seine cruise reviews

The 5 Best Seine River Dinner Cruises [2024 Reviews]

The Seine River in Paris is a sight to be seen especially when looking across it at the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks. But there is an even better way to view Paris’s famous architecture and attractions.

The Seine River flows through the heart of Paris and past many of these locations. Why not take a cruise down the Seine River and enjoy champagne, a delicious meal, or both as you glide gently past some of the most well-known sites in Paris?

There are dozens of cruises taking tour cruises up and down the Seine River in Paris every day. How do you know which one is best for you? The following are reviews of our 5 top Seine River cruises.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Paris Dinner Cruises

Quick answer: the 5 best rated seine river dinner cruises in paris.

• Best Dinner Cruise: Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine
• Best Evening Cruise: Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner
• Best Lunch Cruise: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise
• Best Champagne Cruise: 1-Hour Seine River Champagne Cruise with 3 Tastings
• Best Value Cruise: Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine

We’ve chosen these Paris river cruises because they offer a wide range of experiences and will fit into everyone’s budget.

Seine River Dinner Cruise Reviews

1. best dinner cruise: evening cruise with dinner on river seine.

• Departure Point : Meeting point varies depending on the option booked
• Departure Time : 6:15 PM (early dinner), 8:30 PM (dinner, more included)
• Duration : 2.5 hours (approx.)
• Includes : 3-course dinner with either wine or champagne

As your glass-roofed riverboat pulls away from the marina and slowly glides down the Seine River, your waiters will pour your wine or champagne.

With many options available for your meal, they will also provide you a menu and discuss it with you. Those enjoying the later, 8:30 PM departure will also be served champagne and there will be live music on board.

As you enjoy your meal, over the course of approximately four hours, you will be floating leisurely past some of Paris’s most famous monuments.

The magnificent lights that Paris is famous for, even being dubbed “the City of Lights,” provide a stunning view against the night backdrop.

Not only will you be able to see the massive but elegant Eiffel Tower lit up, you’ll also pass the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.

Be sure to ask a waiter if they can take a picture of you with your party while aboard this luxurious Bateaux Parisiens riverboat. This is our Editor’s Choice for the best Seine dinner cruise and should not to be passed up when vacationing in Paris.

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

More information & tour booking, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best evening cruise: seine river sightseeing cruise with 3-course dinner.

• Departure Point : Next to Musée d’Orsay museum
• Departure Time : 9:15 PM
• Duration : 1.5 hours (approx.)
• Includes : 3-course dinner, champagne, coffee or tea

This dinner cruise is perfect for those who want to enjoy a authentic French dinner with a beautiful sightseeing cruise on the river.

You won’t want to pass up seeing Paris from a glass-enclosed boat on the Seine. You will see Paris’s most iconic sights: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the National Assembly, and Pont Neuf.

You will be able to take stunning photographs of the City of Lights sprawling out in every direction. Your Seine River cruise dinner will feature three courses aboard the Marina De Paris floating restaurant.

Savor authentic Parisian cuisine with a appetizer of heirloom tomato tartar, smoked salmon to be followed by dinner with several options like fillet of sea bream, creamy spelt with peas or artichoke tartar, split pea velouté, eggplant chips.

To wrap up your 3-course dinner with dessert such as fresh lemon fingers, raspberry chou or wild berry coulis. If you have a child a special children’s menu is available.

If you are a vegetarian, they have you covered with a special dinner that is will have your mouth watering. As you finish the cruise enjoy a glass of champagne while you cruise by the Eiffel Tower. If you are wondering what is the best Paris river cruise this may be it!

Search For Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best lunch cruise: 2-hour river seine lunch cruise.

• Departure Point : Port de Solferino
• Departure Time : 12:45 PM
• Duration : 2 hours (approx.)
• Includes : 3-course meal, wine, and champagne, optional vegetarian meal

If you already have plans for your evening in Paris, you may want to enjoy a Seine River cruise while enjoying a delicious lunch. The lunch offered on this river cruise includes three courses in typical French fashion.

The food options will depend on what is in season and is as fresh as can be!

If your vacation to Paris is a romantic getaway for two, or maybe even a honeymoon this a perfect way to spend lunch on the river and enjoy all the sights.

You will be seated at a window on the glass-enclosed boat, there will be wine and champagne, rose petals can be added, and you’ll have the option for souvenir photos.

As you slowly make your way up the Seine River while enjoying a delicious lunch, you’ll pass under the Pont Neuf and other famous Parisian bridges straddling the Seine River.

If choosing the romance package, you will to have photos taken with many famous Paris monuments in the background such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum by a professional photographer.

For a bargain price this is the best Seine River lunch cruise on our list!

Related: See the World Famous Louvre Museum – Skip the Lines – Find the Best Tour for Your Money.

4. best champagne cruise: 1-hour seine river champagne cruise with 3 tastings.

• Departure Point : Les Vedettes de Paris, Port de Suffren
• Departure Time : 6:00 PM
• Duration : 1 hour (approx.)
• Includes : Onboard sommelier, 3 champagne tastings, option to purchase a bottle at the end of the cruise

If you’ve already made plans for your meals while vacationing in Paris, you may still want to take a leisurely cruise through the city down the Seine River.

This relatively short cruise will take you past several popular Paris sites. You’ll be able to see the Eiffel Tower and even the Musee d’Orsay. As you take in the beauty surrounding you, you’ll have a chance to taste three local champagnes.

This Seine champagne tasting cruise is the perfect way to learn more about local wines and champagnes as well as the wineries that produce them.

Your sommelier will point out various physical locations as you glide slowly by and teach you the tricks to truly tasting the champagnes presented. You will be offered a brut, a rose, and a demi-sec.

The sommelier aboard your champagne tasting cruise is an expert on the wines, champagnes, and wineries local to Paris.

They will also be able to answer any questions you have about the champagnes you taste and may be able to answer questions about many famous Paris landmarks. This is a great way to spend an hour.

Related: Skip the Lines and See the Catacombs – Find the Best Tour for Your Money.

5. best value cruise: early evening dinner cruise on the river seine.

• Departure Point : Port de Solférino – 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur 75007
• Departure Time : 6:45 PM
• Includes : 3-course dinner, c offee or tea , night-time views of the Paris skyline, live music

This early evening dinner cruise down the Seine River in Paris is perfect for couples seeking a romantic experience.

Even if you aren’t, you’ll still enjoy the delicious 3-course dinner provided as well as the live music. There’s no better way to take in beautiful Paris landmarks lit up at night than the slowly and leisurely glide down the Seine River.

The selection you are given on the menu will vary based on the season. However, you will be served hors d’oeuvres and an appetizer to start.

Your main course will be followed by a selection of decadent French cheeses. You’ll follow that with one of many traditional Paris desserts such as praline fondant cake or a pineapple sapphire cheesecake.

Coffee or tea is served with dessert and your meal comes with an optional choice of wine. You will need to be formally dressed for this Seine dinner cruise. While a jacket and tie are not required, you must be dressed appropriately.

If you’re looking for a way to experience some of the class and elegance available in Paris, this is a great Seine dinner cruise.

Tour Information & Booking

Your guide to visiting paris.

While visiting the City of Lights may not be just as you expect after watching An American in Paris, a vacation in Paris is like nothing else. With so many tourist spots to explore, you may find it difficult to plan everything you’d like to see and experience into just one vacation. I guess that just means you’ll have to come back to see this beautiful city again.

Our travel guide below can help you plan a vacation to Paris whether you are staying for 2 days or 10 and whether it’s your first visit or fifth.

Airports & Entry

When headed to France, you won’t need to apply for a visa so long as your expected stay is less than 90 days. You also need to have at least three months before your passport expires past the date you expect to leave the country.

An emergency passport will not be accepted unless you also have an approved visa, no matter the length of your stay. There should be at least one page available for a stamp when you arrive.

There are three major airports in the area of Paris, France. The one you fly into will most likely be determined by the airline you are using. That airline will fly into the airport it is contracted with. With that in mind, when flying to France you will most likely land at one of the following airports:

• Paris Beauvais Airport
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Paris Orly Airport

Planning Tips

Paris is unlike most other vacation destinations. The French, especially Parisians, live life a little differently. This means that while you’re there, you may have to get used to eating at different times and you may need to plan your attire.

These are our top 5 tips for visiting Paris. Have you been there and have tips of your own? Let us know!

Tip #1: Stay in a Central Location

Everywhere you’re going to want to go as a tourist in Paris will be centrally located or have provided travel that leaves this area. Most of the hotels, many museums, and a lot of restaurants are all centrally located.

You’ll also find that the pickup and drop-off locations for many tours are located here. It makes things much easier if you find accommodations close to central Paris.

Tip #2: Always Have Euros on Hand

There are many stores and even restaurants that don’t accept debit or credit cards. Some taxis won’t accept plastic either. If an establishment does accept a card, they often won’t allow you to leave a tip on your receipt.

This means it’s important to always have a few euros on hand. Many ATMs in the city will allow you to use a foreign card to withdrawal euros.

Tip #3: Have Snacks on You

Parisians often eat their dinner very late. While you may be used to a dinner time of between 4 and 6 pm, it’s not uncommon for those in Paris to eat as late as 9 or 10. You’ll want to keep this in mind when making reservations, but you should always have a small snack with you just in case you get hungry and it’s still a few hours to dinner.

Tip #4: Avoid Traveling to Paris in August

Most Parisians are used to taking off the entire month of August. This means that while you will most likely be able to find accommodations, many restaurants and attractions will not be open. If you’re traveling to Paris in August , this can be a very quiet time to visit the city. However, if you’re looking forward to seeing the sights, it’s best not to travel to Paris in August.

Tip #5: Dress Appropriately

While those in Paris can still be found wearing sneakers, most dress in a business casual or a simple but chic style. Most attractions and restaurants will frown on those wearing beat up shoes, blue jeans, and other very casual clothes. Some places will even require a more elegant or fancy appearance, such as certain high-end restaurants.

Bringing a set of casual clothes might not be a bad idea but be sure to bring enough clothes you can wear while out and about. If you don’t have much in the way of the chic style that Paris requires, at least you’re in the perfect place to go shopping to stock up on some.

Restaurants & Eating Out

The Ciel de Paris is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It is located in the Montparnasse Tower with beautiful views of the city. You’ll also find a well-stocked champagne bar available to you. The Polidor is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris.

It dates back to 1895 and the interior decor hasn’t changed much since. This is one of those restaurants that only take cash, so have a few euros on you.

In Paris, it’s hard to find a truly casual restaurant. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. If you’re not sure what you could or should wear to a particular establishment, some will list their dress code online or you can always give them a call.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Harry’s New York Bar was actually once located in New York City. The entire bar, just as it was, was moved over to Paris in the early 1900s. This bar is credited with inventing some of the most popular cocktails we know today, including the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar.

Wine and champagne are something most Parisians are very proud of. If you’re looking for an upscale wine bar, you’ll want to try out Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. You’ll be able to try nearly every wine and champagne local to Paris. However, there are wine bars located in nearly every corner of the city.

From backroom speakeasies to modern nightclubs, Paris has a little bit of everything for everybody when it comes to nighttime entertainment.

Getting Around

There’s no shortage of ways to get around in Paris. The most popular, effective, and affordable way is the Metro. You may find it a bit intimidating at first due to the sheer number of lines and routes, but after a few trips to an attraction or restaurant, you’ll be riding the Metro like a pro.

You can purchase single ride tickets or a batch of 10. If you’re going to be in Paris longer there are also ride passes.

While traditional taxis can be quite expensive in the city, Uber offers some fairly inexpensive ways to get around town if traveling by car is best.

Walking between destinations is very doable in Paris but if you’d like to ride a bike instead, there’s plenty of kiosks that rent them. In fact, this can be a great way to tour the city and do some sightseeing on your own.

Accommodations

You’ll find everything from small and inexpensive hostels too large, luxury resorts in Paris. There are even small boutique hotels with spas and other amenities. Where you decide to stay while visiting Paris will largely depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.

If you wish to spoil yourselves, the Le Roch Hotel & Spa is perfectly located between restaurants, the Louvre Museum, and many tourist pick up spots. If you’re looking to meet other tourists, learn more about the city from those who’ve been here several times, and have a quieter stay, one of the many hostels around town are ideal. We recommend The Generator Hostel Paris.

On average, July is the warmest month in Paris. While the weather is much better during the summer months, there are usually more crowds. If you don’t want to have to fight the crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, traveling in late winter or early spring might just give you the blend of comfortable weather and fewer crowds. January is the coldest month, on average, with temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit.

Attractions

Paris is full of attractions. The Louvre Museum is a popular stop for tourists. The Mona Lisa exhibit here can be quite busy, however. Use your limited time at this world-famous museum by taking in the many other exhibits, many of which are quite interesting and just as important to French history.

If you like to visit museums, you might want to try the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine. You might just learn more about how modern medicine came to be. The Museum of Modern Art is a popular stop as well.

Thinking of taking some day trips?

If you enjoy Champagne, then do yourself a favor and take a day trip to Champagne and do some tastings while exploring the countryside.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles, exploring the Paris catacombs , taking a river cruise down the Seine River, and making it to the top of the Eiffel Tower usually top most tourist’s lists of attractions. Remember that traveling to or visiting these places can be much easier if you go as a group on a tour.

You may get priority access, free souvenir photos, and more, just for traveling with a tour group. This is often the most affordable way and makes it easier to plan the days you’re planning to spend in Paris.

Last but not least, while you are in the city of lights be sure to take a walking tour and do a wine tasting tour !

Tour Quality

The Bateaux Parisiens is our top choice for the best Seine River cruise with its combination of dinner, sites seen and quality of the tour.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 7 best paris walking tours [2024 reviews].

Home > Paris Attractions > Paris River Cruise Guide – What is the Best Seine River Cruise in Paris?

Paris River Cruise Guide – What is the Best Seine River Cruise in Paris?

Glide by the famous sights of paris on a river seine cruise.

The Seine River (La Seine in French) winds its way through the heart of Paris, bisecting the city from east to west. The Seine River is the origin of Paris , and its development is uniquely tied to the River.

If you visit Paris for the first time , book a Seine River cruise to experience the city from a different perspective and spot some of the most famous landmarks in Paris along the waterway. This is especially beautiful on a Seine River night cruise, when the historical monuments are lit up: the Eiffel Tower , the Musée d’Orsay , the Conciergerie ,  Notre Dame , and more.

There are many Seine River cruises in Paris. Some of these Paris River cruises are only for sightseeing, while others come with dinner and music for an all-included magical experience. You can even craft your own River Seine cruise by chartering a boat for you and your crew! Go on reading for the best Seine River cruises Paris has to offer, with our best tips to help you decide.

Best Seine River Cruises Overview

Day river seine cruises, private seine river tours, seine river dinner cruises, seine sunset cruises, seine river cruises for families.

Table of Contents:

Paris River Cruise – How it Works

Seine river cruises in paris – itinerary & map.

• Best Seine River Cruise Paris (Sightseeing Only)

Best Private Seine River Cruise

Best seine river dinner cruise.

• Best Seine Sunset Cruise ( Seine River Night Cruise Without Dinner)

Best Seine River Cruise for Families

Seine boat tour – best tips.

A Seine River cruise is one of the top attractions in the city. We recommend taking a Paris River cruise in the following Paris itineraries:

• 1 day in Paris itinerary
• 2 days in Paris itinerary
• 3 days in Paris itinerary
• 4 days in Paris itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• 6 days in Paris itinerary
• 7 days in Paris itinerary

Many boat companies are working on the River Seine, and they all cover the same itinerary, more or less. The difference between them remains in the starting point, the options, and of course, the experience onboard.

Seine River cruise times are more or less the same for all companies, from 10 am to 10.30 pm.

All the boats are adapted to disabled visitors (wheelchair accessible).

A Paris Seine River cruise (only sightseeing) usually lasts from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, and they are available every day of the week. Some of these cruises offer a glass of champagne, other drinks, and snacks as an option.

A Seine night cruise can be with or without dinner. A Seine River dinner cruise usually lasts from 1hr 15 min to 3 hours, and it comes with or without music. Most of these River Seine cruises with dinner offer different menus with vegetarian and vegan dishes, and this is something that you need to specify during the booking process.

With few exceptions, the itinerary is very similar to all the Seine River cruises in Paris, covering the part of the Seine River that goes through the central Arrondissements of Paris , from the Eiffel Tower in Paris 7 to Ile de Saint Louis in Paris 4.

Boats go downstream following the Seine’s Left Bank, and they turn after Ile de Saint Louis to go upstream following the Seine’s Right Bank.

Along the way, visitors can admire the following top sights: the Eiffel Tower, Assemblée Nationale, Musée d’Orsay, Institut de France, Cité de la Mode, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame, Conciergerie, Concorde, Grand Palais, and Palais Chaillot.

With some companies, and usually with the Seine River dinner cruises, the boats sail further to the Statue of Liberty on the Ile-aux-Cygnes.

The map below shows the point of departure of the best Seine cruises, Paris.

Click here to view this Seine River Cruises Map on Google

• Yellow: Bateaux Mouches
• Red: Bateaux Parisiens
• Green: Vedettes de Paris
• Purple: Batobus Paris
• Black: Paris en Scène
• Light Green: Paris Duck Tour (tour on an amphibious bus)
• Blue: Paris Canal (Seine River + Canal Saint-Martin)
• Brown: Trattoria On Seine (Italian meal + panoramic rooftop)

Best Seine River Cruise Paris ( Sightseeing Only)

Best combo tickets with a paris seine cruise (sightseeing only).

Save money with a Paris combo ticket! Combo tickets usually include 2 or 3 top attractions in Paris at a discounted price (usually 10-15% off).

1. Bâteaux Mouches

The company Bateaux Mouches has been operating on the Seine River since 1949! The iconic Bâteaux Mouches is today the 4th most visited paid attraction in Paris, only after the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Centre Georges Pompidou.

The Bâteaux Mouches can transport up to 600 passengers. They are the big double-decker boats with orange seats sailing on the River.

With this Seine River cruise, Paris’ top landmarks won’t have more secrets for you as the cruise is complemented by a pre-recorded narration in multiple languages. You can also book a glass of champagne.

• Duration:  1 hour 10 minutes
• Departure /arrival point: Pont de l’Alma Rive Droite – Port de la Conférence, Paris 8 Right Bank
• Adapted toilets on the pier, a removable ramp for access from the pier to the boat, and no steps on board. No adapted toilets on board.

Click here to Book this Seine River Cruise

2. Bâteaux Parisiens

The Bateaux Parisiens propose similar boat tours to the Bâteaux Mouches. The fleet consists of fully glazed boats for an amazing panoramic view, and they can transport up to 250 passengers. Visitors can also stay outdoors on the deck, but space is limited.

Starting from the Eiffel Tower, this Paris Seine River cruise comes with an individual audio guide that is available in 13 languages. The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour, and there’s the option to book it with a glass of champagne.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Departure /arrival point: Port de la Conférence, Paris 7 Left Bank
• Adapted toilets on the pier. Some boats have wheelchair access on the main deck and inside, while others can be accessed through a temporary wheelchair ramp. For adapted toilets also onboard, ask for “Juliette Greco” or “Brigitte Bardot” boats.

TIP: This Seine cruise is included in the Paris City Card . If you are considering buying this fantastic card, this is an extra reason to get it now!

3. Vedettes de Paris

The Vedettes de Paris are elegant and smaller boats that transport fewer people. During the 1-hour Seine River tour, learn about the history of Paris and the sights along the cruise with audio commentary.

This is the best Seine River cruise Paris has to offer to avoid crowds. The onboard bar offers interesting French-inspired apéritifs and snacks. If you already know that you will fall into the temptation of trying some, we recommend booking them online with your ticket: usually, they are more expensive if paid onboard.

TIP: This Seine boat tour is included in the Paris Seine Pass . If you are considering buying this fantastic card, this is an extra reason to get it now!

• Departure /arrival point: Port de Suffren, Paris 7 Left Bank (see our Google map)
• Options: sightseeing cruise, sightseeing cruise + glass of champagne, sightseeing cruise + drink and /or snack
• Passengers with wheelchairs can be accommodated with the help of a staff member if passengers are able to climb the 3 steps. There are adapted toilets at the embarkation point and on the boats Paris Etoile, Paris Iéna, and Paris Trocadéro

4. Batobus Paris (Seine River Cruise Hop-On Hop-Off)

This  Seine River cruise hop-on, hop-off is the less touristy option available on the Seine River, without audio commentary. It is a great alternative to the classic Paris hop-on hop-off bus because it avoids the traffic jams on the streets of Paris.

This is the best Paris River cruise for a more local experience. It is possible to get on the Batobus Paris as often as you want over a specified period of time without buying new tickets.

Batobus is the Seine River tour that we know best because years ago, it was included in the monthly Navigo Pass Metro ticket. It was fun to sail the River Seine from time to time!

• Duration: 1 day or 2 days, with unlimited trips
• Departure /arrival point: passengers can hop on and hop off the boat from any of its 9 different stops: Eiffel Tower, Invalides/Pont Alexandre III, Musée d’Orsay, St Germain des Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardin des Plantes /Cité de la Mode, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre, Champs-Elysées.
• Only the Eiffel Tower and Louvre stops are accessible to those in wheelchairs. The other stops have too many steps for wheelchairs.

5. Paris Duck Tour (Tour on an Amphibious Bus)

The Paris Duck Tour is the latest addition to this list of Seine River cruises in Paris. This small bus, for only 35 people, can also navigate along the Seine River, so you have a bus tour and a Seine boat tour for the price of one! Actually, the splash!, when the bus enters the water is one of the highlights of this unique Seine boat tour.

The itinerary is also different from the other Seine cruises. On the bus, you will pass by iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides, the Alexandre III Bridge, the Petit Palais and Grand Palais, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and more.

The splash! takes place on the outskirts of Paris, where you can discover the Seine Musicale, the Parc de Saint-Cloud, and the Bois de Boulogne. Count on sailing about 20 minutes of the 1 hr 45 min that lasts the full tour.

