How to take a cruise on the Seine in Paris?
Sailing on the Seine offers a unique opportunity to discover Paris and its iconic monuments. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll, a gourmet dinner or simply an original way to visit Paris, a river cruise is an unforgettable experience in the heart of the French capital.
Download the audio tour to discover Paris on foot and on your own
Would you like to explore the capital at your own pace, while benefiting from enriching explanations? TheNavaway audio guide for Paris lets you discover the emblematic sites of the City of Light in complete freedom. Download the application and let it guide you through the most beautiful areas of Paris, from the Champs-Élysées to the Eiffel Tower, via the banks of the Seine. It’s a modern, fun way to combine a walking tour with a river discovery, for a total immersion in Parisian history.
See also the Paris guide :
- The 12 most beautiful walks in Paris to discover
- 40 free things to do and see in Paris
- 15 historic monuments not to be missed in Paris
- 20 must-see museums in Paris
- 10 emblematic bridges in Paris to cross on foot
Why take a cruise on the Seine in Paris?
The Seine has meandered through Paris for centuries, bearing witness to the capital’s history. Opting for a river cruise means choosing an exceptional view of the most beautiful Parisian monuments. From the river, you can admire the Eiffel Tower in all its splendour, Notre-Dame de Paris standing majestically on the Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum and its glass pyramid, or the elegant facades of the Musée d’Orsay.
This experience offers a moment of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Comfortably seated on board, you glide peacefully along the water as historic bridges, UNESCO World Heritage-listed quays and 17th-century town houses pass before your eyes. To complete this river discovery, don’t hesitate to continue your exploration by following the walking itinerary suggested by Navaway.
Cruises on the Seine are suitable for all visitors: families with children, couples looking for romance, groups of friends or solo travellers. Some companies offer audio commentaries in several languages, enriching your understanding of Parisian history and architecture.
The main cruise companies on the Seine
1. Fly boats
Founded in 1949, the Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches® is one of the most emblematic institutions of Parisian tourism. Embarking from the Pont de l’Alma (Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris), these boats with their distinctive silhouette offer an impressive capacity of up to 1,000 passengers. Promenade cruises last around 1 hour 10 minutes and allow you to admire Paris’s monuments in optimum comfort. The company offers departures every 30 to 45 minutes between 10am and 10pm in high season, with an extra departure at 10.30pm on Saturdays.
2. Bateaux Parisiens
Located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower (Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris), Bateaux Parisiens enjoys a prime location. This company stands out for its top-of-the-range gastronomic cruises and its modern boats equipped with large panoramic windows. Departures are from 10am to 10.30pm, with special evening cruises starting at 8.30pm. The experience is refined and the services are adapted to special events such as birthdays or wedding proposals.
3. Vedettes de Paris
Pioneers of river ecology, the Vedettes de Paris sail with 100% electric, silent and environmentally-friendly boats. Embarking from the Port de Suffren near the Eiffel Tower (75007 Paris), these launches offer cruises lasting around 1 hour, with regular departures between 10.30am and 10pm. The company emphasises an intimate experience with smaller boats, providing a friendly atmosphere.
4. Vedettes du Pont-Neuf
The Vedettes du Pont-Neuf have been operating in the heart of Paris since 1959, embarking from the tip of the Île de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant (75001 Paris). This central position offers a well-balanced route for admiring both the East and West of Paris. One-hour cruises depart regularly throughout the day. The advantage of this location lies in its proximity to numerous monuments that are within walking distance after the cruise.
5. Batobus
The Batobus stands out for its unique hop-on hop-off river shuttle concept. With 9 strategic stops along the Seine (Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardin des Plantes, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Beaugrenelle), this service combines transport and discovery. You can hop on and off at will throughout the day with a single ticket, ideal for organising your day with complete flexibility and reaching the points of interest on the Navaway itinerary.
