
Children between the age of 3 to 15 years can avail of the child ticket.

Delight in having a three-course French cuisine on the terrace of the Eiffel Tower with your loved one.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the attractions from the top of the tower during your dinner.
Go for an enjoyable cruise on the Seine river.
Sail past some of the places to see from Seine River Sightseeing Cruise such as Musée d’Orsay, The Louvre, Notre Dame, and more.
Grab a scrumptious three-course dinner serving French cuisine at the Eiffel Tower with your loved one. Indulge in sailing past some famous attractions during a pleasant Seine river cruise experience.

Places to See from Seine River Sightseeing Cruise

Located in the heart of the romantic city of Paris is one of its iconic monuments, the Eiffel Tower , which symbolizes the city. Popularly known as the “Iron Lady”, the 324 meters tower, or as the French call it, La Tour Eiffel, is made up of 18,000 iron parts and is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Take a look at the magnificent tower which was designed as a centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) in Paris. Being located near the river makes it one of the places to see from Seine River Sightseeing Cruise.

Must Read: Bars near Eiffel Tower Paris

Île de la Cité is one of two attraction-packed islands that is included in the sights covered in Seine River Sightseeing Cruise. The beautiful island is the home of world-famous ancient architectural grandeurs.

You will be able to see the Conciergerie, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Sainte-Chapelle while passing this island. Apart from these places, the island is also known to be the birthplace of Paris and has other attractions such as a haunting World War II memorial, flower and bird market of the early 1800s etc. If you are interested in the history of Paris, there is an archaeological dig to take a look at the layers of Paris's history or a square with its 1600s buildings.

Is a Seine sightseeing cruise worth it?

Yes, Seine River Sightseeing Cruise is listed amongst one of the top attractions in Paris. The cruise is an excellent way of getting an overview of the city including its layout, geography and long history. The cruise boat will pass several of the major attractions of the city including popular landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Louvre Museum and others. If you take a boat with commentary overboard, you will also be able to know about the various attractions before visiting them on foot.

How long is the Seine River cruise?

The main Seine River sightseeing cruises are between 1 to 1.5 hours long. You can also go for a longer 2.5-hour cruise if you want to see more of Paris and cruise for a longer duration along the Seine. You can also opt for a Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise for 24 or 48 hours to explore the city at your pace.

What sights are covered on Paris Seine River Cruise?

There are several sights covered in Seine River Sightseeing Cruise. You will be able to take a look at the island of Île de la Cité with its attractions such as Conciergerie, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Sainte-Chapelle. You will also be able to take a look at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Grand Palais and the Petit-Palais, the museum Musée d’Orsay and others.

Where does the Seine River cruise start and end?

The Seine River cruise starts from the foot of the Eiffel Tower and also ends there after doing a roundtrip cruise on the River Seine and passing The Louvre, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay and then returning back to the foot of Eiffel Tower again.

What is Seine River cruise?

The Seine River cruise is a cruise tour on a boat that sails through the Seine River, the literal center of Parisian civilization. The cruise is a great way to familiarize yourself with the historical monuments, spectacular buildings and ornate bridges of Paris.

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Visitor information, visitor guide, cruise packages, book seine river cruises, seine river cruise, paris, seine river dinner cruise in paris, seine river hop-on hop-off cruise, paris, eiffel tower tour with seine river cruise, 1 hour seine river cruise in paris, eiffel tower dinner tickets & sightseeing seine river cruise, eiffel tower dinner, seine river cruise and moulin rouge show, eiffel tower lunch tickets & sightseeing seine river cruise.

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CRUISE ON THE SEINE

The ultimate guide to seine river cruises in paris.

Cruises on the Seine » Plan your visit » Where do river cruise ships dock in Paris? The complete guide!

Where do river cruise ships dock in Paris? The complete guide!

A very common question regarding Paris Seine River Cruise, is: "Where do river cruise ships dock in paris?" Well, in this guide you will find all the details about the docking locations and some more tips and insights.

By: Matthew Turner

A highly favored method to discover this city and appreciate its awe inspiring beauty is by embarking on a river cruise along the Seine. Throughout this article, We will explore which port the cruise providers are using with some good tips and insights, Offering you valuable insights to meticulously plan your idyllic river cruise adventure.

So where do river cruise ships dock in Paris? Here is most popular ones!

Although there are quite a few ports on the Seine River in Paris, only 2 ports are the most popular and mosts of the big and known providers are using it. Those ports are: Port de Grenelle which is locate near the Eiffel Tower and Port de Javel Bas which is locate near Parc André Citroën.

Here are all the ports on the seine river in Paris

Port de Grenelle, situated in the southwestern part of Paris serves as a primary docking point for river cruise ships. Its close proximity to the iconic Eiffel Tower provides passengers with an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photographs and enjoy breathtaking views of the Seine and cityscape. Moreover.