Another (big) difference is the guide, who was hand-picked for his humor and passion to make this tour fun and memorable.

• Duration: 1 hr 45 min
• Departure /arrival point: Place Vauvan, in Paris 7 (see our Google map)
• Options: sightseeing cruise only (no food or drinks)
• No toilets onboard

This is a new and unique tour much coveted by tourists and locals (yep, we also like trying new experiences!). Because of the small capacity of the bus, the Paris Duck Tours sold out very fast, so it is usually necessary to book many weeks in advance. If you don’t find this Seine River tour available for your dates, consider this Seine River + Canal Saint-Martin Duck Tour or this Paris to Versailles Duck Tour also with their unique amphibious bus.

Click here to book this Seine River Cruise

6. River Cruise Paris with Champagne Tastings (Maxim’s + Ô Château)

This 1.5-hour Cruise with Champagne Tastings with a Professional Sommelier is the perfect combo for a unique afternoon in Paris. Board Maxim’s Bâteau Ivre , decorated in the Art Nouveau style, and enjoy the tastings of three champagnes carefully selected by the chef sommelier of Ô Château .

This is a more intimate and fun Paris Seine cruise, and it is set in a Belle Epoque atmosphere. Your sommelier will also share stories about the monuments you see along the cruise while you enjoy the breathtaking view of Paris from the water’s edge.

• Duration: 1 hr 30 min
• Departure /arrival point: Le Bon Port, at the foot of Notre Dame, in Paris 4 (see our Google Map)

Click here to Book this Seine River Cruise with Champagne Tastings

7. Canal Saint-Martin + Seine Cruise

This Paris River cruise navigates the waters of the Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin. Admire classics of Paris, like the Orsay Museum, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, before heading to the tunnels and locks of Paris’ most picturesque Canal.

This is a one-way cruise that starts at the Orsay Museum (Paris 7) and ends at Parc de la Villette in Paris 19. Then, you can take the opportunity to explore this less-touristy district of Paris, with interesting sights like the Parc de la Villette, Parc Buttes-Chaumont, and the banks of the Bassin de la Villette. If you prefer, you can sail from La Villette to the Orsay Museum in central Paris by booking this tour .

• Duration: 2 hrs 30 min
• Departure /arrival point: Port de Solferino, in Paris 7 Left Bank /La Villette or vice-versa (see our Google map)
• Options: sightseeing cruise only

Click here to book this Seine River + Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

Craft your own experience and book a private cruise on the Seine River. Admire Paris’ most beautiful avenue while sipping a glass of wine or enjoying a picnic onboard.

There’s no best private Seine River cruise; it depends on what you are looking for! You can book this private Seine boat tour which follows a similar itinerary to the other Seine boat tours, or choose another boat more adapted for you and your cruise (the map on this page shows where the boats are moored).

Most of the boats for rent in Paris come with a skipper, so let him do the hard work while you sit back, relax, and have fun with your partner, family, or group.

With this kind of river cruise, Paris will delight you. You can bring your own food and wine for a picnic or a French apéritif . Sometimes, you can purchase them as an add-on during the booking process.

Click here to book a Private Seine Boat Tour

A Paris night cruise with dinner is one of the best things to do in Paris at night . Enjoy the views and some of the famous foods in Paris while sailing through the city’s most beautiful avenue.

Some boat companies offer two Seine River dinner cruises a day, the first starting around 6 pm and the second starting at 8.30 pm or later.

The first Seine River dinner cruise is usually less expensive. This is because the menu options are more limited, and the cruise is shorter. The second dinner cruise is fancier and usually features live music.

For some people, 70 minutes is long enough to have their meal while enjoying some of Paris’s most beautiful sights. Others will find that it is a bit rushed.

Another important thing to consider is the time of the cruise, especially during the summer . If you want to do this Seine cruise at night, check out the Paris sunset times and plan your Seine night cruise accordingly:

• The 6 pm Seine River night cruise finishes around 7.10 pm. This means that during the summer, you will be sailing in daylight.
• With the 8 pm Seine night cruise, you can be sure to enjoy the Paris illuminations during the tour, at least for the last part of the cruise.

The dress code for a dinner cruise in Paris is usually smart casual (check what to wear in Paris here ), but nobody will complain if you wear your best dress or suit!

Find the best dinner cruise in Paris for you from the options below.

1. Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise

Bateaux Parisiens offers a Seine River cruise, a night option with dinner, starting at 8.30 pm.

In general, this Seine River dinner cruise gets good reviews for its food, drinks, and kind staff. The 3-course meal comes with different starters, main dishes, and dessert options, and all the proposals include a glass of champagne. There is also a vegetarian option available.

This Seine River dinner cruise features live music and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. The price varies depending on the menu and the placement of your table.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: we suggest paying a little extra to be seated along the windows (Service Privilege) or at the bows of the boat (Service Premier). It is well worth it! 

Click here to Book this Seine River Dinner Cruise

2. Paris en Scène Dinner Cruise

Paris en Scène is perhaps the lesser-known boat company proposing Seine River dinner cruises in Paris. However, their proposal is very attractive, flexible, and definitely one of the best Paris River cruises with dinner.

First of all, the boats are imagined like a theatre where the Seine River is the main stage.  All the seats are arranged in front of the view to admire the Seine River and all the monuments illuminated along the way. The passengers are comfortably seated in large club chairs, and they dine side by side on tables specially designed to enjoy both the view and the meal. Boats also have a bar and a huge open sky terrace so visitors can get the most out of the Seine River during the cruise.

With prices starting at 59€, this is definitely the least expensive dinner cruise in Paris. The meals are Parisian bistro-style, all cooked on-site, and with fresh and seasonal produce. Enjoy a 2-course menu starter, main, and dessert at your window-facing table, and upgrade it with wine or champagne.

3. Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise

Bateaux Mouches offers a River Seine cruise with dinner starting at 8.30 pm. In general, this river cruise gets good reviews for food, wine, and entertainment.

The all-inclusive menu offers 3-5 different options (depending on the chosen menu) of starter, main dish, and cheese or dessert, and there’s always at least one vegetarian option for each course. Beverages and coffee or tea are included.

Bâteaux Mouches offers a romantic dinner cruise lulled by the sound of the piano and violin. Enjoy a three-course menu designed to bring you the best of French cuisine and good live music with your best company in the City of Light.

Best Seine Sunset Cruise (Seine River Night Cruise Without Dinner)

For those who wish to cruise along the Seine River at sunset – at night, admiring Paris illuminated, without having dinner, there are a few options competing for the best Seine River night cruise without dinner.

An important thing to consider for a Paris night cruise is the sunset time, as the sunset in Paris in summer is quite late. If you want to take a Seine sunset cruise – night cruise, check out the Paris sunset times and book accordingly.

Both the Happy Hour Evening Cruise on the Seine and the Apéritif Cruise on the Seine are mid-size boats that come with music and a bar onboard. The difference between these two Seine cruises is the duration of the cruise, with a longer itinerary for the Happy Hour Evening Cruise. This Happy Hour Evening Cruise also offers the option to buy some food.

TIP: Save money with the Paris Seine Pass , a combo ticket that includes the Apéritif Cruise on the Seine mentioned above, access to the Sainte-Chapelle and the Orsay Museum , and a 10% discount on other Paris attractions.

What is the best Seine River cruise in Paris for families? There are a couple of Paris River cruises especially designed for families with children. They both last 1 hour, and the commentaries are more adapted for the little ones.

The Paris Cruise for Kids (with Quiz) comes with a booklet – a Paris quiz for children, but it is in French.

The best Seine River cruise for families is, in our opinion, the Family Cruise on the Seine . This Seine River tour comes with a funny guide (English & French) specialized in capturing the imagination of the little ones.

»  While you can buy tickets for most of the sightseeing cruises the same day at the dock, you may be able to save money by purchasing it online in advance. Be sure to print the confirmation email out and take it with you to claim your ticket at the dock.

»  First arrived, first served! Tickets for sightseeing cruises do not have a seat assigned, so try to arrive well in advance to find a good seat to admire the Seine River.

»  On a Seine night cruise with dinner, it is worth paying a little extra to be seated by the window and enjoy a better view.

» The Paris City Card tourist card includes a Seine River cruise. If you are considering buying this fantastic card, this is an extra reason to get it now! Find all the Paris City Card benefits here .

» Seine cruises might be canceled if the water level is too high or too low to operate. In this case, you will be given a couple of options, including a full refund.

So there you have it, our selection of the best Seine River cruises in Paris, so you can find the best River Seine cruise for you and your crew. Which Paris Seine cruise would you like to take right now?

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THE CRUISE DETECTIVE

Home  » 5 Best Seine River Cruises in Paris in 2024 (Personally Tested)

5 Best Seine River Cruises in Paris in 2024 (Personally Tested)

Published: Dec 23, 2023 Last updated: April 5, 2024

Author: Adam Dimitrov — Owner & Head Cruise Detective

🏆 Editor's #1 Choice

✔️ tested by author

After personally testing the top five Seine river cruises in Paris, I concluded that Bateaux Parisiens offers the best sightseeing experience .

It's Paris's most popular Seine boat tour, offering a well-rounded experience with virtually no downsides. ‍

Here are the top 3 reasons why:

• Choose from two pre-recorded audio guides (14 languages) or enjoy live commentary.
• Explore the city on a spacious and modern ship with excellent amenities.
• Delight in the Parisian cityscape with 360° panoramic views.

The problem with river cruises in Paris is that there are too many to choose from !

Each promises a great experience, making the decision difficult.

The stakes are high — no one wants a poor choice to ruin an otherwise unforgettable vacation, especially in a city like Paris, which for many is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fortunately, the Cruise Detective is here to help.

I embarked on a 12-day journey to Paris to find definitive answers by trying out the five most popular river cruises and dinner cruises .

Each has thousands of glowing reviews, so the most reliable way to rank them was to experience them all .

This article gives you an incredibly detailed rundown of my findings.

‍ Note: I am not sponsored by any of the companies I review. I pay for my cruises with my hard-earned money and review anonymously to deliver thorough and unbiased reviews.

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps sustain my work. Cheers!

Summary & Comparison — 5 Best Seine River Cruises in Paris

💡 Reviews are calculated using the weighted average and aggregate review count from GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor, and Viator.   I also include listings that I consider "arbitrary duplicates" of the original ones (e.g. the same cruise during the day vs night).

Paris River Cruise Itinerary

Every river cruise on this list follows the same itinerary (except the St. Martin Canal cruise), which runs between the Statue of Liberty and Pont de Sully (Sully Bridge). The route passes nearly 20 landmarks, including:

• The Eiffel Tower
• Pont Alexandre III
• Musée d'Orsay
• Grand Palais
• Petit Palais
• Institut de France
• Île de la Cité
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Hotel de Ville
• Louvre Museum
• Place de la Concorde
• The Statue of Liberty

Is It Worth Trying A Seine River Cruise in Paris?

Yes, absolutely.

A caveat I’d add is that while the Eiffel Tower is beautiful to witness, particularly after 8 pm when the sparkling lights are on for 5 minutes at the start of every hour , I have to say that I found the Seine River to be less captivating compared to other cities like Budapest , London , or Amsterdam .

Next, let's get into the nitty gritty of our review.

1. 🏆 Best Paris River Cruise Overall (Bateaux Parisiens)

✔️ Great All-Around Experience ✔️ Modern and Well-Equipped Ship ✔️ Great Location at the Eiffel Tower ✔️ Great Smartphone Audio Guide (Web Browser Based, Download Not Required) ✔️ Live Commentary and Built-In/Non-App Audio Guide Available ✔️ Covered Waiting Area ✔️ Vending Machines Available On Board

❌ Top Deck Seats Face the Sides, Not the Front ❌ Built-In Audio Guide is Unhygienic, Impractical and Has Low Sound Quality ❌ Live Narrator Hard to Understand in Non-French Languages ❌ Smatphone Based Audio Guide Requires Earbuds

Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?

Miles ahead of other Seine river cruises in popularity based on review counts, I was very curious to try Bateaux Parisiens.

I wasn’t disappointed.

Bateaux Parisiens and its boats are top-notch — they have spacious decks, 360° panoramic views up top, cozy seats, vending machines and clean restrooms. However, the top deck seats face the sides, which means some neck turning.

Peak season crowds are inevitable , but you know how Paris is — it's bustling everywhere. I experienced it myself, but when I visited in October, it wasn't that bad.

They claim to be wheelchair accessible, and they sort of are. The main deck has numerous 1-step stairs scattered around, and there’s limited space to maneuver with a wheelchair.

Additionally, there’s no way for a wheelchair user to ascend the stairs to the top deck unless you can cast Wingardium Leviosa.

(Update: They have access ramps available, so you can to move around on the bottom deck. The top deck is inaccessible.)

The audio guide on the smartphone is crystal-clear and of high quality. They offer three different options (smartphone, phone dial, and live), which is a little excessive.

The location is right next to the Eiffel Tower, so finding it is easy peasy.

In summary, the sightseeing cruise was well-organized from start to finish , with no next to no inconveniences during my experience.

💡 Duplicate listing warning: This Bateaux Parisiens sightseeing cruise with over 9700 reviews is exactly the same as the cruise I recommend in this article. Same service, same price, same ship. It's a duplicate. Just mentioning this to clear up any confusion.

About Bateaux Parisiens

Bateaux Parisiens was founded in 1956 and currently operates a fleet of 8 sightseeing boats and 5 restaurant cruise boats .

Their compound is located just 2 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower. The company has a diverse workforce of 270 staff members from 37 nationalities, representing 50 different professions.

Each year, they welcome 3.4 million passengers on board their boats.

💡 Other popular options cruises and bundles from Bateaux Parisiens: 1. Cruise with Crepe Tasting 🥞 near the Eiffel Tower 2. Day or Sunset Cruise with Drink 🍷, Ice Cream 🍨 or Dessert 🍰 3. Cruise with Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket 🎫 4. 2-Hour Lunch Cruise on the Seine

Video: Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise Review

Take a look at this short video I made to get an accurate feel of the cruise:

Teaser Video (Made by Bateaux Parisiens)

What's included.

• A 60-minute Seine river cruise with an audio guide (2 pre-recorded options and a live narrator are available) in up to 14 languages .
• Food or drinks are available from onboard vending machines.
• You can show up anytime (for the day you selected) and board the next cruise with your ticket.

Detailed Breakdown — Before the Cruise

Assembly area.

• Bateaux Parisiens is located in the most prominent section of the Seine’s lower embankment, near the Eiffel Tower , which makes it convenient and easy to find.
• The assembly area includes a ticket office, parking spots, restaurants (the Bistro Parisien), and various vendors selling food, drinks, and coffee.

• To board, head to Zone 3.1 for a mandatory bag check as part of the security process. After clearing security, you’ll enter a covered waiting area equipped with vending machines.

Getting There

• 🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France

Detailed Breakdown — During The Cruise

• The ship is a modern and spacious double-decker with a 400-person capacity. For the best views and comfortable seating, head to the upper deck.
• Bateaux Parisiens has 8 sightseeing ships in its fleet, so you’re experience might be slightly different than pictured here.

The Lower Deck

• Seating downstairs is divided into two types: window seats and middle seats. The window seats are preferable, as you can’t see much from the middle seats.
• The lower deck also features a toilet (only urinal for men) and vending machines in the back.

The Top Deck

• The upper deck offers 360° panoramic views , which lets you enjoy the city panorama and snap photos.
• The seating arrangement consists of benches oriented to the sides (without backrests), with a standing-only frontal section available for those who prefer to face ahead.

Cruise Itinerary & Views

• The cruise follows a standard itinerary , covering the area between the Eiffel Tower and the Austerlitz Bridge.

• Key landmarks along the route include the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Palais Bourbon, Musée d’Orsay, Institut de France, Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Conciergerie, the Louvre, the Obelisk, the Grand Palais.

Audio Guide

• The audio guide on Bateaux Parisiens offers three options .

Smartphone Audio Guide

• The best option is a mobile-friendly website available in 7 languages (French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Chinese).
• It offers clear audio and high content quality , along with interactive features like photo filters and quizzes for each location.
• Try the fun photo filter. You won’t regret it 😉
• It's accessible through your browser. No app download is required.

Wired "Phone Dial" Audio Guide

• The second option is a wired audio guide that resembles a phone dial available at each window seat. They are literal dials that you could pull out from a hole and put next to your ear like an old phone. One could alternatively use plugged-in earbuds.
• It comes in 14 languages (English, German, Chinese-Mandarin, Korean, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, French, Arabic, Hindi).
• Based on what I saw, not many people were using it . Maybe due to hygiene concerns? It had basic controls (change language, change volume) and subpar audio quality (like on an old phone).

Live Audio Commentary

• A live guide is also onboard , offering narration in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German, which can be heard everywhere on the ship.
• However, his heavy accent in languages other than French made them hard to understand . Personally, I found the smartphone option satisfactory if I wanted audio commentary.

Quick Facts

• 📅 Schedule: Cruises depart every 30-60 minutes from 10 am - 10 pm. Tickets include flexible arrival times - show up when convenient and board the next cruise.
• 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
• 🌐 Wifi: Available ✔️
• 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
• ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
• 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
• 🚬 Smoking: Not allowed ❌
• ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Lower levels only with access ramp ✔️
• 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible (️infant seats also available) ✔️
• % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-3), 50% off standard ticket price (age 4-11) ✔️ ‍
• 🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near the meeting point (subject to availability) ✔️

2. 🥈 Second-Best Paris River Cruise (Bateaux Mouches)

✔️ Great All-Around Experience ✔️ Modern, Massive and Well-Equipped Ship ✔️ Great Location at the Alma - Marceau metro ✔️ Great Loudspeaker Commentary in English ✔️ Covered Waiting Area ✔️ Air-Conditioned Waiting Lounge ✔️ All Seats Face the Front

❌ No Bar or Vending Machines On Board ‍

Bateaux Mouches offers a slightly different yet stellar sightseeing experience in the same weight class as Bateaux Parisiens.

Located near the Alma-Marceau metro station, it’s a short walk from the Eiffel Tower .

The assembly area has a covered waiting area , an air-conditioned waiting lounge , and a ticket office.

Paid parking is also available (for free if you go on one of their dinner cruises ).

Their ships are massive, double-decker vessels capable of accommodating over 1000 passengers each at a time.

The upper deck of these boats offers 360° panoramic views and front facings seats (vs. side facing on Bateaux Parisiens  — this way, you don’t have to turn your necks constantly), ideal for photo opportunities.

The lower deck provides comfortable outdoor and indoor seating , though with a lesser panorama. The lower deck is spacious enough to accommodate wheelchair users .

The audio guide , broadcast via loudspeakers in English , offers high-quality sound and informative content, enhancing the sightseeing experience.

One notable feature is that they turn off the lights after dusk to eliminate window glare on the bottom deck.

Overall, Bateaux Mouches offers a memorable tour of Paris’ key sights along the Seine . There are no significant drawbacks, making it my number two choice.

💡 Why so few reviews? Bateaux Mouches is the second most popular cruise company in Paris, on Par with Bateaux Parisiens. They have five sightseeing and five dinner cruise ships running day and night. They've got a vast compound where I stood in line. It was brimming with people. This reality isn't well reflected online for some odd reason. They seriously need a proper online presence.

Video: Bateaux Mouches River Cruise Review

About bateaux mouches.

Bateaux Mouches, founded in 1949 , offers Seine sightseeing and dinner cruises with a fleet of 15 boats. It stands as the 4th top-paid attraction in Paris, serving 2.5 million visitors annually .

During peak seasons, the operation supports over 450 employees , and each sightseeing boat has a capacity of 1,000 passengers .

Since its inception, Bateaux Mouches has welcomed over 150 million guests.

💡 Other popular options cruises and bundles from Bateaux Mouches: 1. Louvre Museum Reserved Access and Boat Cruise 🎫

Before the Cruise

• A 70-minute Seine river cruise with an audio guide (pre-recorded, broadcast via loudspeaker) in English only .
• Food or drinks are available from the onboard bar.

• Bateaux Mouches is located next to Pont‘d Alma (metro station Alma-Marceau), a 15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
• The assembly area includes a ticket office, parking spots, an air-conditioned waiting lounge, and vending machines.

• To board, head to the large building and get in line. There weren’t any security checks when I went. After validating your ticket, you’ll enter a covered waiting area equipped with vending machines and an air-conditioned waiting lounge .
• 🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France

During The Cruise

• The ship is a massive double-decker that has the capacity to accommodate over 1000 passengers on some ships. The upper deck provides better views, as usual.
• These boats can get crowded , but they have a large capacity to handle the crowd. Crowds are a common occurrence in Paris, it’s something we all have to accept.
• Bateux Mouches’s fleet comprises 6 sightseeing boats , so your experience may vary.

• The outdoor seating arrangement (on the sides of the ship) comprises two columns of chairs, each two chairs wide, with backrests facing the front. These have better views than the indoor seats, but they don’t offer 360° panoramic views like on the upper deck.
• The indoor seating arrangement has two columns of chairs, each three chairs wide, with backrests facing the front and a central aisle for walking. This area is great for warming up during winter, but it does not offer as much of a view.
• A nice touch I discovered is that they turn off the lights when it’s dark, allowing you to see outside without the glare.

• The upper deck offers 360° panoramic views , which lets you enjoy the panorama of the city and take photos.
• The seating arrangement comprises two columns of chairs, each three chairs wide , with backrests facing the front and a central aisle for walking.

Audio Commentary (Broadcast Through Loudspeakers)

• The audio guide on Bateaux Mouches is broadcast in English only through loudspeakers. I found it informative, enjoyable, and high quality - both in terms of sound and content.
• 📅 Schedule: Departures run frequently from 10 am to 10 pm.
• 🌐 Wifi: Not available ❌
• ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Accessible ✔️
• % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-3), 6€ tickets (age 4-12) ✔️ ‍
• 🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near the meeting point (subject to availability)✔️

3.🥉 Best Paris River Cruise with French Music (Vedettes de Paris)

✔️ Great All-Around Experience ✔️ Modern and Well-Equipped Ship ✔️ Great Location at the Eiffel Tower ✔️ Bar Available On Board ✔️ Covered Waiting Area

❌ No Built-In Audio Guide Available, Only Optional Smartphone App ‍

If you're looking for a more intimate, cozy, and smaller-scale cruising experience, Vedettes de Paris is the perfect choice compared to sightseeing cruises, which handle massive crowds daily.