Prices and bookings for a cruise on the Seine
Prices for cruises on the Seine vary according to a number of criteria: the company chosen, the type of service, the duration and the timetable. For a classic cruise lasting around 1 hour, expect to pay between €15 and €20 per adult. Children aged between 4 and 11 generally benefit from a reduced fare of between €7 and €9, while under-4s travel free.
Cruises with meals represent a more substantial budget. Lunch cruises start from €60 per person for a simple meal, and can reach €100 to €120 for a more elaborate menu. Dinner cruises range from €85 to €200, depending on the menu chosen and the standard of service. Champagne cruises, offering a glass of champagne with a few mignardises, cost around €25 to €35 per person.
There are several tricks you can use to optimise your budget. Booking online in advance often allows you to benefit from discounts of up to 20%. Combined tickets combining a cruise and entry to a monument (such as the Eiffel Tower) also offer a lower price than buying separately. Some companies offer reduced fares for students, senior citizens or large families on presentation of proof.
Paris city passes (Paris Museum Pass, Paris Passlib’, etc.) sometimes include a cruise on the Seine. If you’re planning to visit several museums and monuments, these packages can be very economical. Don’t hesitate to compare offers before your trip to find the best package to suit your wishes and budget.
The route and monuments to admire from the Seine
A cruise on the Seine reveals a spectacular itinerary lined with the most beautiful Parisian monuments. The typical route is around 13 kilometres long, passing under some twenty historic bridges while admiring both banks of the river.
On the right bank, you can see the Grand Palais with its monumental glass roof, the Petit Palais, the Place de la Concorde and its Egyptian obelisk, the Tuileries Gardens and the majestic Louvre Museum, which stretches for almost 800 metres along the quay. The Hôtel de Ville de Paris and the Conciergerie, a former royal palace that became a revolutionary prison, complete this exceptional architectural panorama.
On the left bank, the Eiffel Tower dominates the landscape. Depending on the time of your cruise, you can see it sparkle during its night-time illumination, a magical spectacle that takes place every hour after nightfall. The golden dome of Les Invalides, home to Napoleon’s tomb, stands out majestically against the Parisian sky. The Musée d’Orsay, a former railway station converted into a temple to Impressionism, displays its beautiful Beaux-Arts façade. The Institut de France, with its emblematic cupola, and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district add a touch of elegance to this river journey.
The Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis are two of the highlights of the cruise. On the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame de Paris, despite the fire in 2019, remains an overwhelming monument. The cathedral, currently being restored, bears witness to the thousand-year-old history of Paris. The Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic jewel with exceptional stained glass windows, hides behind the walls of the former Palais de Justice. The Île Saint-Louis, with its 17th-century town houses, offers a peaceful and authentic charm.
The bridges are also remarkable features of the landscape. The Pont Alexandre III, considered the most beautiful bridge in Paris, dazzles with its Belle Époque decorations, gilded statues and elaborate candelabras. The Pont-Neuf, despite its name, is the oldest bridge in Paris still standing. The Pont des Arts, once famous for its love padlocks, remains a favourite romantic spot for strollers. To continue your discovery of these emblematic structures, see our article on the emblematic bridges of Paris.
The different types of cruises on offer
1. The classic promenade cruise
The most accessible and popular option is the one-hour walking cruise. With no catering, it concentrates on exploring the monuments, with audio commentary available in several languages (French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, etc.). These cruises depart regularly throughout the day, leaving you free to organise your own programme. The boats generally have an outside deck to make the most of the view and a heated indoor area in case of bad weather.
2. The lunch cruise
The lunch cruise combines gastronomy and discovery in a refined atmosphere. Served at the table, the meal generally includes a starter, main course, cheese and dessert, accompanied by wine. Menus feature traditional French cuisine with quality produce. The meal lasts between 1? and 2 hours, allowing you to enjoy your meal in peace while admiring Paris. Departures are usually around 12.30pm. This formula is perfect for special occasions or to impress your guests with an original business meal.
