Cruises on the Seine in Paris: itineraries, fares and advice

Activities

Marie

Published on 08/09/2025

A cruise on the Seine is one of the must-do experiences when visiting Paris, the French capital. This unique river cruise offers a privileged view of the most beautiful Parisian monuments, from the iconic Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame de Paris. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or want to rediscover Paris from a different angle, cruising on the Seine will allow you to admire the exceptional architecture of the City of Light while enjoying a moment of relaxation in the heart of the Parisian bustle.

The best companies for a cruise on the Seine in Paris

A number of well-known companies offer cruises on the Seine in Paris, each with its own special features and advantages. The three main companies dominating the Paris market are Bateaux Mouches, Bateaux Parisiens and Vedettes du Pont Neuf.

1. Les Bateaux Mouches: the historic benchmark

Les Bateaux Mouches (Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, rated 4.0/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews) is the oldest and most emblematic company. Their cruises leave from the Pont de l’Alma and last around 1 hour 10 minutes. Fares are €18 for adults and €8 for children under 13. These historic boats offer plenty of capacity and commentary in several languages.

2. Bateaux Parisiens: modernity and comfort

Les Bateaux Parisiens (Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 12,000 reviews) offers more modern boats with large picture windows. They offer departures from the foot of the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, with fares starting at €16. Their recent fleet guarantees excellent visual and acoustic comfort.

3. Vedettes du Pont Neuf: privacy and charm

Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf (Square du Vert-Galant, 75001 Paris, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 8,000 reviews) stand out for their smaller, more intimate boats. Their one-hour cruises depart from the Ile de la Cité and cost €15 for adults. This company favours a more personalised approach with smaller groups.

See also the Paris guide :

A typical itinerary for a cruise on the Seine in Paris

Theitinerary of a cruise on the Seine in Paris generally follows a set route that allows you to admire the capital’s most emblematic monuments. This guided cruise allows you to discover two millennia of Parisian history from a unique vantage point.

1. Departure from the Eiffel Tower

Most cruises start close to the Eiffel Tower, the unmissable symbol of Paris. This perspective from the Seine offers a spectacular view of the Iron Lady, particularly photogenic during cruises at the end of the day when the golden light sublimates its metallic structure.

2. Les Invalides and the National Assembly

Heading up the Seine, you’ll see the imposing golden dome of theHôtel des Invalides, home to Napoleon’s tomb. On the opposite bank stands the Assemblée Nationale, the seat of French legislative power since 1827.

3. The Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre

The former Gare d’Orsay, now a museum housing the world’s finest collection of Impressionist art, is next. Further on, the Renaissance façade of the Palais du Louvre stretches majestically along the quay, revealing the scale of what was once the residence of the kings of France.

4. The Ile de la Cité and Notre-Dame

The highlight of your cruise on the Seine in Paris is undoubtedly the approach to the Ile de la Cité. Despite reconstruction work following the fire in 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris retains all its Gothic magnificence. The Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie complete this exceptional historical picture.

5. The Île Saint-Louis and its private mansions

Île Saint-Louis is a remarkable architectural sight, with its 17th-century town houses. This residential island, a veritable jewel in the crown of Parisian heritage, bears witness to the aristocratic lifestyle of the Ancien Régime.

Fares and timetables for cruises on the Seine in 2025

Prices for cruises on the Seine in Paris vary according to the company chosen, the season and the type of service. Understanding this price list will help you make the best choice according to your budget and expectations.

1. Classic cruises

Simple promenade cruises, lasting around 1 hour, cost between €14 and €18 for adults. Children aged between 4 and 12 generally benefit from a reduced fare of between €6 and €8, while under-4s travel free. These cruises include audio guides available in French and several foreign languages.

2. Seasonal timetables

In high season (April to September), departures are every 30 to 45 minutes between 10am and 10.30pm. In low season (October to March), the frequency decreases, with a departure every 45 minutes until 10.00 pm. These timetables allow you to choose the ideal moment for your cruise on the Seine in Paris, whether to take advantage of the daytime luminosity or the night-time illuminations.

3. Premium options and dinner cruises

Meal packages turn your cruise into a true gastronomic experience. Lunch cruises offer menus from €45, while dinner cruises range from €90 to €165, depending on the level of service chosen. These experiences include table service, a gourmet menu and refined music.

The best times to sail on the Seine

Choosing the right time for your cruise on the Seine in Paris has a major influence on the quality of your experience. Several factors come into play: lighting, tourist numbers and weather conditions.

1. The magic of the sunset

The special moment is undoubtedly sunset, usually between 7pm and 9pm depending on the season. This golden hour bathes Paris’s monuments in an exceptional golden light, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere. The Eiffel Tower, glittering as night falls, is a magical sight from the deck of a boat.

2. Morning cruises

The first departures of the day have the advantage of being less crowded and of a soft light that is particularly flattering for photography. Between 10am and 12pm, you’ll enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere and a less rushed service, ideal for fully savouring this river interlude in the heart of Paris.

3. Night navigation and illuminations

Night cruises reveal a spectacular illuminated Paris. The illuminated monuments are reflected in the dark waters of the Seine, creating a magical tableau. This option is particularly suited to couples in search of romance and lovers of night-time urban photography.