They are situated in a prime location near the Eiffel Tower and Bateaux Parisiens, which is perfect.

Their  small-to-medium-sized, double-decker ships  can accommodate around  220 passengers  each.

The  lower deck  features open-air built-in benches and indoor standard seating with limited views, whereas the  upper deck provides 360° panoramic views  of Paris – making it the prime spot for this cruise.

They played  pop music on their ships on the loudspeakers  on this cruise.

Update (2024 Jan):  They changed this to quintessential French songs so visitors can enjoy that quintessential Parisian vibe we all expect.

A downloadable audio guide app is available in six languages. Alternatively, you can join a  cruise with live narration in English and French .

On this Seine River cruise, you can  explore Parisian landmarks  between the Eiffel Tower and the Austerlitz Bridge, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Grand Palais.

Video: Vedettes de Paris River Cruise Review

About vedettes de paris.

Vedettes de Paris was established in 1976 and offers sightseeing cruises on the Seine River with smaller, more intimate boats in Paris.

The cruises depart from the Eiffel Tower and include guided day cruises and evening aperitif cruises with music.

The company has a dedicated staff of 70 employees .

💡 Other popular options cruises and bundles from Vedettes de Paris: 1. Seine Cruise with Drinks 🍷 and Snacks 🌭 2. Seine River Morning Guided Sightseeing Cruise 🌄 3. Family-Friendly River Seine Guided Cruise 👪

• A 60-minute Seine river cruise with an audio guide (via downloadable app) in 6 languages . This identical cruise by the same company has a live English/French narrator on board instead.

• Vedettes de Paris is located in the most prominent section of the Seine’s lower embankment, near the Eiffel Tower , which makes it convenient and easy to find. It’s right next to Bateaux Parisiens.
• The assembly area includes a ticket office, parking spots, restaurants (the Bistro Parisien), and various vendors selling food, drinks, and coffee. Just head over to Bateaux Parisiens to find them.

• To board, find the ticket office — the boarding area is right next to it . Vedettes de Paris has a covered waiting area, like most other cruises.
• 🗺️ Meeting point: 2 Port de Suffren, 75007 Paris, France

• The ship is a medium-sized double-decker that has the capacity to accommodate 220 passengers. There’s a wide variety of seating arrangements, so bear with me.
• Note that Vedettes de Paris operates different types of boats, so your boat may be slightly different from the one I experienced.

• The ship’s outdoor seating consists of built-in benches located both at the front and back. However, they are not front-facing . The toilet and stairs to the upper deck are located at the back.

• The indoor section has standard front-facing seats with backrests, which are located in the middle (below) and front areas (above).

• This deck doesn’t provide true 360° panoramic views, as seen in the photos. It’s better to go to the upper deck for that.

• The upper deck provides a 360° panoramic view of the city, perfect for taking photos.
• Seating-wise, there are two columns of chairs, each three chairs wide, with backrests facing the front and a central aisle for walking. There are a handful of side-facing benches at the front.

• There is no built-in audio guide available on this cruise. Instead, the ship’s loudspeakers play pop music. Update (2024 Jan): The company switched to quintessential French songs.
• There is a mobile app available in six languages (French, English, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, and German), that offers a glimpse into the history of Paris. Using the phone's GPS, it automatically plays the commentary corresponding to the attraction. I haven’t tested it (since I had no earbuds on me), so I can’t comment on the sound and content quality.

Live Commentary

• ‍ ‍ Alternatively, the company offers this nearly identical cruise with live commentary in French and English . It runs every day until 18:30.
• 📅 Schedule: Departures run frequently from 11 am to 9 pm.
• ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible ❌
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible ✔️
• % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-3), 9€ tickets (age 4-11) ✔️ ‍

4. Hop-On/Hop-Off Paris River Cruise (Batobus)

✔️ 9 Hop-On Hop-Off Stops ✔️ Unlimited Use for 24–48 Hours ✔️ Can be Useful for Transportation and Getting Around

❌ Not Ideal for Sightseeing as There Are No Great Views. ❌ No Audio Guide available. ❌ The Top Deck is Not Accessible. ❌ If the Sun Shines Too Strongly, It Can Get Hot and Blinding. ❌ No Bar or Vending Machines Available on Board. ❌ Mediocre Ship

Batobus is a hop-on hop-off cruise that provides a flexible way to travel up and down the Seine, with nine different stops near major Parisian attractions.

It is not ideal for sightseeing, and it lacks basic amenities like an audio guide, toilet, bar, or vending machines.

The ship, designed more for transportation than sightseeing, is a single-decker accommodating up to 150-200 passengers . In other words, it lacks a top deck and there are no 360° panoramic views.

The main deck has a wacky seating arrangement , with seats facing every direction. The worst offenders are the seats in the middle of the ship, which offer virtually no views whatsoever.

The ship has a small open-air area in the rear, where people flock to shoot unobstructed photos of the Eiffel Tower or get some fresh air.

The views are rather limited even if you sit next to windows since you’re limited to seeing one bank of the Seine or the other.

Because the ship has lots of glass panels, if the Sun shines from a bad angle, not only it does it get hot, but you won't see anything either.

The cruise follows a standard itinerary between the Eiffel Tower and the Austerlitz Bridge, encompassing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Overall, I recommend skipping this cruise and instead using the metro for transportation and opting for a proper sightseeing cruise for a better experience.

Video: Batobus River Cruise Review

About batobus.

Batobus, established in 1989 , offers a hop-on hop-off river service along the Seine in Paris, featuring nine stops at major attractions . It operates a fleet of eight boats with a capacity of 200 passengers each and additional boats holding 150 passengers.

• A 60-minute Seine river cruise with NO audio guide .
• Food or drinks are NOT available onboard.
• You can embark/disembark as many times as you’d like since this is an unlimited hop-on, hop-off cruise.

💡 Other popular ecruises and bundles from Batobus: 1. Batobus/Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Bus 🚍🚏 with Seine River Cruise

• There's no one major boarding area. Batebus has 9 stops next to every major attraction along the Seine , where you can embark/disembark as you please.

• I’ve only been to the Notre Dame stop — not sure how the others are. There’s an indoor ticket office there, but otherwise, it’s an open-air area with Batobus flags.
• Note: Batobus has several stations along the Seine, as you'd expect from a hop-on hop-off company.

• The ship is a relatively small single-decker with a 200-person capacity.
• This ship isn’t great for sightseeing compared to every other cruise I tried. There aren’t any 360° views either since there’s no top deck.

• The ship has mostly indoor seats , but they open the windows in the warmer season, which is nice since even in October, the sunlight can be blinding and it can be hot inside.
• The seats face every direction , some with virtually non-existent panorama (i.e. the middle seats, as seen in the photo above).
• This reinforces the idea that this boat is designed for transportation rather than sightseeing.
• The side glasses are transparent, while the roof panels are opaque.

• There’s a small open-air area in the back.
• Unlike most Seine river cruises, Batobus ships are single-decked, meaning there's only a ground floor deck .

• Batobus does not offer audio guides or commentary . However, an employee announces stops in English and French.
• 📅 Schedule: Departures run frequently from 10 am to 5 pm (Mon-Thu) and 10 am to 7 pm (Fri-Sun) , allowing for flexible arrival times — simply show up when it's convenient for you. s Not Operate Every Day of The Week ❌ Only Avai
• 🚻 Restroom: No ❌
• % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-2), 13€ tickets (age 3-15) ✔️ ‍
• 🚗 Parking: Depends on which of the 9 stops you want to park near.

5. St. Martin Canal Cruise (Paris Canal)

✔️ Great All-Around Experience ✔️ Slow Paced Experience ✔️ Covers Unique Itinerary (St. Martin Canal) ✔️ Great Live Commentary by Experienced Guide in English/French ✔️ Bar Available On Board ✔️ Covers Part of The Seine Until Orsay Museum

❌ The Location is Hard to Reach ❌ No Covered Waiting Area ❌ Does Not Operate Every Day of The Week ❌ Only Available at 10 am/2.30 pm ❌ The Upper Deck Seats Are Side-Facing ❌ The Ship is Decent but Slightly Dated ❌ The Ride is a Bit Too Long (2-2.5h) ❌ Does Not Cover the Eiffel Tower

Paris Canal’s St. Martin Canal cruise offers a distinctive 2.5-hour experience, starting from Parc de la Villette and ending at Musée d’Orsay.

This journey avoids mainstream Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, instead offering a more authentic view of the city through the St. Martin Canal .

The cruise ship, though slightly dated, accommodates 500 passengers and features a double-decker design.

The lower deck provides indoor seating and a small bar, while the upper deck offers a panoramic view of the surroundings.

The seating , more comfortable on the top deck, includes benches and chairs, with some premium spots in the captain’s heated cabin.

An interesting feature of this cruise is the option to start either from Parc de la Villette or Musée d’Orsay the Seine.

The itinerary is rich in local charm , navigating several canal locks and a mile-long tunnel, presenting a side of Paris less seen by tourists.

The live audio commentary in English and French , delivered by an experienced guide, adds depth to the experience.

Despite its no-frills approach and the sometimes long waiting times at canal locks, Paris Canal’s cruise offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the heart of Paris , making it a worthwhile experience for those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist path.

Video: Paris St. Martin Canal Cruise Review

About paris canal co..

Paris Canal, established in 1977 , specializes in diverse cruises on the Seine, the Marne, and the Paris canals. With a dedicated team and 40 years of history , they offer sightseeing trips, group cruises, and private events, focusing on more unique, lesser-known parts of Paris.

💡 For clarity's sake, here are all the cruises on the St. Martin Canal: 1. St. Martin Canal Cruise TO Musée d'Orsay (2.30 PM) 2. St. Martin Canal Cruise TO Musée d'Orsay (10 AM) 3. St. Martin Canal Cruise FROM Musée d'Orsay (10 AM / 2.30 PM)

• A 2.5-hour long St. Martin canal cruise with drop-off at Musée d’Orsay. In other words, you won’t see the Eiffel Tower from this cruise.
• There’s live English/French narration on board.
• Food or drinks are available at the onboard bar.

• Paris Canal cruise starts from Parc de la Villette in the 19th district . There’s a park nearby which is worth exploring, so I’d come an hour earlier to do so.
• Alternatively, you can embark at the Musée d’Orsay and sail up the St. Martin Canal. Booking this is possible on Viator , but not on GetYourguide.

• There’s no major boarding infrastructure at Parc de la Villette, as this is quite a niche boat tour. It’s open air, but you can take shelter under nearby buildings if the weather is bad.
• 🗺️ Meeting point: 211 Av. Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France
• Note: It's possible to have this trip in reverse e.g. boarding on the Seine and disembarking on Parc de Villete (Canal St. Martin). Note that the ticket is one-way only.

• The ship is a large, no-frills and slightly dated double-decker with a 500-person capacity . As always, for the best views and comfortable seating, head to the upper deck.

• Most of this deck has indoor seating with feeble-looking yet surprisingly sturdy but uncomfortable front-facing seats with backrests. You can’t see much from here and forget about 360° panoramic views.

• The outdoor section at the back and front of the ship does have better views, but alas, there are only a few cold metal seats available.

• There is a clean toilet and a small bar serving hot drinks and snacks on this level. Additionally, there’s a staircase in the center that leads up to the Captain’s cabin.

• The upper deck offers a 360° panoramic view of the St. Martin Canal and the surrounding cityscape. The only imperfection is that all of the seats are facing the sides instead of the front.

• There are three different types of seating options available.
• The first type is two rows of bench-style seating (on the sides), followed by two rows of mixed benches and ordinary chairs in a 50/50 ratio in the center.
• All of these were more comfortable than the seats downstairs.

• Bonus: There are a handful of seats available in the captain’s cabin , which is heated! I really appreciated this feature during the cold weather in November.

• Unlike most other cruises, Paris Canal’s cruise takes place on the St. Martin Canal , starting from Parque de la Villette and concluding on the Seine by the Musée d’Orsay.

• You will experience several canal lock crossings and a mile-long tunnel .

• I found the cruise to be much more interesting than the Seine , and the surrounding cityscape was more charming, authentic and offbeat. ‍
• However, there was considerable waiting at the canal locks , where you transition from one section of the canal to the next.

• Note: The itinerary doesn’t cover the Eiffel Tower.

• Paris Canal’s cruises offer a live audio commentary in English and French , performed by an experienced guide who provides informative and interesting insights and is also available to answer questions.
• 📅 Schedule: 10:00 and 14:30. Please check the schedule as they do not run every day.
• % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-3), 15-20€ tickets (children, teenagers and seniors) ✔️ ‍
• 🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near the meeting point ✔️

TheCruiseDetective.com is your free guide to help choose the best river cruises around the world. We test, evaluate and review river cruises in the various cities around the world for your benefit.

5 Best Seine River Cruise in Paris: Your Ultimate Guide

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Searching for the perfect Seine River Cruise in Paris, but overwhelmed by the choices? You’re not alone. Paris offers a smorgasbord of cruising experiences, from quick one-hour sightseeing jaunts to luxurious evening sails complete with Champagne and gourmet dinners .

Deciding on the best Seine river cruise can feel like navigating a complex maze of options, each more tantalizing than the last.

That’s why I wrote this guide. I live in Paris, love the Seine River Cruises and curated this exclusive list of the best Seine River cruises available.

Let’s set sail and discover the Seine as you’ve never seen it before.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

Quick List: The Best River Cruise in Paris

If you’re not in the mood to sift through endless options and prefer a quick guide to the best choices, you’re in luck. Below, I’ve distilled the wide array of Seine River Cruises down to an essential shortlist—featuring the top 3 most popular and highly recommended experiences in Paris.

Best 1h River Seine Cruise

• Roundtrip Seine River Cruise
• Audio Commentary
• Panoramic Views on Eiffel Tower , Notre Dame and more
• Boarding at the Eiffel Tower

Best 2h River Seine Lunch Cruise

• All-inclusive 3-Course Lunch with drinks
• Panoramic Views on Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and more

Best Seine Dinner Cruise

• 3-Course Dinner with Drinks
• Live Jazz Music & Window Seating
• Panoramic views on Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and more
• Boarding near Musée d’Orsay

These top 3 Seine River Cruises are reliable picks if you prefer not to sift through the multitude of options available for river tours in Paris

However, if you’re interested in exploring additional options, or if you’re still undecided about which Seine River Cruise is the best fit for your Paris trip, continue reading

Don’t miss these articles, they can help you plan your Paris trip:

• Is the Louvre Worth It? Your No-Nonsense Guide
• 20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)
• 21 best things to do in Paris on a Sunday

The Agony of Choice: Find the Perfect Paris River Seine Cruise

I’ve created a decision tree to help you easily identify the Seine River Cruise that best matches your preferences, expectations, and budget.

The 5 Best Seine Cruises in Pairs

Do you know now which Cruise is the best for you? And which boat tour in Paris matches best your expectations? Then here’s for without further ado the compiled list of the best 5 Seine Cruises in Paris.

#1 The Go-To Option: One-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Seine

➲ Secure your seat on board of the Bateau Mouche here

The standard one-hour sightseeing cruise on the Seine is a fail-safe choice for any Paris visit.

This budget-friendly option allows you to view Paris’s most celebrated landmarks from the comfort of your seat—no extravagant add-ons, just the essentials.

For those pressed for time or seeking flexibility, this is an ideal pick. Most cruises of this kind depart every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day.

The top-rated Seine River Cruise embarks right at the base of the Eiffel Tower. You can book it here . The tour offers a multilingual audioguide available in 10 languages , and accepts mobile vouchers—no need to worry about printing tickets. Just display it on your mobile device, and you’re all set to cruise.

Despite its straightforward approach, the tour doesn’t skimp on amenities, offering onboard WiFi for your convenience. Click here for exact schedules and booking info.

#2 Gourmet Lunch Cruise on the Seine: Savor the Sights

➲ Book this Lunch Cruise in advance , it sells out quickly

Picture this: you’re aboard a riverboat, cruising past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Île de la Cité, all while indulging in a gourmet French meal and sipping fine wine . Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? This two-hour Seine River Cruise offers just that experience .

As you sail, you’ll be entertained with live commentary and treated to a three-course à-la-carte French menu that includes an appetizer, starter, main course, and dessert. And let’s not forget the wine! For an even more authentic French experience, you can add a cheese course as an extra.

The cuisine on this lunch cruise is of a gastronomic caliber because it features a broad selection of French classics like foie gras and duck, as well as various meat, fish, and vegetarian options. To preview the menu in advance, click here.

Be aware that lunch cruises on the Seine are highly sought after and tables fill up quickly. To secure your spot, check rates and availability here and book in advance .

#3 Jazz & Dining: The Best Seine Dinner Cruise

➲ Book this 3-Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise here before it’s booked out

Want to elevate your Paris experience? Consider hopping on a 3-course dinner cruise that sets sail close to the Musée d’Orsay. As you drift along the Seine, you’ll catch iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, all from the comfort of your guaranteed window seat.

But let’s talk about the food—you’ll get to savor a gourmet 3-course meal complete with wine, Champagne, and other beverages . If you’re a fan of live music, the Jazz band on board adds a touch of ambiance without overwhelming the experience.

You have the flexibility to choose between a 1.5-hour early evening sail or a more leisurely 2.5-hour cruise. The dress code? Smart casual , so it’s stylish yet relaxed.

One note: the cruise is intended for those 10 years and older.

Don’t wait too long to book . Spots tend to fill up fast.

➲ 1.5h Seine Dinner Cruise starting at 6 PM: See availabilities here

➲ 2.5h Seine Dinner Cruise starting at 8PM: See availabilities here

#4 Private Boat Tour in Paris: An intimate Seine Rive Cruise

➲ Book your private boat tour in Paris here

Opt in a Private Boat Tour in Paris for an intimate and luxurious adventure on the Seine .

The boat accommodates up to eight people, so it’s ideal for your small gatherings, celebrations, or simply an elevated sightseeing experience in Paris. If you travel with a pet, I have good news because your furry companions are also welcome on board.

The journey begins at the Statue of Liberty near the Eiffel Tower and sails all the way up to Notre Dame and back. Here you have the choice to either disembark where your tour began, or near the Louvre. A convenient drop off location, for your next Paris stop.

If you’re in the mood for a Parisian apéro, feel free to bring your snacks and drinks to enjoy as you cruise.

To top it off, the boat is equipped with Bluetooth speakers, so you can set the soundtrack to your unforgettable cruise. All while absorbing Paris from an entirely unique vantage point.

Click here to see if the Captain has still availabilities on your travel dates.

#5 Paris Night Cruise: The Illumination Cruise Explained

➲ Book your Night Time Paris Seine Cruise here

Discover the magic of Paris at night with an “Illumination Cruise” on the Seine. While the name might make it sound like an exclusive, high-priced affair, the reality is much simpler.

Essentially, this is your standard 1h-Seine River Paris Cruise but timed perfectly to showcase the city’s lights. Simply choose a late time slot—ideally around or just after sunset—to experience Paris as it transforms into the “City of Light.”

Aside from the dazzling lights, everything else about the cruise remains the same, from the iconic landmarks you’ll pass by to the ticket price. So you’re getting an extraordinary experience for the ordinary cost of a Seine cruise.

This evening adventure is perfect for photographers, romantics, or anyone wanting to see Paris from a different angle.

Don’t miss out on this enchanting yet surprisingly affordable experience. Book your Illumination Cruise now to capture Paris in its finest light.

Panorama View from a Bateau Mouche

You may be wondering what sights you’ll encounter on your Seine River Cruise and whether it’s worth your time and money. Rest assured, it’s a valuable experience.

Not only does a Seine cruise offer a picturesque overview of Paris in a condensed timeframe, but you’ll also glide past many of the city’s major landmarks.

• the Tour Eiffel
• Musée d’Orsay
• Musée de Louvre
• Île de la Cité
• Grand Palais
• Petit Palais

Your Seine river cruise will also pass through more than 20 bridges – some of them are the most famous bridges in France , like the Pont Neuf, the Pont Alexandre III, and the Pont des Arts.

Paris Seine Cruise: Travel Tips

Be Prepared for the Weather: Don’t overlook weather conditions. Pack sunscreen for sunny days or an umbrella and raincoat for unexpected showers. Keep in mind you may have to wait in an uncovered queue before boarding. ( Find the latest weather forecast here ).

Mobile Vouchers: Check in advance if your chosen tour accepts mobile vouchers. Some tours still require printed vouchers, which can be inconvenient if you’re already on the go.

Dress Code: If you’ve opted for a lunch or dinner cruise, be sure to review the dress code requirements to avoid any boarding issues.

Consider the Paris City Pass : Before finalizing your booking, take a look here at the Paris City Pass . It covers over 60 activities, including the Seine cruise. If you plan on multiple activities, the pass often offers better value. ( Click here for a full list of included activities ).

There you have it—the top Seine River Cruises in Paris, tailored to fit a variety of preferences and budgets. Whether you’re in the mood for an indulgent dinner cruise or just a laid-back scenic ride along the Seine, both are bound to be highlights of your Parisian adventure. Enjoy 🙂

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

Expert in: Parisian Life &

French Culture, Travel

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PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris

• Paris hidden gems: 80+ well kept secrets you shouldn’t miss
• What NOT to do in Paris -23 (costly) Paris Mistakes you need to avoid!
• 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
• Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips
• 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris – THE complete guide!
• Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons

FAQ Seine River Cruise in Paris

The standard 1h Seine River Cruise with one of the Bateaux Mouchesstarts at €16. Lunch cruises start from €60 and Dinner Cruises from €80.

