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- Seine River
- Sightseeing Cruises
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- The Seine & Eiffel Experience
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Cruise Through Paris - Discover, Dine & Relax
Not sure which Seine River cruise is right for you?
Compare Seine River cruise types, from 1-hour sightseeing rides to gourmet dinner experiences, including seating classes, food menus, and onboard extras — all in one helpful guide.
Why go on a Seine River cruise?
Spot iconic landmarks
Enjoy front-row views of Paris’ most famous sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay. From the river, you’ll see these landmarks from a serene angle that’s hard to capture from the busy city streets.
Things to know before booking your Seine River cruise
Not sure which Seine River cruise to choose? Here’s what you need to know before you book — from timing to seating to dining options.
When to book your cruise
- Evening and dinner cruises book up fast — especially in summer. Reserve at least a week in advance. Sightseeing cruises run frequently, but peak hours still get crowded.
- If your plans are flexible, choose a flex-ticket (valid for 6 months). On a fixed schedule? Opt for a timed ticket, especially for lunch or dinner cruises.
Day time vs evening cruises
- A 1-hour sightseeing cruise is the quickest and most affordable way to see major Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre.
- Daytime cruises offer clear views and softer light for photos. Evening cruises deliver Paris at its most magical — with bridges, monuments, and the Eiffel Tower beautifully illuminated.
- Add an audio guide or live commentary for a more informative ride — perfect for first-timers.
Lunch & dinner cruises
- Looking for a more romantic or immersive experience? Go for a lunch or dinner cruise. These 90–120 minute cruises include a multi-course meal with views of Paris’ most iconic landmarks.
- Pricing: €65–€195 depending on the menu, wine, and entertainment options. Most boats serve French or Italian cuisine, with vegetarian and kids' menus available.
- Some dinner cruises also include live music, DJs, or even dance floors for a more festive atmosphere.
Recommended tickets
- Théo Boat Seine River Dinner Cruise with Italian Menu
- Marina Seine River Lunch Cruise with Brasserie Menu
Choosing your seat
- If you're on a budget, standard seating still offers panoramic views thanks to glass walls — but you may need to stand for the best photo ops.
- Want front-row views? Upgrade to a window seat (usually for a small premium).
- Open-air decks are great on sunny days, but Paris weather can turn — in fall or winter, pick a cruise with indoor or dual seating to stay comfortable.
Seine river cruise types explained
Cruise type
Boarding point
Duration
Timings
Food & drinks
Entertainment
Audio Guide
Best for
Price range
Sightseeing - Day
Port de la Bourdonnais or near Notre-Dame
1 hour
10am - 5pm
✘
✘
✔
First-time visitors, quick tours
Sightseeing - Evening
Port de la Bourdonnais or near Notre-Dame
1 hour
5pm - 9pm
✘
✘
✔
Eiffel Tower sparkle, romantic views
Lunch
Port de la Bourdonnais or Paris Seine Marina
2 hours
Starts at 12:30pm
3-course French meal, wine/champagne
✘
✘
Couples, mid-day experience, foodies
Dinner
Port de la Bourdonnais or Paris Seine Marina
2 to 2.5 hours
Starts at 7pm or 8:30pm
Multi-course gourmet meal, wine/champagne
Live music/singers or DJ
✘
Romantic evenings, celebrations, premium vibe
Hear what our guests have to say
Get to know your tour operators
When choosing a Seine River cruise, it’s important to know a little about the tour operators to ensure you’re selecting the best experience for your preferences. Here’s a guide to some of the most well-known and reputable operators, each offering unique experiences along the Seine.
Bateaux Parisiens
- Best for: Classic Parisian sightseeing & flexible cruise types
- Cruise types: Sightseeing, lunch, dinner
- Style: Large, glass-covered boats with panoramic views
- Boarding point: Near Eiffel Tower (Port de la Bourdonnais)
Popular tours:
- 1-Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise
Bateaux Mouches
- Best for: Open-air sightseeing & premium dinner cruises
- Cruise types: Sightseeing (day/night), dinner
- Style: Open-deck boats, traditional feel, live music onboard
- Boarding point: Port de la Conférence (near Pont de l'Alma)
- Bateaux Mouches Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music & French Menu
Le Diamant Bleu
- Best for: Luxury dining with live entertainment
- Cruise types: Upscale dinner cruises
- Style: Sleek modern interiors, DJ or live music
- Boarding point: Varies along the Seine
Popular tours:
- Le Diamant Bleu Seine River Dinner Cruise with French Premium Menu
The Theo
- Best for: Small groups & intimate sightseeing
- Cruise types: Lunch and dinner
- Style: Cozy, family-friendly, casual
- Boarding point: Varies — usually central Paris
Popular tours:
- Seine River Dinner Cruise with Italian Menu
All aboard! Where are you boarding your Seine River cruise from?
Whichever your choice of cruise, you’ll be boarding it from one of the three permanent boarding docks mentioned below.
Bateaux Parisiens
Paris Seine
Bateaux-Mouches
Metro: Take line 6 or 9 and get off at Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro.
RER: Use line C and get off at Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel.
Bus: Lines 42, 69, 82, or 87. Nearest stops are Tour Eiffel or Iéna.
Area highlights: Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, Trocadéro Gardens, Quai Branly Museum, and shopping at Rue de Passy.
Get more infoMetro: Take line 12 and get off at Solferino.
RER: Use Line C and get off at Musée d’Orsay.
Bus: Lines 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87, or 94. Nearest stop is Musée d’Orsay.
