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Everything you need to know to plan your Seine River cruise

You’re visiting Paris, which naturally means that a Seine River Cruise is on your itinerary. And if it’s still not, we say add it to your list now, because that is a thing of the bucket lists and you don’t want to miss it!

Now that you're convinced, wondering what’s next? How do you go about planning your trip, choosing the right day and getting to the boarding points? Keep reading this guide to know all there is before you hop on your cruise adventure.

Types of cruises to choose from

Sightseeing cruises

  • General operating hours: 10am - 10pm
  • Duration: 1 - 2 hours
  • Best for: Perfect for anyone wanting a quick tour of Paris with amazing views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. Great for tourists on tight schedules.

Recommended tickets

​1-Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise

​Seine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower

Views from a unique vantage point

Lunch cruises

  • General operating hours: 12pm - 3pm
  • Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
  • Best for: Ideal for those who want to pair a relaxing mid-day meal with beautiful views of Paris, offering a serene daytime experience.

Recommended tickets

​Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Lunch Cruise with French Menu

​Théo Boat Seine River Brunch Cruise with Italian Menu

Lunch with a view

Dinner cruises

  • General operating hours: 8pm - 11pm
  • Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours
  • Best for: Best for people looking for an extended, romantic evening with live entertainment like music or cabaret, making it a special occasion.

Recommended tickets

​Théo Boat Seine River Dinner Cruise with Italian Menu

​Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Dinner Cruise with French Premium Menu

Dinner, views, and special occasions

Hop-on-hop-off cruises

  • General operating hours: 10am - 7pm
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Best for: Recommended for people who want to escape the city bustle and get faster to the Parisian landmarks for a sightseeing tour at their own pace.

Recommended tickets

​Seine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower

Travel made easy

What is the best time to go on a Seine River cruise?

Weekday vs. weekend

  • Weekday: If you’re after a calm and relaxed experience, weekdays are ideal. With fewer crowds, you can truly soak in the serene beauty of the Seine. Consider booking just before sunset for breathtaking views as the city transitions into evening.
  • Weekend: Weekends bring an energetic vibe to Paris, and the Seine is no exception. The cruises tend to be more lively, offering a chance to feel the city's buzz. Be sure to reserve your spot early, as demand is high. Whether it’s sightseeing or a romantic evening cruise, there’s something for everyone.

Best month of the year

  • April to October: These months are perfect for cruising, thanks to warm weather and a golden glow that highlights Paris's beauty. Whether it’s a sunny day or a breezy afternoon, the charm of the Seine is unforgettable.
  • June to August: Summer in Paris is quieter than you might expect, as many locals leave for vacation. This means more peaceful cruises on sunny days, though occasional rain showers might occur—keeping an umbrella handy is a good idea.

Best time of the day

At night

Paris is truly magical after dark. As the city lights illuminate landmarks, the Seine sparkles with romance and elegance, creating an intimate and unforgettable setting. During peak tourist season, aim for the first or last cruise of the day to enjoy a quieter and more exclusive experience.

​Know detailed timings >

Seine River cruise boarding points

From central Paris:

  • 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.
Different options to suit all

From central Paris:

  • 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.
Timings, getting there, and more
  • The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour after sunset for 5 minutes — plan your cruise to pass by during that time for a truly magical moment.
  • Notice the contrast in architecture and vibe between the Left Bank (bohemian, literary, relaxed) and the Right Bank (grand, regal, bustling).
  • Paris’s bridges are mini art galleries — from sculptures to carvings. Don’t miss Pont Alexandre III, one of the most ornate and photogenic.
  • Cruising around golden hour (just before sunset) gives you beautiful daylight views and a gradual transition into the glowing night lights.
  • Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure to snag front-row or upper-deck seats with the best views — especially for open-deck boats.

Find the Bateaux Parisiens route here

Depart from the dock near the Eiffel Tower and cruise past landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Musée d’Orsay on this scenic route.

Bateaux Mouches riding over Seine River with people onboard.

​Find more about Bateaux Parisiens

Find the Bateaux Mouches route here

Starting from Pont de l'Alma, this route offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, and other iconic riverside landmarks.

Bateaux Mouches riding over Seine River with people onboard.

​Find more about Bateaux Parisiens

Know before you go on a Seine River cruise

Tourists enjoying a Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
  • Seine River cruise boats usually feature both indoor and outdoor seating options.
  • Many cruises have restrooms onboard.
  • There are bars or cafés where you can grab drinks and snacks.
  • Lunch and dinner menus are commonly offered in more than five languages.
  • Most lunch and dinner cruises include live entertainment and an open dance floor for guests to enjoy.
  • If you prefer, you can swap your alcoholic drink for a soft drink.
  • Some cruises also offer audio commentary or live guides to enhance your experience.
Wheelchair ramp signage at Seine river, Paris ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
  • The Bateaux-Mouches cruises near Pont de l'Alma bridge are wheelchair accessible.
  • The Bateaux Parisiens cruises near the Pont d'Iéna bridge offer assistance to wheelchair users.
  • It's a good idea to double-check your tickets beforehand to ensure the boat is accessible.
  • Keep in mind that certain boats might have restricted accessibility or might need extra help for boarding.
Rustic cafe with burger and craft beer in a cozy setting, perfect for a relaxing meal on a river cruise.
  • Many Seine River cruise companies have a special menu designed for kids on their lunch and dinner cruises.
  • The kids' menu usually features popular, kid-friendly choices like burgers, chicken nuggets, or pasta.
  • Some cruises also accommodate dietary needs, offering vegetarian or gluten-free options for children.
  • Kids' meals often include a dessert or a soft drink, and some cruises even provide activities like coloring books to keep children entertained.
  • Make sure your child is dressed for the weather and consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, even in summer, as it can get cool.
No smoking sign on a boat during Seine River tour in Paris.
  • Smoking is usually prohibited on most Seine River cruise boats.
  • Plan to get to the boarding area 15 to 30 minutes ahead of the departure time.
  • Pets are typically not permitted on Seine River cruises, except for service animals.
  • For your safety, you might need to wear a life jacket during the cruise, particularly in emergencies.
  • Always follow the guidance and instructions given by the crew and staff on board.
Woman deciding her casual outfit for the Seine River adventure.
  • Seine River cruises typically have a casual dress code, so feel free to wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
  • It's a good idea to dress in layers, particularly in cooler seasons, since temperatures on the boat can fluctuate.
  • For evening or dinner cruises, consider dressing a bit more formally than you would during the day, even though there isn't a strict dress code.
  • Steer clear of high heels or uncomfortable shoes, as you might need to navigate slippery areas or stairs while boarding or moving around the boat.

Frequently asked questions about going for a Seine River cruise

Yes, dinner cruises include gourmet meals, often with a choice of courses. Dietary preferences like vegetarian or gluten-free can usually be accommodated with advance notice.