This picturesque setting creates a delightful ambiance for passengers embarking or disembarking their cruises. Port de la Bourdonnais, just a short distance away from Port de Grenelle is another popular docking point for river cruises. Not only does this location offer easy access to many of Pariss’ famous attractions including the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay and Champs-Élysées but passengers docking here have the chance to immerse themselves in the citys’ artistic heritage and explore its cultural treasures.

If you’re seeking a unique experience as a river cruise enthusiast. Look no further than Port de l’Arsenal. Situated in the eastern part of Paris within the Canal Saint Martin this historical port provides a more intimate and charming atmosphere.

It serves as an ideal starting point for exploring vibrant neighborhoods such as Le Marais and Bastille known for their lively cafes, trendy boutiques, and picturesque streets. Situated in the 15th arrondissement of Paris is Port de Javel Bas – another noteworthy docking point for river cruise ships. Notably close to Parc André Citroën – a beautiful park offering green spaces, gardens, and even hot air balloon rides – passengers docking here can indulge in a leisurely stroll or visit nearby attractions such as the Palais de Tokyo and Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air.

For those looking to gain a unique perspective of Paris from their river cruise ship docked on its eastern outskirts should consider Port de Bercy. This particular docking point offers an unparalleled view that showcases the citys charm and character from a different angle. Positioned near Bercy Village—a former wine market that has undergone a trendy transformation into a sought after shopping area—one can discover an exciting medley of stores, restaurants, and entertainment hubs.

Post river voyage visitors have the delightful opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll or partake in a charming riverside picnic at Parc de Bercy—a serene haven beckoning relaxation.

Port de la Conférence: Located in the charming suburb of Saint Germain en Laye with its picturesque surroundings just northwest of central Paris; Port de la Conférence provides an ideal launching pad for tranquil river cruises. Here passengers embark on elusive journeys along the Seine River—meandering through stunning landscapes and alluring towns—that promise to captivate travelers seeking peace and tranquility on their cruising expeditions.

More useful information about Seine River Cruise in Paris

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Having a Low-Budget? Here are some Cheap Seine River Cruises with deals and discounts!
Paris hop-on hop-off river cruise – The best way to travel in Paris!
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Cruise On the Seine - Who we are?

We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Paris. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising on the Seine River in Paris. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Seine River cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more. Bon voyage!

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Scenic Gem River Cruise Review: Luxury Sailing on the Seine River

I was glad for my last minute decision to switch excursions when my guide showed up in character dressed as Richard the Lionheart for a hike to the hilltop Chateau Gaillard in Les Andelys, France. It was the first port stop on an 11-night Normandy & Gems of the Seine River cruise with Australian-based Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours .

The hike was fairly short but steep and along the way our group learned about the medieval king and area history from our knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Ben Bailey. From the hilltop, we could see the Seine River below, with our elegant ship, the Scenic Gem, waiting for us.

My travel partner was my young adult son, Michael, and this was our first river cruise in Europe. From the ship and crew to ports and excursions, the cruise exceeded our expectations. Here’s why I recommend sailing with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, and what I enjoyed about our ship, Scenic Gem.

About Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

The Scenic name may not be familiar to some Americans but the company has been around since 1986. It was founded by Glen Moroney, who began operating coach tours throughout his native Australia. He launched the Scenic cruise line’s “Space-Ships” in 2008, introducing outside balconies to river boats for the first time. The Scenic Group also owns and operates ocean yachts and Emerald Waterways. River cruise itineraries include the waterways of the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Seine.

Scenic Gem Itinerary on the Seine River

Michael and I sailed on the Scenic Gem , one of three Scenic Space-Ships based in France. The roundtrip Scenic river cruise began in Paris and traveled to Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur, Caudebec-en-Caux, Vernon-Giverny and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine – with many adventures along the way. Scenic Gem’s small size makes it among the few river boats able to sail along the Seine to the English Channel.

The itinerary included three days in Paris . Pre- and post cruise extensions are available. We added additional days in Paris at the back end of our cruise.

Embarkation couldn’t have been smoother. Within minutes of boarding, we got our room keys and were settled in our stateroom.

As we set sail, we had views of the Eiffel Tower and a smaller reproduction of the Statue of Liberty, which commemorates the centennial of the French Revolution.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Amenities

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a fully all-inclusive cruise line, with transfers and gratuities included.

And once you step onboard, you never need your credit card (except for a haircut or spa). The cruise line offers luxury experiences that include private butler service, free room service, unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits including a complimentary mini-bar restocked daily and full-size private balconies and sun lounges.

At the press of a button, the balcony window opens and closes and sliding glass panels can extend the room for more space or close for privacy. This feature enabled my son and I to have our own space in our stateroom when needed.

While I enjoyed morning coffee and freshly baked croissants served by our butler, Yasmin, on the balcony, Michael could sleep in. I loved having my breakfast delivered to me each morning. It was a relaxing way to start the day. Yasmin was also efficient in replenishing snacks and the mini-bar.

