Seine Cruise

Cruise Through Paris - Discover, Dine & Relax

Panoramic, Open-top views
Panoramic, Open-top views
Frequent Departures
Frequent Departures
Audio guide & Commentary available
Audio guide & Commentary available
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Eiffel Tower view from Seine River cruise in Paris, France.
Seine River Cruise boat passing by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
Louvre Museum viewed from River
Notre-Dame de Paris illuminated at night during city tour.
Pont des Arts bridge over the Seine River in Paris with padlocks attached to the railing.
Seine River Cruise boat passing by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
4.5(0)

1-Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise

1 hr.
Free cancellation
Board at Port de la Bourdonnais
Multilingual audioguide
View popular sights like Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Louvre Museum +6 more
reviewer
MelroseJun, 2025
5/5

I was able to see Paris landmarks, including Eiffel Tower, Norte Dame and others.

reviewer
yazApr, 2025
5/5

deffnelty the settings and lights are my favorite parts , i adored the views , it's priceless

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MatildaApr, 2025
5/5

It was a lovely trip. A seamless check in process.

reviewer
PeggyApr, 2025
4/5

It's a great way to get a good visual aspect of Paris from the water. Also relaxing. Great first day activity!

reviewer
AbigailApr, 2025
4/5

I really enjoyed the views you can get during the ride.

reviewer
JUANApr, 2025
4/5

Excellent Very good experience we had a great time, great tour

reviewer
MrsJul, 2025
5/5

Queue was long but moved quickly. 10pm cruise was beautiful when lights came on and Eiffel Tower sparkled as we pulled in. Boat was comfortable with toilet facilities.

reviewer
KeyurJul, 2025
4/5

The actual illuminated sites. Audio was hard to hear upstairs outside especially if other kids are screaming. Limited seating options poses overcrowding upstairs and doesn't leave room to "move around" (while being safe) in order to capture different sites and pictures appropriately.

reviewer
VALENTINAJul, 2025
4/5

You see in an hour the main monuments of downtown from a different perspective, very nice at sunset! One relaxes after a day of walking The lines are long but smooth

reviewer
AmyJun, 2025
5/5

We loved it. I bought tickets ahead of time. We had a little wait to get on a boat but not long. We left at 9:30pm (end of May) and it was perfect timing to see sunset on the way back and Eiffle tower lit up. Great experience!

reviewer
ARNAUDJun, 2025
5/5

EVERYTHING! Everything was beautiful, much more beautiful than my memories of when I was little... 30 years ago!

reviewer
MariaJun, 2025
4/5

It was nice to have done it. But wouldn't do it again. It's a quick show around Siene, that you can't actually see much! Not a problem with the company nor service..

reviewer
LyndaMay, 2025
4/5

Great atmosphere on the boat. Great to see so many sights from the river. We were too early on the day to see the tower lit up but it was a beautiful trip

reviewer
SusannaMay, 2025
4/5

It was easy to book. Great view of all the famous landmarks. Busy but enough space for all. Loved the e experience, great guide to download but maybe a bit of commentary , would have helped too? The only thing that spoiled it was other visitors as they would not sit down so struggled with some photos as in the way

reviewer
DonnaMay, 2025
5/5

My husband was in a wheelchair and the guide made sure we were in front of him and just took very good care of us. He was very knowledgeable about everything

reviewer
SURESHApr, 2025
5/5

We loved the relaxed sail passing through the most important monuments of Paris. The lights on these monuments added to the charm of the entire sailing.

reviewer
KathleenApr, 2025
4/5

The view of Paris in the evening was very beautiful, especially when the Eiffel Tower began to light up. It was of course very crowded and almost everyone was up on the sun deck. You have to like crowds. Afternoon trips are less crowded.

reviewer
LisaApr, 2025
4/5

Staff were amazing and saw me in the line with mobility issue, bought me ahead to board away from crowd. I would have loved some brief voice over guide when we passed special sites

reviewer
silviaJun, 2025
4/5

the guide very clear and professional

reviewer
AnnaJun, 2025
5/5

Lovely way to see the sights and cool down in the hot weather!

reviewer
JENNYJun, 2025
5/5

Spectacular service... clear explanation in several languages

reviewer
ShobhitJun, 2025
4/5

Ticketing experience is excellent and I liked to see the places through river

reviewer
EDUARDOJun, 2025
5/5

The experience was fantastic, the staff is cordial and synaptic.

reviewer
IvanJun, 2025
5/5

Good Route it covers lots of key places and has short and informative audio guides for each

reviewer
JackJun, 2025
4/5

How efficient the system was for the cruise.