3. The dinner cruise
The ultimate experience on the Seine is the dinner cruise. Paris illuminated reveals all its magic when night falls. The Eiffel Tower sparkles, the monuments are adorned with golden lights, and the bridges are reflected in the dark water of the river. The dinner cruises offer refined gourmet cuisine in elegant surroundings. White tablecloths, silverware, attentive service and a background musician create an unforgettably romantic atmosphere. Menus generally comprise four or five courses with wine and food pairings. The dinner lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, with departures around 8 or 8.30pm. Proper attire is required (no shorts, trainers or flip-flops).
4. Theme cruises
Several companies are innovating with original cruises. The champagne cruise offers a tasting accompanied by petits fours for a convivial moment. Wine cruises allow you to discover French wines while sailing. For families, special children’s cruises are organised on certain Wednesdays and during the school holidays, with fun activities and appropriate commentary. Musical cruises with jazz or French chanson concerts are also available in the evening. Finally, some companies offer private cruises for groups, birthdays or corporate events.
Practical advice for your cruise on the Seine
1. Choosing the best time
The ideal period depends on your preferences. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and moderate crowds. Summer attracts a lot of tourists, but the long days allow you to make the most of the light. Winter can be magical, especially during the Christmas illuminations, although the temperatures are cool. As for the timetable, a late afternoon cruise allows you to admire Paris in the golden light of the setting sun, then illuminated as night falls.
2. Book in advance
Even if you can still make purchases on the spot, there are several advantages to booking online. You often benefit from preferential fares, you avoid queuing at ticket offices, and you secure your place, which is particularly important in high season or for cruises with meals. Electronic tickets received by email can be presented directly on your smartphone, simplifying the process.
3. Arrive early
Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the departure time indicated on your ticket. This gives you time to locate the pier, present your ticket and choose your seat on board. The best seats with the best views go quickly. For a cruise with meals, a delay may result in the loss of your reservation without refund.
4. Dress accordingly
Even in summer, the wind on the water can be cool, especially in the evening. Make sure you bring a waistcoat or light jacket. In winter, wrap up warm if you want to enjoy the outside deck. For gourmet dinner cruises, smart attire is recommended: suit and tie for men, dress or suit for women.
5. Think about the photos
Don’t forget your charged camera or smartphone. The viewpoints from the boat are unique and will allow you to bring back some wonderful memories. Choose the outside deck to avoid reflections on the windows. In the evening, you’ll need a recent smartphone or a camera with a good sensor to capture Paris illuminated.
Access and transport to the landing stages
The main landing stages are well served by Paris public transport. For the Bateaux Mouches at the Pont de l’Alma, take metro line 9 (Alma-Marceau station) or RER line C (Pont de l’Alma station). The Bateaux Parisiens at the foot of the Eiffel Tower are accessible by metro line 6 (Bir-Hakeim), line 8 (École Militaire) or RER C (Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel). Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf on the Île de la Cité can be reached by metro line 7 (Pont Neuf) or line 4 (Cité).
If you’re staying in the suburbs, the metro and RER network makes getting around much easier. Navigo passes or Mobilis tickets give you unlimited travel for a day. For those who prefer walking, the quays of the Seine offer pleasant pedestrian walks from many of the city’s central districts. You can also combine your cruise with theNavaway audioguide itinerary, which takes you along some of the most beautiful sites in Paris.
Taxis and VTCs are a comfortable but more expensive option. Beware of traffic jams at peak times, which could cause you to miss your departure. Cycling remains an environmentally-friendly alternative, with numerous Vélib’ stations close to the landing stages. The riverside lanes, which are closed to car traffic, make it easy to cycle along the Seine.
Accessibility and on-board services
Most companies have adapted their boats to accommodate people with reduced mobility. Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches have access ramps and dedicated wheelchair spaces. However, some older or smaller boats may present access difficulties. Ask when you book to make sure they are fully accessible.