A little fun feature was the lighting in the shower. By turning the dial, you could adjust the lighting and color of the water.

Convenient amenities included a pillow menu, one free laundry service per stateroom, free WiFi, and a refillable souvenir water bottle, which was handy for excursions.

Scenic Gem Excursions: Monet’s Garden

The option to choose shore excursions (included in the price) and change my mind last minute was one of my favorite features about Scenic. Often it was hard to choose between a guided bike ride or a walking tour.

Fortunately, Cruise Director Mandy Kinnell was always available to answer questions and offer suggestions about excursions and where to shop and eat in port stops (her tip to find the best oysters on the waterfront in Honfleur was spot on). Her role is extensive. She serves as program coordinator, concierge, organizing excursions, overseeing dietary requests, and more. “I love it. It’s not a job you can do if you don’t like it,” she said.

When I asked her about the difficulty level on a guided bike tour to Monet’s Garden in Vernon-Giverny, she assured me I could handle it. After all, she said, “I see you every morning doing stretch exercises with Paulina,” the onboard wellness coach.

The guided bike tour (led by Mandy) wound up being my favorite excursion. Scenic Gem has e-bikes onboard for tours and to explore villages on your own – another great feature. It began drizzling as we got on our bikes and put on ponchos. Contemplating the wet streets, I debated whether to stay or go. “Come on, get on,” said my new friend Elliot.

I was glad I did. The skies soon cleared up as our group of seven rode along the Seine River to Monet’s Garden, where we met up with fellow passengers who had opted for a bus ride. After walking through the beautiful colorful gardens that inspired his paintings, we toured Monet’s house. Then Elliot, Michael and I hopped on our e-bikes and rode to Au Coin du Paintre Giverny, a nearby bakery for warm, flaky croissants (another great Mandy tip). Riding bikes along the Seine River was simply magical.

Back onboard the Scenic Gem, we joined a painting class, in the style of impressionists, led by a local artist.

Scenic Gem Excursions: History, Art & Music

Throughout the river cruise, we enjoyed many diverse shore excursions, which included visiting Van Gogh’s home and grave, and the site where Joan of Arc spent her last days. At the Somme Battlefields we walked through trenches where soldiers spent days at a time during WWI, and where, incredibly, there are still active land mines.

We also walked around the 330-foot long Lochnagar Crater, formed by an explosion during WWI. Two days later, we visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, containing the graves of 9,387 soldiers. By then it began to rain, making for a cold and wet visit on our next stop: the Normandy Beaches of Utah and Omaha, site of the WWII D-Day Landings. This was the same weather soldiers endured during the military operation, said Ben (the same guide who was dressed as Richard the Lionheart and Rolo the Viking in Rouen). These somber excursions brought WWI and WWII history home.

“It makes me realize that these historical events aren’t as long ago as I thought,” said Michael.

Other excursions were laid back and scenic. On the drive to Etretat’s alabaster coastline, we drove through the French countryside by fields of potatoes, flax and grains before reaching the town known for coastal rock formations. Here, we saw typical Normandy timber frame houses built with thatched roofs.

The daily excursions were well-paced, allowing us time to enjoy onboard meals and activities. Afterall, part of the joy of river cruising is relaxing onboard and watching the passing scenery. Castles, rural communities and open green spaces. Plus, it was fascinating watching the river locks, which control water levels that raise and lower boats along the canals.

Scenic Enrich Cultural Experiences

One enchanting evening, we attended a private classical concert at the 12th century Chateau de La Rouche-Guyon, built into a steep rock face. This concert was an exclusive Scenic Enrich cultural event for Scenic Gem cruise passengers.

From the ship, we walked through a garden and to the castle for a wine reception before the lovely concert. Scenic Enrich events vary with the ship and itinerary.

Scenic Gem Activities

The ship’s intimate size made it easy to mingle with fellow passengers in the Panorama Lounge, the main venue for evening drinks, games, programs and entertainment.

On the sun deck, we played a challenging game of cornhole and other activities organized by Vili, enrichment manager.

Dining on Scenic Gem

The dining options on Scenic Gem were varied and featured French, American and international cuisine. For a quick meal, we ate at the casual River Cafe, which serves breakfast items, sandwiches, pizzas, soups and desserts (and macaroons!) at the bow of the ship. I enjoyed the nice daily selection of cheeses, olives and bread.

Mostly we ate in the Crystal Dining Room, where tables for four to eight made it conducive for conversation while enjoying appetizers, a main course, cheese and dessert. Among tapas, there was Quiche Lorraine, marinated brie cheese and cream of celery root. Entrees included coq au vin, pasta and steak. And even tasty cheeseburgers and fries.

One evening an elaborate French dessert buffet was prepared by a local patissier. On another day, there was a delightful cheese and wine tasting. And after our walking tour in Rouen, a delicious barbecue was served on the sundeck.

