Seine River Sightseeing Cruises | Highlights, Landmarks Covered, Visitors Tips & More
What Is A Seine River Sightseeing Cruise?
A sightseeing cruise on the Seine River is one of the most popular ways of exploring the capital of France. The Seine runs through the heart of Paris dividing the city geographically but unifying it in pride and glory. Short river cruises like a Seine River sightseeing cruise give you the opportunity to tour the magnificent landmarks of Paris in a way you have never before. Most of the popular structures like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Conciergerie, the Notre Dame and many more are visible from the river. Sailing on the serene waters for over an hour might just be the perfect Parisian holiday you were craving. Read ahead to know more about Seine River sightseeing cruises.
Why Should You Take A Seine River Sightseeing Cruise?
- Tour Paris on a boat - Admire the iconic landmark of Paris from the Seine River. The panoramic view of the city from your Seine River sightseeing cruise is one that you'll not find anywhere else.
- Enjoy the comforts of the sightseeing boat - Seine River sightseeing cruises are on comfortable air-conditioned boats that also have a glass canopy. Hence, no matter the weather you are bound to have a wonderful experience any time of the year.
- Take in the beauty of the Seine - Pair your Seine River sightseeing cruise with a walk along the gorgeous banks of the Seine for the perfect relaxing day out in Paris
- Learn interesting facts about Paris and its landmarks - Depending on the experience you choose, you will have a professional guide or audio headsets taking you through the monumental structures on your Seine River sightseeing cruise.
Seine River Sightseeing Cruise Highlights
Explore Popular Paris Landmarks
Paris is known for the monumental buildings and boulevards that make up its splendid cityscape. Sightseeing cruises on the Seine River are an excellent way to soak up the romantic Paris atmosphere with family, friends or even by yourself. All along your sightseeing cruise, you will see magnificent structures pass by giving you a whole new perspective of the city. Sightseeing cruises at night are even more special as you get to see for yourself why Paris is called the City of Lights. Some of the attractions that you can cover are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the French National Assembly, Notre Dame, Cité de la Mode, Museé d'Orsay and more.
Live Commentary From A Professional Guide/Audio Guide
Another exciting highlight of the Seine River sightseeing cruises is the live commentary throughout your journey. You will either be accompanied by a professional or provided audio headsets that will have interesting facts about the city and the attractions that you pass by. Hence, if you think a cruise for an hour and a half can be boring, Seine River sightseeing cruises are anything but. You will learn more about Paris as you witness its historic evolution. This highlight of sightseeing cruises is just like a cherry on top making your unique Paris exploration even more engrossing and insightful.
Exceptional Boat Services
The Seine River sightseeing cruises are a great opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the city. All you have to do is board the sightseeing cruise boat. For your comfort, they have a glass canopy as well as an open space on the deck to take in the fresh air. The air-conditioned boats are perfect for any weather conditions all throughout the year.
What Can Cover On Your Seine River Sightseeing Cruise?
Louvre Museum
The Louvre's beginnings as a museum started as a place to display the royal collection. Over time, the museum has become home to some of the greatest works in the world, including the Mona Lisa.
Know More About The Louvre
Eiffel Tower
Built between 1887 to 1889, the Eiffel Tower is easily one of the most easily recognized structures in the world. View the famous landmark from a different vantage point from the River Seine.
Know More About The Eiffel Tower
Paris Pantheon
This neo-classical monument was originally commissioned by King Louis XV to be built as a church that honors St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. Today, it is a mausoleum for famous French heroes such as Madame Curie, Louis Braille, and Victor Hugo.
Know More About The Pantheon
Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d'Orsay is known for its extensive collection of Impressionist art, as well as for displaying Western art dating from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century.
Know More About Musée d'Orsay
Institut de France
The Institut de France is the seat of five learned societies: the Académie française, the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-lettres, the Académie des Sciences, the Académie des Beaux-arts and the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques.
Cité de la Mode
Located between the Gare d'Austerlitz and the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Cité de la Mode et du design (The City of Fashion and Design) is known for its contemporary architecture and, bright green exterior. It is a multi-level arts and culture venue.
Hôtel de Ville
The Hôtel de Ville had been the headquarters of the French Revolution, and the Paris Commune. The building was burned by the Paris Commune when defeat seemed imminent. Between 1874 and 1882, the building was rebuilt
Conciergerie
Originally a royal residence, the Conciergerie was one of the main places of detention during the French Revolution. About 2,780 prisoners, the most famous of them being Marie-Antoinette, were imprisoned here.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées is an exhibition hall and museum complex that was built between the Champs-Elysees and the Seine River in Paris for the 1900 Exposition Universelle.