Onboard services vary according to the company and the type of cruise. Promenade cruises generally offer a bar with hot drinks, soft drinks, beers and snacks. Toilets are available on all boats. For cruises with meals, service is provided at the table, with particular attention paid to special dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies), provided that these are indicated when booking.
Free wifi is available on some recent boats, so you can share your photos live on social networks. Cloakrooms are available for dropping off coats and bulky bags. Last but not least, there are souvenir shops selling postcards, books and objects bearing the image of Paris to make your cruise even more memorable.
Combine a cruise with a visit to Paris
A cruise on the Seine is the perfect way to explore Paris. Many of the monuments seen from the boat are well worth exploring in depth. The Eiffel Tower, of course, is a must-see and is best visited by booking your ticket in advance. Our article on the must-see historic monuments in Paris will guide you in your choices.
The Louvre Museum requires several hours, or even a whole day, to appreciate its exceptional collections. The Musée d’Orsay delights lovers of Impressionism with its Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh works. For a complete overview of Paris’s cultural attractions, check out our selection of the 20 must-see museums in Paris.
The districts we pass through on our cruise are well worth exploring on foot. The Marais and its private mansions, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and its historic cafés, Montmartre and its Sacré-Coeur Basilica all offer unique atmospheres. The Navaway app accompanies you with detailed audio guides so you don’t miss a thing of the history and anecdotes of each place. Discover the 12 most beautiful walks in Paris to complete your discovery of the capital.
For a successful stay, don’t forget the 40 free activities and visits available in the capital. Paris is full of treasures that you can access without paying a single euro, from public gardens to permanent exhibitions in certain museums and lively markets.
In conclusion, a cruise on the Seine is much more than a simple boat trip. It’s an immersion in the thousand-year-old history of Paris, a unique perspective on its emblematic monuments and a moment of relaxation along the water. Whether you opt for a one-hour sightseeing cruise, a gourmet lunch or a romantic dinner under the stars, this river experience will make a lasting impression on your stay in Paris. To extend this discovery, follow theNavaway audioguide itinerary, which will guide you through the capital’s most beautiful districts and allow you to learn more about the City of Light at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average length of a cruise on the Seine?
A classic promenade cruise lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour 10 minutes. Lunch cruises last between 1.5 and 2 hours, while dinner cruises last between 2 and 2.5 hours. The Batobus shuttle service operates throughout the day, with journeys of around 30 minutes between each stop.
Can you take a cruise on the Seine with children?
Absolutely! Cruises on the Seine are perfectly suited to families. Children under the age of 4 generally travel free, and reduced fares are available for those aged 4-11. Some companies even offer special cruises with entertainment for younger children during the school holidays.
Do the cruises operate all year round?
Yes, the main airlines operate all year round, including winter. However, the frequency of departures may be reduced in the low season (November to March). The boats are equipped with heated interiors to ensure your comfort even in cold weather. In the event of major flooding of the Seine or exceptional weather conditions, cruises may be temporarily suspended for safety reasons.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking is not compulsory for sightseeing cruises, but is strongly recommended in high season (April to September) and during school holidays. For cruises with meals (lunch or dinner), booking is essential, ideally several days in advance, especially for weekends and special occasions. You can often obtain preferential fares by booking online.
What’s the best time of day for a cruise?
Every moment has its charms. A late afternoon cruise (around 5-6pm) offers the advantage of admiring Paris in the golden light of sunset, then illuminated as night falls. Night cruises reveal a fairytale city with its illuminated monuments and the glittering Eiffel Tower. Morning or early afternoon cruises are better for photography, with optimum light and fewer reflections on the water.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Cancellation conditions vary from airline to airline. Generally, cancellation with full refund is possible up to 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled date. After this time, tickets may be non-refundable or subject to cancellation charges. Some airlines offer flexible tickets at an additional cost, allowing the date to be changed without charge. Always check the general conditions of sale before finalising your purchase.
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