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Seine River Cruise Location, Departure Points, Directions and How to Get There

Want to see Paris in the most romantic way possible? A Seine River cruise is a must- imagine gliding past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre, all while hearing fascinating stories about the city's history. Sounds dreamy, right?

This page is here to help you get started. We'll guide you to the best departure points for your Seine River cruise, so you can skip the stress and get straight to enjoying the views.

Where are the Seine River cruise departure points?

Bateaux Mouches: Pont de l'Alma
Bateaux Parisiens: Port de la Bourdonnais

Bateaux Mouches departure point at Pont de l'Alma, Paris, with docked tour boats.

Bateaux Parisiens cruise departing from Port de la Bourdonnais, Eiffel Tower in background, Paris.

Getting to Bateaux Mouches departure point by public transportation

By metro/tram
By bus
By bike

Paris Metro train arriving at a station, showcasing public transport in Paris.

Alma-Marceau (Line 9)

The closest metro stop to Bateaux Mouches at Pont de l'Alma is Alma-Marceau (Line 9). It's a short 5-minute walk from the station to the river. Look for signs directing you to the boarding area.

Buses to Seine River Cruise Boarding Point in Paris

Lines 42, 63, and 72 offer easy ways to reach the Pont de l'Alma from different parts of the city. The bus stops are conveniently located near the cruise departure point, so you won't have to walk far. Plus, the area around the Pont de l'Alma is really beautiful, so even the short walk can be part of your Parisian adventure.

Cycle station for rent in Paris - Vélib' bikes.

There are many Vélib' bike-sharing stations near Pont de l'Alma. Cycling is a fantastic way to experience Paris – it's eco-friendly and lets you soak in the city's atmosphere at your own pace. Paris has dedicated bike lanes and is generally bike-friendly, making it a safe and enjoyable ride. Plus, you'll find convenient docking stations near your cruise departure point, making for a smooth transition.

Getting to Bateaux Parisiens departure point by public transportation

By metro/tram
By bus
By bike

Bateaux Parisiens departure point

The easiest way to reach the Seine River cruises is by metro.

  • Bir-Hakeim (Line 6): This station is closest to the main departure point at Port de la Bourdonnais. You'll be there in less than 10 minutes with a short, easy walk. Plus, you might get a sneak peek of the Eiffel Tower along the way!
  • Ecole Militaire (Line 8): This station is a bit further, but the walk is still pleasant and offers different views of the city. The path is well-marked, so you won't get lost.

Port de la Bourdonnais bus transportation, Paris, France.

Lines 42, 69, 82, and 87 conveniently connect to the Port de la Bourdonnais area, where you'll find Bateaux Parisiens cruises. These bus stops are close to the embarkation points, so you won't have to walk far. This is a great choice if you'd like to explore more of Paris by bus before hopping on your river cruise.

Cyclists riding along the Seine River towards Bateaux Parisiens departure point in Paris.

Cycling to your Seine River cruise is a breeze! There are tons of Vélib' stations near the Port de la Bourdonnais, so you can easily rent a bike and enjoy a scenic ride to the dock. The area is very bike-friendly, with lots of places to safely lock up your bike. It's a great way to experience the Parisian streets and do your part for the environment!

























Book Seine River Cruise tickets

1-Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr.
Audio guide
More details
1-Hour Seine River Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
More details
Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Sightseeing Cruise
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. 30 min.
More details
Batobus: Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
Free cancellation
Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
More details

Getting to the Seine River cruise departure points by car

The fastest driving route to either departure point depends largely on your starting location within the city.

To Bateaux Mouches (Pont de l'Alma)
To Bateaux Parisiens (Port de la Bourdonnais)

Aerial view from Trocadéro along the Ring Road (Boulevard Périphérique) in Paris.

To reach your Seine River cruise, the easiest route is likely along Avenue de New York. This road runs alongside the riverbank, making it convenient to access departure points like Pont de l'Alma, where popular companies like Bateaux Mouches operate.