Seine River cruise boat near Eiffel Tower, Paris, France.
View of the Seine River from a sightseeing cruise, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, part of the combo Rodin Museum & Sculptures Garden Skip-the-Line Tickets and 1-Hour Seine River Sightseeing Cruise in Paris
Seine River cruise with tourists viewing the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Seine River cruise boat passing by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Seine River cruise with tourists viewing Eiffel Tower, part of combo ticket with Rodin Museum access.
Seine River Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower
Seine River Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower
Seine River Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower
Seine River Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower
4.7(0)

Seine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower

Flexible duration
Free cancellation
Board at Port de la Bourdonnais
Multilingual audioguide
View popular sights like Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Musée d'Orsay +6 more
reviewer
JasonApr, 2025
4/5

Booking the tickets were straight forward, the fact you had to collect the macaroons yourself from a particular shop could have been made clearer, saying that, the shop was even to find and the staff was aware of the situation. The meet-up of location stated Bay 3, there was a bay 3.1 and 3.2 - specifying which exact bay would have avoided any confusion. The staff at the location were extremely friendly and helpful, the cruise itself was good. The audio guide was very useful, I would definitely do this cruise again. Great work.

reviewer
NileenaJun, 2025
4/5

Easy admission and comfortable ride

reviewer
JanMay, 2025
5/5

pleasant experience, comfortable sailing

reviewer
KatieApr, 2025
5/5

Really nice experience with beautiful views . Big Que but it moves fast

reviewer
KJun, 2025
3/5

We still enjoyed it but the boat was crowded and the guide spoke very fast as he had 3 languages to speak. Reign it back and appreciate your tourists rather than trying to mass tourist instead.

reviewer
LaraJun, 2025
4/5

Everything went very well. The trip was great, we saw the main attractions in Paris and the guide told us about the history of each place. Buying the tickets was also super easy. Definitely an experience to repeat.

reviewer
RajaJun, 2025
5/5

Good directions to bost! Cruise was excellent. Nice boat, great viewing area and good speed! We saw amazing key attractions. Breakfast was a disappointment- no sit down but takeaway - orange juice,coffee and a croissant. Anyway cruise made up for this but in future, please be expliciit as to what's being offered.

reviewer
N.A.May, 2025
4/5

Nice from seine good picture and also in short time perception of the environment. And new images that you normally can not see

reviewer
AndreaMay, 2025
3/5

There were so many people that we had to stand, and the macaroni tasting was not on board, once it was over and off the ship we realized that we had to go to the souvenir store to collect them. We were not able to taste them

reviewer
T.A.May, 2025
5/5

The perfect organization for us to get us neatly on board and give us a great tour. We had more than enough opportunities to take beautiful pictures of Paris, partly because we were informed about this in a timely manner by the speaker.

reviewer
GraemeMay, 2025
5/5

Sitting opn top of the boat in the sunshine was glorious with views of a lot of the main sites including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.

reviewer
StephanApr, 2025
5/5

Everything went smoothly, check-in was problem-free, and in our case there was no queuing thanks to the online booking. The boats leave every 30 minutes so there is enough space.

reviewer
MatildeApr, 2025
5/5

The experience was beautiful. The tour takes an hour, you see the whole île de la cité that you would otherwise see on foot in a whole day. On the ferry you are comfortable, the price is low. Beautiful

reviewer
RimounApr, 2025
3/5

The idea of macaron tasting was interesting to have on the boat, which I missed because I didn't have the time to go to the redemption point for it. Maybe it's my mistake not to notice that in the beginning, but if I did ,I wouldn't buy it.

reviewer
MonaApr, 2025
3/5

At other attractions, you would have a shorter waiting time with the pre-booked ticket. Here you had to wait just as long as if you had bought the ticket on site

reviewer
SilviaApr, 2025
4/5

The tour is very nice and has an adequate duration. The entrance to the ship was quite agile and without much waiting. The idea of booking the day and being able to choose the schedule, I think it's great.