Area highlights: Orsay and the Louvre Museums, Pont des Arts, and charming cafes along Rue de Rivoli.
Metro: Take line B or C and get off at Cité or Maubert - Mutualité.
RER: Use line B or C and get off at St Michel Notre Dame.
Bus: Lines 27, 38, 47, 63, 75, N15, N22, or 96. Nearest stops are Lagrange, Saint-Michel, Dante, Pont de L'Archevêché, and Saint-Michel - Saint-Germain.
Area highlights: Petit Palais, Grand Palais, Orangerie Museum, Place de la Concorde, Pont Alexandre III, Champs-Élysées, and the Tuileries Garden.
Get more infoTop landmarks to spot on your Seine River cruise
Eiffel Tower
The most iconic symbol of Paris, offering stunning views from its towering heights.
Read more
Plan your Seine River cruise experience
Timings
Best time to go
Food & drinks menu
Facilities
Rules & Regulations
Tips
Although cruise hours will differ depending on your chosen operator, here’s a general overview of cruise timings and durations to help you plan your day better:
Sightseeing cruises: Daytime cruises start at 9am and the evening cruises begin after 5pm, departing every 30 minutes.
Lunch cruises: Usually start at 12:30pm onward.
Dinner cruises: Start from 6pm onward.
Crew tip: To avoid delays, please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled boarding time.
- For fewer crowds, go between April–May or September–October. Summer is the busiest time, especially in July and August, when cruises can feel more crowded.
- Opt for weekdays as weekends tend to be more crowded, particularly in the evening when locals also enjoy dinner cruises.
- If you want a more peaceful experience, consider booking your cruise for the late afternoon or early evening, when the city transitions into its evening glow.
While the food and beverage options vary across cruises, through seasons and availability, here are a few menu links to help you understand what to expect on a cruise:
- Bateaux Parisiens: Lunch menu, Gourmet menu, and Dinner menu
- Bateaux Mouches: Prestige menu, Excellence menu, and Kids menu
- Seine River: Lunch menu, Dinner menu, and Italian dinner menu
- Le Diamant Bleu: French dinner menu
Crew tip: Some cruises offer complimentary beverages such as water, coffee, wine, champagne, and cocktails. You can check these under ticket inclusions.
- Comfort & accessibility: Restrooms, Free WiFi, Life jackets, Wheelchair accessibility
- Onboard entertainment: Live music, Audioguides, Dancefloor (on select cruises)
- Dining: Bars, Private reservations (on select cruises)
- Passengers must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to complete check-ins and boarding procedures.
- All passengers must present their booking confirmation or e-ticket before boarding.
- Follow the instructions of the crew during boarding and disembarking for a smooth and safe experience.
- While no strict dress code applies, smart casual attire is encouraged, particularly for dining cruises.
- Smoking is generally prohibited inside the boat, but it may be allowed on the open-air sections.
- Only guide dogs are permitted onboard; no other pets are allowed.
- Please be mindful of other passengers—loud noises, disruptive behavior, and intoxication are not allowed.
- Due to space limitations, large suitcases and backpacks are not permitted onboard. Carry only essential items.
- Bringing outside food and drinks onboard is not allowed. Enjoy the available onboard refreshments instead.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions about Seine River cruises in Paris
What are the different ticket options available for a Seine River cruise?
The various ticket options for Seine River cruises include standard sightseeing cruises, and lunch & dinner cruises. Some tickets may offer guided commentary, meals, or drinks. Choose based on your desired experience—whether it’s a romantic evening, a quick tour, or a luxury private cruise.
Are flexible tickets available?
Yes, many cruises offer flexible tickets allowing you to board within 6 months from purchase, giving you freedom if your schedule isn’t fixed.
Can I book a Seine River cruise last minute?
Yes, it’s possible to book a Seine River cruise last minute, but it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, weekends, or for special cruises like dinner cruises. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred time and type of cruise.
What’s the best cruise for a romantic evening?
A dinner cruise at sunset is the most romantic option. You’ll enjoy a gourmet meal, wine, and live music as the city lights up. For extra romance, opt for window seating.
Is the Seine River cruise accessible to disabled visitors?
Yes, most Seine River cruises are accessible to disabled visitors. Cruise boats typically feature ramps for easy boarding, and there are dedicated seating areas for those with mobility challenges. It’s advisable to check with the operator in advance regarding specific accessibility needs, especially restroom access.
Are children allowed on the Seine River cruise?
Yes, children are welcome on the Seine River cruise. It’s a family-friendly experience. However, for dinner cruises, it’s best to choose a time that fits your child’s routine, as they may run late into the evening.
How can I make the most of my Seine River cruise experience?
To make the most of your cruise, consider choosing a guided tour that offers historical and cultural insights into the landmarks you’ll pass. Opt for a sunset or night cruise to witness Paris’s illuminated skyline. For a more memorable experience, book a dinner cruise or add extras like champagne tasting.
What happens if it rains on the day of my Seine River cruise?
Seine River cruises operate rain or shine. Most boats have covered areas or glass ceilings, so you’ll stay dry while enjoying the views. In case of severe weather, check with the operator regarding any possible changes or cancellations.
In which languages are food menus available on the dining cruise?
Dining cruise menus are available in multiple languages, including French, English, Spanish, German, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Korean, Chinese, and Portuguese.
Are there any stops during a sightseeing cruise?
No, sightseeing cruises are non-stop, lasting around an hour. However, all boats have accessible restrooms on board.