Since the ship carries no more than 149 passengers, most people get to experience at least one specialty dinner. At the L’Amour Restaurant, located at the bow, we indulged in a five-course meal paired with imported and French wines. We were thrilled to get invited to Table La Rive, a private chef’s dinner with seven courses in the Crystal Dining Room. There is no extra charge for these dinners but reservations are required. It’s worth noting that the chef accommodates various dietary preferences. So be sure to inform the cruise director.

Too soon, our cruise was over and it was time to say au revoir to our crew. Michael and I both enjoyed the leisurely focus on one country. Sailing along the Seine enabled us to visit numerous pretty storybook villages and to gain a better understanding of France’s history and culture. And to meet interesting characters like Richard the Lionheart.

The post Scenic Gem River Cruise Review: Luxury Sailing on the Seine River appeared first on She Buys Travel .

I was glad for my last minute decision to switch excursions when my guide showed up in character dressed as Richard the Lionheart for a hike to the hilltop Chateau...

10 hot river cruises to book this year

There are classic river itineraries — the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhone and the Nile — that anyone who appreciates the ease and camaraderie of river cruising can book with most of the top cruise lines. But those aren't your only options.

The most exciting river cruises to book this year are the new offerings that go off the beaten path, explore an unsung river or combine a standard seven-night sailing with a novel land tour.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are 10 new itineraries for 2024 and 2025 that are taking river cruising beyond the familiar, including several on recently launched or soon-to-debut river ships.

AmaWaterways' 7-night Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia

Love South America but have already cruised the Amazon? Consider AmaWaterways ' newest ship, AmaMagdalena. Debuting in January 2025, the 60-passenger ship will sail two alternating seven-night itineraries year-round on Colombia's Magdalena River, traveling from Cartagena to Barranquilla and vice versa.

With the Wonders of Colombia itinerary , you'll board AmaMagdalena in coastal Cartagena, a popular Caribbean port on Panama Canal transits that you can now also enjoy on a river cruise. Arrive a day early or book a two-night precruise add-on to see sights such as the historic Walled City, San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Gold Museum.

Following a sunset sail away, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of Colombia via a local music experience in Palenque, the first "free town" in the Americas after a 1713 decree from the Spanish crown freed residents from slavery. You can also check out 19th-century Calamar on a paola (a two-person bicycle taxi) and the jazz music and local handicrafts available in Santa Barbara de Pinto and Mompox.

El Banco and Magangue round out the list of port calls before the cruise ends with a tour of the floating village of Nueva Venecia and an evening Carnival celebration in the seaside port of Barranquilla.

Choose the Magic of Colombia itinerary , from Barranquilla to Cartagena, and you'll visit the same ports, just in a different order. Rather than end your cruise with the Carnival celebration, you'll experience it on your first day. You can also book several precruise and postcruise land tours, including three nights precruise in Medellin, three nights postcruise in Panama or both.

AmaMagdalena will be joined in June 2025 by 64-passenger AmaMelodia. Both vessels will offer spacious (237- to 516-square-foot) staterooms and suites, as well as a heated pool on the sun deck and two dining options: the main restaurant, serving Latin American cuisine and Western favorites, and an intimate alfresco dining experience.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

American Cruise Lines' 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers

American Cruise Lines ' itineraries on the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington already attract travelers who appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, but now the cruise line has a 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary that takes scenic appreciation to another level.

The trip combines an eight-night cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers with a seven-night land tour to three national parks: Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The itinerary visits five states and begins or ends in either Portland, Oregon, or Jackson, Wyoming, depending on whether you do the land or cruise portion first.

What will you see on this cruise? If you start in Portland, you'll overnight before boarding one of the company's modern, 180-passenger river ships: American Jazz, American Harmony or American Song. Your first day will be spent enjoying scenic cruising along the Columbia River, with Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens as a backdrop, as you head to Astoria, Oregon. The historic seaside city is known for its beautiful Victorian houses and red trolleys.

Geology enthusiasts and anyone who remembers the devastating May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens will be fascinated by the port call in Kalama, Washington, where you can take an included guided excursion to the National Volcanic Monument. The following day will be spent cruising the Columbia River Gorge before you arrive in Stevenson, Washington, where a visit to 620-foot Multnomah Falls is a highlight. The final two days feature views of the dramatic landscapes of the Snake River in eastern Washington as you call on Richland before disembarking in Clarkston.

The guided national parks tour begins with a drive to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, for a lake cruise followed by an overnight in Kalispell, Montana. Once in Glacier National Park, you'll navigate Going-to-the-Sun Road and dine at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge.

The tour continues on to Yellowstone National Park, where your adventure guides will offer insight as you explore Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Fall and Old Faithful, among other highlights. A visit to Grand Teton National Park and its Jackson Lake Lodge follows, with your final day spent admiring the park's incredible mountain vistas and abundant wildlife.