reviewer
MerjemApr, 2025
5/5

Taking a Seine River cruise in Paris was truly one of the highlights of my trip. From the moment we boarded, everything was smooth, well-organized, and inviting. The boat was modern and comfortable, with panoramic windows and an open-air deck that offered stunning views of the city. As we glided along the river, the sights were nothing short of breathtaking. Passing by iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay while the sun set and the city lights began to sparkle was an absolutely magical experience. Seeing Paris from the water gives you a unique and romantic perspective that you simply can’t get on foot. The commentary on board was informative but not overwhelming, giving just enough background to enrich the journey. I especially appreciated the peaceful atmosphere—perfect for relaxing, taking photos, or simply soaking in the beauty of Paris. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to the City of Light, I highly recommend taking a Seine cruise. It’s a timeless experience that captures the heart and soul of Paris in the most elegant way.

reviewer
GloriaJun, 2025
4/5

It is an unforgettable experience but lacked more precise information and in advance to make use of the audio.

reviewer
SmithaJun, 2025
4/5

Liked the Seine river cruise. It goes near all the land marks in Paris which we absolutely loved it.

reviewer
VerashinideviJun, 2025
5/5

The most amazing view but be prepared for the long walk

reviewer
IsabelJun, 2025
5/5

Great view of the city's sights from the Seine!

reviewer
MichaelJun, 2025
5/5

Fun experience and unique way to see the sights

reviewer
KatjaJun, 2025
3/5

Far too long.... You could have been on the tower much faster.

reviewer
LeanneJun, 2025
3/5

Your guide was great, rest was pretty average. Wouldn't recommend however the breakfast was great.

reviewer
BetsyJun, 2025
5/5

The cruise was organized and pleasant. I would recommend it to anyone, especially families.

View of the cruise during Seine and Canal St Martin cruise
View of the cruise during Seine and Canal St Martin cruise
View of Saint Martin Canal
Tourists enjoying a Combo: 29129 + 6235 day trip, exploring iconic landmarks and attractions in a vibrant cityscape
Tourists enjoying a 2.5-hour Seine River and Canal St Martin sightseeing cruise in Paris, with a view of iconic landmarks
Tourists enjoying a 2.5-hour Seine River and Canal St Martin sightseeing cruise in Paris, with a view of iconic landmarks
4.2(0)

Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Sightseeing Cruise

2 hr. 30 min.
Free cancellation
Board at Orsay Museum
View popular sights like Orsay Museum, Notre-Dame +3 more
reviewer
HeiligMay, 2025
5/5

The small St Martin canal has a special flair. A bit spooky but very interesting under the Bastille. Different from the Seine, but a great experience. 9 locks to the Rondette de la Vilette.

reviewer
UrsulaJun, 2025
5/5
reviewer
BenMay, 2025
5/5
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FlorianApr, 2025
5/5
reviewer
GANSApr, 2025
4/5
reviewer
AlainNov, 2024
4/5

Discover the locks and the 1.8km tunnel

reviewer
ThomasNov, 2024
4/5

Good Tour and intersting guide

reviewer
SeánNov, 2024
4/5
reviewer
ChristopherNov, 2024
2/5

I liked the route and such, but the guide had terrible english, we could only understand 30%

reviewer
IngridSep, 2024
4/5

Unexpectedly nice to come on other places then the usual

Seine River cruise boat with passengers enjoying live commentary in Paris.
Tourists on Big Bus Paris tour with Eiffel Tower view, Seine River cruise in background.
Bateaux Mouches on Seine River
Seine River cruise boat near Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Bateaux Mouches experience.
Seine River cruise boat with passengers enjoying live commentary in Paris.
View of Paris City from the Eiffel Tower Summit
Seine River cruise boat with passengers enjoying live commentary in Paris.
4.4(0)

Bateaux Mouches Seine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Live Commentary

1 hr. 10 min.
Free cancellation
Extended validity
Board at Bateaux Mouches Port de la Conférence
Multilingual audioguide
View popular sights like Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Louvre +1 more
reviewer
AngelaJun, 2025
4/5

Easy to hear descriptions os sites.

reviewer
ChristineJun, 2025
4/5

Booked online. Easy to find the boat, information in different languages

reviewer
johnJun, 2025
4/5

Loved the look at Paris via the river.

