The Seine River is a delightful way to explore the heart of Paris, one of the most iconic and beautiful cities in the world. Spanning 777 kilometers, and flowing through the heart of Paris, it provides a unique perspective of the city's famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Navigating its waters, you'll traverse historic bridges integral to the city's architectural tapestry. Thanks to the multilingual audio guides and live commentary, you will also learn the historical narratives of the monuments you glide past. Read ahead for the timings, operators, and other essential details.
Get a look at famous Parisian attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Orsay Museum from a unique vantage point, while you're on the Seine River. Discover why Paris is known as "The City of Lights" with a cruise at dusk, and see Paris light up at night - we promise, it's an experience that's worth the wait!
Most Seine River cruises begin near the foot of the Eiffel Tower, but there are several boarding points for different cruise options. Choose which option best suits you, and don't forget to visit the attractions nearby, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero Gardens.
Seine River cruises offer onboard lunch and dinner options, allowing you to enjoy the exquisite flavors of French cuisine while taking in the Parisian scenery. When onboard, you can hear live music and indulge in activities like wine tasting while experiencing some sensational views.
Choose the duration of your cruise based on how much time you have. 1-2 hour cruises are generally sightseeing cruises, where you can see the city's top landmarks from a glass canopy boat. Lunch and dinner cruises are longer, and can take up to 4 hours, as they involve being served a 3-course traditional meal.
Experience the best of Paris by combining a visit to top attractions such as the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower into one package with your Seine River cruise. You can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Paris with a combination that includes a Moulin Rouge show or comedic performances.
Best for: Solo travelers, families, first-time visitors
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included: No
Recommended cruises
Best for: Culinary enthusiasts, couples, families
Duration: 1.5- 4 hours
Meals included: Yes
Recommended cruises
Best for: Budget travelers, history buffs, first-time visitors
Duration: Flexible
Meals included: Depends on the combo
Recommended cruises
Best for: Budget travelers, families, first-time visitors
Duration: Flexible (24/48-hour or Annual)
Meals included: No
Recommended cruises
Bateaux Parisiens is a popular cruise service that offers various types of cruises on the Seine, including sightseeing tours, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises. They have a fleet of glass-covered boats, and also provide audio commentary in multiple languages which helps gain insights into the history and significance of the landmarks along the route.
Location: Near the Eiffel Tower
Recommended cruises
Bateaux Mouches is one of the oldest and most iconic Seine River cruise companies. The term "mouche" means "fly" in French, and the name originally referred to the small boats used in the Lyon area. Bateaux Mouches offers a range of cruises, from simple sightseeing tours to elaborate lunch and dinner cruises. Their boats have open decks, which are especially popular in good weather.
Location: In the 8th arrondissement, near the Pont de l'Alma
Recommended cruises
Head to your check-in point mentioned on your voucher, where the staff will guide you to the right pier/gate and hand you your boarding pass. While you wait for your boat to arrive, you can take a leisurely stroll or grab a drink, and when the signs go up, you can hop on board and have your seat.
Address: Pont de l'Alma, 75008 Paris, France
Famous for: The Alma bridge,Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
Address: Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France
Famous for: Musée du quai Branly, Palais de l'Alma, Rue de l'Université
Most Seine River cruises begin near the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Note: Boarding points may be different for different cruise options. Check your tickets for accurate information.
Sightseeing Cruises: 10am - 10pm
Lunch Cruises: Starts Between 12pm - 1pm
Dinner Cruises: Starts Between 6pm - 8:30pm
Note: Exact timings may be different for different cruise options. Check your tickets for accurate information.
Cruise down the picturesque left bank of the Seine River, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of iconic landmarks including:
Finally, make a U-turn at the Sully Bridge, and cruise back along the right bank of the Seine to finish your journey.
As the cruise is outdoors, book a cruise on a day with good weather to fully enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris.
Average temperature:
Average daylight:
Average wind speed:
Paris experiences moderate wind speeds, ranging from 10 to 24 kilometres per hour (6 to 15 miles per hour). However, wind conditions can vary, so check the specific forecast for your chosen cruise date.
A symbol of Paris and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Go up to the observation decks for stunning views of the city.
The Seine River runs through the heart of Paris in northern France. It is a geographically dividing landmark that unifies the city of lights. As you sail on the Seine, you can catch a glimpse of every eminent landmark in Paris.
The river banks were once home to popular figures like Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Napolean Bonaparte. The banks have also been the subject of many popular impressionist paintings.
Things to see on a Seine River cruise
The Sightseeing cruise, perfect for a quick voyage through Paris, is the most popular cruise.
The combo Seine River cruise with a Paris City tour is perfect for families as it covers the best of the city from both land and water and is cost-effective.
The Seine River Dinner Cruise is perfect for couples as it is a very romantic experience. You can enjoy delicious French food and wine, accompanied by live music as you see the city come to life around you.
Yes, Seine River cruises operate throughout the year, though schedules may be adjusted based on seasonal considerations.
Yes, vegetarian options are available on meal-based Seine River cruises.
Yes, Seine cruise ships are equipped with clean restrooms. Larger boats, especially those used for dining and longer cruises, often have multiple restrooms, sometimes even separate facilities for men and women. On smaller sightseeing boats, there might be a single unisex restroom.
Many boats from all the boat operators have wheelchair ramps and space for strollers. For sightseeing cruises, the primary challenge might be navigating through the crowd, especially during peak tourist seasons. The piers at the Bateaux Parisiens and the Bateaux-Mouches have disabled restrooms and an access ramp onto the boat.
Many boats have both indoor and outdoor seating options. Open-air top decks provide the best views, as we know. Now, when it comes to inside seating, it is usually within a glass-covered area, giving you unobstructed views of the Parisian skyline and also protecting you from the elements.
Some cruises feature live guides who provide a more personalized and interactive narration, while others use pre-recorded audio guides. This commentary is generally offered in multiple languages through headphones or speakers, and helps you understand the rich history, architecture, and cultural significance of the landmarks viewed.
Tickets are generally tied to specific departure docks. But getting to the dock is fairly quick from central Paris locations. While Bateaux Parisiens depart from Eiffel Tower, Bateaux Mouches depart from Pont de l’Alma, which is at a 15 minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower.
