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The Ultimate Guide to Help You Plan Your Seine River Cruise Visit
Seine River cruise | Visitor information at a glance
Sightseeing cruises
- General operating hours: 10am - 10pm
- Duration: 1 - 2 hours
- Best for: Perfect for anyone wanting a quick tour of Paris with amazing views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. Great for tourists on tight schedules.
Lunch cruises
- General operating hours: 12pm - 3pm
- Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
- Best for: Ideal for those who want to pair a relaxing mid-day meal with beautiful views of Paris, offering a serene daytime experience.
Dinner cruises
- General operating hours: 8pm - 11pm
- Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours
- Best for: Best for people looking for an extended, romantic evening with live entertainment like music or cabaret, making it a special occasion.
Hop-on-hop-off cruises
- General operating hours: 10am - 7pm
- Duration: 2 hours
- Best for: Recommended for people who want to escape the city bustle and get faster to the Parisian landmarks for a sightseeing tour at their own pace.
Book your Seine River cruise tickets
What is the best time to go on a Seine River cruise?
Weekday vs. weekend
- Weekday: If you’re after a calm and relaxed experience, weekdays are ideal. With fewer crowds, you can truly soak in the serene beauty of the Seine. Consider booking just before sunset for breathtaking views as the city transitions into evening.
- Weekend: Weekends bring an energetic vibe to Paris, and the Seine is no exception. The cruises tend to be more lively, offering a chance to feel the city's buzz. Be sure to reserve your spot early, as demand is high. Whether it’s sightseeing or a romantic evening cruise, there’s something for everyone.
Best month of the year
- April to October: These months are perfect for cruising, thanks to warm weather and a golden glow that highlights Paris's beauty. Whether it’s a sunny day or a breezy afternoon, the charm of the Seine is unforgettable.
- June to August: Summer in Paris is quieter than you might expect, as many locals leave for vacation. This means more peaceful cruises on sunny days, though occasional rain showers might occur—keeping an umbrella handy is a good idea.
Best time of the day
At night
Paris is truly magical after dark. As the city lights illuminate landmarks, the Seine sparkles with romance and elegance, creating a setting that’s both intimate and unforgettable. During peak tourist season, aim for the first or last cruise of the day to enjoy a quieter and more exclusive experience.
Seine River cruise boarding points
Bateaux Parisiens
Bateaux-Mouches
Paris Seine
- Metro: Take line 6 or 9 and get off at Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro.
- RER: Use line C and get off at Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel.
- Bus: Lines 42, 69, 82, or 87. Nearest stops are Tour Eiffel or Iéna.
- Area highlights: Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, Trocadéro Gardens, Quai Branly Museum, and shopping at Rue de Passy.
- Metro: Take line B or C and get off at Cité or Maubert - Mutualité.
- RER: Use line B or C and get off at St Michel Notre Dame.
- Bus: Lines 27, 38, 47, 63, 75, N15, N22, or 96. Nearest stops are Lagrange, Saint-Michel, Dante, Pont de L'Archevêché, and Saint-Michel - Saint-Germain.
- Area highlights: Petit Palais, Grand Palais, Orangerie Museum, Place de la Concorde, Pont Alexandre III, Champs-Élysées, and the Tuileries Garden.
- Metro: Take line 12 and get off at Solferino.
- RER: Use Line C and get off at Musée d’Orsay.
- Bus: Lines 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87, or 94. Nearest stop is Musée d’Orsay.
- Area highlights: Orsay and the Louvre Museums, Pont des Arts, and charming cafes along Rue de Rivoli.
Find the Bateaux Parisiens route here
Depart from the dock near the Eiffel Tower and cruise past landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Musée d’Orsay on this scenic route.
Find the Bateaux Mouches route here
Starting from Pont de l'Alma, this route offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, and other iconic riverside landmarks.
Know before you go on a Seine River cruise
Facilities
Accessibility
Cruising with kids
Rules & regulations
What to wear?
- Seine River cruise boats usually feature both indoor and outdoor seating options.
- Many cruises have restrooms onboard.
- There are bars or cafés where you can grab drinks and snacks.
- Lunch and dinner menus are commonly offered in more than five languages.
- Most lunch and dinner cruises include live entertainment and an open dance floor for guests to enjoy.
- If you prefer, you can swap your alcoholic drink for a soft drink.
- Some cruises also offer audio commentary or live guides to enhance your experience.
- The Bateaux-Mouches cruises near Pont de l'Alma bridge are wheelchair accessible.
- The Bateaux Parisiens cruises near the Pont d'Iéna bridge offer assistance to wheelchair users.
- It's a good idea to double-check your tickets beforehand to ensure the boat is accessible.
- Keep in mind that certain boats might have restricted accessibility or might need extra help for boarding.
- Many Seine River cruise companies have a special menu designed for kids on their lunch and dinner cruises.
- The kids' menu usually features popular, kid-friendly choices like burgers, chicken nuggets, or pasta.
- Some cruises also accommodate dietary needs, offering vegetarian or gluten-free options for children.
- Kids' meals often include a dessert or a soft drink, and some cruises even provide activities like coloring books to keep children entertained.
- Make sure your child is dressed for the weather and consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, even in summer, as it can get cool.
- Smoking is usually prohibited on most Seine River cruise boats.
- Plan to get to the boarding area 15 to 30 minutes ahead of the departure time.
- Pets are typically not permitted on Seine River cruises, except for service animals.
- For your safety, you might need to wear a life jacket during the cruise, particularly in emergencies.
- Always follow the guidance and instructions given by the crew and staff on board.
- Seine River cruises typically have a casual dress code, so feel free to wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
- It's a good idea to dress in layers, particularly in cooler seasons, since temperatures on the boat can fluctuate.
- For evening or dinner cruises, consider dressing a bit more formally than you would during the day, even though there isn't a strict dress code.
- Steer clear of high heels or uncomfortable shoes, as you might need to navigate slippery areas or stairs while boarding or moving around the boat.
Frequently asked questions about going for a Seine River cruise
Are meals included in the Seine dinner cruises?
Yes, dinner cruises include gourmet meals, often with a choice of courses. Dietary preferences like vegetarian or gluten-free can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
Where do Seine River cruises start and end?
Most cruises depart from docks near central Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Pont Neuf, or Île de la Cité. Confirm your boarding location when booking.
What landmarks can I see during a Seine River cruise?
You’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, and Musée d’Orsay. Some cruises also highlight lesser-known spots.
Do cruises operate year-round?
Yes, Seine River cruises are available throughout the year. Seasonal offerings like holiday-themed cruises are also popular during festive periods.
How far in advance should I arrive for boarding?
It’s advisable to arrive at least 15–30 minutes before departure to ensure smooth boarding and enjoy the pre-cruise ambiance.
What happens if it rains during the cruise?
Most boats have covered areas or panoramic windows, ensuring you can enjoy the cruise comfortably even in wet weather.
Are drinks included in the dinner cruises?
Some dinner cruises include a welcome drink or wine pairing, while others offer drinks for purchase. Check the inclusions before booking.
Do Seine River cruises accommodate solo travelers?
Yes, cruises are perfect for solo travelers, offering a peaceful and scenic way to explore Paris.
What is the difference between a day and night cruise?
Day cruises highlight Paris’s architectural beauty and bustling riverside activity, while night cruises showcase the city’s illuminated landmarks in a romantic setting.