reviewer
MarianneJun, 2025
5/5

Loved all the sights in the Seine. Well organized tour.

reviewer
GrahamJun, 2025
5/5

Perfect timing for the lightning of the Eiffel Tower

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AlanJul, 2025
5/5
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JanieJul, 2025
5/5
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RebeccaJun, 2025
4/5
reviewer
EIRINIJun, 2025
4/5
reviewer
LucyJun, 2025
3/5
reviewer
AoifeJun, 2025
3/5
reviewer
JinjuJun, 2025
5/5
reviewer
AbigailJun, 2025
3/5
reviewer
RobertJun, 2025
5/5
reviewer
FOTEINIJun, 2025
5/5
reviewer
DebraJun, 2025
5/5
reviewer
BoglarkaJun, 2025
4/5
reviewer
AigokulMay, 2025
5/5
reviewer
KryzhanovskyiMay, 2025
5/5
reviewer
GieferMay, 2025
3/5
reviewer
RachitApr, 2025
3/5
reviewer
StefanieApr, 2025
5/5
reviewer
RobynApr, 2025
5/5
reviewer
FrancescaDec, 2024
4/5

Beautiful cruise on the Seine, not to be missed. The only not insignificant problem is that the guide can only be heard on the lower level. Those who choose to take the cruise on the uncovered upper level hear practically nothing. Otherwise everything is okay

reviewer
AnneNov, 2024
4/5

We were lucky to see the monuments on the Seine side. Great family experience despite a cool wind

Seine River cruise in Paris with passengers enjoying a French breakfast.
Seine River cruise boat with passengers enjoying French breakfast, Paris landmarks in view.
Seine River cruise in Paris with passengers enjoying a French breakfast.
Seine River cruise boat with passengers enjoying French breakfast, Paris landmarks in view.
Seine River cruise in Paris with passengers enjoying a French breakfast on a sunny morning.
Seine River cruise in Paris with passengers enjoying a French breakfast on a sunny morning.
Seine River cruise in Paris with passengers enjoying a French breakfast on a sunny morning.
3.6(0)

Seine River Morning Cruise with Breakfast

2 hr. 45 min.
Free cancellation
Board at Port de la Bourdonnais (Pier 5 or Pier 7)
Multilingual audioguide
View popular sights like Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre +6 more
reviewer
RajaJun, 2025
5/5

Good directions to bost! Cruise was excellent. Nice boat, great viewing area and good speed! We saw amazing key attractions. Breakfast was a disappointment- no sit down but takeaway - orange juice,coffee and a croissant. Anyway cruise made up for this but in future, please be expliciit as to what's being offered.

reviewer
RalphMay, 2025
4/5

The process was generally well organized. It is a pity that with almost all bookings, groups generally have "right of way", especially on boat tours, and individual visitors are left behind. Otherwise, it was a nice boat tour with a great audio guide.

reviewer
JorgeJun, 2025
3/5

Bad service in the restaurant of the brakefast

reviewer
LeanneJun, 2025
3/5

Your guide was great, rest was pretty average. Wouldn't recommend however the breakfast was great.

reviewer
RosemarieApr, 2025
5/5

Amazing experience. Loved it ♥️

reviewer
StephenApr, 2025
5/5
reviewer
PrudenceApr, 2025
3/5
reviewer
SoyanaMay, 2025
2/5

We bought a ticket for a tour incl breakfast. Later it turned out that the bag with the breakfast had to be picked up at a Brasserie. So it was not breakfast on the boat. Very disappointing. There was also no consideration for fast boarding. We never book this again

reviewer
MartinMay, 2025
1/5

Could not find the location of thr pier so we couldn't take the cruise

reviewer
FERNANDONov, 2024
5/5

It was a great experience with my family. The ship we boarded, left the dock on time, everything very neat and clean and the ride was very beautiful. I would do it again

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Dr. Horst Brünnet
DE

Dr.

