Whether you’re searching for a unique experience, romantic dinner option, or simply wish to experience Paris from another angle, you won’t regret booking a River Seine boat cruise while in the French capital. Here’s your ultimate guide regarding how to select the right Seine River Cruise.
Editor’s note: Though I really like exploring Paris from nearly every angle and especially enjoy searching for the best Eiffel Tower views, there are a few River Seine cruises which have particularly caught my attention. I really like that you can enjoy a romantic dinner cruise such as this one and that i love that more affordable cruises like this one are for sale to those on a financial budget!
Why you’ll love taking a Seine River Cruise while in Paris
If you’re still unsure whether or otherwise you should have a river cruise along the Seine, then here are some facts to consider: firstly, you can enjoy a lot of Paris’ major sights from the comfort of your seat. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, as well as a few of the Louvre Museum are all visible from the water.
Another reason to sit back, relax, and book a river cruise includes the fact that this is actually the type of activity that can be done in almost any season and many weathers; come rain or shine, cold or heat, this really is one thing to do in Paris throughout the year. Though Parisian picnics are indeed enjoyable and another great way to enjoy the banks from the River Seine, they’re not too fun in the rain!
Next, it’s affordable to book a cruise and it is possible on plenty of budgets, especially if you’re likely to mix up your Parisian itinerary with some of the best samples by mail to complete in Paris. Otherwise, you’ll have an entirely new outlook during the town and the opportunity to dinner dine on the boat or simply soak up the attractions!
Whichever cruise you wind up selecting, it’s worth noting that, by and large, every boat takes roughly the same route. Usually of thumb, the itinerary is really as follows: boats begin on the left-bank near to ^Ile Saint Louis. The cruises then sail alongside the left-bank, passing under 20 bridges en route!
From the boat, you’ll soon spy the Grand Palais, Petit Palais, Pont Alexandre III, ^Ile de la Cité, the Parisian bouquinstes, and more Haussmannian architecture than you would have thought imaginable. The boats then change at roughly the Eiffel Tower before sailing back to the landing docks alongside the right-bank.
Best River Seine Cruise Boat Tours
1-hour River Seine Cruise
This classic Seine River Cruise is ideal for individuals with short time and just want to enjoy all the attractions that can be seen from this angle. Lasting just for an hour, contained in the cost of your ticket is a skip-the-line feature and audio commentary throughout the boat ride. Check prices and availability here.
Original Sightseeing Cruise Tour (budget Seine River cruise)
For those found on a financial budget, among the cheapest methods to have a River cruise is by booking a simply excursion like this one. The seventy-five-minute voyage departs from close to Notre Dame and will show you many of the main highlights which central Paris provides. If you want a little more information, then audioguides are for sale to rent. Check prices and availability here.
Batobus River Seine Shuttle Boat
If you’d like to make the most of the choice to sail across the River Seine over the course of a few days, then you’ll wish to purchase this hop-on-hop-off option. Tickets are available to purchase for a time of 24 or 48 hours and permit you to jump on and off the Batobus cruises as many times as you like. Check prices and availability here.
1-Hour Illuminations River Cruise
Hands down, among the best ways to enjoy post-sunset in Paris is by a River Cruise. Enjoy the bright lights from the City of Light in this one-hour cruise. En route, you’ll enjoy famous monuments lit up; Musée d’Orsay and La Tour Eiffel to mention but a few. Check prices and availability here.
Combi-tickets; Seine River Cruise & Other Attractions
Vintage 2CV tour + Cruise
One from the quirkiest tourist experiences you can enjoy in Paris would be to take a tour of Paris by Citro”en 2CV. These classic and vintage French cars were in production between 1948-1990. Today, these classic cars are the perfect method to experience Paris from the new perspective.
This combi-ticket provides you with access aboard a vintage Bateaux Parisiens cruise in addition to give you the chance to enjoy the iconic sights of Paris via vintage car. If it’s raining, then you’ll still be capable of going in the car, only it will also be with a definite cover! Check prices and availability here.
Paris: Skip-the-Queue Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise
Though I would state that the best view in Paris is really to be found from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, ascending the Eiffel Tower is certainly something you should make it your mission to do at least one time in your lifetime. This mixture ticket will give you access to the second level of the Eiffel Tower (with a skip-the-line function) in addition to a 1 hour cruise along the River Seine. Check prices and availability here.
Foodie Seine River Experiences
Bateaux Parisiens 2-Hour Lunch Cruise
For an intimate and different perspective around the city, consider investing in a lunch cruise experience. This à-la-carte lunch happens over two hours, all the while sailing along the River Seine. The three-course dinner includes wine, coffee, water, and cheese course options. On your journey along the River Seine boat tournest, you’ll be also treated to reside music. Check prices and availability here.
Paris: Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine
Imagine yourself as well as your partner experiencing the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower and toasting your glasses while enjoy the best of Paris. Well, one of the most romantic experiences available in Paris is that of a dinner cruise. Booking this tour will surely make sure that you cruise the Seine River in fashion!
Depending which dinner sitting you choose, your tour ticket includes a three-course dinner (by having an extra appetiser for that later sitting), coffee, and live music. Vegetarian choices are also available. Extra drinks can be purchased for an additional fee. Check prices and availability here.
