We’ve often talked about Paris being one of the most romantic destinations in the world. However, what makes an experience worth remembering is not just the cobbled stone streets and the quaint, roadside cafes that Paris hides, but also its majestic waterways and the river Seine. While we’ve always associated Venice with enchanting boat rides, opting for a river cruise in Paris can help you view the city of lights from a unique perspective. This unforgettable tour that is unlike any other will take you through the history of Paris through a relaxing tour. Whether you’re the kind who prefers taking in the amorous views of the city with a glass of champagne, or the kind who simply wishes to view things from a different panorama — visiting Paris is incomplete without a Seine river cruise. This article will look at the best Seine river cruises in Paris.
Choosing a river cruise that is the best fit for you may not be such a difficult task since you can shortlist your options by keeping in mind the kind of experience you wish to enjoy. Choose a tour that starts close to you. If you wish to have a quieter, more private ride, know that several tours provide boats that fit your bill. Don’t forget to look up the combos and the menu if you’re opting for a dinner cruise. We have gathered up a list of options that you could consider during your trip to this glorious French city.
Types of Seine River Cruises
Buy Seine River Sightseeing Cruise Tickets
Buy Seine River Lunch Cruise Tickets
Buy Seine River Dinner Cruise Tickets
Buy Seine River Cruise Combo Tickets
Best Seine River Cruises
Picking the best Siene River Cruise can be a tedious task to do. Whether it's the time of the day that you want to decide or the experience that suits best, you'll find a mélange of options to choose from. Be it a dinner cruise, a lunch cruise, a sightseeing cruise or a cruise and attraction combo, there is something for everyone! We recommend booking a Siene River Cruise to discover the City of Lights like never before. To explore more options for each kind of cruise, simply scroll down to see all the options available!
Best Seine River Cruise: For Sightseeing
Bateaux Parisiens Cruise
This leisurely, hour long cruise takes you past some of the most iconic Parisian monuments afloat. Admire prestigious landmarks such as Assemblee Nationale, Musee d'Orsay, Institut de France, Pantheon, Cite de la Mode, Hotel de Ville, Conciergerie, and more. The mesmerising cruise also allows you to enjoy an exhilarating experience from on top of the boat’s terrace and passageways.
(every 30 minutes)
October – March: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
(every 60 minutes)
Insider Tips
- Opt for the audio guide provided in the tour for better understanding.
- Choose a seat at the front if you wish to capture the beauty within your camera.
- Keep in mind that the narration and commentaries are only conducted downstairs.
Bateaux Mouches Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the picturesque Seine River as you catch sight of Paris's numerous attractions from a new perspective. With live commentary from an experienced guide, learn all about each of Paris's historic landmarks. Your tour will begin by passing the Louvre Museum and the Conciergerie towards the Notre Dame. You can also catch a glimpse of the Conciergerie, where Queen Marie Antoinette was jailed before her execution during the French Revolution. At the end of the 70-minute tour, you will be dropped back to the point where you boarded the ship.
10:15 AM - 3:30 PM (every 45 min)
Restarts again from 3:30 PM - 10:30 PM (every 30 min)
October to March:
10:15 AM - 3:30 PM (every 45 min)
Restarts again from 3:30 PM - 10:30 PM (every 30 min)
The cruise takes about 1 hour 10 mins.
Insider Tips
- Pay keep attention to the guided commentary to make the most of your cruise.
- Choose a seat at the front if you wish to capture the beauty within your camera.
- Keep in mind that the narration and commentaries are only conducted downstairs.
Batobus Paris
This spacious cruise comes with an option to lounge around on a stunning terrace during your ride down the Seine. With a slow, relaxing tour of the major Parisian landmarks, the boat ride allows you to hop on hop off from any of its eight stops with a valid ticket at hand. Known as Paris’s very own water taxi, Batobus is often utilised by numerous locals as well, thanks to its excellent connectivity and frequency throughout the year.
Friday – Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM (every 30 mins)
During peak season, the last boat leaves the last stop - Eiffel Tower stop at 9:30 PM
Best Seine River Lunch Cruise
Bateaux Parisiens Lunch Cruise
Experience the wonders of Paris aboard the Bateaux Parisiens along with a scrumptious 3-course meal prepared by the chefs on board the cruise. Curated using the season’s freshest produce, you may seat yourself and enjoy the panoramic views of the city bathed in lovely, morning light. What sets this cruise apart is the presence of a skilful live band that adds to the soulful ambience of the cruise.
Timings may defer according to the cruise chosen.
La Marina French Cuisine Lunch Cruise
For a city with far too much to see in a day, the Lunch Cruise at La Marina does a good job of showing you many of the city’s legendary monuments and places from a whole new perspective in a relatively short period of time. You can enjoy delectable French cuisine on a luxurious boat that takes you into the heart of Paris. View some of the city’s most iconic landmarks along the river as you sip on a glass of wine and glide below beautiful bridges and fabulous monuments.