A Seine Cruise is a lovely way to see Paris. It is very popular and one of the best things to do in Paris. Because while you sit relaxed on board, you see some of the most spectacular sights of Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Pont Neuf and many more.

The standard Seine River Sightseeing Cruise in Paris takes 1h. If you opt in for a Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Seine, allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours. To be on time, make sure to arrive 15-30 Minutes in advance.

To be on the save sight, it’s best to book the Paris Seine Cruise in advance. The standard Cruises are often not dated, and you can use the voucher whenever it suits you. Dinner and Lunch Cruises need to be booked in advance, as they sell out very quickly.

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Seine River Cruise Review — Seduced by the Seine aboard the Viking Skaga

Feb 10, 2023 | 0

Seine River Cruise Review

By Toby Saltzman

When the Eiffel Tower sent sparkles across the indigo sky, it illuminated my feelings as I bid a fond adieu to Paris.

Toasting Champagne to the City of Light from the top deck of Viking Skaga on the last night of a river cruise that had exceeded every anticipated pleasure, I felt incredibly seduced by the Seine.

The Viking Skaga is docked within view of the sparkling Eiffel Tower. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Admittedly, as one who had previously toured France and cruised the globe on some of the world’s most luxurious vessels, I had not expected to be so enthralled by the voyage looping round-trip from the heart of France to its historic Normandy coast, or so smitten by the Skaga river cruise experience.

Map of the 7-night “Paris & the Heart of Normandy” Viking cruise itinerary. * Image: Viking

Viking’s new 168-passenger Skaga intrigued me with style and substance.

One of four identical longships purpose-built with customized hulls and engines to navigate the Seine River, Skaga debuted in March 2022 with exclusive docking privileges at Port de Grenelle, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.

The four are named the Skaga , Radgrid, Kari and Fjorgyn ; a fifth Seine sister is to debut in 2025.

RELATED: Peter Knego is on hand for the debut of 8 Viking longships in March 2022.

Skaga’s 7-night itinerary included two overnight stays at this central Paris location, plus essential guided tours in ports along the way.

Particularly appealing to me as a solo traveler, Viking’s optional, 3-night pre-cruise Paris hotel stay conveniently included complimentary breakfasts plus transfers between the airport, hotel, ship and airport on return.

RELATED: Viking turns 25 amid flurry of new small-ship arrivals.

Toby in front of the majestic Eiffel Tower. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Viking’s Seamless Service

Viking delivered reliable service from the start of my Aug 2022 cruise. Since I had booked the 3-day pre-cruise package, a personal driver at Charles de Gaulle airport waited to whisk me to the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel , located a short walk from the iconic tower built by Gustave Eiffel as centrepiece of the 1889 Universal Exhibition.

Minutes after arriving, a Viking greeter provided details for my complimentary tour and transfer to Skaga.

A quick stop in my contemporary, tower view room was all I needed before scooting to the hotel’s sunny terrace for salad niçoise. Determined to boost my circadian rhythm, I walked to the Eiffel Tower and strolled along the Seine.

Seeing the river’s bateaux-mouches (open-air tourist boats) crowded with tourists, I envisioned Skaga’s luxury of space.

Viking’s Pre-cruise Intro to Paris

Early next morning, Viking’s Parisian guide Bruno taught my group of eight pre-cruise passengers how to navigate the Paris Métro (subway) before leading a walking tour of historic Le Marais .

Viking’s guide Bruno explains the history of Rue St-Antoine, France’s finest Renaissance era street. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Speaking animatedly in impeccable English as we explored the district known for France’s finest Renaissance architecture — including Place des Vosges — Bruno gave fascinating context to the convoluted history that inspired the French Revolution.

Located in the historic Le Marais, Place des Vosges is renown as Paris finest Renaissance era square. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Exploring narrow streets and alleys, Bruno explained how the area transitioned over time from hubs of literary and intellectual salons, to pre-war Jewish shops and homes, to the current fashionable district.

The next two days — pure bliss for me as an art lover — allowed a leisurely return to my fave Paris cafés and museums including L’Orangerie , home of Monet’s Nyymphéas Water Lilies, painted at his Giverny estate .

Monet’s brilliant paintings stirred my excitement for my long-time dream to see Giverny.

Housed at L’Orangerie, Monet’s cycle of Nyymphéas Water Lilies inspires art enthusiasts to visit his gardens in Giverny. Here, a corner snippet of the first panel. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

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Welcome Aboard Viking Skaga

At first sight, berthed alongside Seine’s left bank at Granelle Bridge, Skaga appeared like an elegant residence afloat, its glassy balcony enclosures gleaming in the sun.

Stretching 410 feet long, with 84 outside staterooms to accommodate 168 guests, Skaga’s upper deck premium rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows opening to outdoor balconies.

Designed for friendly mingling with a decidedly residential ambience, Skaga’s interior exudes contemporary Scandinavian flair with blond woods.

Viking Skaga’s interior spaces have a decidedly residential flair. Here, three images showing the Skaga library, main lounge and small lounge. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Furnishings in the lounges and library are toned with hues of blues, creams, whites and greys, all emblematic of Nordic landscapes.

The main lounge opens to the forward-facing Aquavit Terrace, a favorite spot to imbibe approaching scenery while enjoying meals or drinks.

Viking Skaga’s interior spaces have a decidedly residential flair, including the Main Lounge. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

The forward-facing Aquavit Terrace is a favourite spot for al fresco meals while enjoying the scenery. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

A bright mural above the staircase landing explains S kaga’ s name after the beautiful Valkyrie Skaga who flew on her horse to lead fallen soldiers to Valhalla, kingdom of the gods, in the epic battle of Ragnarok.

Viking Skaga’s top sun deck is arranged like a resort garden. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Skaga’s top sun deck is arranged like a resort garden with plenty of chaise longues, shaded sofas, tables and chairs. Around the perimeter, a walking track allows panoramic viewing.

Among the variety of suites and staterooms, my “Veranda A” category is a compact oasis of calm with a walk-out balcony, long desk, plenty of electric outlets, and a shower-stall bathroom stocked with luxe amenities.

The “Veranda A” category has floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a walk-out balcony. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

“Veranda A” cabins are light filled. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

All accommodations have easy access to gourmet coffee stations, the computer station and elevator.

Ports for the 7-night Paris & the Heart of Normandy Cruise

• Paris, embark
• La Roche-Guyon & Vernon
• Normandy Beaches
• Les Andelys
• Le Pecq & Paris
• Paris, disembark

Enchanting scenes along the Seine River. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Seine River Cruise Day 1: Overnight in Paris

After a welcome lunch, a guided orientation tour gave a sense of place to new arrivals.

Later, everyone gathered in the lounge for cocktails to meet the top brass.

Captain Pascal Eschbach explained the Seine — its name meaning “snake” — is the second longest river in France. It begins just outside the Burgundy region and flows northwest into Paris and snakes its way through Normandy to the city of Rouen before reaching the English Channel at Le Havre.

Hotel Director Celina Sousa, one of the world’s few females in that position at sea, told us to be on deck at 10:00 p.m. sharp for the Eiffel Tower’s nightly sparkle ritual.

VIDEO: See the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower for yourself, below.

Executive Chef Jozsef Palinkas outlined his culinary concept for using fresh local products, meats and seafood.

Program Director Magali Goddeeris said the daily cocktail hour would include briefings for the next day’s tours.

After a sumptuous dinner of escargot and Sea Bass served with select Côtes du Rhône wines, I scooted to the top deck, Champagne in hand.

Toby and Captain Pascal Eschbach. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Seine River Cruise Day 2: Panoramic Paris

Early next morning, while some guests optioned for tours of the Louvre, Montmartre or culinary flavors, I joined the complimentary Panoramic Paris tour.

Paris’s twenty arrondissements (districts) are divided like a snail, and sit on the right or left bank of the Seine. To differentiate between right and left, the guide jokingly explained: “La Rive Gauche pense, La Rive Droit depense. The Left thinks, the Right spends.”

En route, as the guide put Paris’ core — Île de la Cité — and prominent sites into historic context, I noticed many landmarks, including Grand Palais and Les Invalides, being refurbished for the 2024 Olympics.

Toby on the famous “lock bridge.” * Photo: Toby Saltzman

The Eiffel Tower is being repainted in “Eiffel Tower brown.”

All Paris hopes the Notre-Dame — its towers built in 1250 destroyed by fire in 2019 — will be complete in time.

Parisians hope that Notre-Dame Cathedral will be completed for the 2024 Olympics. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

From the Louvre we crossed the Pont des Arts — aka “Love Bridge” for its lovers’ locks — into Saint Germaine des Pres and to the Latin Quarter. Passing the Church of Saint Sulpice, the film site of The Davinci Code , the guide quipped: “Never enter with a copy of the book.”

The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Back on Skaga , mingling with other passengers over lunch, I learned people had chosen the Seine River cruise for various reasons.

For some, it was their first trip to France or Europe. A few, like me, dreamed of seeing Giverny. Many were keen to visit Normandy’s historic beaches.

Interestingly, most were loyal Viking clients who had previously cruised other European rivers or ocean itineraries.

As a solo traveler, fellow passengers that I had met on excursions or in the lounge during cocktail hour always invited me to join them for dinner. I became friendly with several couples and we dined together frequently. In fact, two couples (from New York and Texas) tried to convince me to take future cruises with them!

Skaga was sailing as I dined on beef tenderloin and chocolate molten dessert.

A tasty beef tenderloin. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

After joining the French cheese-tasting session dubbed “Parlez-vous fromage?” I returned to my room for a blissful sleep.

Seine River Cruise Day 3: La Roche-Guyon’s Hub of French Impressionists

This morning I woke up in an Impressionist painting. With Skaga berthed alongside the village of La Roche-Guyon.

I stepped onto my balcony to see nature’s canvas of greens, blues and iridescent hues once painted by Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne, Braque, Lauvray and Monet, among other artists.

Viking Skaga berthed at La Roche-Guyon, site of the platform where Impressionist artists painted the landscape in changing light. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Barely able to contain my excitement, I quickly walked the ramp to the platform where a century ago Impressionist painters would linger to capture the light with palettes of paint as it changed throughout the day.

Following a path marked with plaques of various artists’ paintings, I strolled through a lavender scented garden filled with blooming pear trees toward the town.

The quintessential French village of La Roche-Guyon was once the site of an ancient Roman fortress. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Exploring the quintessential village with its century-old chateau and ancient hilltop fortress, I arrived at a bakery brimming with fragrant pastries and a butcher shop with the freshest-looking poultry and meats I’ve ever seen.

In the village of La Roche-Guyon, a local butcher caters to local restaurants and inns with superb quality meats and poultry. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Back on Skaga for an al fresco lunch of salad and grilled salmon on the Aquavit Terrace, we sailed to Vernon, where we would take a short drive to Giverny.

Eyes on scenery, I felt spellbound, as if gliding through a painting of shimmering waters bordered by verdant landscapes and capped by blue skies scattered with wisps of white clouds. The sensation was serene, sublime, ecstatic. If only I could pocket this splendid day to pull out for an inspiring lift.

VIDEO: The lovely views along the Seine, below.

Monet’s Giverny

A pilgrimage for Claude Monet’s admirers, Giverny was little known before Monet settled there in 1883 with Alice Hoschedé, who became his second wife, her six children and his two sons.

Hailed as founder of the French Impressionist movement that included Degas, Manet and Renoir, Monet was enchanted by the location, half-way along the winding Seine from Paris to Rouen, and right on the River Epte which separates Ile de France from Normandy.

In this rural farmland, Monet created two gardens that he painted incessantly in changing light. I delighted in a guided tour through the flower garden brimming with huge dahlias, roses, sunflowers, hollyhocks and clematis.

In Giverny, Monet’s flower garden is brilliant with huge blossoms. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

To stroll around the tranquil water garden and over the green Japanese bridge that are portrayed in the Water Lilies cycle was simply thrilling.

In Giverny, Monet’s water garden inspired his Water Lilies cycle of paintings that hang in L’Orangerie. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

An enclave with bales of hay evoked visions of Monet painting his bales over and over in different light. The house speaks of a cultural moment in time, intact since Monet’s death in December 1926,

A Taste of Normandy

As Skaga sailed the Seine into Normandy that evening, Chef Palinkas treated passengers to a lavish feast of Normandy cheeses, produce and meats.

As Skaga sailed into Normandy, Hotel Director Celina Sousa dressed in costume to serve up a lavish spread of local cheeses produced from the famed Normandy dairy cows. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Later on, while lingering on my balcony to see the sunset, I imagined nature’s brush strokes coloring the sky.

Seine River Cruise Day 4: Rouen to Honfleur

After passing through the D’Amfreville Locks , we arrived at Rouen, Normandy’s biggest city and gateway to gastronomy. Here, options included exploring the city and Rouen Cathedral, visiting a farm and touring the countryside famous for Normandy dairy cows, various crops, and the apple trees for the famed Calvados Apple Brandy.

My choice to visit the historic coastal city of Honfleur was worth the one-hour and fifteen-minute bus ride. Located at the point where the Seine broadens to the sea, medieval Honfleur captivated the French Impressionists.

Located at the point where the Seine broadens to the sea, the medieval city of Honfleur drew Impressionist artists to paint its fishing port and the local Normans in their local costumes. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

By 1864, it was a hub for artists – including Monet and Pissarro – to escape Paris to paint the sea, the fishing port and the local Normans in their local costumes. Fortunately, Honfleur was spared the ravages of time and war.

Stepping into Honfleur is stepping into the past, where original timber-framed houses border narrow cobbled streets.

VIDEO: Have a look at the Honfleur harbor below.

That evening, conversations buzzed about the next day’s visit to the Normandy beaches and cemeteries. Emotions were palpable as passengers shared stories of relatives or friends who survived D-Day and WWII to tell their stories, or who perished and lay in battlefield cemeteries.

Program Director Magali Goddeeris impressed everyone with her offer to personally research the location of the resting place of any person, and provide directions on how to find it.

Viking Seine River Cruise Tips

• Take advantage of Viking’s efficient and economical transfers between the airport, hotel and ship.
• As promised, Viking delivered impressive service to the end. After transferring to the airport, a Viking attendant walked me right to the check-in counter, then to the entrance to my gate.
• Viking’s pre- and post-cruise hotel packages include full breakfasts, a value-added detail considering costs in any café.
• It’s worth arriving at least one day prior to boarding to acclimatize yourself to Paris and avoid the last minute rush.
• As a solo traveler, I hired a private guide from Tours by Locals www.toursbylocals.com to guide me through specific areas. Reliable Tours by Locals guides are available in cities around the world.
• If your heart is set on dining at the Eiffel Tower, try booking for lunch when reservations are easier to get.

Seine River Cruise Day 5: Normandy Beaches and the Commonwealth Tour

Anticipation flew high as passengers boarded buses in Rouen for the beaches. The D-Day invasions happened early in the morning of June 6, 1944, when about 156,000 Allied soldiers landed on five beaches on the Normandy coast.

The Americans landed on Omaha and Utah beaches. The British and Canadians landed on Gold, Sword and Juno beaches. Most headed for American sites.

I and one other couple who had previously seen American sites opted for Commonwealth sites and the chance to visit Bayeux, home of the historic Bayeux Tapestry .

The ancient Bayeux Tapestry depicts the conquest of England by in 1066 by William the Conqueror. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Enroute to Bayeux, the early golden lighted illuminated the bucolic landscape of gently rolling hills, emerald pastures with red farmhouses set back, their glass windows reflecting the light.

For all its struggles over the centuries, from Roman invasions to World Wars, Bayeux remains surprisingly intact, a sophisticated town, with boutiques and restaurants.

Bayeux thrives with artisan shops and eateries. This talented designer owner specializes in creations featuring red poppies. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

The grounds of the massive Bayeux Cathedral are marked with flags of the Allies who liberated the town 24-hours after the start of D-Day.

Clusters of Allies’ flags flutter at every Normandy site that commemorates D-Day and the following liberations. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Made to be hung in Bayeux Cathedral, the Bayeux Tapestry is 224-feet long. The embroidered fabric was likely crafted in 1077, to depict the conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror.

After miraculously surviving over time, the tapestry is listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

D-Day Beaches and Cemeteries

History came alive as we passed the coastline, still showing remnants of artificial harbors created by the invading Allies. Along the way, seeing German bunkers evoked somber thoughts.

Bunkers located near Normandy’s beaches remain as testaments to battles fought on D-Day. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Walking along Juno beach on this glorious, windswept day, I could only imagine the agony of arriving in cold rain to face the enemy.

Strolling the beaches of the D-Day landings is a solemn ritual for visitors whose loved ones served in WWII. Juno Beach was the landing sight of Canadian soldiers. * Photo: Canadian Toby Saltman

Visits to museums put the battles into perspective. At both British and Canadian cemeteries, passengers held commemorative services and laid a wreath at the tomb of an unknown soldier.

Later that evening, after dining on poached salmon and tarte tatin, I joined others in the lounge for a concert of 1940s songs, including A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.

Seine River Cruise Day 6: Les Andelys

The mood was cheery as we sailed toward Les Andelys.

Captain Pascal Eschbach carefully berths Viking Skaga alongside the village of Les Andelys. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

After strolling through the historic town and walking up the hill to the ancient ruins of Chateau Gaillard, this was a perfect afternoon to relax on Skaga’s sunny deck and photograph the scenery scattered with Normandy’s famous white limestone cliffs.

Normandy’s famous white limestone cliffs. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

That night, I indulged in goat cheese souffle with tomato coulis and my favourite roast duck breast with shiitake mushrooms in teriyaki sauce.

Roast duck breast with shiitake mushrooms. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Seine River Cruise Day 7: Historic Grandeur of France

Early next morning, Skaga berthed at Le Pecq, six miles from Paris, for an included tour to Chateau Malmaison .

This splendid estate of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his Empress Josephine housed the seat of the French government from 1800 to 1802.

Napoleon’s Library in the Malmaison, estate of Emperor Napoleon and Empress Josephine. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Empress Josephine’s Bed Chamber. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

That afternoon, I delighted in an optional tour of the Palace of Versailles and its lavish gardens scattered with over 200 sculptures.

Gilt gates with images of the Sun King guard the entrance to the Palace of Versailles. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Described as “a harmonious composition and landscape, the definitive monument to French classicism,” Versailles was built from 1664 to 1710 around three courtyards.

Versailles gardens are scattered with over 200 sculptures. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Although Versailles was declared the Capital of France in 1862, Paris remained the official Capital. Tales of Versailles’ survival through the French Revolution, and the beheading of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are legendary.

Ironically, the exquisite Hall of Mirrors hosted two historic events. The German Empire was proclaimed here on January 18, 1871. And on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed here ending WWI.

Versailles’ exquisite Hall of Mirrors. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Leaving Versailles through a parade of towering sycamore trees, we headed to Port Grenelle where Skaga had returned for our final night in Paris.

Many passengers headed out for an optional tour of Paris by night. But I preferred lingering on the top deck, and seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle one last time.

Bon soir, Paris. Au revoir, lovely River Seine. I’d love to sail you again.

The beautiful sunsets of the Seine. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Interested in this Viking Seine River Cruise?

Fares start at $2,799 per person for the 7-night Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise on the Viking Skaga.

The 3-day pre-cruise Paris package starts at $799 USD per person (based on double occupancy) and includes three hotel nights, breakfasts, one Viking-led tour of Paris, and transfers to hotel and the boat.

What’s included in the Viking Seine River cruise rates?

• Wine with meals, plus wine and cocktails at reception. (Premium wines incur an additional charge.) 
• Excursions in every port, such as from Vernon, the visit to Giverny and Monet’s gardens are included. (There are also optional excursions for an added charge, such as a guided culinary tasting tour to restaurants in Montmartre. And note, unlike many river boats in Europe, there are no bicycles on board for use in port.)

Transfers are extra. Folks not booking the pre-cruise package will have to make their way to the boat on their own dime or purchase a transfer from Viking. Note, taxis from Charles De Gualle airport to the Port de Grenelle mooring point are pricey.

My 3-day pre-cruise Paris package included:

• Three nights stay at Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, a short walk from the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower.
• Breakfast daily.
• Transfers between airport, hotel and ship. 
• One Viking-led guided tour of Paris.

Otherwise, I organized my own tours in Paris with ToursByLocals independently and in advance (they’re not affiliated with Viking). 

Toby takes coffee at Paris’s historic restaurant Le Procope, frequented by writers. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

Final Thoughts on My Viking Seine River Cruise

I highly recommend Viking’s Seine River cruise, Paris to the Heart of Normandy .

My favorite reasons:

• The voyage itself gives an authentic sense of France and French culture as the Seine winds from urbane Paris to quintessential rural villages, and past bucolic countryside to coastal villages rich with contemporary and ancient Norman history. By journey’s end — after lectures and expert guided tours — you leave feeling learned appreciation for sites along the way. I found e very Viking guide to be excellent; groups were small, never more than 10; and they all spoke English, French and sometimes other languages.
• French joie de vivre enhances Viking’s sumptuous tastes of France, with every meal featuring local wines and culinary specialties.
• Viking Skaga is perfectly designed to showcase the river’s pleasures. One of four identical longships purpose built to ply the Seine with intimate groups of up to 168 passengers ensconced in comfortable accommodations, its vast exterior top deck and wide-windowed interior lounges allow easy viewing and photography any time of day.
• Viking’s privileged berth at Port Grenelle is convenient for independent exploring and shopping, while giving a glorious view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling over Paris and the Seine.

Toby aboard the Viking Skaga in its convenient Paris mooring. * Photo: Toby Saltzman

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About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

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Seine River Cruises in Paris: How to Choose the Best Seine Cruise Boat Tour

Last updated: February 17, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 103 Comments

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:

Seine River Cruises: Main Paris Sightseeing Boat Companies

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 arrondissement.

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 the Pont 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.

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.

Leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower, on the left bank) in the 7th arrondissement -OR- from Quai de Montebello (near the Notre Dame) in the 5th arrondissement.

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).

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 arrondissement.