Related: The best US river cruises

American Cruise Lines' 50-night The Great United States

If 15 nights aren't enough to satisfy your wanderlust, American Cruise Lines offers a 50-night version of The Great United States program for 2025.

The 2025 sailing encompasses three cruises. It takes the 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary described above and adds a 21-night Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota, aboard 180-passenger American Serenade, which will call on 21 ports in six states. Along the Mississippi, you'll have a chance to visit Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri; and the landmark Gateway Arch in St. Louis. You can also enjoy legendary blues music on Beale Street in Memphis.

That segment will be followed by a 14-night, 14-port cruise along the coast of New England on 125-passenger American Pioneer (debuting in 2025). The ship will sail round-trip from Boston and visit scenic coastal ports in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including the quintessential New England islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Tour options will include visits to the Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor and Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, an SUV adventure along the dunes of Provincetown on Cape Cod and a tour of the gilded mansions of Newport in Rhode Island.

In total, you'll check off 15 states from your must-visit list during this river cruise. That's an impressive number of destinations to visit in a single trip.

Avalon Waterways' 7-night Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

Portugal's Douro River Valley is beloved by oenophiles. Over the past few decades, it has also attracted river cruisers seeking a relaxing itinerary punctuated by sleepy small towns and the daily enjoyment of local food and wine.

In March 2024, Avalon Waterways added the Douro River to its offerings when it debuted 102-passenger Avalon Alegria sailing an itinerary called Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro . The seven-night cruise is round trip from Porto, where there's time at the start and end of your cruise to explore this colorful city's historic port-wine cellars, churches and bridges (including the Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, designed in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel).

Noteworthy stops range from an afternoon call on Porto Antigo, with included excursions to monasteries and churches in Braga and Guimaraes, to a call at Peso de Regua, where sightseeing and wine tasting go hand in hand. You'll even have an opportunity to add an optional excursion from Pinhao to the elaborate 18th-century Baroque palace Casa de Mateus (of rose wine fame).

Save time for the onboard activities, too. After a full-day excursion from Barca d'Alva to Salamanca, Spain — a city known for its mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles — you can learn how to paint azulejos (Portugal's famous blue-hued handmade tiles) or enjoy a pastry-making demonstration on the ship the next morning.

Related: The best river cruises in Europe

CroisiEurope's 7-night A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys

Germany is known for its scenic river valleys, and a new itinerary from French river cruise line CroisiEurope doesn't skimp on beautiful vistas. Called A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys , the seven-night, round-trip sailing departs from Strasbourg, France, and visits the Rhine, Neckar, Moselle and Saar river valleys.

The ship for this itinerary, 81-passenger Elbe Princesse II, is one of CroisiEurope's three paddle river boats. It normally navigates the Elbe River between Berlin and Prague. However, from July to October 2025, the ship will be cruising the Rhine and its tributaries.

This river cruise kicks off on the Saar River, famous for the Great Bend at Mettlach (the river equivalent of a hairpin turn), and overnights in the town of Saarburg, Germany. After a morning scenic cruise onto the Moselle River, you'll visit Trier, Germany, known for its ancient Roman structures and its photogenic medieval buildings, before continuing on to Cochem, Germany, where you can enjoy an afternoon visit to the hilltop Reichsburg Castle.

Larger cities like Koblenz, Germany, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and home to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, are also on the itinerary. The trip features a stop in wine-centric Rudesheim, Germany, as well, so you can sample some vino and enjoy a ride on a scenic train while in the Rhine Valley.

The final day calls on a trio of German ports on the Neckar River. In the morning, you'll visit Mannheim and disembark for a coach transfer to Heidelberg, home to pink-hued Heidelberg Castle, historic churches and atmospheric beer halls. You'll then reboard Elbe Princesse II in Heidelberg and sail to Eberbach, a medieval city with an abundance of half-timbered homes and ancient fountains. The ship will overnight as you enjoy a final gala dinner before disembarking in Strasbourg the next morning.

Riverside Luxury Cruises' 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery

With the March 2024 debut of 110-passenger Riverside Debussy, Europe-based newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises has added more than a half-dozen new three- to 21-night itineraries, with options on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers. In October 2024, the ship will sail an 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery itinerary from Budapest to Frankfurt that combines the highlights of two rivers and visits four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

You'll embark Riverside Debussy in Hungary's capital before cruising past the illuminated Hungarian Parliament Building on your way to Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia is home to a hilltop castle, a walkable pedestrian zone and pubs serving local beer.

The next day, discover the history and artistry of Vienna with visits to its Hapsburg-era palaces, 16th-century St. Stephen's Cathedral and numerous museums. Charming Durnstein, Austria, is known for its medieval castle and a riverfront abbey with a pretty blue-and-white spire, while the golden-hued abbey in nearby Melk, Austria, celebrates the flavor of apricots in preserves and liquors.