Germany
Jun 2025
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+2 more

The route allowed us to see the top sights in 2 hours. The river cruise rounded off the experience. The frequency of the buses is very short and so there were no waiting times. However, we did not receive a map or the offer of headphones. 🎧 We used the app for the audio guide, but this was a bit cumbersome. It was also difficult to identify the route in the app. All in all, however, we received exactly the offer we were looking for.
Rebecca Woody
US

Rebecca

United States
Jun 2025
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The guides and owners were so friendly and supportive. They communicated very well and it was an easy, pleasurable tour! Their office was close to the event and the Sienne open tour was so helpful. Would highly recommend them!
Paul Jones
GB

Paul

United Kingdom
May 2025
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+2 more

The Eiffel Tower structure is outstanding & views are amazing from all levels. The atmosphere around the place is one of awe & excitement. Great seeing some people overcoming their fear of heights. Our tour guide "kendrick" was absolutely professional & helpful & informative about the whole structure & historic occurances at the tower 5*****👍
Aleksandar Dukic
RS

Aleksandar

Serbia
Jun 2025
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Everyting went as advertised. Premier service is worth every penny. Delicious food, excellent choice of champagne and wine, smooth ride in air conditioned cabin makes this cruise the unforgetable one.
Palle Bjerre
DK

Palle

Denmark
Jun 2025
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+1 more

Just so nice to enjoy a delicious French meal with friends while sailing on the Seine and seeing several worthwhile monuments and buildings along the way. Without doubt to be repeated. The ticketing was just perfect. One point to mention we would have liked the table right up front in the middle; how can one be sure to reserve that table?
DAILOS LEÓN ESCUELA
ES

Dailos

Spain
Jun 2025
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Sure, here's a review suggestion: ⸻ We had a wonderful experience at Bateaux Mouches. In addition to the exquisite food and the lovely atmosphere of the promenade, we would especially like to highlight the attention of the waiter who served us: he was super nice to us at all times, very attentive and professional. Undoubtedly, his treatment made the evening even more special. We would repeat without hesitation!
Cabras Alberto

Cabras

May 2025
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+1 more

We also managed to get in a few minutes earlier than the time stipulated in the reservation, and this allowed us to cope better with the queue at the security checkpoints. The museum is really big and rich, although some rooms were closed for new installations. The visit lasted for more than 5 hours, which literally flew by between pavilions. I recommend visiting the museum in the morning when it is open, so as to avoid as much as possible the huge mass of people arriving throughout the day. The beauties admired were a balm to the eyes and a caress to the soul.
Julia Miller
DE

Julia

Germany
May 2025
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I loved everything. The food was extremely good, the cruise was really amazing, the service was really nice! Would recommend! 10/10

Why book a sightseeing cruise on the Seine?

Vedettes de Paris cruise passing Notre Dame with people enjoying the Seine River, Paris.
Tourists enjoying a Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Seine River cruise passing from under a bridge on Seine River with tourists overlooking scenic views.
Parisian Bridge illuminated at night with Seine River reflections on water.
Pont des Arts bridge with love locks at evening time in Paris, France.
1/6

Front-row seats to Parisian architecture

Cruising the Seine is like flipping through a living history book. You'll glide past centuries of architecture, from the Gothic spires of Notre-Dame to the modern curves of the National Library. It's a chance to witness how Paris evolved, all in just over an hour's time!

Changing your point of view

Many of Paris’ landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, Pont Alexandre III, and Musée d’Orsay, look entirely different from the water. The unique angle offers picture-perfect perspectives that even the best ground-based tours can’t rival.

Easy sightseeing for tired feet

If you’ve been walking all day, a Seine cruise is a relaxing way to keep exploring without wearing yourself out. Recline on a comfortable deck chair and let Paris come to you.

Break away from the city’s hustle

Paris is enchanting but can also be overwhelming with its bustling streets and crowded attractions. A Seine cruise offers a peaceful escape where you can soak up the sights without navigating the crowds.

Parisian bridges and tales of wonderment

Paris’ bridges are works of art in their own right. From the ornate Pont Alexandre III to the minimalist Pont de l’Alma, each has a story, and cruising under them gives you the best view of their intricate details.

A scavenger cruise for hidden gems

Many cruises point out lesser-known details, like the haunting beauty of the statues on the Pont Neuf or the quirky bookstalls lining the banks of the river with live guides or audio tours. It’s a chance to learn fascinating trivia that even locals might miss.