Canal cruises leave from the intersection of Rue Jean Poulmarch and Quai de Valmy .

Live narration on board by guide in French and English.

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.

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.

• 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 .

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 arrondissement. 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 arrondissement.

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.

Boats for the 1 hour cruise leave from Port de Suffren (near Eiffel Tower) in the 7th arrondissement.

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.

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 advance online here , or purchased at the Port de Suffren port office.

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.

• 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

• 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

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.

Leaves from near the Pont Saint-Michel (12 Quai des Orfèvres) in the 1st arrondissement in Paris.

No narration or commentary is offered on the basic cruise. However, you can add a handheld audioguide with commentary for 3 euros.

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.

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.

• Website: https://www.bateauxdeparis.net/
• Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board the boat
• Sightseeing cruises only operate between April and September

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.

Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris

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 lunch  and 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 arrondissement. 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. Cruises  depart from Île aux Cygnes, middle of the Bir-Hakeim bridge in the 15th arrondissement.

Seine River Cruises: Private Boat Cruises

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, cocktail 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!

How to Choose Your Seine Cruise

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
• 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.

Our Seine River Cruise Experiences in Paris

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.

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BabaWaga Post author

May 19, 2023 at 5:26 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence, just wanted to send a little message of thanks: randomly found your blog post whilst researching Seine cruises for an approaching visit to Paris and can honestly say I didn’t need to go any further, your wonderfully informative article covered it all. Thank you so much! We have opted for the Vedettes de Paris sightseeing tour with our children as nice & close to the Eiffel tour where we are booked in to visit later that same day (I ordered the onboard champagne as a surprise for my hubs!)

As we will have a bit of time between disembarking and the Eiffel visit we’re looking for somewhere to stop by for lunch? Is there anywhere you would recommend nearby – cafe’s, restaurants all considered. Many thanks and warmest regards.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 21, 2023 at 9:46 am

Hi BabaWaga,

So happy to hear that our Seine River cruise post was helpful in choosing a cruise company and booking a cruise. I am sure you will have a good time.

Yes, the locations near the Eiffel Tower make it really convenient to visit the tower afterwards. The Champagne I am sure will be a nice surprise. On tip is that I would recommend being early to make sure you locate the correct boarding spot (a few cruise companies board near there so it can be a bit confusing) and to be near the front of the line for your booked or preferred cruise time so you have more choice of seating.

So to be honest, there is not a lot of places I would really recommend there. But one nice (and inexpensive & kid-friendly) experience if the weather is nice is to get sandwiches or buy ingredients for a picnic (or buy them before your cruise) and have a picnic lunch on the Champs de Mars with a grand view of the Eiffel Tower. There are some benches there as well as areas of the grass that you are allowed to sit on (parts were closed when we were last there a couple of weeks ago but there was still plenty of space open). Just be sure to bring something to sit on and something to pack away your rubbish until you find a bin. I did this with my own family a couple of weeks ago and it was really nice.

Hope that helps and wishing you and your family a lovely trip to Paris!

Best, Jessica

Okon Post author

November 9, 2022 at 7:06 am

Great information at one spot! My spouse and I are planning a first-time Paris tour in the Spring, 2023, the tour that will include a dinner cruise on the Seine. Some of the luxury tour boats we see in pictures look like cattle boats. We’d like a boat which is less cram and with a seat/table choice. What interests us most in your presentation is the mention that Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise has seat/table choice options. I wonder if there are other companies with that offer. Any more information in this regard will be highly appreciated.

November 10, 2022 at 10:23 am

So glad that you and your spouse are vising Paris for the first time in the Spring. Such a wonderful city 😉

So yes, the Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruises on the Seine do offer you a seating/table choice. But so do most of the other dinner cruises. I would recommend trying to get a table for 2 persons only with a window view. Some boats only have window views, but many have a middle row of tables as well.

Captaine Fracasse is another company that focuses only on lunch and dinner cruises and is often rated as having some of the the best food on the Seine.

But if you are really wanting a true luxury cruise and want a more private experience, you’ll probably want to book a private cruise if you have that kind of budget. In all the cruises they do try to pack in tables to get in the most guests for the given floor space.

As all the main companies are serving 50-100 guests a 3-course meal in a 1.5 to 2.5 hour period on a boat. The food and service was good in our experience and we enjoyed the dinner cruises we’ve taken, but it is not necessarily a luxury experience. All the dinner cruises are fairly similar. So you’ll want to go in with realistic expectations I think to enjoy the cruise as you are paying for being able to enjoy dinner while floating on the Seine.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Paris.

jeff cabine Post author

April 6, 2022 at 4:37 am

I found it interesting when you said the boat layouts vary, but there are around 10 stairs to the second story, which is not wheelchair accessible. I used to think differently and now it makes more sense my disabled friend should love this trip to have fun. What you said about seine tours was really interesting to me.

April 6, 2022 at 7:19 am

Yes, I think you are referring specifically to the Bateaux Mouches boats as their boats are wheelchair accessible to get onto and the ground floors are accessible. But as you note, many of their boat have a second story which requires going up a set of stairs so are not accessible for those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

There are a few different Seine River cruises that are wheelchair accessible which is great. It is always a good idea to double check with any of the boat companies in advance of your visit as sometimes construction, docking, etc. issues can temporarily impact accessibility even if the boat itself is accessible.

Wishing you and your friends a great trip to Paris, Jessica

Jenn Post author

February 16, 2022 at 6:59 am

I just wanted to say thank you for including detailed accessibility information on your blog post. It is so helpful to me and almost no one includes actionable accessibility information. Thank you so much!!

February 16, 2022 at 7:05 am

You are very welcome, and I hope the information is helpful in choosing a Seine boat cruise company in Paris. The information was accurate pre-COVID so you may want to double check before booking with any company if the info is not noted when booking as I know some companies are running fewer boats now and have had to make some changes. But I think most of the information should still be valid.

Wishing you a great trip to Paris and just let us know if you have any questions!

SA NY Post author

November 11, 2021 at 12:22 am

Awesome info! Thanks for sharing this information on Paris cruises with us.

November 11, 2021 at 4:07 am

You’re welcome SA, and just let us know if you have any questions about choosing or booking a Seine cruise in Paris!

Jessica Post author

October 25, 2021 at 7:06 pm

Thank you for your helpful guidance! We will be in Paris for Bastille Day on July 14, 2022. Any suggestions for a Seine river boat cruise where we can watch the fireworks?

October 26, 2021 at 6:37 am

Hi Jessica,

Yes, Bastille Day is a great time to be in Paris if you enjoy celebrations and festivities. A couple of the cruise companies usually offer Bastille Day cruises in the evening, such as this particular dinner cruise which includes a special 6-course dinner with wine and Champagne.

I haven’t seen an announcement about the specific plans for Bastille Day in 2022, but the river is typically an excellent place from which to watch the illuminations and fireworks in central Paris. Normally the main fireworks are shot off from the Eiffel Tower and you get a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower from the river. There will be both tourist cruises out as well as lots of small private boats to watch the fireworks.

Just note that for a holiday like this prices are going to be higher both for Seine cruises but also for dinner around that time period because of the holiday as many restaurants will be serving special menus. But it is a great time to be there. Just be sure to book well in advance for any cruises, activities, or dinners!

Mel Danbrook Post author

August 31, 2021 at 10:42 pm

Hello! We will be arriving in Paris on September 18/21. (arriving around 12:30pm) We only have that afternoon and evening to try and see a few sights (taking the train the following morning to Switzerland). Seeing the Eiffel Tower is on our list – the idea of a short Seine River cruise to try and see a little more of the city is intriguing! What would be a good river cruise option that leaves/returns close to the Eiffel Tower – probably one with a meal option as we would be looking to have dinner somewhere anyway. Any suggestions on options that will allow us to see a little more of the city in a short time frame would be wonderful! Cheers

September 1, 2021 at 11:56 am

Yes, it would be pretty easy to combine a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise into one afternoon/evening. A few of the cruises leave near the Eiffel Tower. So one good option is the Bateaux Parisiens (listed above) which leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (a 5 minute walk or less from the Eiffel Tower). There is a discounted ticket for that one available here .

Another option might be take the Batobus hop-on hop-off boat cruise as that will allow you to get on and off the cruise as you wish. The Eiffel Tower is one of its stops. You can see more about it here .

But there are a few options. Most of the normal sightseeing cruises lasts about 1 hour. There are also dinner cruise options available as well which will be longer and in the evening. But since you are wanting to see the city, I’d probably recommend taking a sightseeing one in the daytime so you can more clearly see the landmarks along the river.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Tavish Post author

July 17, 2021 at 9:06 pm

Could you suggest the best option for a longer night time dinner cruise. My daughter just graduated and has never been to Europe, I had hoped to do this on our first evening, but the cost for a nice meal and a window seat seems to be in the 500$ range, and the reviews of the meals are awful, they say there is no customer service, and that many times the boats did not leave the dock without being offered a refund either. Time is not an issue, budget is, but mostly I want to start off her adventure with a really positive experience. The alternative idea was to try to get an earlier dinner at a really good restaurant (I dont know where), and then a nighttime cruise to see the lights and sites. I worry dinner would be too slow, and we would be pressured to get to the boat on time and it would ruin the meal. I would appreciate any guidance/suggestions. Thanks so much.

July 18, 2021 at 4:20 am

For the dinner cruises, you do need to get to the boat on time. You actually need to get there a bit early to make sure you have time to check-in and board. If you miss the boat, you simply miss it. Many people who leave poor reviews had trouble finding the boat, so I’d leave plenty of time for this as if you are not used to looking for addresses along the river, it can take awhile to find the correct spot.

Almost all the dinner cruises last about 2 hours and this was more than enough time for us to enjoy 3 courses. So I don’t think you’d feel rushed in terms of eating. But you do of course do some of the sightseeing while seated and eating your meal.

I am not sure how many people you are booking for but you should be able to easily find an option for $100 per person or less. You do have to pay more for extras like a guaranteed window spot, flowers, Champagne, etc. But for 2 persons on the cruise we did , seem to be currently ranging from $150 to $250 for 2 persons, depending on the extras.

Some of the dinner cruises and regular Seine river cruises are currently not running due to the pandemic so that is something to keep in mind as well as there are fewer choices at the moment than 2 years ago.

Captaine Fracasse is probably the cruise best known for having better food. But I would recommend not booking for the meal itself but for the overall experience, we had good food on our cruises but it was not amazing. Most of their evening cruises are 2-hour dinner cruises.

But if you are looking for the option to order what you want à la carte and the level of service that you can get at a nice restaurant on land, you may be better suited to do the dinner at a restaurant and then get a regular evening cruise to see the sights at night. If you go that route, I’d consider what cruises can work and then find a restaurant within walking distance, a short metro, or taxi ride away from the departure point. If doing a regular sightseeing cruise, your ticket is usually good all day so you have the flexibility of when you get to the boat, you just need to get there well before their final departure time.

Sarah Post author

November 26, 2020 at 5:29 am

Oh, you know, once l used the service of Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise. Water and everything that connected to it is my passion, even in Amsterdam l was sailing on a boat 3 times during 1 week of stay. Enjoyable. Thank you, guys, for this article!

November 26, 2020 at 6:35 am

Glad you enjoyed your Bateaux Mouches cruise on the Seine while you were visiting Paris — sounds like you really enjoy river cruises!

Nancy Post author

February 15, 2020 at 2:53 pm

We will be in Paris June 8, 2020. We are coming in for the afternoon from Charles De Gaulle Airport. We would like to take the evening cruise at 21:00. Since we aren’t staying in Paris and need to get back to the airport after the cruise, what cruise line and departure point would you recommend? We would also like to sit on the top deck outside. Thank you so much for any information you can give us!

February 16, 2020 at 3:24 am

I think the best cruise probably depends on what else you plan to do in Paris and how you plan to return to the airport. So for instance if you plan to visit the Eiffel Tower (or something nearby), you could do that, and then walk from the tower to a boat departure point. Two of the main places where the Seine River cruises leave (and return) are near the Eiffel Tower and near Notre-Dame.

Most of the cruise companies will have a 21:00 (9:00pm) departure time in June as that is a very popular time of year for the cruises. Many of the cruise companies depart every 30 minutes. Most cruises are 1 hour in duration. You have many choices for cruises.

I would suggest maybe checking out Vedettes de Paris or Bateaux Parisiens as they both leave from near the Eiffel Tower and I think most (if not all) of their boats have top decks with outdoor seating. They normally have departures every 30 minutes in the summer. If you buy a voucher online, it is good for the full day and then you can exchange it at the company ticket booth for when you want to take the cruise.

Note that all of the boat companies have multiple boats and the boats can have different deck and seating configurations so you can’t guarantee a particular boat. It also might not be possible (or desirable) to sit outside if the weather is bad. If there is a type of seat you want, I’d get into line early to be among the first to board for your departure.

If you are planning to go directly to CDG airport after the cruise, you could then walk to the metro station, take Line 6 to RER B. RER B will take you directly to the airport. Or, of course, you could catch a taxi to the airport.

February 16, 2020 at 12:11 pm

Thank you so much! We will take your advise. You have a lot of good information on your web site! Nancy

Davina Cipriano Post author

January 3, 2020 at 5:47 pm

My daughter and I will be coming to Paris in March. When we purchase the ticket do we have to purchase for the exact date we plan on using it? We are going to be in Paris for a little over a week. Or do can we purchase the ticket and use it on the day that works best for us? I notice online it make you pick a day but then says its good for like 6 months.

January 3, 2020 at 6:57 pm

Hi Davina, Sounds like a great trip. For the Seine river cruises, it depends on the cruise company and which cruise you want to take. But yes some of the companies that have the regular daily sightseeing cruises allow you to buy a ticket and then use it for any date and time for a certain period of time (6 months, 1 year). So I am not sure which company you are referring to specifically, but if the ticket says it is valid for 6 months, then I am sure it is valid. Feel free to follow-up with the cruise company and I’m happy to double-check for you. Best, Jessica

Lauren Levy Post author

December 14, 2019 at 5:51 pm

HI! We’ll be in Paris in December and want to take a river cruise with teenagers. Thinking we’ll do an evening cruise sans the food. But we want to take a boat out and around the sister of the US Statue of Liberty. What cruise do you suggest? Is it pretty to see this at night or should we regroup and do this during the day instead? Thank you!!

December 15, 2019 at 10:33 am

Yes, unfortunately, many of the boats do turn around near the Pont d’Iéna after passing the Eiffel Tower, which is just before they get to the Liberty of Statue replica statue. For instance, the Bateaux Parisiens course map shows that its longer lunch, dinner, and festive cruises go past it but not the regular 1 hour sightseeing cruises.

The 1.5 hour Canauxarama sightseeing cruise does go there, probably because it is a bit longer, so that might be the best cruise for you if you don’t want a meal.

From the boat, you can see if just after you go under the bridge Pont de Grenelle, it is located just at the tip of the Île aux Cygnes (Island of the Swans). The statue is probably easiest to see and photograph during the day, but they do light it up at night so you can see it at night as well. When you view the front of it from the boat, you can also see the Eiffel Tower in the background.

You can also walk over by bridge to the Île aux Cygnes as well if you find yourself in that area and want to see the statue up close.

Celeste Post author

December 8, 2019 at 3:35 pm

My daughter and I will be in Paris in late December. Given that it will be cold and possibly rainy, do you have a recommendation? We simply want to see the sites (no meal necessary). Also, are the river cruises impacted by the current strikes? Thank you!

December 9, 2019 at 6:56 am

Hi Celeste,

Yes, I think all the regular Seine cruise boats have ample enclosed/covered as well as open-air space, so any of them should be OK in case of rain/cold. But definitely dress warmly as the air moving through the boats will make them feel a bit colder. We’ve personally used Bateaux Parisiens and Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf and I’ve sat inside on both (once during rain).

I’d recommend going during the day as it will be warmer and you can see more – at night you can see the lights and the Eiffel Tower lit up, but you can’t see the rest of the sites very well.

I don’t believe the Seine River cruises are being affected by the current strikes in Paris, but the strikes are having a huge impact on the metro, suburban trains, and traffic. Hopefully they will end before your trip, but if not, you’ll need to allow more time to get around.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions.

Cindy Post author

October 16, 2019 at 3:06 pm

I’m so confused. 2 of us will be travelling to Paris in May 2020, which Seine River cruise would you recommend for us and which canal cruise would you recommend? Is a canal cruise worth doing? Thank you

October 17, 2019 at 10:47 am

It really depends on the type of cruise you are looking for and I review all the major companies that offer Seine cruises above. Do any sound better to you than the others?

If you are just wanting a sightseeing cruise (no meal) and don’t have a particular price point or concern for where it departs, I would say Bateaux Parisiens is a good one to consider. We’ve done it and it is a standard and popular sightseeing cruise that offers daytime and evening cruises. Cruises last about 1 hour. It has both covered and open seating and you can listen to narration on your phone (pre download app to phone) or in the bottom part of boat using wired in wands. You can read more and book ahead here .

If you are interested in also doing a canal cruise. I would consider combining a Seine River cruise and Canal Saint-Martin cruise, you might consider t his 2.5 hour cruise with Paris Canal that includes a 1 hour Seine River cruise and then 1.5 canal ride. It departs from near the Musée d’Orsay and ends at Parc de la Villette (it is NOT a round-trip cruise).

If you have limited time in Paris and are not overly interested in the canal, then I’d say to just do the Seine River cruise. I’ve done the canal cruise and enjoyed it but the canal section is much slower as it has to slowly go through each lock and there are no major attractions to see unlike the Seine River portion which goes past places like Notre Dame, Musee d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower.

BTW, if you plan to purchase the Paris Pass , then a Seine River cruise is included so don’t book separate tickets.

Hope that helps, Jessica

October 17, 2019 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for the great advice.

Cassim Degani Post author

May 25, 2019 at 8:23 am

Will like to take the Siene cruise on the historical boat on June 5th during midday

May 25, 2019 at 8:29 am

Hi Cassim, Which cruise company do you plan to take? You can book your ticket online in advance or just show up a little early and buy it at the dock. You can often save a few euros by booking in advance, depending on the cruise company, so that is generally what we recommend. Also in summer, although boats have large capacity they can sometimes book out in advance. Enjoy your Seine cruise. Best, Jessica

Patty Post author

May 10, 2019 at 1:10 pm

Thank you for this review. We will be in Paris in two weeks and wanted to take an anniversary dinner cruise. This will help me out a lot to make a final decision.

May 12, 2019 at 11:58 am

Hi Patty, Glad you found our article helpful, and I’d read over the reviews for the dinner cruises and pick one that sounds like a good fit. Wishing you a wonderful anniversary in Paris 😉 Best, Jessica

Bob Post author

February 25, 2019 at 7:24 pm

Excellent info, thank you so much for sharing a great article. We are in Paris for a week (first time, probably only time) and we having a hard time deciding between day and night. Do you think it would be worth it to take a day and evening Seine cruise? Thanks for any input.

February 26, 2019 at 6:49 am

Hi Bob, Yes, I think that if you want to see the views from the river both during the day and night, then taking two cruises may be a good choice for you since you have a full week in Paris. I would not recommend this if you had only a few days. You might consider doing one of the cruises as a meal cruise (lunch or dinner) and then one just as a sightseeing cruise to change it up a bit. Enjoy your time in Paris. Jessica

Peter Post author

February 20, 2019 at 6:52 am

Great advice. I’ve had the pleasure of staying at a hotel near this river where I could jog from Notre Dame to the Eifel Tower. It was a wonderful trip.

February 20, 2019 at 7:23 am

Hi Peter, Yes the area along the Seine River in central Paris is great and you are able to see a lot of the most notable attractions from a Seine River cruise which is nice! Best, Jessica

jdawg Post author

January 29, 2019 at 11:51 am

Thanks you for the comprehensive article.

Trying to narrow down and decide which to take. My wife and I will be traveling with out 7 & 9 year old kids.

Would you recommend an evening / nighttime cruise or daytime?

Also thinking that the 2 hour tour might be too long for the kids?

Thanks again!!

January 29, 2019 at 12:31 pm

Hi there, Yes, I agree that I would choose one of the 1 hour cruises as 2 hours may be too long for the kids (and perhaps some adults).

If looking for a cruise (not a hop on hop off) I’d skip Batobus. If cost is a factor Vedettes du Pont Neuf usually offers the lowest priced online tickets. But I’d also let location guide you if none stand out to you and a few of the companies leave from the Eiffel Tower and a couple from Notre Dame so that might help narrow down which might fit better into your itinerary.

Day or night is hard and we’ve done both. Both are enjoyable in different ways. The highlight of the evening cruises for most is seeing the illuminated monuments, particularly the Eiffel Tower sparkling but you can see a bit more in the day time. If traveling in winter, I’d definitely make sure you have a boat with indoor seating. I’d maybe ask your kids opinions and let them choose between night and day 😉

Enjoy your Seine cruise and time in Paris! Jessica

Marlene Post author

December 15, 2018 at 11:45 pm

I just wanted to let you know simply how much I appreciated the time you took to write this useful post on Paris cruises. It is so complete and helpful, and as my father travels with either a cane or wheelchair, the accessibility information was essential and something we did not find elsewhere. Thanks so much for your excellent travel blog!

December 16, 2018 at 5:23 am

Hi Marlene, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and we are so happy to hear that you found our information helpful. We hope that it has helped you decide which Seine river boat cruise is best for you. Yes, it can be difficult to find a river cruise that is accessible but there are a few boat companies that make this possible for those using canes or wheelchairs. Wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris! Best, Jessica

Sharon Post author

October 22, 2018 at 11:05 pm

This article was very helpful! It really narrowed down the options. Thank you!

October 22, 2018 at 11:07 pm

Hi Sharon, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and we love to hear our post was helpful. Just let us know if you have any questions about Seine cruises in Paris! Best, Jessica

Ro Post author

October 21, 2018 at 3:30 am

Any offer vegan food on the dinner cruises?