As you reach Passau, Germany, which sits on the confluence of three rivers, you'll enter Bavaria and discover a walkable city with a domed 17th-century Baroque cathedral. The next day on the Main River (a Rhine tributary), you'll tour Regensburg, Germany, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, before spending two days exploring Nuremberg, Germany, which has a notably complex history.

Rounding out the cruise are calls on Bamberg, Wurzburg and Wertheim, Germany, with bustling Frankfurt — where historic remnants of the Middle Ages meet modern skyscrapers — serving as the departure port.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Scenic's 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe

If you have two months to spare, a fascination with history, a love of fine wines and a generous budget, you can explore the rivers of Europe in one epic trip with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The new 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe journey — available on two dates in 2025 ( May 4-July 9 and Aug. 16-Oct. 21 ) — explores more than a half dozen major rivers and waterways and calls on almost 60 ports in 13 countries.

The first part of the journey begins in Bucharest, Romania, with an overnight in a luxury hotel before you set sail on one of Scenic's 163-guest Space-Ships from Giurgiu. You'll cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers all the way to Belgium and the Netherlands, then backtrack along the Rhine to Basel, Switzerland, taking some time to explore towns along the Moselle River.

This portion of the trip will take 36 days, and you'll explore ports in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. You'll spend two days each in Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam, and scenic highlights include Austria's Wachau Valley and Germany's Rhine River Gorge, with its many hilltop castles.

After a flight from Zurich to Paris, you'll start the next leg of your trip when you board 124-passenger Scenic Gem for a 10-night cruise on the Seine River. Visit historic Rouen and Honfleur or take excursions to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and the WWII beaches at Normandy.

Next, you'll fly from Paris to Bordeaux and board 149-passenger Scenic Diamond for a 10-night journey along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the heart of France's Bordeaux wine region.

On day 57, you'll fly from Bordeaux to Porto, Portugal, to board 96-passenger Scenic Azure on the Douro River for the final 10-night leg of your trip. You'll explore the legendary port cellars of Porto, taste wine amid the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley and venture into Spain for a day trip to Salamanca. Your river cruise — and this epic 66-night journey — concludes back in Porto with an overnight, allowing you more time to experience this exceptional city.

Tauck's 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris

Tauck's newest river offering in Europe for 2025 is its 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris itinerary. This multiriver and land journey is available from April to October on Tauck ships Joy and Savor.

You'll start your journey with two nights at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel and enjoy ample time to take in sights such as Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. You'll then transfer to Regensburg, Germany, for a nine-day cruise to Trier along the Main, Rhine, Moselle and upper Danube rivers, as well as the Main-Danube Canal.

Ports and cities visited on excursions include Frankfurt, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim and Boppard, Germany. Exclusive experiences available to Tauck guests range from a private reception and dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg near Frankfurt to a visit to the legendary Nurburgring racetrack near Koblenz.

You'll continue your trip on land with a quick stop in Luxembourg for a walking tour of its capital city. Afterward, you'll board a train to Paris, where your journey will conclude with a two-night stay at L'Hotel du Collectionneur.

Uniworld's 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has added a new 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul itinerary to its 2025 journeys. The two-week cruise offers you the chance to experience these two legendary cities, visit landmarks along the Seine River and then travel by luxury sleeper train for five nights from Paris through six additional countries to Istanbul. A 14-night reverse itinerary from Istanbul to Paris is also available.

If you begin your journey in Paris, you'll board Uniworld's 128-passenger Joie de Vivre for a seven-night Seine River cruise. Highlights include visits to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and Normandy's medieval capital, Rouen, known for its 11th-century cathedral and Joan of Arc history. A second stop in Rouen gives you a choice of excursions to the beaches of Normandy. This portion of the trip concludes with a stop at Versailles and an overnight in Paris.

You'll then transfer to Gare de Lyon and board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. First stop: the vineyards of Champagne for a tasting. The next day, the majestic scenery of the Austrian Alps are a daytime highlight, while dinner and a private classical concert in Vienna are on the evening agenda. After a morning exploring the city, you'll be back on board as your train heads to Postojna, Slovenia, where you'll enjoy a nighttime tour of the intricate Postojna Caves.

A visit to the Serbian capital of Belgrade rewards you with a traditional feast, while the next day's stop in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, offers architectural and archeological gems in a city dating back 7,000 years. Upon disembarking in Istanbul, you'll spend a night at the luxurious Four Seasons Sultanahmet and have time to explore nearby sights, which include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Viking's 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer from Nuremberg to Basel

Viking 's newest itinerary for 2025 is the 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer , which cruises from Nuremberg to Basel (or vice versa) from May to November and visits cities in Germany, France and Switzerland. It's a new mix of ports for Viking, including some lesser-known historic towns in Germany's Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria regions.

You'll board one of the cruise line's 190-passenger Viking Longships in Nuremberg, where an overnight offers time to learn about the city's medieval structures and past as a staging ground for Nazi rallies. More medieval architecture awaits in Bamberg, famous for its river-spanning Altes Rathaus (Town Hall) and its rauchbier (smoked beer). If wine is your preferred spirit, you're in luck, as Wurzburg, a city in Germany's Franken wine region, is also on the itinerary.