Things to know before booking your cruise

  • Sightseeing cruises run through the morning till the night. Pick your time slot depending in what fits your plan. Daytime cruises are great for soaking in all the details of the city and its landmarks. If you’re after something more magical, the evening cruises lets you experience Paris lit up at night, with icons like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe glowing beautifully. You can choose to board at any time between the operating hours 10:30am to 9pm for Bateaux Parisiens and 10:15am to 10:30pm for Bateaux Mouches, as the cruises depart every hour.
  • While the sightseeing route for the cruise is mostly similar for all operators, some features may differ. For instance, Bateaux Parisiens have glass-encased boats that offer a more luxe experience and even provide onboard snacks with an upgrade. On the other hand, Bateaux Mouches features larger boats, increasing the likelihood of securing a seat, even during peak seasons, and with their riverboats, you can get a better, traditional view with an open deck.
  • The sightseeing cruises on Seine River are the most popular experiences and tend to get sold out even faster than dinner and lunch cruises, considering these are pocket-friendly. It is highly recommended that you book your tickets at least 1-2 weeks in advance.
  • Club your sightseeing cruise with a ​dinner or ​lunch cruise as you enjoy a delicious French or Italian meal while you soak up the Parisian landmarks.

Know your sightseeing cruise operators

Both Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches offer cruise experiences starting at €16. But there are a few considerations you might want to keep in mind before booking:

Bateaux Parisiens cruise on Seine River with Eiffel Tower view, Paris New Year’s Eve 2025.

Bateaux Parisiens

  • Type of boat: Sleek, glass-enclosed, modern boats
  • Capacity: 150 to 400 passengers
  • Duration: 1-hour
  • Departures: Every 1 hour; you can hop on at Port de la Bourdonnais by the Eiffel Tower or other locations like Quai Montebello
  • Boarding point: ​Port de la Bourdonnais (Pier 5 or Pier 7)
  • Don't miss out: Their boats are sleeker and newer, often with glass-enclosed cabins that allow you to enjoy the view even in bad weather. Their commentary system is typically more detailed and polished, often offering individual headphones and multiple language options. Bateaux Parisiens usually departs from right at the base of the Eiffel Tower (Port de la Bourdonnais), which can be very convenient for sightseeing.

Recommended tickets:

1-Hour Seine River Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower1-Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise
Bateaux Mouches carrying 100s of passengers travelling through Seine River

Bateaux Mouches

  • Type of boat: Large, open-air, classic sightseeing boats
  • Capacity: 600 to 1000 passengers
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Departures: Regular departures from their central location, Port de la Conférence, so you won’t have to worry about missing out.
  • Boarding point: ​Port de la Conférence
  • Don't miss out: Bateaux Mouches is the original Seine river cruise company, operating since 1949. Their name is almost synonymous with Paris river cruises. Their boats are larger and have big, completely open upper decks, ideal for panoramic views and photography, especially in good weather. They offer a very traditional sightseeing experience — large groups, simple audio commentary, and relaxed cruising with a touch of nostalgia.

Recommended tickets:

1-Hour Seine River Cruise with Live Commentary

When to go on a cruise? Day vs night

Day time cruises

Advantages:

  • Clear visibility: You can see the fine architectural details of monuments like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the bridges — colors, textures, and sculptures stand out more.
  • Lively atmosphere: You’ll see Parisians picnicking, walking dogs, reading by the riverbanks, and the iconic bouquinistes (booksellers) open along the quays.
  • Better for photography: Natural daylight is ideal for sharp, colorful photos, especially on clear days with blue skies.
  • Family-friendly: If you're traveling with children or elderly family members, daytime is easier and less tiring.
  • More relaxed vibe: The cruise feels like a relaxed sightseeing tour, perfect for learning about Paris and appreciating the city's daily life.

Things to consider:

  • Crowds: Day cruises are often busier with large tourist groups.
  • Weather impact: On hot summer days, it can be very sunny (bring a hat/sunglasses) or, if it rains, a bit gloomy.

Nighttime cruises

Advantages:

  • Romantic and magical: Paris is nicknamed "La Ville Lumière" (The City of Light) for a reason — the ​Eiffel Tower sparkles hourly at night, monuments are beautifully lit, and the reflections on the water are breathtaking.
  • Less busy along the river: Fewer boats and people on the banks make the experience feel more intimate and special.
  • Great for couples: Perfect for a date, anniversary, or even a marriage proposal!
  • Unique photos: Although trickier to capture without good camera settings, night photos of Paris landmarks lit up are incredibly rewarding.