October 21, 2018 at 8:34 am

Hi Ro, Most offer meat options as mains, but most also offer a vegetarian option. A few can do vegan options by request. I know Paris en Scene offers the option for a vegan menu on their Seine dinner cruises, but you need to make the request to the company after you make a dinner cruise reservation. Here is an example of one of their dinner cruises. Best, Jessica

Bill Post author

August 6, 2018 at 1:35 pm

Can you provide any information on wheelchair accessibility? There is a lot of very general information available on the cruise websites but very little specifics. My wife travels in a wheelchair buy is able to manage a few steps. Are there steps to board the boat? (and how many?) Is there a lift to the top deck? Are toilets available and are there steps involved? Thank you for any information you can provide.

August 6, 2018 at 2:13 pm

Yes, the cruise boat operators unfortunately do not share much info on accessibility (France is notoriously bad about this). I don’t know a lot about the accessibility of the boats but many do have stairs and I doubt any of them have lifts. The other issue is that most companies have several boats, and not all are of the same design.

I actually researched this a bit for another reader who emailed last week which Seine cruises were wheelchair accessible. It seems like the best chance is going to be from one of the cruises that leave from near the Eiffel Tower as these are the most popular and appear to have the most services and there is at least once access ramp here.

I would recommend calling the company you are most interested in to check specifically about accessibility and the specific needs you may have, but here is the info I found on the main Paris Seine River cruise company websites:

-Here is what the Bateaux Parisiens website says: “Bateaux Parisiens welcomes people with reduced mobility. For safety reasons, the number of seats may be limited depending on the configuration of the boat. Access to toilets on our boats is only by stairs. PMR toilets are available at Bistro Parisien, our restaurant dock, pontoon n ° 2.”

-Here is what Batobus website says: “Can disabled people in wheelchairs board the Batobus? Because of the many steps leading to the quays and/or the boats, only the Eiffel Tower stop has wheelchair access. NOTE: access to this stop is via a ramp that is also used by vehicles.”

-Here is what Canauxrama says: “The access to the boats is problematic for people with wheelchairs, especially at the Marina Arsenal since it is entirely paved. Plus there are stairs on some of our boats. Only the persons with manual wheelchairs can do the cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal if they are accompanied with people who can help them. It is the same problem for the cruise on the Marne River, because there are stairs at the landing stage in Joinville le Pont.”

-I could not find NO accessibility information on the Vedettes de Paris , Bateaux Mouches , or Vedettes du Pont Neuf websites.

I would love to know what you find out if you contact the companies about this and I would love to hear about your experiences to update this article and better help future readers. I will note that the other reader I was talking to said that the company he contacted did not respond to his email, so calling is probably the best way to get an answer from some of them.

Hope this helps! Jessica

Regina Post author

June 21, 2018 at 8:25 am

What is the temperature month of October ? What would be a nice romantic dinner an Eiffel dinner or Seinne river cruise ?

June 25, 2018 at 1:19 am

In October the weather in Paris is often cool but not cold, although it can be warm. Rain is definitely a possibility. I’d check the forecast closer to the time. I’d just check the forecast that morning and dress appropriately. You’ll be covered and warm at a Eiffel Tower restaurant or a Seine River dinner cruise (just make sure it offers indoor or covered dining area) so the weather should not matter too much. I think both would be nice. I have eaten in the Eiffel Tower and most tables have a nice view over the city (I’d request one when you make your booking). But on the boat you are on the water with the ever-changing scenery of Paris and you have the Eiffel Tower as a beautiful backdrops.

There are a few restaurants on the Eiffel Tower (e.g., 58 Tour Eiffel and Le Jules Verne) and the most well known is probably Le Jules Verne which offers fine dining. Note that the prices here are high as you are paying more for the location and view than the food here. It is a nice experience but expensive.

The Seine River dinner cruises are likely going to be less expensive than a dinner at the Eiffel Tower but may not offer as many options or be as nice as a restaurant. You can check out compare some of the dinner cruise options here .

If budget is a factor, I’d consider visiting the Eiffel Tower first and then doing a dinner boat cruise in Paris. Many of the cruises leave near the Eiffel Tower. That sounds like a very nice romantic evening that combines both the Tower and the cruise 😉 But either way, I am sure you’ll have a wonderful evening, just be sure to book in advance.

Hope this helps, and wishing you a romantic trip to Paris! Jessica

Mae Post author

June 5, 2018 at 9:29 am

Hello there. I’m so thankful I found your blog. This is very helpful. It’s my first time visiting Paris this July. I was wondering if you think it will be a good decision to do the cruise in the evening. I have a Paris Pass, btw. Will the ticket for the cruise that’s included in the Paris Pass allow me to do the Seine cruise in the evening? How long does the cruise take?

June 6, 2018 at 3:28 pm

Glad you found our articles helpful in planning your Paris trip 😉 A night cruise can be nice, we particularly like getting on the boat just before sunset. But we’ve also done them during the day and at night to see the lights – any time is nice really as long as the weather is good 😉

Currently, Paris Pass holders can claim a free ticket for a Seine River cruise with Bateaux Parisiens. The cruises take approximately 1 hour. The current schedule shows that these tours depart every 30 minutes between April-September from 10:00 to 22:30. So yes you can definitely do a night cruise if you wish.

But you can consult the Bateaux Parisiens website or this page for the Paris Pass information on the cruise for more details and the latest updates before your trip.

Hope this helps and wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris!

Laura Post author

April 15, 2018 at 6:36 pm

Very helpful article! Thank you! I think I would looking at Vedettes du Pont Neuf due to location. I leave in may, can’t wait!

April 17, 2018 at 10:49 pm

Hello Laura, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and enjoy your trip to Paris and your Seine river cruise!! Best, Jessica

Michael Barnes Post author

April 15, 2018 at 12:09 pm

Hi – great blog, so thanks for the time you’ve taken to share what you’ve learned. Question, though – in this page about the river cruises, you mention that the Paris Museum Pass included a particular sightseeing boat tour, but your page about the Museum Pass says that no boat tours are included. Looking at the Museum Pass’ own website, it looks like there is no longer a boat tour included. Is that now correct?

April 15, 2018 at 12:12 pm

I think I just answered my own question – here you’re referring to the Paris Pass, not the Paris Museum Pass. Thanks.

April 17, 2018 at 10:47 pm

Hi Michael, Yes, the Paris Pass and Paris Museum pass are separate passes although the Paris Pass includes the Paris Museum Pass as well as several other attractions, including the Seine cruise. Best, Jessica

April 17, 2018 at 10:46 pm

Hi Michael, Glad you found the post helpful. Yes it is the Paris Pass (not the Paris Museum Pass) which includes a Seine River cruise and the information is still correct as of today. Enjoy your time in Paris! Best, Jessica

Norma Post author

March 23, 2018 at 5:54 am

Amazing post here, Thank you so much for taking the time to write about and compare all the Paris river trips. I think I am going to do a dinner cruise on the Seine!

March 23, 2018 at 7:00 am

Hi Norma, Great, glad you found it helpful and wishing you a lovely dinner river cruise in Paris 😉 Best, Jessica

Philippe Post author

March 7, 2018 at 2:53 am

Your article was very helpful! Thank you so much! 🙂

March 7, 2018 at 7:45 am

Hi Philippe, You’re very welcome 😉 Enjoy your trip to Paris. Best, Jessica

hind idris Post author

March 4, 2018 at 1:24 am

thank you for the kind info on seine river boats really thank u

March 4, 2018 at 6:03 am

Hi Hind, You are very welcome 😉 Hope you have a fantastic time in Paris. Best, Jessica

Chartres Post author

January 17, 2018 at 11:29 pm

Thanks for this amazing blog about boat cruises in Paris. Very helpful!

January 18, 2018 at 6:31 am

Glad you found it helpful, wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris!

Andrew Drogby Post author

December 1, 2017 at 4:55 am

Hi thanks for this article about the river cruises in Paris . I tried Bateaux Parisiens after reading your article. My experience was great. And I wanted to share it with you… If you go in Paris in winter especially I advise you the illumination cruise. It s cold during the winter but you will be able to feel all the romanticism of Paris city. After 5 pm the darkness come over the city and the buildings around the Seine river are illuminated. This emphasizes the character of the city . Be sure to bundle up otherwise you will be a Mr Freeze!

December 2, 2017 at 12:37 pm

Hi Andrew, Glad that this article helped you choose a Seine river cruise, and glad you had a great time with Bateaux Parisiens. Yes, warm layers are definitely a must on river cruises, especially in the winter, when it can get pretty cold outside in Paris!! Stay warm and enjoy the rest of your winter trip to Paris! Best, Jessica

Sacha Post author

June 22, 2017 at 1:25 am

Good & helpful information on Seine river boats!!!

June 22, 2017 at 10:19 am

Hi Sacha, Glad you found our Paris article on Seine river cruises helpful, and thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a comment 😉

John Post author

June 14, 2017 at 8:38 am

I have a few safety tips for the Seine river boat cruises. Watch out for your stuff at all times. Check whether all your bags are present throughout the entire trip. Be extra vigilant when changing locations and boats to avoid loss or theft. While these tips are important, there’s nothing like experience to help ensure a safe voyage.

June 15, 2017 at 10:19 am

Hi John, Thanks so much for sharing these safety tips for the Seine Cruise boat tours in Paris! Best, Jessica

Nicolleen Post author

May 5, 2017 at 6:40 am

I really thank you for your amazing write- up. It really did helped in making my mind up with regards to the Seine river boat company that I needed, You should write more since you are doing such an impressive job!!! Thank you once again

May 5, 2017 at 12:55 pm

Hi Nicolleen, Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad that our article helped you choose the Seine cruise tour that was a best suited for you! Enjoy your trip to Paris. Best, Jessica

alicia Post author

May 2, 2017 at 8:32 pm

FYI all the children’s cruises are in French

May 4, 2017 at 1:50 pm

Hi Alicia, Thanks for this information!

Note: She is referring to the fact that Vedettes de Paris have recently introduced special children’s boat cruises on the Seine for children (mostly for school groups, reservation required) and they are currently only available in French as of May 2017.

sai kapoor Post author

February 1, 2017 at 8:21 am

We are planning for a short trip to paris, your article was very helpful in planning our trip. Thank you

February 2, 2017 at 4:25 am

Hi Sai, Glad to hear this and thanks for taking the time to comment. I hope you found the perfect Seine Cruise boat for you and that you have a lovely trip to Paris! Best, Jessica

Mohammed Post author

July 19, 2016 at 8:51 pm

I really thank you for your amazing write- up. It really did helped in making my mind up with regards to the Seine river boat company that ! needed, You should write more since you are doing such an impressive job!!! Thank you once again

travelcats Post author

July 21, 2016 at 4:49 am

Hi Mohammed, glad the post was useful to you and thanks for taking the time to leave us a comment. Enjoy your trip to Paris! ~ Jessica

Gulzar Post author

June 25, 2016 at 5:49 am

Thank you for the write up. This really made it easier choosing the Seine cruise for my upcoming trip to Paris.

June 25, 2016 at 8:02 am

Hi Gulzar, Great, glad this was information was helpful in helping your choose the best Seine river cruise for you. Have a great trip to Paris! ~ Jessica

Shannon Post author

May 27, 2016 at 3:58 pm

Wow, I am planning our 21 day European vacation and know that I want to do a cruise on the Siene River. I have been overwhelmed at the choices and trying to figure out which company to go with. Thanks for writing this article! It includes all of the major companies that have come up during my research. Since we are staying near the Eiffel Tower, I will take location into consideration, however I do like the idea of a live guide.

May 27, 2016 at 6:43 pm

Hi Shannon, Thanks for taking the time to write a comment, we greatly appreciate it and it makes our day to know we are providing useful and helpful travel info! I hope you have a great European vacation and best of luck on choosing a Seine river cruise; I am sure you’ll enjoy any cruise on the Seine. Paris is a wonderful city! Happy travels, Jessica

Ginn Post author

January 21, 2016 at 5:26 am

Very good info, im glad that i found your blogpost here. I was trying to google which boat offer an open deck

January 21, 2016 at 6:13 am

Hi Ginn, Glad you found the post on Seine river cruises helpful. As you can probably see by looking at the photos, almost all of the boats have some open deck seating. I would just avoid the Batobus as it is not very open and is not really designed for sightseeing (it is a hop-on/hop-off boat). I think you should be fine with any of the other companies, and just try to get in line early to make sure you get the type of seat on the boat you want. Enjoy your time in Paris! ~ Jessica

Devon Post author

November 7, 2015 at 10:55 am

This is a great post. I’ve been writing similar one during my trip around the world and I’m happy to use yours. I’ll be on the Seine tomorrow!

November 8, 2015 at 3:35 am

Hi Devon, glad you liked the post and hope it helped you choose a Seine cruise in Paris that is right for you. You are happy to link to our post in your own post about the Seine. Enjoy Paris, I look forward to visiting again next month! ~ Jessica

Mike Post author

October 15, 2015 at 7:03 am

Hey, yes cruising in the Seine river certainly one of the best thing to do in Paris. I have tested many of them. I think the best one certianly the cruise between Normandy and Paris. (the impressionist road by the river). I also like dinner cruises in Paris, it’s a good way the visit the French capital. We I have some visit (familly or friends) I generally book a simple cruise with bateau. For originality ,you can also try the canauxama in the Canal St Martin.

October 24, 2015 at 7:08 am

Hi Mike, yes, I also really enjoyed the cruise on the Canal Saint Martin which is a nice thing to do if you have already done a Seine river cruise in Paris. You can read about our experience on the canal cruise here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2014/02/16/canal-cruises-paris-boat-ride-canal-saint-martin/

Meghan Post author

October 16, 2013 at 12:10 pm

I wish I could remember with which company I went on a boat cruise when I was in Paris. But I do remember it was a great way to rest our feet after tromping around the city and up the Eiffel Tower!

October 16, 2013 at 4:55 pm

Yes, it is definitely great to get an hour or two off your feet after a lot of walking!

MOl S Post author

October 16, 2013 at 4:28 am

Excellent! I’ll definitely take a cruise on the Seine the next time I’m in Paris

October 16, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Yes, hope you enjoy it!

Missy Homemaker Post author

October 12, 2013 at 9:44 am

I am just loving reading about your travels! I’ve nominated you for a Sunshine Award. You can read about it on my post today 🙂

Vanessa Morgan Post author

October 7, 2013 at 3:45 am

Beautiful photos of Paris and great information.

October 7, 2013 at 8:44 am

Thanks Vanessa!

Kate Post author

October 6, 2013 at 11:59 pm

I never took advantage of a boat tour on the Seine because I used to walk past it so frequently and saw a lot of parts of it in my time living in Paris. I had some friends that did and said they enjoyed it. But I think it’s different when you are just visiting I guess, less time to see things.

October 7, 2013 at 8:43 am

Yes, what I think is interesting about the cruises is they give you a different perspective of the buildings and scenery from the water than from the banks.

Miwa Post author

October 6, 2013 at 4:00 pm

New follower! Your blog is amazing! Such great photos and detailed info. I will definitely keep this post bookmarked for the next time I’m in Paris. (Not sure when that’ll be but hopefully soon!)

October 6, 2013 at 4:09 pm

Thanks for stopping by, glad you enjoyed the post. Paris is a special place for us as it was my first international trip when I was 16 and about 10 years later the first place Ethan and I visited together as a couple. Look forward to checking out your blog as well.

Suzanne Lucas Post author

October 5, 2013 at 8:02 am

Although I’m sure the rain wasn’t the greatest for your cruise, I must say the picture of the Eiffel tower through the rainy window is stunning. Paris is definitely on my must-see list. Thanks for the insight.

Stopping in from the Happy Kids Blog Hop.

October 6, 2013 at 12:06 pm

Yes, between the rain and having to keep the windows closed during about half the cruise, it did put a bit of a damper on the cruise but we came prepared with a travel blanket, jackets, and rain ponchos and made the best of the trip. We’d love to do it again with the rain!

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15 Best Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris for an Unparalleled Dining Experience

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Whether it’s your first or fifth time in Paris, any pick of the best Seine River dinner cruises down the famous waterway will blow your high heels off!

Even if you’ve explored the city or the river before, there’s something oh-so-magical about this experience.

At the end of the day, the surroundings are what make a dinner cruise on the Seine River so special, but it’s also about the food — you’re in one of the world’s Food Capitals! Combining both, this is one activity hard to beat!

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Seine River Dinner Cruises

With plentiful options and so many reviews, it can be daunting to know which one to go with. Luckily, our complete guide about the best Seine River cruises includes everything you need to know about sightseeing options and famous landmarks, routes, different lunch and dinner cruise operators, and so much more.

1 – Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens

With the city lights dancing off the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, revel in a gourmet three-course meal (of classic French dishes) with your favorite person during a Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise .

There are multiple seating options (middle, window seats and tables at the bow) and menus to suit all budget types.

Expect champagne on arrival and live musical entertainment setting the mood.

• book this cruise
• 6.30 PM Cruise: 1h15minutes
• 8.30 PM Cruise: 2.5 hours
• Etoile Service: €95
• Privilège Service: €125
• Premier Service: €149
• Etoile Service: €115
• Decouverte Service: €139
• Privilège Service: €185
• Premier Service: €215

This one really impresses with its menus. Think French duck foie gras, snail tart and spiced duckling fillet with a citrus dressing …

We especially love the panoramic views, and no matter your seating, you’re blessed with river vistas from all angles.

It’s a fabulous pick for couples: only one section of the boat allows dinner reservations with kids onboard.

We especially love the route, with the Eiffel as the star of the show!

2 – Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Mouches

For those that don’t want to just float along the river confined indoors; feel the river breeze on your skin from the open top deck when embarking on a dreamy Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise .

Feast on traditional French cuisine, highlighting regional ingredients, while the sounds of the grand piano and violin take you into the night.

• Dinner menu - 6pm early bird Service: €85
• Prestige dinner menu: €115
• Excellence dinner menu: €155
• Get a Yes in Paris - Marriage Proposal: €340

Thanks to the boat’s design, with its rooftop setup, this dinner cruise is perfect for photo-happy travelers — or professional photographers — snapping all the sites you pass by from open surroundings

We especially love the menus, with multiple choices between various starters, mains and dessert (or cheese platters). The pricier dinner menus have fancier items, but no matter which one, the food doesn’t disappoint!

3 – La Gourmande Seine Dinner Cruise by Le Diamant Bleu

The dinner experience with the La Gourmande Seine Dinner Cruise aboard Le Diamant Bleu is top-notch, from the service to the setting.

Dazzling guests with its superyacht-like design, enjoy drinks under the stars from its open 350m² terrace deck. Dinner is served while live musicians strum guitars, and as dessert approaches, kick back and head to the dance floor, where a DJ spins the funkiest beats.

• Gourmet Package: €89
• Sparkling Gourmet Package: €129
• Add a VIP bay window location to your package for an extra €15
• Add a PRESTIGE location (at the bow of the boat) to your package for an extra €20

While some of the other Seine River dinner cruises have an overly fancy feel, this one is perfect for a group of friends, welcoming younger crowds with open arms. We love the DJ!

All ingredients are sourced from local producers, and so the plates are always seasonally fresh.

The boat stops for long enough in front of the twinkling Eiffel Tower and doesn’t just glide past. Bonus!

4 – La Trattoria sur Seine dinner cruise by Le Diamant Bleu

Oui, oui , we may be in France, but who’s to say you have to only eat French food? If you’re in the mood for Italian, then book a table onboard the Theo barge boat (an open upper deck included) for its La Trattoria sur Seine dinner cruise!

Seating 90 passengers only, it’s an intimate affair!

• Trattoria formula – 1st service: €55
• Trattoria formula – 2nd service: €59
• Add a VIP bay window location to your package for an extra €10
• Add a Rooftop Dining location for an extra €15

Two words: handmade pasta! Using imported ingredients straight from Italia, like Sicilian wheat, transport yourselves to Italy for the night!

Not only is the food traditional, but so is the ambiance! From its classic Italian lounge, Italian songs and opera arias fill the air!

What do we love most? This excursion ensures that you get to see the most famous landmarks of Paris!

5 – Dinner cruise by Paris Seine

No matter which one of the three boats you end up on during your dinner cruise by Paris Seine , you’re in for a treat! All boast unique features: the Saphir has a 100m² open-air terrace, the Grand Pavois has a glass roof, and the Vert Galant is all-wooden floors.

Expect a menu full of seasonal products inspired by French gastronomy.

• 6 PM Cruise: 1h15mins
• 8 PM Cruise: 2 hours
• Paris Flavors: €75
• Festive Paris: €85
• Romantic Paris: €120
• Paris Flavors: €65
• Festive Paris: €75
• Romantic Paris: €100

These dinner cruises are super affordable in comparison to some of the others — no matter which one you book. On that note, discover different seating plans to suit all budget types.

Our personal favorite is the cruise onboard the romantic Saphir, with dining options available outside (weather permitting).

6 – Dinner cruise by Ducasse sur Seine

Calling all the serious foodies out there! It’s time to put on your red lips and don your high heels for the fancy schmancy Ducasse sur Seine dinner cruise!

Forget about an ordinary three-course meal; here, you have the option of a four, five or six-course menu! We’re talking lobster, scallops and truffles!

And just wait until you get a load of the all-glass boat …

• see price & reviews
• 4 Course Dinner: €160
• 4 Course Dinner + Food & Wine Pairing: €265
• 5 Course Dinner: €200
• 5 Course Dinner + Food & Wine Pairing: €305
• 6 Course Paris est une fête: €500

Eco Warriors, as the first 100% electric Parisian floating restaurant, this boat is 100% ecologically friendly!

We’re obsessed with the professional sommelier services (a private wine cellar onboard included), and the entire experience runs like a proper restaurant — plus, the ship is so silent, it all makes you forget you’re traveling on water.

7 – Dinner cruise by Don Juan II

If you’re keen on at least one Michelin-star experience in Paris, ditch all your previous ideas and opt for the Michelin-award-winning Don Juan II dinner cruise instead! Providing the most unique setting for it, it doesn’t get better than its one-star cuisine!

