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Bateaux Mouches: Experience the best Seine River cruises in Paris

If you're visiting Paris and looking for a unique way to see the city, Bateaux-Mouches is one of the most iconic river cruise experiences available. Known for its large open-deck boats and panoramic views, Bateaux-Mouches offers visitors the chance to drift along the River Seine while taking in the most breathtaking sights of the French capital — all from the water.

A bit of history

The term "Bateau-Mouche" literally translates to “fly boat,” named after the area of Lyon where these types of boats were originally manufactured. But today, Bateaux-Mouches refers specifically to the Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches, founded in 1949 by Jean Bruel. He had a vision: to show off Paris from its most scenic route — the Seine. His company was the first to launch guided river cruises for tourists, and over 70 years later, Bateaux-Mouches remains a symbol of Parisian charm and discovery.

























Book your Bateaux Mouches cruise here

Bateaux Mouches Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music & French Menu
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2 hr. 15 min.
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Bateaux Mouches Seine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Live Commentary
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1 hr. 10 min.
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Seine River Cruise from Pont de l'Alma with Sparkling Champagne
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1 hr. 10 min.
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Combo (Save 13%): Orsay Museum with Audio Guide + Seine River Cruise Tickets
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€39.93
Combo: Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator with Seine River Cruise
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2 hr.
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€60.50
Combo (Save 9%): Opéra Garnier Tickets + Seine River Paris Sightseeing Cruise
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€30.93

Pick your style: Types of Bateaux Mouches Seine cruises

Batateux Mouches, with an open air deck, on its way to take people onboard.

Sightseeing cruises

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

What to expect:

  • Whether you choose to sit on the open-air deck or inside the glass-enclosed cabin, you'll have clear, unobstructed views of Paris’ most famous attractions.
  • On the sightseeing cruise, you’ll get an audio guide in multiple languages, sharing fascinating stories and facts about the landmarks you pass.
  • These run daily, departing every 30 minutes in the low season (October to March) and every 45 minutes in the high season (April to September).

Best for:

Ideal for first-time visitors, those short on time, or anyone wanting a relaxed sightseeing experience without a meal.

Sites covered:

Some of the sites covered are the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay.

Recommended tickets:

1-Hour Seine River Cruise with Live Commentary

Live music and window seat on Bataeux Mouches Seine River Cruise

Dinner cruises

Duration: 2 hour 15 minutes 

What to expect:

  • The dinner cruise provides a more refined and intimate atmosphere as you glide past the city’s illuminated landmarks. Enjoy a full-course gourmet meal with appetizers, main dishes, and desserts, often paired with fine wines.
  • Dinner cruises doesn’t usually include an audio guide, but some options feature live music or entertainment, creating an even more special and romantic ambiance for your evening.
  • This is an evening-only experience with select departure times, creating a relaxed and sophisticated setting to end your day.

Best for:

Perfect for special occasions, couples, or anyone seeking a romantic and luxurious evening.

Menu:

Choose between the Prestige menu and the Excellence menu

Recommended tickets:

Bateaux Mouches Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music & French Menu

Know before you go on a Bateaux Mouches cruise

Timings
Boarding point
Route
Facilities
Rules
Seine River cruise with Bateaux Mouches, Paris landmarks in view.
  • Sightseeing cruises
    April to September (High season)
    10am to 10:30pm - Departures are scheduled every 30 minutes.
    October to March (Low season)
    10:15am to 9:30pm - Departures are scheduled every 45 minutes
  • Lunch cruises
    Boarding time - 12pm to 12:15pm
    Departure - 12:30pm
    Return to dock - 2:15pm
  • Dinner cruises
    Boarding time - 8pm to 8:30pm
    Departure - 8:30pm
    Return to dock - 10:45pm

All cruises (both sightseeing and dining) follow the same central route along the Seine — a round trip that starts and ends at Port de la Conférence, near Pont de l'Alma.

You’ll pass by some of the most iconic landmarks in the city, including:

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Les Invalides
  • Musée d’Orsay
  • Louvre Museum
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis
  • Conciergerie & Sainte-Chapelle
  • Pont Alexandre III, Pont Neuf, and several other historic bridges
Seine River cruise with wheelchair accessibility in London.
  • Wheelchair accessibility 
  • Audio guides
  • Live commentary
  • Washrooms
Seine River dinner cruise with live music on Bateaux Mouches, Paris.
  • For dinner cruises, a formal dress code applies. Smart attire is a must, and items like sportswear, flip-flops, Bermuda shorts, and baseball caps are not allowed to maintain the elegant atmosphere.
  • Guests are expected to behave respectfully at all times to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone on board.
  • The management reserves the right to deny boarding or ask guests to leave if they do not follow the dress code or exhibit inappropriate behavior.
  • Safety is a priority, so always follow the crew’s instructions—they’re there to keep you safe and make your cruise enjoyable.
  • Dangerous materials, such as flammable or harmful substances, are strictly prohibited on board.
  • While animals are not allowed on the cruise, guide dogs are warmly welcomed to accommodate those who need them.

Frequently asked questions about the Bateaux Mouches cruise

Do I need to book in advance for a sightseeing cruise?

Online booking can save time during peak seasons or holidays. That being said, booking isn’t required for the 1-hour sightseeing cruise. You can just walk up to the ticket booth near Pont de l’Alma and buy a ticket on the spot.

What makes the Bateaux Mouches cruise special compared to other Seine River cruises?

Bateaux Mouches is the original Seine River cruise, offering panoramic glass boats, open-air decks, and live commentary in multiple languages. The fleet is one of the largest, ensuring frequent departures and spacious seating.

Is there a big difference between front, middle, and back seating?

Yes — if you're aiming for photo-perfect views, try to sit toward the front upper deck for minimal obstructions and the best angles. The back is quieter and often has fewer people, ideal for a relaxed experience.

What languages is the commentary in?

Live commentary is in English and French. If you speak other languages, you may want to download an audio guide app (unofficial ones are available) or follow along with a printed map showing key landmarks.

Can I do a cruise at night without dinner?

Yes! Evening sightseeing cruises run until around 10:30pm (peak season), so you can still enjoy the Eiffel Tower lights and Paris illuminated without committing to dinner.

Are meals included in all the cruises?

No, only the dinner cruises include meals. Sightseeing cruises do not offer food but may have light snacks and drinks available for purchase.

How early should I arrive for the cruise?

Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Can I take a cruise in bad weather?

Yes, the boats are equipped with indoor seating and panoramic windows, ensuring a great experience regardless of the weather.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes, dining cruises have vegetarian menus as well.

Why don’t sightseeing cruises pass the Statue of Liberty replica?

The 1-hour-10-minute route focuses on central landmarks; extended routes require dining cruises.