Timings may defer according to the cruise chosen.
Best Seine River Dinner Cruise
Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise
Hop aboard the mesmerising Bateaux Parisiens and enjoy a romantic, 3-course meal during your tour. The cruise comprises of 75 minutes, during which you can witness the Parisian wonders in a whole new light. Apart from the well-known sights in the city, you may even capture the shades of dusk that envelop the city during these hours of the day.
Timings may defer according to the cruise chosen.
La Marina Dinner Cruise
If what you’re looking for is some quiet time afloat the enchanting, class encased boat — don’t miss out on the premium dinner experience along with some wine aboard the La Marina Cruise. With an indulgent dinner spread, arranged meticulously during your tour, this cruise ride will definitely give you a taste of the authentic Parisian experience. Set sail aboard La Marina de Paris for a vivid tour of the City of Lights like never before.
Timings may defer according to the cruise chosen.
Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise
Experience one of the most romantic dinners as you cruise on the River Seine. Your meal is accompanied by live music, making for one of the most magical experiences as you savour the lovely sights that Paris has to offer. You will pass through the Paris Mint or the Monnaie, and glide down a narrow arm of the Seine River. Bateaux Mouches will continue to sail beside the Musée d’Orsay as well as the National Assembly, and towards the Eiffel Tower. You are sure to have one of the most fascinating experiences.
10:15 AM - 3:30 PM (every 45 min)
Restarts again from 3:30 PM - 10:30 PM (every 30 min)
October to March:
10:15 AM - 3:30 PM (every 45 min)
Restarts again from 3:30 PM - 10:30 PM (every 30 min)
The cruise takes about 1 hour 10 mins.
Best Seine River Cruise Combos
Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise Combo
What could be better than experiencing the true beauty of the stunning Eiffel Tower from both, ground and up close? This unique combination that allows you to skip the line at the Eiffel Tower, grants you a priority access till the second level along with an hour long river cruise. Considered as the two most sought after activities in Paris, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on the combination that gives you the best of both world.
Eiffel Tower: 9:30 AM - 10:45 PM
Paris City Tour & Seine River Cruise Combo
Enjoy the iconic wonders of Paris with this steal of a combo that provides you a fantastic city tour along with a cruise aboard the river Seine. Learn more about these amazing Parisian landmarks with live commentary during the cruise and audio-guides during the city tour. This is valid for a period of about 3 hours, so reap the benefit of exploring many spots within a short period of time. On this tour, you will start off with the Place Vendome Square and end your excursion with the Eiffel Tower. You can also experience the splendor of Paris at night by picking the ‘Paris by Night’ variant.
Please note that timings vary depending on the chosen guide language.
Insider Tips
Paris is a city renowned for its beauty and romance, and what could be more romantic than cruising along the Seine River while taking in all the sights? If you're planning on taking a cruise on the Seine, here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- 1. Make sure to book in advance. Cruises on the Seine can fill up quickly, so it's best to book well in advance.
- 2. Dress appropriately. Since the cruise takes place outside, make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Also, be sure to bring a jacket or shawl, as it can get chilly on the river.
- 3. Know your route. The cruise usually lasts around two hours and passes by some of Paris' most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Louvre Museum. Be sure to know which landmarks you want to see ahead of time so you can plan your trip accordingly.
- 4. Enjoy the views! The best part of a cruise on the Seine is getting to take in all the amazing views of Paris from the river. So relax and enjoy the scenery!
What to wear on a Seine River Cruise?
- A cruise is a great opportunity to let loose and dress in your most comfortable clothes. You'll likely be spending a lot of time on the ship, so it's best to wear something that will make you feel at ease.
- Try opting for loose-fitting pants or a skirt and a shirt that can be easily breezed through.
- Be sure to bring along a light jacket or wrap as it can sometimes get a bit chilly on the ship at night.
- Don't forget to pack your favorite sunhat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun's rays!
FAQs:
A Seine River Cruise lasts approximately 2 hours and takes you past all of the famous Parisian landmarks. A Paris City Tour usually lasts around 4 hours and covers all of the main tourist attractions in the city.
The answer to this question depends on what you're looking for. Spring and fall offer the most scenic views, with the leaves changing color and the weather being milder. However, summer is also a great time to take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days.
There are many famous sights that can be seen from a Seine River Cruise, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
The best time of day to go to the pier is in the morning. The sun is not as strong and the air is cooler. Plus, there usually less people around.
The best way to get to the pier from central Paris is by taking the metro. The closest stop is Seine Port. From there, it is a short walk to the pier.
Other top experiences in Paris
Paris has tons of other attractions you can visit after you purchase your Seine River Cruise Tickets, and spend a day cruising through the city of light. Here are some other attractions that are now open to the public that cannot be missed! Check out more things to do in Paris.