Its elegant and rich interiors (and Art Déco vibes) add the final cherry.

With three-star Michelin chef Frédéric Anton at the helm, expect the most gorgeous graphic plates of food flying out of this professional kitchen!

And because it’s got such a high-caliber chef leading the way, the restaurant boat matches in standard. We just love the regal feeling, everything dripping in luxury, including the wine cellar!

8 – Dinner cruise by Capitaine Fracasse

How delicious does celery root remoulade with truffle sound? Or how about duck breast tossed with honey and nuts ? Indulge in a gourmet three-course dinner cruise aboard Capitaine Fracasse .

Admire the sunset from the outdoor terrace (the perfect setting for drinks and mingling with other guests), or cozy up indoors in a plush and comfortable setting.

Thinking of popping the question? Add on extras like a window or front-of-ship table and a rose bouquet.

• Fracasse Package: €69
• Amiral Package: €79
• Champagne Package: €89

Free onboard wifi? You bet!

We also love the fact that there’s a plant-based menu available (on request beforehand)!

Don’t forget to let them know if it’s your birthday for a sweet surprise of glitter cake and a glass of bubbly!

No matter which of the dinner packages you choose, the menus are all the same; it’s another super affordable dinner cruise.

9 – Dinner cruise by Calife

With a Calife Dinner Cruise , you’re spoiled with an array of seating plans, each one designated in a different part of this vintage barge. Whether it’s the terrace, veranda or its exotic wood living room salon, fall into the rhythm of the Seine with 360-degree views.

Expect a cocktail reception greeting you as you arrive, and there’s a live jazz concert every night in the grand music room!

• Salon lounge dining: €87
• Terrace or Veranda dining: €107
• Salon lounge dining: €129
• Terrace or Veranda dining: €149

Honestly, it’s the unique seating sections of this boat that win our hearts over. Depending on the weather, the terrace is open or covered (and with heating), the veranda has a see-through glass roof, and the indoor lounge is modeled after a classic Parisian Salon (every table, a window seat).

All menus are three courses, and if there’s one item you have to try, it’s the famous iced nougat!

10 – Paris en Scène dinner cruise

Inspired by the French classic “en cocotte” casserole dish, a dinner cruise with Paris en Scène is a feast for the senses, all dishes revolving around traditional French simmered dishes.

With all the makings of a classic French bistro, menus comprise starters, a casserole main and dessert. Lap up the all-round views from bay windows or the terrace on the upper deck!

• Water Cruise: €55
• Wine Cruise: €65
• Champagne Cruise: €75

With two dinner cruise timetables available (7.15 PM and 9.45 PM), no one has to miss out, especially if you’re a night owl!

Its distinct style of cuisine sets it apart from the usual menus offered elsewhere.

Not breaking any bank accounts with its reasonably-priced options, we suggest going the full mile and opting for the Champagne Cruise.

11 – Bistronomic dinner cruise by Eiffel Croisières

Departing from the foot of the famously ornate Alexandre III Bridge, prepare your palettes for the delicious degustation menu from Eiffel Croisières’s Bistronomic Dinner .

Savor each morsel with stunning panoramas thanks to the Ivoire barge’s giant windows.

Changing with each new season, always expect something new from this kitchen. Not keen on a tasting menu? A la carte options are available, too, fab wine list included!

• Bistronomic Dinner: €59
• Bistronomic Dinner with wine: €69
• Bistronomic Dinner with Champagne: €79

The food and wine pairings are a must for anyone considering themselves a vino connoisseur.

In case you were wondering, a vegetarian menu is available.

We’re mega fans of its onboard sightseeing commentary — they provide a QR code to download a description of all the monuments you pass by during the cruise.

12 – Prestige dinner cruises by Eiffel Croisières

Say hello to seafood towers, champagne showers and terrace moments under the moon!

Three glistening and glamorous lounges await you onboard the luxe Tosca barge. It’s not named the Prestige Dinner for no reason!

Admire the sites from its Privilege Lounge’s bay windows, sweep in panoramas at the bow at the Premium Lounge, and the upper deck is the VIP Lounge.

See how many bridges you can count (hint: you sail under 31 of the 37)!

• Prestige Dinner: €79
• Prestige Dinner with wine: €89
• Prestige Dinner: €99

Tables are set to fine-dining standards, and think seasonal ingredients with the options of seafood, meat or vegetarian menus. Plus, wine pairings!

We (highly) recommend the seafood option — we’re talking langoustines, oysters and shrimp on ice! If you want to order the seafood tower (its signature), let them know in advance.

P.S. Right at the Statue of Liberty, your captain rotates ship so that you catch direct sight of Paris’ most famous landmark. Quick , get your camera!

13 – Bistro dinner cruise by Canauxrama

Nothing beats a divine charcuterie and cheese board — and you’re in the perfect country for it! Add onto that a glass of Champagne and macarons (with live music setting the tone), and you’re all set for a quintessential Parisian soiree!

All thanks to Canauxrama’s La Parisienne Gourmande Cruise .

Take cover on the lower deck or dine under the warm evening sky. In cooler months, both sections are heated.

• Add a glass of champagne and a trio of macarons for an extra €11

This is for those that maybe have dinner plans later on but still want to experience the romance of an evening cruise filled with good food and fine wine!

Cue the accordion player and festive atmosphere, and you can topple up at the bar.

We’re mega fans of its first-come, first-pick seating vibes, and you’ll pass the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice on this trip.

14 – Seine River dinner cruise and Eiffel Tower combo

When the Eiffel Tower lights up at night, she becomes even more alluring! Add some extra excitement to your dinner cruise, finishing off the night with a climb up Paris’ most famous landmark!

Choose a guided exploration through its three levels, or opt for a combo that simply includes entrance tickets to the Iron Lady.

If you’re planning a proposal, these combination cruises are utterly romantic!

• Eiffel tower & dinner cruise

15 – Seine River dinner cruise and Moulin Rouge combo

“ Because we can, can, can. Yes we can, can, can, can ” embark on a dinner cruise AND a visit to none other than the world-famous Moulin Rouge in one go!

After you’ve got a load of the most famous sites along the Seine, complete your evening with a show at the iconic cabaret house!

All logistics are taken care of; what a pleasure!

• Moulin Rouge & dinner cruise

How to book Seine River dinner cruises?

Bookings are essential to secure your spot on your preferred floating restaurant.

Either book directly with the cruise company or with an online travel agency.

What’s the difference? Online operators often offer discounted rates, as well as epic combo tickets (for anyone wanting to visit the Eiffel Tower or experience the Moulin Rouge show after your dinner cruise). With a combination package, save extra euros!

Use our search engine to explore and compare the different cruise and combo tour options available on the web in one simple click!

With so many incredible options on the table, don’t miss out on the best Seine River dinner cruises for an unparalleled night out.

If your evenings are already full with other plans, you don’t have to miss out on the experience! Here are the best Seine River lunch cruises for daytime options.

Got any questions? Ask us in the comments below.

Bon Appétit!

Home » Cruise » Viking Cruises » We Just Returned From Our First Viking River Cruise And Here’s What It Was Really Like

We Just Returned From Our First Viking River Cruise And Here’s What It Was Really Like

We just returned from a Viking Seine River cruise and share what it is like to be onboard a Viking longship sailing through Northern France.

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Boarding a river ship that only holds 168 guests was a bit different for us given we usually sail on the world’s largest cruise ships. But, to explore Paris and the banks of Northern France, we decided to step outside of our comfort zone and put our trust in the crew of Viking Radgrid. This vessel is one of four Viking longships specifically designed to cruise the Seine River.

While we have sailed with Viking on the brand’s ocean and expedition ships, this was our first river cruise. Now, we are back from our Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary and want to share what it was really like in our Viking Seine River cruise review.

Viking Seine River Cruise Review

Exploring the world in comfort.

When cruising with Viking, regardless of whether it is an ocean, expedition, or river ship, there are many similarities. From modern Scandinavian design and warm hospitality to a level of inclusion not found on contemporary brands, Viking guests feel right at home. This level of consistency helped ease us into our first river cruise experience.

It also helps that Viking guests are taken care of from the moment they arrive at the airport. With Viking’s all-inclusive offering, flights booked with the cruise line include free transfers from the airport to the ship.

While we usually fly in a day before any cruise, this Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary includes an extra day at the embarkation point. Thus, there is no need for a pre-cruise hotel unless you want to extend your stay.

Luckily, we had a direct, overnight flight from Boston to Paris. Arriving around 9:30 AM, we were quickly greeted by a Viking representative in a bright red coat and were on a bus heading to the ship within 30 minutes of getting our luggage. Unfortunately, Viking can’t help the traffic though, as it was nearly a 2 hour drive from Charles de Gaulle airport to our docking location in Paris.

However, upon arrival at the ship, embarkation was a breeze. We were checked in, escorted to our stateroom with our luggage, and ready to get our adventure started.

Viking Inclusions

If you are new to cruising with Viking, you should know what’s included in your cruise fare and what’s not. Included on all Viking river cruises are:

• Beer and wine at lunch and dinner
• One daily excursion
• Specialty coffee, tea, soda, and bottled water

Unfortunately, there is no room service on Viking river cruises. There is also no pool, fitness center, spa, or casino. Further, beyond beer and wine at meals, all other alcoholic beverages will cost extra. Viking does offer the Silver Spirits drink package, which is very reasonably priced at $25 per person, per day.

One of the staples on any cruise is dining and Viking river cruises are no different. On Viking Radgrid, there are two main dining areas, The Restaurant and the Aquavit Terrace.

The Restaurant on Deck 2 is a formal restaurant that resembles a typical main dining room. With panoramic windows lining both sides of the venue, there are constant scenic views. The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a variety of options and local specialties. Though, you’ll need to make friends as there are mostly large tables and no tables just for two.

The Restaurant usually opens for breakfast around 7 AM and is a hybrid dining experience. It includes a small buffet of breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes. Guests can also order off a menu with made-to-order items like pancakes and French toast.

Lunch is served promptly from noon to about 2 PM each day, which means all cruisers need to dine during these hours if they want lunch. The lunch menu consists of always available options like the signature salad and a hamburger. There are also a few rotational selections that vary daily like short ribs and an energy bowl.

Each evening, dinner followed that night’s port talk, usually starting at 7 PM. Again, cruisers can opt for always available selections or regional specialties with Chef Recommendations that included dishes like brie pane, poulet aux morilles, mille-feuille, and boeuf a la bourguignonne. One evening, Viking also features a signature regional buffet, which was the Taste of Normandy on our sailing.

While the menus are smaller than main dining rooms on most ocean ships, the quality and presentation were top notch.

The second dining offering is the Aquavit Terrace up on Deck 3. Offering tables for 2 and 4 and al fresco dining, this venue serves the same menu as The Restaurant for lunch and dinner. The only difference is the more casual setup and ambiance.

Unfortunately, the patio was closed for most of the cruise, given the mostly unfavorable weather conditions. So, each night, it became a competition to nab the handful of tables available inside the Aquavit Terrace.

In addition, cookies (continental items in the morning) and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas are available at two self-serve stations on Deck 3. Along with the selection of espresso beverages, they also offer syrups and skim milk. Thus, we had all the essential ingredients for Heidi’s twice-daily nonfat caramel latte.

What we did miss though were more casual, grab-and-go options. While the Aquavit Terrace did have continental breakfast selections, it did not offer the same setup for lunch or dinner. We would have liked the ability to grab a sandwich, a personal pizza, or salad to bring back to our room on some occasions, especially because there’s no room service. Thus, after a long day in port, the only option is a sit-down meal.

Onboard Amenities and Activities

In contrast to the larger ocean ships on which we typically sail, Viking Radgrid only has four decks and hence few public areas. Deck 2 is home to a small Guest Services desk and a small shop with Viking logo items and children’s books by Viking’s EVP Karine Hagen.

Deck 3 features a small library with books and games, an “internet cafe” with two computers, and the Lounge. The Lounge is the main bar and entertainment space on the ship.

Deck 4 is a full length sundeck with plenty of seating to enjoy the outdoors as the weather allows. It also features a small herb garden, a walking track, and the smoking area. One mile will take nearly 16 laps around the track.

Further, anyone interested can sign up at guest services for a visit to the wheelhouse. Unlike the bridge of a ship, this top-deck wheelhouse is hydraulic and lowers automatically when encountering low bridges.

Of note, there is one small elevator for those with mobility issues as well.

Nighttime Entertainment

With each new day consisting of at least one new port of call, there was little downtime during our Viking Seine River cruise. As one of the benefits of river cruising, guests get to explore off the beaten path destinations and quaint towns that can’t be accessed by larger cruise ships. There’s also more time in port, sometimes even two different ports in one day, and plenty of scenic cruising in between stops.

Subsequently, the Viking Daily’s list of onboard activities is more sparse when compared to ocean cruising. One morning, a local artist did come on board to offer a lecture on impressionism.

Then, once most cruisers are back on board in the evenings, there is usually some kind of activity taking place in the Lounge. Following dinner, we enjoyed live local musicians or a cultural activity, like opera singers and a string trio.

Additionally, the program director, Mia, hosted a port talk around 6:30 PM each day. This included an introduction to the next day’s ports, tour options, and any procedural information that we needed to know. During our sailing, Mia also hosted a French lesson and a game show that was a lot of fun. Having more game shows and group activities like this throughout the week would have been nice.  

Besides being a great host, Mia did an outstanding job coordinating the excursions. She always had a smile, was talkative, and was present throughout the ship at all hours of the day. Given that she was essentially the entire activities staff, she managed her many duties well.

We stayed in stateroom 219, a veranda (B) stateroom on Deck 2. All the cabins on the starboard side of this deck are balcony cabins, while those on the portside are French balcony cabins. Deck 1 consists of standard staterooms, which feature river views from a half-height picture window. Deck 3 consists of additional veranda and French balcony staterooms, along with a few suites.

While cruise ship cabins are small in general, this 205-square-foot cabin felt even cozier than the typical balcony staterooms found on ocean ships.

Immediately upon entering the room, the bathroom was on the aft wall. The tiled shower had just enough room, thanks to the double-sided glass doors. With two storage shelves and upgraded features like premium bath products and heated floors, the bathroom was comfortable and functional for the week.

Across from the bathroom is the closet. It featured deep shelves with the safe on one side and a clothes bar with hangers on the other side. The forward wall has a long table/desk, four drawers which we used for additional clothing storage, and a mini fridge. Here, you’ll also find carafes of water that are refilled daily and the Quietvox devices which are utilized on most shore excursions.

Further, the cruise line allows guests to bring local products back on the ship, like food or alcoholic beverages, that are able to be consumed during the voyage. So, this is a nice perk.

The queen-sized Viking Explorer bed is on the aft wall facing forward, across from the desk. Each side of the bed has a 110 V outlet, European outlet, and 2 USBs. There was also a nightstand on one side and a small table on the other along with one lone chair.

This seating area was a bit tight, but the nook became my workstation for the week. The table was large enough to house my computer and charge various devices.  

Getting from the door, past the bed, to the balcony is a tight squeeze. But, considering only 35 cabins on the ship have a veranda, we are not complaining. We appreciated having the balcony with two chairs and a table to enjoy the scenic cruising.

Viking Seine River Cruise Review – The Itinerary

Our Paris & the Heart of Normandy 8-day itinerary consisted of seven ports of call. Along with Paris and the Beaches of Normandy, the stops ranged from quaint villages to bustling cities. Each port along the way offered an opportunity to experience something new.

With 6 included tours, and two optional excursions, there wasn’t dull moment, as we wanted to make the most of our first visit to this region.

Springtime in Paris

We embarked Viking Radgrid in Paris where the ship remained through the following day. Given the rainy weather and jet lag, we did not get out to explore much during our first day in the city. So, we packed in as much as possible on the second day of our cruise.

The weather was slightly better on Day 2. It was cloudy, with a few periods of sun, but it was still rather chilly. In the morning, we set off on Viking’s included Panoramic Paris shore excursion.

This mix of a bus tour and walking tour hit several of the city’s highlights. It included a city center stop for a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower, a ride down the Champs-Élysées, and two circles around the Arc de Triomphe for photos. We did get off the bus for a short while near Notre Dame and the Latin quarter. The 3.5-hour tour was a good overview as we had never been to Paris. But, given the 2024 Olympics, many areas were under construction.

Back to the ship for a quick lunch, we headed out on one of the optional tours to the Palace of Versailles in the afternoon. This 4-hour tour included a transfer to the 17th-century palace. Now a museum, we had a standard tour that took several large groups through two wings of the massive building.

Our tour guide did a great job weaving through the crowds. She never stopped her narration of the history as we dodged other tourists. Unfortunately, we had limited time to explore the gardens independently afterwards as we got caught in a rainstorm.

We Had the Chateau to Ourselves

On Day 3, we awoke in the quaint village of La Roche-Guyon.

For the morning, we strolled the picturesque streets of this small community situated right along the banks of the Seine River. Various historic buildings exist throughout the village, but the 12th-century Château de La Roche-Guyon is the most iconic.

We opted for a self-guided tour with the Viking discount, which costs $7.50 per visitor. We spent about 90 minutes exploring this partially restored castle using the audio guide and overview map. If you can handle the 250 steps, a walk up to the castle’s bell tower is worth it for the panoramic views of the village.

With the ship departing for Vernon at 2 PM, we opted for one of the included tours to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise. This little known locale is the final home of the impressionist painter Vincent Van Gough. This tour included stops in the town associated with the 70 days the painter spent here before the tragic end of his life, including the famous church he painted.

Again, our tour guide was excellent. She provided a wealth of history and backstory about the town, the region, and this iconic artist. We also had some free time to pop into a local bakery for fresh pastries.

Of note, this tour was a substitute for the Monet Gardens given we were too early in the season.

Roaming the Streets of Rouen

Grey skies loomed overhead as our longship sailed along the Seine, approaching our most northern stop, Rouen, on Day 4. With small towns, factories, and pastures dotting the coastline, we had a lazy morning of work.

After lunch, we headed ashore for the 1:45 PM walking tour of the city. For about 90 minutes, our guide weaved in and out of a few blocks showcasing the 16th-century architecture. From the half-timbered buildings intertwined with modern-day shops and cafes, Roen was much different than any of the places we visited on this trip.

While not walking far, we did hit the highlights. Among the photo-ops were the Church of Saint Maclou, the Palace of Justice, the Church of St. Joan of Arc, the Town Clock and Belfry, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The tour ended at the Old Market Place, giving us free time to explore independently. While the museums in town are free, we opted for macarons and Starbucks coffee. That’s French enough, right?

Remembering The Past

Along with the embarkation city of Paris, the other highlight of this itinerary is a full-day excursion to the landing beaches of Normandy.  

On Day 5, we set off from Roen (where we were docked overnight) on this 11-hour tour. The briefing the night before set the emotional stage for the tour and reliving the historic events of June 6, 1944.

The day-long excursion included an approximately 2.5-hour drive to Caen. One of the major holdouts after the landing, this city is home to a thoughtfully laid-out and curated museum. Our stop included approximately two hours here with a partially guided tour. We then had some free time to explore the exhibits on our own.

From here, we made a short lunch stop before heading to the American National Cemetery, about 45 minutes away. We had about 90 minutes at the cemetery, which included a brief ceremony at the memorial and time to roam the grounds where over 9,400 American soldiers are buried.

The final stop was at Omaha Beach. The 30 minutes here let guests walk along the beach and reflect on the D-day landing. Back on the bus, it was close to three hours back to the ship.

A Sunny Day in Les Andelys

When we pulled into the charming village of Les Andelys on Day 6, it was quite grey. The early morning fog made us concerned it would be another gloomy day. Yet, by late morning, the skies cleared, and it was a bright and sunny midday—at least for now.

With our tour scheduled for 2 PM, we had free time to see some of the sights on our own. Thus, we took a quick stroll and made sure to grab some photos and videos of the ship before meeting our tour shoreside.

We spent the next two hours strolling the streets of this picturesque village with our energetic and enthusiastic tour guide. The most impressive site is the 12th-century Chateau Gaillard, built by Richard the Lion Heart. Technically, you can get better shots of the remains from the riverbank, but making the trek to the top is worth it. We were able to get amazing pictures of the town and the ship from here.

Along the way, we also learned about the town’s history and the chateau’s construction. Of note, it is a rather steep ascent. So, do keep your physical fitness levels in mind.

When we finished the tour, we took our guide’s advice to grab some sweets and a French baguette from a local pâtisserie. Thankfully, we just made it inside when the skies opened and there was some of the worst hail we’ve ever seen!

A Change of Plans

Ahead of the cruise, we received a warning that the ship might be unable to dock in Paris due to river water levels. While we could board the ship a short walk from the Eiffel Tower a week ago, that would not be the case for departing Viking Radgrid.

During the disembarkation day talk, the captain announced that the ship would be docking in Le Pecq for the last two days due to high river levels. This did not dramatically change our plans; although, it did mean that we wouldn’t get to walk around Paris at all.

For the last day of this cruise, we had two tours scheduled. The first was the included tour of Napoleon’s Chateau de Malmaison. 

After a short drive to the Chateau, we had about two hours to tour the early 19th-century seat of Napoleon’s government. While not as impressive as some other French castles we visited during this cruise, it was relatively empty which was a nice reprieve. This gave the Viking groups plenty of time and space to enjoy this hidden gem.  

Back on the ship by 12:30 PM, it was a mad dash to lunch before our next 1:30 PM tour. This optional excursion included a guided tour of the Louvre and a brassiere dinner. However, I don’t think we were ready for what a busy museum full of tour groups and priceless works of art really looked like.

To see all the Louvre offers would take two months of daily visits. So, we only got to see the highlights while dodging the crowds. But, from the original fortress foundations to Greek and Italian sculptures to the French crown jewels, the roughly 2.5 hours touched on some of the more noteworthy pieces.

Of course, no trip to this museum is complete without seeing the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo. While we did have to battle the crowds, we were able to snap a selfie with the slightly smiling lady.