As you continue your cruise, you'll see the vibrant half-timbered houses and sample the hearty Bavarian cuisine (think: bratwurst and pork knuckle) of Marktheidenfeld, Germany. A visit to bustling Frankfurt, which provides a stark contrast between historic and modern Germany, is also in order after an afternoon spent sailing past the Main River's castle-topped hillsides.

France's Alsace region gets its turn when you call on Strasbourg, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town encircled by the Ill River. The itinerary also includes a stop across the Rhine in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest and a town full of vineyards. You'll end your journey with a full day of exploring charming guild house-lined Marktplatz, history-rich streets and more than 40 museums in Basel.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
Top ways cruisers waste money
The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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13 Stunning Seine River Cruises You Cannot Miss
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Seine River Sightseeing Cruise in Paris by Bateaux-Mouches
13 Stunning Seine River Cruises You Cannot Miss
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Seine River Cruise In Paris

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COMMENTS

5 Best Seine River Cruises in Paris: Your Ultimate Guide
The standard Seine River Sightseeing Cruise in Paris takes 1h. If you opt in for a Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Seine, allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours. To be on time, make sure to arrive 15-30 Minutes in advance.
Cruise on the Seine in Paris
Book. Mother's Day Boat Cruise on the River Seine. starting from 85.00 €. Book. Christmas lunch cruise - December 25 in Paris. starting from 115.00 €. Book. Bateaux Mouches® is the benchmark for cruises on the Seine in Paris: Boat tour, lunch or dinner, there is a cruise for everyone in Paris.
13 Stunning Seine River Cruises You Cannot Miss
Book now. 4. Seine River hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise. Take in the City of Lights at a leisurely pace via the Seine River sightseeing cruise. This boat ride, which stops at nine points along ...
Bateaux Parisiens
Experience the sportsevent of summer 2024. Check our opening and closing times during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be held from July 26 to September 8, 2024. Learn More. Enjoy a very special, magical moment on a cruise in central Paris.
Paris River Cruise Guide
A Paris Seine River cruise (only sightseeing) usually lasts 60 minutes to 90 minutes and is available every day of the week. Some cruises offer a glass of champagne, other drinks, and snacks as an option. A Seine night cruise can be with or without dinner.
5 Best Seine River Cruises in Paris (Personally Tested)
Vedettes de Paris was established in 1976 and offers sightseeing cruises on the Seine River with smaller, more intimate boats in Paris. The cruises depart from the Eiffel Tower and include guided day cruises and evening aperitif cruises with music. The company has a dedicated staff of 70 employees. 1.
Paris Seine river cruise
Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches® invites you on a cruise to explore Paris from its best avenue: the Seine. Book online for brunch or lunch in a quirky restaurant, a romantic dinner on the water or simply a guided tour for an original way to visit Paris' most beautiful monuments, from one of our boats. River cruise Restaurant cruise.
Cruise on the Seine
Great way to see all the major sites along the Seine in 1 or 2 hour journey. Duration: Usually 1-2 hours in length. Many options for morning, afternoon, twilight or night tour times. Price Range: Starts from approximately 15€ for 1-hour cruise. Around 25-30€ standard rate for daytime cruise with audio guide.
Cruises on the Seine River
Relax on the river during a Seine cruise led by a tour guide experienced in working with young people! Read more. Buy tickets. Apéritif Cruise in Paris. 20€ 1h. Embark for a relaxing hour on the Seine, with music and an after-work atmosphere! Read more. Buy tickets. Vedettes de Paris & Tootbus.
A First Timer's Guide to Paris and Normandy on Viking
Here are some of my favorite first time experiences of a river cruise through the heart of the Seine, Paris, and Normandy. A Ship With a View Viking Longship Radgrid on the Seine in Paris (Photo ...
Paris Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary by ...
Enjoy a leisurely trip down the Seine on this Bateaux Parisiens river cruise. Glide past Paris' world-famous monuments including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and historic bridges like the Pont Neuf. Listen to audio commentary along the way to learn more about passing attractions. Cruise during the day, or choose an evening departure time to float through the enchanting city at ...
Seine River Cruises in Paris: How to Choose the Best Seine Cruise Boat Tour
4. Canauxrama Seine Cruise. Canauxrama is one of the top companies for providing canal tours around Paris, but they also provide scenic tours along the Seine River as well as a combined canal and river cruise. The Canuaxrama boats vary a bit but all have a closed bottom deck and an open-top deck.
Vedettes du Pont Neuf: Paris Seine Cruise since 1959
1-hour snack cruise on the Seine. 20.00€ / pers instead of 22.00€. Share an original, magical and playful moment with your family! Departing from the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf, this one-hour cruise on the Seine is animated and specially designed for children. A snack is also included.
Seine River Cruise and Paris Canals Sightseeing Guided Tour 2024