Practical advice to make the most of your navigation

A few practical recommendations will optimise your experience of cruising on the Seine in Paris. These tips, drawn from the experience of thousands of visitors, will help you avoid the usual pitfalls and maximise your enjoyment.

1. Booking and anticipation

Booking your cruise online generally allows you to benefit from preferential rates and guarantees your place, which is particularly important during the high tourist season. Arrive 15 minutes before boarding time to choose the best seats, preferably on the outside for optimum visibility.

2. Equipment and comfort

Take a light jacket with you, even in summer, as sailing makes you feel cooler. A charged camera or smartphone is essential for capturing the highlights of your trip. Modern boats offer both covered and uncovered sections, so you can adapt to changing weather conditions.

3. Optimise your positioning

Choose your seat according to the monuments you wish to photograph. Seats on the right-hand side offer a fine view of Notre-Dame and the Louvre as you travel eastwards, while the left-hand side offers a view of the Invalides and the Eiffel Tower on the return journey.

Download the audio tour to discover Paris on foot and on your own

After your cruise on the Seine, extend your discovery of Paris by following theNavaway audio tour. This 5.2 km route takes you through the capital’s most emblematic districts, from the Champs-Élysées to the Trocadéro, via the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The app guides you step by step through 18 entertaining and historical audio commentaries, allowing you to discover the anecdotes and secrets hidden behind Paris’s most beautiful monuments. This self-guided tour is the perfect complement to your river experience, giving you an in-depth land-based approach to the sights seen from the Seine.

Alternatives to the classic cruise

As well as the traditional cruise on the Seine in Paris, there are several other ways of discovering the capital from its waterways. These options cater for different visitor profiles and budgets.

1. The Batobus: transport and tourism

The Batobus operates like a river metro, with eight strategic stops along the Seine. This original concept combines transport and sightseeing, allowing you to get on and off at will for a whole day. It’s a particularly practical way of visiting Paris while avoiding traffic jams and crowded transport.

2. Cruises on the canals of Paris

Cruises on the Canal Saint-Martin and the Canal de l’Ourcq offer a different, less touristy perspective of Paris. These cruises pass through authentic districts such as République, Bastille and La Villette, revealing a more confidential side of the capital with its locks, footbridges and tree-lined banks.

3. Theme and seasonal cruises

Some companies offer specialised cruises: jazz-boat cruises, in-depth historical cruises, or special sailings during Parisian events. Christmas, Valentine’s Day and 14 July cruises transform the Seine into a stage for unique celebrations, with specially adapted decorations and entertainment.

History and heritage: the Seine, Paris’s vital artery

Understanding the history of the Seine makes for a much richer experience on a Paris cruise. This 776-kilometre river has been the backbone of Paris for more than two millennia, bearing witness to the evolution of the French capital.

1. From the origins of Gaul to the present day

Paris was born on the banks of the Seine when the Gallic tribe of the Parisii settled on the Ile de la Cité around the 3rd century BC. The strategic position of this island, which was easy to defend and allowed control of river navigation, still determines the geography of Paris today. The Romans then developed Lutetia on both banks, laying the foundations for the future capital.

2. The Seine at the heart of Parisian development

Over the centuries, the Seine has served as a major trading route, supplying Paris and trading with Normandy and England. Haussmann’s transformations in the 19th century created today’s quays and the monumental vistas you can admire as you cruise along. These developments harmoniously integrated the river into Parisian urban planning.

3. Bridges, links between banks

Paris has 37 bridges spanning the Seine, each with its own history and architectural style. From the oldest, the Pont Neuf ironically, to the most modern, the Pont Charles-de-Gaulle, these works of art tell the story of the evolution of French techniques and aesthetic tastes. The Alexander III Bridge, often considered the most beautiful, symbolises the Franco-Russian alliance and the art of the Belle Époque.

In conclusion, a cruise on the Seine in Paris is much more than just a sightseeing trip. Sailing through the heart of the City of Light gives you a unique perspective on two millennia of French history, revealing the secrets and beauty of iconic monuments from a privileged vantage point. Whether you choose a morning cruise to discover Paris in the softness of the new day, or a night cruise to admire the enchanting illuminations of the capital, this river experience is sure to make a lasting impression on your stay in Paris. To extend this discovery, don’t hesitate to follow theNavaway itinerary which will guide you through the most beautiful districts of Paris, enriching your knowledge of this capital of a thousand faces.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average length of a cruise on the Seine in Paris?

The standard duration of a cruise on the Seine is between 1 hour and 1 hour 10 minutes. Dinner cruises can last up to 2 hours 15 minutes. This allows you to see all the emblematic monuments without getting bored, while enjoying the guided commentary.

Do cruises on the Seine operate all year round?

Yes, cruises on the Seine operate all year round, including in winter. Only extreme weather conditions (storms, major flooding) can lead to cancellations. The boats have covered and heated areas to ensure comfort even in cold weather. Departures are less frequent in the low season.

Can we eat on board cruise ships?

Most companies offer several catering options. Simple cruises generally include a bar service with drinks and light snacks. Lunch and dinner cruises offer full menus served at the table. It is advisable to book in advance for these gastronomic services, which are particularly popular.

Are the boats accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Most modern boats are equipped to accommodate people with reduced mobility, with adapted access and reserved spaces. It is advisable to point out this need when booking to ensure the best possible reception conditions. Companies generally have trained staff to make boarding easier and more comfortable.

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