After some free time to browse the gift shops, we went to a local brassiere for an “authentic” French dinner. Although, the Caprese salad and broiled lamb chop were not precisely what we envisioned. But, the massive profiterole for dessert was a perfect ending to our seven days in France.

Our Viking Seine River Cruise Review Recap

Over 7 days, we traveled back in time through several centuries. We explored historic chateaus, sampled French cuisine, and marveled at the heroism of Allied troops at the very beaches they stormed 80 years ago.

The 55 crew members of Viking Radgrid ensured we were well-fed and well-taken care of along the way. Those who have sailed on smaller cruise ships will feel right at home with the friendliness and quaint surroundings of this longship. With upscale dining, cozy accommodations, and twice-daily service, Viking wraps cruisers in comfort and handles every little detail of the trip.

The onboard atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and Viking Radgrid felt like a floating home away from home.

We must admit as mega-ship cruisers, we were worried that there wouldn’t be enough to do on such a small ship. Yet, that was never the case. In fact, we were often so tired from a day full of exploration ashore that we had to actively keep ourselves awake to enjoy the nighttime entertainment. A round of espresso martinis also helped.

On most of our trips, the ships themselves are the destination. While on a river cruise, the itinerary is the focus. With Viking Radgrid blending into the background, we were able to absorb the scenery, culture, and history. We can’t think of a better way to explore this region than by a river cruise ship.

Ocean cruises and river cruises are two very different options to “sea the world, one port at a time”. But if you enjoy the comforts of a cruise ship and want to explore new destinations, we encourage you too to step outside of your comfort zone and try a river cruise.

Viking offers various sailings throughout Europe, Asia, and even on the Mississippi and Nile rivers. So, we suspect you will find a region of the world worth exploring on your first river cruise.

Are you planning a Viking river cruise? Have you sailed the Seine River yet? Drop us an anchor below with your latest river cruise reviews.

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Best Dinner Cruise in Paris (Honest Review)

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: August 20, 2023

Categories Food , Paris , Things to Do in Paris , What to eat in Paris

Home » Best Dinner Cruise in Paris (Honest Review)

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Want to do a Seine River Dinner Cruise?

You’re in the right place for information because I just came back from the best Paris dinner cruise .

If you’re planning a visit to Paris, a Seine River dinner cruise is definitely an experience to consider. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the iconic landmarks of the city and it’s the #1 activity I recommend to any of my friends or family planning to visit Paris.

In this article, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive review of my dinner cruise experience. I’ll detail the itinerary, the food, the views, and the overall atmosphere.

I’ll also give you my take on why a dinner cruise can be a more appealing option compared to a standard daytime Seine River cruise, tips to keep in mind before heading out on your cruise, and advice on what to wear on your Paris dinner cruise!

Ready to book your Paris dinner cruise?

I went with Bateaux Parisiens - Seino Vision , and it was excellent. The food, the ambiance, and the service was top notch.

✔️ River Seine cruise

✔️ 3 or 4-course meal (depending on the menu selected)

✔️ Champagne and appetizers

✔️ Live entertainment by a singer

Best Dinner Cruises in Paris

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (3648 reviews) | ⏲️ Tour time: 2.5 hours | ⛵ Book now

So, let me tell you more about my night out on my Parisian dinner cruise. This was my second dinner cruise I’ve taken along the Seine in Paris, and it was honestly even better than the first.

Even though it was my second time, the experience felt fresh. Different travel companions, a change in the menu, and booking a window seat all contributed to a novel experience.

“ A delicious dinner, with amazing views of Paris!! We recommend upgrading to sit alongside the windows- we were so glad we had paid a little extra for that! The service was excellent and we enjoyed meeting the couple next to us, who were also traveling from the U.S. The directions and check-in were easy to follow. “ – Alicia from the United States | See more tour reviews

​ Don’t speak French? Don’t worry! This is one of the best things to do in Paris for English speakers too.

All the staff on this dinner cruise spoke fluent English, so no need to try to test your language skills on this dinner excursion. Unless you want to, bien sûr .

Note:  I was not paid by the tour company to write this review . I paid full-price for   this tour  out of my own pocket, and the opinions I give are in no way influenced by compensation of any kind.  Bateaux Parisiens  didn’t know I planned to write this article after the tour.

Navigating the Menu Options of the Dinner Cruise

A lovely feature of the Bateaux Parisiens – Seino Vision Dinner Cruise is the array of dining options available to you. Not a one-size-fits-all, these options cater to different preferences and price points.

Let’s break down these four, fabulous menu choices:

1. Premier Service

Premier service offers you the best of both worlds – privileged seating right at the front of the boat and a mouthwatering menu.

What’s included in the Premier Service menu:

• Privileged seating at the front of the boat
• Glass of champagne as an aperitif and dessert
• Starter + main course + cheese + dessert of your choice
• Bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine for 4 people

You’ll start with a glass of champagne as an aperitif to whet your appetite. The dinner includes a starter, main course, cheese, and a dessert of your choice, complemented by a bottle of red and white wine for every four guests. The front-row seating offers the most uninterrupted views of the Parisian monuments.

🍴 Best for: It’s perfect for those looking for an ultra-luxe, memorable experience.

2. Privileged Service

For those who love a view with their meal, the Privileged service is an ideal choice. With seats by the window, you’ll have a panoramic view of the City of Lights while you dine.

What’s included in the Privileged Service menu:

• Privileged seating by the windows
• Glass of champagne as an aperitif
• A bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine for 4 people

Just like the Premier service, you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne as an aperitif followed by a starter, main course, cheese, and a dessert of your choice. Each group of four also receives a bottle of red and white wine.

🍴 Best for: This service is an excellent choice for couples or anyone seeking a romantic dinner cruise.

3. Decouvert Service

Decouvert service promises panoramic views and delightful dining.

What’s included in the Decouvert Service menu:

• Panoramic view
• Starter + main course + dessert of your choice
• A bottle of red wine or white wine for 4 people

This service begins with a glass of champagne as an aperitif, followed by a starter, main course, and dessert of your choice. For every four people, a bottle of either red or white wine is provided.

🍴 Best for: If you’re a small group or a family seeking a memorable yet reasonably priced experience, this is your go-to option.

4. Etoile Service

Positioned in the center of the boat, the Etoile service offers a unique vantage point of the surroundings.

What’s included in the Etoile Service menu:

• Seating in the center of the boat
• Kir white wine as an aperitif

The meal begins with Kir white wine as an aperitif, followed by a starter, main course, and dessert of your choice. A bottle of red or white wine is provided for every four guests.

🍴 Best for: The Etoile service is a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience the magic of the dinner cruise on a budget.

💡 Tip: Each service offers a vegetarian menu option upon request, so no one has to miss out on this unique culinary journey through the heart of Paris. Just remember to mention it while making your booking!

Paris Dinner Cruise Itinerary

8:30pm: Meeting Point and Initial Impressions 

As we all know, a journey starts long before we actually hit the road, or in this case, the river. The same was true for our Paris Dinner Cruise.

The anticipation was real as we got closer to our starting point at the Eiffel Tower. I could feel the butterflies fluttering, more from excitement (but a little bit from hunger, I admit).

The check-in process was straightforward, and the folks greeting us onboard were super friendly, which started the night off on the right foot.

9:00pm: Boarding and Start of the Cruise 

After a bit of waiting, it was finally time to board. We got ushered into the boat, and oh boy, it was a sight to behold. Once onboard, I was instantly impressed with how neat and cozy the boat’s interior was.

We snagged the window seats, thanks to our Privileged Service package. Talk about the best seats in the house!

We had a clear view of Paris’s breathtaking sights, from Les Invalides’ shiny golden dome to the striking Louvre Museum and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

We began with a glass of champagne because, well, when in Paris! It was the perfect start to our night.

Dinner Time – What to Expect

Let’s move on to one of my favorite parts, dinner time. A cruise without a delightful meal is like Paris without the Eiffel Tower, incomplete.

The rest of the menu comprised of an à-la-carte 3-course meal that did not disappoint. Expect a delightful variety of French dishes. The vegetarian options were a hit too. With the city’s landmarks floating by, we got treated to some lovely live music.

This wasn’t some over-the-top performance, but just the right volume to create a pleasant ambiance without drowning out our chatter.

Cruise Highlights and Ending

The highlight of our journey, as you can guess, was the radiant Parisian landmarks glowing against the night sky.

We cruised past the grand Les Invalides, the charming Musée d’Orsay, the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, and many more. Each of these sights created picture-perfect moments that were worth every penny.

📸 There is even an option for souvenir photos on this cruise! There’s a professional photographer clicking away on the boat, but you’ll have to shell out some extra bucks if you want a copy.

I decided to opt out this time, but would probably go for that option next time if I come on a family trip or with a significant other.

As the evening came to a close, we docked back at the Eiffel Tower, the starting and ending point of our memorable journey. It felt like a perfect full-circle moment, ending where we began but with hearts (and bellies) so full.

Is A Paris Dinner Cruise Worth It?

Okay, so you’re probably asking: Is a Paris Dinner Cruise worth it? 

In short, absolutely. It’s an unparalleled way to see the City of Lights, providing a feast for the eyes and the stomach. This magical experience mixes delicious food with unique sights, and it’s my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Paris .

Taking a dinner cruise in Paris is not just about the food or the boat ride, it’s about the fusion of the experience that makes it so special. The Seine River becomes a moving stage that presents you the grandeur of Paris while you relish a hearty meal.

Every corner you turn on the river presents a new view, a new building, a new perspective. It’s like seeing the city in a whole new light, literally and figuratively.

Paris Dinner Cruise vs Standard Seine Sightseeing Cruise: Which to Choose?

Compared to a typical dinner in a restaurant, a dinner cruise offers more than just food. It gives you the opportunity to discover the city in a relaxing way, combining the enjoyment of French cuisine with the discovery of Paris at night.

And compared to a standard daytime Seine River cruise, a dinner cruise has a different charm.

While daytime Bateaux Mouche cruises are great for capturing vibrant photos and seeing the city in natural light, dinner cruises showcase Paris’s romantic side. The illuminations of the landmarks against the night sky create an enchanting atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

Plus, nothing quite compares to enjoying a meal while cruising down the iconic Seine.

Who Would Enjoy This Cruise?

✅ Romantic Couples:  This Seine dinner cruise is the epitome of romance. It’s easy to fall in love all over again with the Parisian landscape drifting by – iconic sights like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Assemblée Nationale, and the stunning Grand Palais. The twinkling lights reflecting off the River Seine, live entertainment onboard, and a three-course dinner featuring traditional French cuisine all add to the romantic atmosphere. It’s like Moulin Rouge, but on water.

✅ Families:  Families looking for a memorable night will find this a perfect way to create special memories. It offers an immersive educational experience, too, thanks to the available audio guide. From explaining the historical significance of Île de la Cité and the Left Bank and Right Bank, to pointing out the Hôtel de Ville, it offers a fun, interactive way to learn about Paris.

✅ Solo Travellers:  Solo travelers looking for an unforgettable evening will not be disappointed. Imagine savoring a delicious meal, sipping on a bottle of wine, all while gazing out at the most beautiful Parisian monuments. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.

✅ Foodies:  If you’re a fan of good food and a fan of beautiful views, there’s no better way to combine the two. The three-course dinner, featuring dishes like foie gras, served on the restaurant boats offer a typical atmosphere of Parisian bistros.

Who Should Avoid This Cruise?

❌ Budget Travellers:  While it’s worth every penny, this cruise might not suit those on a tight budget. There are other options like Vedettes du Pont Neuf or the one-hour cruise from different companies which may be more budget-friendly.

❌ Active Sightseers:  For those who prefer active, on-your-feet sightseeing, lunch cruises or walking tours might be a better option. But, this dinner cruise is a great way to rest your feet after a long day of exploring Central Paris.

❌ Time-restricted Travellers:  With a duration of about two and a half hours, those with limited time might opt for a quicker tour. Yet, if you can squeeze it into your schedule, starting your early evening with this cruise is one of the best ways to see Paris. 

What to Wear on a Paris Dinner Cruise

When embarking on a Parisian dinner cruise, it’s crucial to remember there’s a dress code – it is a fancy dinner in the City of Lights after all! So, ditch the sweatpants and flip-flops and aim for a smart-casual look.

Here are a few outfit ideas for both men and women that hit the sweet spot between comfort and chic.

Paris Dinner Outfits for Women:

• Classic Little Black Dress:  You can never go wrong with a little black dress, can you? It’s chic, sophisticated, and perfect for a dinner cruise. I love  this dress for its comfortable fit and elegant design. Pair it with statement jewelry and heels for an elevated look. And if the weather’s a bit chilly, bring along a stylish wrap or shawl.
• Silk Blouse and Slacks:  If you’re not one for dresses, try a silk blouse paired with slacks. This combination exudes elegance without being overly formal. I highly recommend  this silk blouse and  these slacks  for their excellent quality and comfort. Pair this outfit with ballet flats or low heels for a stylish, Parisian look.

Paris Dinner Outfits for Men:

• Collared Shirt and Chinos:  A well-fitted collared shirt paired with chinos is a versatile and stylish choice. You can’t go wrong with  this classic shirt  and  these chinos . They’re comfortable, stylish, and perfect for a dinner cruise or any Parisian dining experience. Complete the look with loafers or dress shoes.
• Knit Sweater and Dark Jeans:  For a more casual, yet still polished look, opt for a knit sweater paired with dark jeans.  This sweater  is a favorite of mine for its comfort and timeless style. Pair it with  these dark jeans  for an effortlessly stylish ensemble. This outfit is perfect for those chillier evenings on the Seine.

In the end, remember that while looking good is important, comfort should not be compromised. You want to enjoy the sights, the food, the music – not be distracted by a tight collar or an itchy fabric.

👗 P.S. Check out my guide on What to Wear in Paris in Summer for more style inspo!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Dinner Cruise Experience in Paris

Planning your dinner cruise can make a big difference to your experience. Here are some personal tips and tricks I learned from my second dinner cruise:

1. Arrive Early:  Get to the meeting point well ahead of time. This not only avoids any last-minute stress but also gives you a chance to snap some great photos before boarding.

2. Choose Your Service Wisely:  If views are your priority, go for the Privileged service, which provides seating by the windows. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge, Premier service is your best bet.

3. Dress Smartly:  Remember, it’s smart casual. You’re in Paris, darling! It’s the perfect excuse to put on that special outfit you’ve been saving.

4. Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Food:  With so many beautiful sights, it’s easy to get carried away and forget about your meal. The food is part of the experience, so savor each bite.

5. Embrace the Moment:  Most importantly, remember to take some time to put the camera down and truly absorb the beauty of Paris at night. It’s a sight you won’t forget.

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to have the best dinner cruise in Paris. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

Book your Paris Dinner Cruise

Faq about paris dinner cruises.

1. How do I book the Dinner Cruise in Paris?

You can book the cruise online, directly from the Bateaux Parisiens – Seino Vision website or any popular travel agency website. Just select your preferred date and time and make a secure payment to confirm your reservation.

2. How much does A Paris Dinner Cruise cost?

The price of the cruise varies based on the service you choose. Etoile service, with seating in the center of the boat, is the most affordable, while Premier service, which provides privileged seating at the front of the boat, is the priciest. Remember, all services include a delightful three or four-course meal.

3. When is the best time to take the dinner cruise in Paris?

Though the dinner cruise is a year-round experience, it’s especially magical in the summer months when the days are longer and Paris is in full bloom. However, there’s a unique charm to seeing the city lights reflected on the Seine on a crisp winter evening too.

4. What should I wear?

The dress code for the dinner cruise is smart casual. So, guys, no need for a tux, but perhaps leave the shorts at the hotel. Ladies, a comfortable dress or nice pants outfit works well. And remember, even in summer, it can get a little breezy on the water, so you might want to bring along a light jacket.

5. Is there a vegetarian menu option?

Absolutely! The cruise caters to various dietary needs. Just make sure to request a vegetarian meal while booking your cruise.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed reading my review of the Paris dinner cruise I took and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiana (@wheretianatravelss)

Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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Private Seine River Cruises – Which One is the Best for You?

The Seine is a river in France that flows through  Paris’s  heart, making its way through numerous popular landmarks.

Due to this, the  Seine River Cruises  are very famous among tourists and locals, as numerous reputable firms provide the Seine River Cruises.

There is a guided Seine cruise that offers immense learning throughout the journey, a private Seine cruise for an intimate experience, and a dinner cruise for a wholesome experience.

This article shares some Private Seine River Cruises that you must know about before booking cruise tickets.

Top Private Seine River Cruises Tickets

# Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower Private Tour # Private Family Tour and Seine River Cruise # Heart of Paris Private Boat Tour  

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Before taking a guided tour of Paris and learning about its most important landmarks, passengers should cruise along the Seine and take in the bridges and other views.

You can take a unique boat to tour Paris’s central area with your friends and family.

Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the sights of the Eiffel Tower , Ile de la Cité island, and Pont Alexandre III bridge.

Discover the Louvre , Notre Dame de Paris, and many more.

On this private or shared guided boat tour down the Seine, discover Paris from a unique angle. 

There are also specialized games and quizzes to keep your kids completely engaged.

With tickets for a  Seine River Hop on Hop off Cruise , you can double the enjoyment during your trip to Paris.

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There are different types of private river cruises available for visitors. 

Some of them are listed below.

Best Seine River Private Cruises

Although many private cruises are available on the Seine River, we share the best ones below.

With this ticket, visitors can set out on a tour of Paris by boarding a Hop-on Hop-off bus and taking a boat ride along the Seine for one hour while listening to the recorded narration.

Explore the gems of the city on bus tour with stops near the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and over 50 points of interest.

Hop on and hop off at your leisure and discover the iconic attractions at your pace and comfort.

Join a boat excursion along the Seine to explore Paris’ most well-known bridges and landmarks. 

Passengers can see the Champs-Élysée, the Louvre, the Invalides, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, some of Paris’ well-known landmarks, and continue to the stunning Sacré-Coeur neighborhood, Montparnasse Tower , and much more.

Ticket Prices

24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off and Seine River Cruise

Adult Ticket (13+ years): €53 Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): €32

48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off and Seine River Cruise

Adult Ticket (13+ years): €68 Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): €38

Recommended Reading: # Best Seine River Cruise # Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise

With this ticket, enjoy a private guided tour of Paris, discover the city’s iconic attractions, and enjoy a relaxing one-hour river cruise on the Seine River.

The tour starts from the Musée du Louvre, and after that, you will explore the Palais Royal, the Paris Opéra, the Eiffel Tower, and many more.

The local tour guide has some interesting games that engage kids throughout the journey.

After the tour, you will board a boat on the Seine and enjoy the magnificent views of the most prominent monuments. 

The ticket for the Seine River cruise is valid at any time; if you’d like, you can leave the day after the tour.

Ticket Cost: €180 per group up to 2

The  Seine River night cruise  is another synonym for luxury since it offers a wide range of high-end amenities and activities to entertain guests throughout the journey.

With this ticket, unwind on a relaxing, romantic, and refreshing Seine River Cruise and take in picturesque views of the island of Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint Louis from the comfort of your seats.

Catch a glimpse of the Notre Dame cathedral, old churches and hotels, the Eiffel Tower, and the Pont Alexandre III bridge.

Bring your own drinks and snacks and enjoy this private boat tour.

Ticket Cost: €499 (for a group of 7)

Recommended Reading: # Seine River Cruise with dinner # Seine River Lunch Cruise # Bateaux Parisiens Seine river Gourmet dinner

Observe Paris’s most iconic structures, take a relaxing and private Seine River tour, and discover Paris from a different angle.

Listen to your skipper’s passionate and fascinating facts and stories, experience a timeless moment ideal for families and couples, and see Paris from a fresh angle as you cruise along the Seine.

You can also enjoy the welcoming and pleasant ambiance as you tour the capital of France’s famous sites. 

Bring your snacks and drinks to enjoy onboard, and connect your music via Bluetooth.

Watch as landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and more pass by. 

Any time of year, day or night, have a drink and a snack while admiring Paris’ allure. 

Ticket Cost: €420 (for a group of 6)

As you move along the Seine River’s surface, inhale the clean air and take the most well-known Parisian sights from a novel angle.

Travel beneath the oldest stone bridge in Europe and take unique pictures.

View riverside attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, and enjoy your food and beverages onboard.

The Statue of Liberty is the first landmark you’ll pass as you cruise by, then the Eiffel Tower, the Alexander III Bridge, the Orsay Museum, and the Louvre. 

The ancient Pont Neuf, the first bridge in Paris and the oldest stone bridge in Europe, will be passed by boat. 

You will get a distinctive perspective of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Paris Plages, a well-known artificial beach along the Seine just beyond. 

Return to the Port of Javel Bas, where the tour started, following your picturesque cruise around Paris. 

Ticket Cost: €399 (for a group of 5)

Before boarding the cruise, remember a few things.

– No pets, smoking, luggage, or heavy bags are permitted on the boat.

– The local guide may change or cancel some circuits without prior notification.

– You must give the local supplier your hotel location at least 72 hours (local time) before the tour’s departure to be picked up for it.

– Food and beverages are permitted aboard the boat.

– There are no restrooms on the boats.

– The tour begins at the city of Suresnes, which is located outside of Paris.

– Keep in mind that this experience is highly reliant on the weather.

Private Seine River Night Cruise Review

Seine River Cruise is a well-liked tourist destination on Tripadvisor with a score of 4.5.

Check out the two reviews we chose for the Best Seine River Night Cruise to understand what to expect.

Artur looked after us very well and took some wonderful photos. His knowledge of Paris and the sights along the Seine was appreciated. We had a semi-private tour with a nice young couple (Justin & Monica) and there was plenty of space.

Great experience! Arthur was an awesome guide… he took photos, and provided champagne and sweets at no additional cost. He provided great info about the city, and he really made the trip memorable. Highly recommended!

justaxel2017

Sources # Seine-privee.paris # Boatinparis.fr # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Poulami Hore

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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