See Paris's iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems from the water on this 2.5-hour combo cruise down the River Seine and Canal Saint Martin. Glide past riverside monuments like Notre Dame and the Louvre, and then explore a side of Paris many tourists miss as you float through the tunnels, bridges and locks of the city's historic canal system. Live onboard commentary from your guide ...
Bateaux Parisiens
1-hour cruise on the Seine departing from the Eiffel Tower - Port de la Bourdonnais (return to the same location) Panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and other iconic sites in Paris. Individual audioguides available in 14 languages. Open seating: access to 2 levels (covered and glazed below - open sky above) Lunch ...
How To Pick The Best Seine River Cruise In Paris
Here are my recommendations for the best cruises: Bateaux Mouches cruise - a classic Seine River cruise and a favorite of travelers, you also have the option of a lunch or dinner cruise. Bateaux Parisiens cruise - another favorite, the ferry in this case is glass covered to give you even better views.
Sights from the Seine: Your Guide to the Seine River Cruise
According to Wikipedia the Seine is 775km or roughly 482 miles from the English Channel running almost clear across France. The source of this river is only about 171km (106mi) from Switzerland! At the "source" it would be hard to believe that this little stream turns into the powerful river flowing through Paris and many other French cities.
The best Seine river cruises • Information, Prices and Tickets
The Bateaux-Mouches sightseeing cruise costs 15 euros for adults (12 years and older), 6 euros for children between 4 and 12 years. The Bateaux-Parisiens sightseeing cruise costs 18 euros for adults and 8.5 euros for children. Vedettes de Paris have the same prices as Bateaux Parisiens.
Paris: Seine River Sightseeing and Gourmet Dinner Cruise 2024
Ensure a memorable night out in Paris—and combine your sightseeing with a gourmet meal—aboard a luxurious dinner cruise along the Seine River. Float past the city's famed monuments, such as the Louvre and Notre Dame, and admire the beauty of the Seine's UNESCO-listed riverbanks. Meanwhile, enjoy a gourmet, 3-4-course meal (depending on the menu selected), plus live musical entertainment.
Bateaux Parisiens: Book & Explore The City of Lights
Bateaux Parisiens: Dinner Cruise with Optional Champagne Tickets. Embark on a night tour of Paris and witness the splendour of the City of Lights while enjoying this 2.5-hour Bateaux Cruise. Enjoy spectacular views of the top monuments of Paris, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Les Invalides, as they illuminate the night sky.
Eiffel Tower Summit Entry with Big Bus and Seine River Cruise
Afterward, receive your Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off tour and your Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Sightseeing Cruise tickets , which can be used on any day at any time during the attraction's hours of operation. Itinerary Route Meeting Point - Stop 1 38 Av. de la Bourdonnais.
Seine River Cruise
Duration : 2 hour (s) From. 115,00 €. View more tours. Taking a cruise on the Seine means treating yourself to a magical and timeless moment. A Paris boat tour is another way to discover the capital and to enjoy incredible views of the capital's most beautiful monuments far from the hustle and bustle of its streets.
Seine River Sightseeing Cruise
Book Now. Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise, Paris. Get the opportunity to explore the city of Paris on a river cruise at your own pace in leisure. You can enjoy either 24 hours or 48 hours of access with your Hop-on hop-off cruise- 1-day or 2 days pass. Get on board the boats running at every 30-minute interval.
Where do river cruise ships dock in Paris? The complete guide!
The most popular Seine cruises in Paris are the sightseeing cruises which offer a 1-hour cruise, usually with a guide on the boat. These cruises are also the cheapest ones, with prices ranging from $15-20 per person. So before we start, these are the top sightseeing cruises that most tourists in Paris choose:
Scenic Gem River Cruise Review: Luxury Sailing on the Seine River
The roundtrip Scenic river cruise began in Paris and traveled to Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur, Caudebec-en-Caux, Vernon-Giverny and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine - with many adventures along the way.
Seine River Sightseeing Guided Cruise by Vedettes du Pont Neuf
Soak up Paris from the river on a Seine cruise aboard a Vedettes du Pont Neuf boat, one of the city's top sightseeing riverboats. Enjoy views of Paris' famous attractions as you glide along the water, passing by the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The 1-hour cruise departs from Pont Neuf, Paris' oldest bridge, and provides onboard commentary by ...
10 hot river cruises to book this year
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has added a new 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul itinerary to its 2025 journeys. The two-week cruise offers you the chance to experience these two legendary cities, visit landmarks along the Seine River and then travel by luxury sleeper train for five nights from Paris through six additional countries to ...
Top French Revolution Sites in Paris
Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise. 5,310. Free Cancellation; English; 2 hours 30 minutes; from $136.15. Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator with Summit option. ... Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches. 3,018. Free Cancellation; English; 3 hours;