Things to consider:

  • Low light for sightseeing: You might miss finer details of statues, bridges, and riverside life that are easier to notice during the day.
  • Photography is harder: You’ll need a steady hand or good low-light settings on your camera/phone for clear shots.
  • Colder in winter: Night cruises can be chilly, especially from October to March — bring a warm jacket if you go!

Here are some landmarks covered on a Seine River sightseeing cruise

Eiffel Tower view from across the Seine River, Paris, with surrounding cityscape.

Eiffel Tower

The world-famous Parisian landmark, towering above the Seine, offers breathtaking views and magical illuminations at night.

Tourists visitng Louvre Museum on a sunny day.
Orsay Musuem as seen from a river cruise with reflections in water.
Notre Dame during golden hour with a river view.
The famous military complex in Paris, Les Invalides with stories to tell.

Know before you go on a Seine River sightseeing cruise

Seine River cruise boat passing by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
  • Best month of the year (April-May and September-October)
    The best seasons for a Seine River cruise are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). The weather is mild, the scenery is stunning, and there are fewer tourists than in summer. Summer is vibrant but busy, while winter offers quieter cruises and magical holiday decorations, especially in late November and December.
  • Best day of the week (Tuesday to Thursday)
    Weekdays, particularly Tuesday to Thursday, are the best times to go. These days tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Avoid weekends if possible, as they’re busier with both tourists and locals, especially in peak seasons like summer.
  • Best time of the day (Evenings)
    Evenings are perfect for catching the sunset and seeing Paris light up for the night. Mornings are quieter and offer crisp views, while midday is a good option if you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying warm daylight.
Time your visit perfectly
Aerial shot of the Seine River showing its route amidst the bustling city of Paris.

A Seine River sightseeing cruise follows the route that goes like:

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Les Invalides
  • Palais Bourbon
  • Musée d'Orsay
  • Institut de France
  • Notre-Dame
  • Île de la Cité
  • Hôtel de Ville
  • La Conciergerie
  • Louvre Museum
  • Place de la Concorde
  • Grand Palais
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Palais de Chaillot
Route, maps, and more
Seine River cruise boat passing by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
  • Aim to get there at least 30 minutes before departure to check in and settle in comfortably.
  • Whether you have a booking confirmation or an e-ticket, have it ready to show when boarding.
  • Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas; it’s not allowed indoors.
  • Guide dogs are welcome, but other pets are not allowed on board.
  • Leave large bags or suitcases behind, as space is limited– bring only the essentials.
  • Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed on board.

Frequently asked questions about Seine River sightseeing cruise

Should I take an evening or a daytime sightseeing cruise?

Your choice of cruise depends on what you like:
Daytime cruises: Ideal for clear views of the city's architecture and bustling riverbanks.
Evening cruises: Offer a romantic atmosphere with illuminated landmarks, showcasing Paris as the City of Lights.

Can I bring children on the cruise?

Seine River cruises are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Some cruises may even offer special commentary or activities tailored for children to enhance their experience.

Is there a dress code for the cruises?

For standard sightseeing cruises, casual attire is appropriate.

What happens if it rains?

Cruise boats are equipped with covered and indoor seating areas, allowing cruises to operate in various weather conditions. However, in cases of severe weather, cruises may be delayed or canceled for safety reasons. It's advisable to check the weather forecast and contact the operator if you have concerns about weather-related cancellations.

What amenities can I expect on a Seine River cruise?

Seine River cruises provide comfortable seating, audio or live guides, restrooms, and refreshments. Some boats include additional features like panoramic glass windows, open-air decks, and dining areas.

Are the boats accessible for individuals with mobility issues?

Yes, cruise operators like Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches have made efforts to ensure their boats are accessible to all guests.

How will my experience differ on a sightseeing cruise vs. a dinner cruise?

On a sightseeing cruise, your focus is on taking in the iconic views of Paris with informative commentary. It’s shorter (1-1.5 hours) and perfect for exploring the city in a relaxed, casual way.
A ​dinner cruise, however, is more about the ambiance and indulgence. You’ll enjoy a multi-course meal, often with wine or champagne, while gliding through Paris for 2-3 hours. It’s a slower, more romantic experience, ideal for special occasions or an elegant evening out.

Seine Cruise
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