Cruise Through Paris - Discover, Dine & Relax

Quick overview

• Ticket options: Choose from 1–1.5 hour sightseeing cruises, lunch or dinner cruises, Italian menu options with the cruise, Eiffel tower combo options and more.
  
• Boat types & onboard experience: Boats range from panoramic vessels with open decks or glass interiors to modern dining barges with large windows, rooftop or terrace access, and audio or live commentary.
  
• Boarding points & piers: Depending on your cruise operator, you’ll board from one of three permanent docks in Paris: Bateaux Parisiens, Paris Seine, or Bateaux-Mouches.
  
• Routes & sights: Standard routes follow the central Seine past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III, the Louvre and Pont Neuf.
  
• Dining & premium experiences: Options include lunch buffets, Sunday brunch, gourmet dinners, window-seat upgrades, champagne inclusions, and private rentals for a more exclusive setup.
  
• Queues & access: Pre-booked tickets may skip the ticket booth, not the boarding line; sunset and evening departures can mean waits, and open-deck seating is usually first-come, first-served.
  
• Good to know: Cruises generally run 10am–10pm, year-round and rain or shine; most larger boats have restrooms and wheelchair access, though some Pont Neuf departures involve steps.

​Know your ticket options ↓

Things to know before booking your Seine River cruise

• Best for first-time visitors: Pick a 1-hour sightseeing cruise with an audio guide or live commentary . It’s an easy way to see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and more.
  
• Best nighttime cruise: Choose a sunset or evening cruise to see Paris light up, with glowing bridges, illuminated monuments, and views of the sparkling Eiffel Tower.
  
• Best romantic option: Go for a lunch or dinner cruise with multi-course dining, window-seat upgrades, and, on select boats, live music.
  
• Cheapest Seine cruise: Standard sightseeing cruises are usually the most affordable. They last around an hour and still offer panoramic views from indoor areas and open-air decks.
  
• Best with kids: Daytime sightseeing cruises are shorter, easier to plan, and offer clearer views. Some lunch cruises also include children’s menus.
  
• Best with a meal: Choose lunch for a relaxed daytime ride or dinner for illuminated city views and a more atmospheric experience.
  
• Best seats for views: Window seats offer clearer, uninterrupted views. Standard seats cost less, while open-air decks are best in good weather.
  
• Best time to book: Evening, sunset, and dinner cruises fill up fastest, especially in summer. Book at least a week ahead for popular slots.
  
• Flexible vs timed tickets: Pick a flex ticket if your plans may change. Choose a timed ticket for lunch, dinner, sunset, or other high-demand departures.

Tips for a smooth experience

• Cruises generally operate rain or shine, so make sure to pack an umbrella or a warm jacket if needed. For evening cruises, consider a warm layer as temperatures may drop, especially on open decks.
  
• To avoid confusion, double-check the exact boarding point before heading out. GPS navigation helps, but it’s best to confirm with your operator in advance.
  
• If you opt for a lunch/dinner cruise, review the menu in advance to ensure it caters to your dietary requirements. Notify the boat operators well in advance so they can accommodate your needs.
  
• Most cruise boats are wheelchair accessible. However, it is best to contact your operator beforehand so they can make any necessary arrangements.
  
• If you’re prone to seasickness, opt for a covered boat or sit near the center of the vessel, where movement is less noticeable.
  
• If you’re visiting in winter, dress warmly as temperatures can drop significantly in the evening, particularly on open-air decks.