Île de la Cité
The Île de la Cité is an island on the River Seine. It has been the site of a fortress, a palace, and an important religious centre by being the home of Notre-Dame cathedral as well as the Sainte-Chapple, as well as the judicial centre.
Île Saint-Louis
One of the two natural islands on the River Seine, the island used to be known as Île Notre-Dame initially. The island took the name of Saint-Louis only in 1725. Spread over 11 hectares, Île Saint-Louis has a population of 4,453.
Palais de Justice
The Palais de Justice (meaning "Palace of Justice"), is a courthouse located on the Île de la Cité, next to the Sainte Chapelle. It contains the Court of Appeal of Paris and the Court of Cassation.
Place de la Concorde
The largest square in the French capital, the Concorde is located at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. During the French Revolution, the square was renamed Place de la Révolution and was the site of many executions.
Assemblée Nationale
The Palais Bourbon is the official seat of the lower house of the French Parliament, known as the National Assembly. It is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, on the left bank of the Seine.
Palais de Chaillot
The Palais de Chaillot is a building on top of Chaillot hill. Built for the 1937 International Exhibition of "Arts and Techniques Applied to Modern Life", the building consists of two neo-classical style pavilions, separated by an esplanade
Notre Dame
This medieval Catholic cathedral, built between 1163 and 1260, is not only one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture but also a site of great historical and cultural importance. It was the site of Napoleon I's coronation and the setting for Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".
Les Invalides
Les Invalides is a complex of museums and monuments dedicated to the military history of France. You will find the Musée de l'Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, and the Musée d'Histoire Contemporaine, here.
Plan Your Seine River Sightseeing Cruise
April to September
- 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM - Departures are scheduled every 30 minutes (No departure at 1:00 OM and 7:30 PM)
- Last departure - 10:30 PM (subject to a minimum number of participants).
- June, July and August - 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Departures every 30 minutes)
- Last departure on July 14 - 2:00 PM
October to March
- 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM - Departures are scheduled every hour
- On French school holidays - 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
April to September (High season)
- 10:15 AM to 3:30 PM - Departures are scheduled every 45 minutes
- 3:30 PM and 22:30 PM - Departures are scheduled every 30 minutes
October to March (Low season)
- 10:15 AM to 3:30 PM - Departures are scheduled every 45 minutes
- 3:30 PM and 22:30 PM - Departures are scheduled every 30 minutes
Eiffel Tower, at Port de la Bourdonnais. Find on map
- Metro - Line no. 6 - metro station Bir-Hakeim. If you take this line you'll get a view of the tower as you approach the station; Line no. 9 - "Trocadéro" station
- RER - Line C: Champs de Mars - Tour Eiffel station
- Bus - Buses 82, 42, 87 and 69 stop near the boarding port.
Pont de l’Alma on the Port de la Conférence. Find on map
How to get there?
- Metro: Métro line 9 - Alma-Marceau and Métro line 1 - Franklin Roosevelt
- RER: RER C: station Pont de l’Alma
- Bus: Buses 28, 42, 49, 63, 72, 80, 83, 92
Visitors Tips
- Book your Seine River sightseeing cruises online and well in advance.
- Carry only your necessities in a small bag. Larger bags are not allowed due to storage issues.
- You can avail of paid parking facility for your vehicles but it is highly subject to availability at the time of your visit.
- You might need to access the audio guide on your phone, so remember to carry your headphones.
- Plan your Seine River sightseeing cruise during the summer. The weather will be pleasant and clear. You can also enjoy the abundant sunshine as well as the occasional rain.
- Sightseeing cruises at night are also a brilliant option for a gorgeous view of Paris.
Book Your Seine River Sightseeing Cruise tickets
Frequently Asked Questions About Seine River Sightseeing Cruises
A. Seine sightseeing cruise are a unique way of exploring the city. You get to absorb the Parisian atmosphere as you sail on the serene waters of the Seine River.
A. On a Seine River sightseeing cruise you can admire some incredible landmarks of the city like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Les Invalides, Palais Bourbon, the Conciergerie, Orsay Museum, and many more.
A. Highlights of a Seine River sightseeing cruise include iconic Parisian sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Les Invalides, Palais Bourbon, the Conciergerie, Orsay Museum,
A. Seine River cruise timings vary based on the ticket you purchase. Generally, sightseeing cruises last between 30 minutes to an hour, every day of the week, from morning to evening. The exact details will be available on your tickets.
A. You can book a Seine River sightseeing cruise online.
A. The best time would be to go during the off-season, between October to April, since summers tend to get very hot and crowded in Paris.
A. Absolutely. Going on a Seine River sightseeing cruise gives you a completely different perspective of the City of Lights. Taking a boat tour at night is even more special as you get to see the city lit up.