To get there, try to connect to the ring road (Boulevard Périphérique) and exit towards the center of Paris. Follow signs for the Eiffel Tower or Trocadéro. These landmarks will naturally lead you towards Avenue de New York.

Quai Branly road with Eiffel Tower and museum in Paris.

To reach Port de la Bourdonnais, head towards Quai Branly. This road runs along the Seine River and takes you right to the Eiffel Tower area.

If you're coming from outside Paris, use the Boulevard Périphérique to get closer to the city center. Then, take the exit for Quai Branly - Tour Eiffel. Follow the signs for the Eiffel Tower, and you'll easily find your way to Port de la Bourdonnais.

Parking near the Seine River cruise departure points

Finding parking close to Seine River cruise departure points can be tricky due to the area's popularity and limited availability. However, there are some convenient public parking options nearby:

  • For Bateaux Mouches: The nearest parking spots are at Alma George V or the parking lot at the American Cathedral in Paris. Both are paid parking facilities located just a short stroll from Pont de l'Alma.
  • For Bateaux Parisiens: Your best options are the Pullman Tour Eiffel parking or the Quai Branly Museum car park. Both are within walking distance of Port de la Bourdonnais and provide secure parking for your vehicle.

Walking to Seine River cruise departure points

Walking from the Eiffel Tower to the Bateaux Mouches or Bateaux Parisiens departure points is such a lovely way to experience Paris. It’s just a quick 10-15 minute stroll, but it feels like so much more.

Starting at the iconic Eiffel Tower, you’ll make your way to the Seine, passing charming streets and soaking in beautiful views along the way. The riverbank is calm and inviting, and the walk gives you a chance to take in the city’s landmarks and atmosphere at a leisurely pace—it’s the perfect little Parisian adventure.

Bateaux Parisiens cruise on Seine River with Eiffel Tower view.

Bateaux Parisiens: Port de la Bourdonnais

Bateaux Mouches boat cruising on the Seine River in Paris, passing by the Eiffel Tower.

Bateaux Mouches: Pont de l'Alma

Where are the other Seine River cruise boarding points located?

Bateaux Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens are the main cruise operators on the Seine, but there are other options with boarding points in different spots.

Frequently asked questions about Seine River cruise departure points

Are there signs at the departure points to guide me?

Yes, there are clear signs and markers at both Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches locations to help you find your cruise easily.

Are the departure points wheelchair accessible?

Both Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches departure points are wheelchair accessible. They provide assistance for boarding, but it is recommended to inform the staff in advance to ensure a comfortable experience.

Are there any landmarks near the departure points to help identify the location?

Yes, the Bateaux Parisiens departure point is directly in front of the Eiffel Tower and near the Quai Branly Museum, while the Bateaux Mouches departure point is near the Pont de l’Alma and the Flame of Liberty (a replica of the Statue of Liberty’s torch).

Are there restaurants or cafes near the departure points?

Yes, there are plenty of dining options near both departure points. For Bateaux Parisiens, you’ll find cafes near the Eiffel Tower, and for Bateaux Mouches, there are restaurants along the Seine near Pont de l’Alma.

What is the fastest way to reach the Seine River cruise departure points?

The metro is the quickest option, offering a vast network and frequent trains that avoid surface traffic, giving you more time to relax and explore the area before or after your cruise.

What is the most affordable way to reach the Seine River cruise departure points?

Taking public buses or the metro is the most budget-friendly choice, and it also lets you enjoy glimpses of the city and experience local life during your journey.

Are there any restroom facilities near the departure points?

Yes, both Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches have restrooms at or near their departure points. There are also restrooms onboard the cruise boats.

Are there any metro stations directly at the departure points?

No, there aren’t metro stations directly at the docks, but stations like Trocadéro, Ecole Militaire, and Alma-Marceau are within walking distance of both departure points.

Are there pedestrian-friendly routes to the departure points?

Yes, both departure points are along the Seine and offer scenic, pedestrian-friendly access paths. Walking along the river is a popular option for tourists.