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:
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.
Departure Points(s)
Leaves from Pont de l’Alma (right bank) in the 8th arrondissem*nt.
Narration
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 thePont 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.
Summary
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.
Departure Points(s)
Leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower, on the left bank) in the 7th arrondissem*nt -OR- from Quai de Montebello (near the Notre Dame) in the 5th arrondissem*nt.
Narration
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).
Pricing & Tickets
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.
Accessibility
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.
Other Points
- 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.
Summary
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.
Narration
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.
Pricing & Tickets
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).
Accessibility
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.
Summary
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.
Departure Point(s)
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 arrondissem*nt.
Canal cruises leave from the intersection of Rue Jean Poulmarch and Quai de Valmy.
Narration
Live narration on board by guide in French and English.
Pricing
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.
Accessibility
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.
Other Notes
- 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.
Summary
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 arrondissem*nt. 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 arrondissem*nt.
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.
Departure Point(s)
Boats for the 1 hour cruise leave from Port de Suffren (near Eiffel Tower) in the 7th arrondissem*nt.
Narration
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.
Pricing & Tickets
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 advanceonline here, or purchased at the Port de Suffren port office.
Accessibility
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.
Other Notes
- 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.
Summary
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.
Departure Point(s)
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
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.
Pricing & Tickets
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.
Accessibility
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.
Other Notes
- 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
Summary
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.
Departure Points(s)
Leaves from near the Pont Saint-Michel (12 Quai des Orfèvres) in the 1st arrondissem*nt in Paris.
Narration
No narration or commentary is offered on the basic cruise. However, you can add a handheld audioguide with commentary for 3 euros.
Pricing & Tickets
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.
Accessibility
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.
Other Points
- Website: https://www.bateauxdeparis.net/
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board the boat
- Sightseeing cruises only operate between April and September
Summary
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.
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 lunchand 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 arrondissem*nt. 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. Cruisesdepart from Île aux Cygnes, middle of the Bir-Hakeim bridge in the 15th arrondissem*nt.
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, co*cktail 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!
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
- Boat route
- 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.
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:
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.
