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The size of the ship determines its precise destination when leaving from Paris. Although all river cruise ships head for Honfleur, some river cruise ships are too large to enter the harbour there and must dock on the Seine itself, opposite the port of Le Havre. Common Eiffel Tower embarkation docks include Port de la Bourdonnais, just east of the landmark, and Port de Suffren to the west. Using these ports, your boat can head straight under the Eiffel Tower shortly after departure for great views. Another top departure point is Port Saint Paul by Notre Dame in the heart of Paris near lively shops and cafes.
Vedettes du Pont Neuf
Their small electric boats go through charming lesser-known waterways and locks providing a unique perspective of Paris gardens, bridges, and houseboats compared to major monuments. For a more in-depth experience, many companies offer longer sightseeing tours ranging from 1.5 hours up to 2 hours in length. These may traverse a longer stretch of the river at a more leisurely pace, or make brief photo stops at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Pont Alexandre III bridge. Rain and wind can put a damper on an open-air sightseeing cruise along the river. While most boats have interior cabins, the prime views are from the uncovered upper decks.
Cruise on the Seine with Bateaux Mouches
Current prices (as of June 2023) are 18 euros for adults, 9 euros for children age 4-13, and children under age 4 are free. If you depart from near Notre Dame then there is live commentary provided by a live guide in 3 languages (including French and English). If you depart from near the Eiffel Tower, narration is provided through individual audio devices available in 14 languages on the lower part of the boat. These boats are probably the most popular on the Seine as they are the biggest and you don’t usually need a reservation to get on them. However, this makes them very popular with tourist groups so be prepared to share the boat with hundreds of other visitors. Step-free access is available and the bottom floor of the boats is wheelchair accessible.
Your cruise boat in Paris
Private Seine river cruises are great options for special celebrations, weddings, marriage proposals, large families, holiday parties, tour groups, or corporate travel events. Meals, drinks, and entertainment can also be arranged on most semi-private and private Seine cruises. Vedettes de Paris provides smaller, more intimate boat tours on the Seine.
Canal cruises leave from the intersection of Rue Jean Poulmarch and Quai de Valmy. Some cruises, specifically the combined Seine River and Canal St. Martin cruises for example, departs from the intersection of Rue Jean Poulmarch and Quai de Valmy. Please note that depending on where you want to go, there may be some walking involved to get there from the port stop. For instance, the stop closest to the Eiffel Tower requires a 15-minute walk to get to the monument from the boat stop. The boats stop at each stop every 20 to 25 minutes depending on the season. Read our review of the Paris Pass for more information, and take a look at our suggested 3 day Paris itinerary that includes this ride.
Popular destinations
The oldest and largest river cruise operator in Paris is Bateaux Mouches which was founded in 1949. Bateaux Mouches operates a large fleet of glass-roofed boats departing frequently from Pont de l’Alma. They offer daytime and evening sightseeing cruises with audio guides in 18 languages.
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Enjoy the views and some of the famous foods in Paris while sailing through the city’s most beautiful avenue. You can bring your own food and wine for a picnic or a French apéritif. Sometimes, you can purchase them as an add-on during the booking process.
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This is the best Paris River cruise for a more local experience. It is possible to get on the Batobus Paris as often as you want over a specified period of time without buying new tickets. Yes, on most cruises you can BYO snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Most visitors to Paris want to join one of the regularly scheduled group Seine river boat cruises from one of the companies above. However, if you are looking for a special private or semi-private Seine cruise, this can also be arranged. If you are looking for a special way to experience Paris, you may want to consider a Seine River dinner cruise.
If you purchase a ticket or voucher online, be sure to print it out and take it with you to claim your ticket at the dock. A Seine river cruise is a very popular way to see Paris, and one we always recommend to visitors to the city. These short river cruises allow you to take in many of the highlights of the city—the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, etc.—as you float along the Seine River. Paris en Scène is perhaps the lesser-known boat company proposing Seine River dinner cruises in Paris.
Booking ahead online is recommended for best availability and rates. The boats can become crowded, especially in the summer months and around school holidays. The first and last cruises of the day are often less crowded. The high season for the companies is generally April to September with these being the most popular times to take a river cruise in Paris. Most companies have more frequent departures and more boats operating during the summer months. They also offer short 30 minute stopover cruises that go between the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as longer round-trip cruises that last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
For a more exclusive experience, multi-course dinner cruises can cost anywhere from €60 up to €150 or more per guest. These 2-3 hour cruises include gourmet meals paired with the iconic views. Drinks packages with wine or champagne often cost additional.
Cruises of this length will have running commentary to point out photo spots and give history. Find the boat tour that suits your wishes, and get ready to embark for a unique experience on the Seine. Prime departure times are 7 PM to 11 PM, with additional lunch and daytime offerings too.
Cruise companies like Vedettes du Pont Neuf and Bateaux Parisiens use Port Saint Paul. Some companies offer half-hour to 45 minute compact mini-cruises. These offer a quick glimpse at the Seine highlights if you’re short on time. Vedettes de la Seine – Fracasse is a smaller boutique cruise company with just 2 to 3 boats. They offer specialized themed musical or Parisian gourmet dining cruises in an intimate setting with attentive service and unique French cuisine onboard. A boat cruise is a relaxed, calm way to take in the sights of Paris compared to a rushed walking tour or hectic metro trips.
The departure point for your Seine River cruise is an important piece of planning, as major cruise companies use various docks along the river. Most boats leave from ports near the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral given their convenient locations. Many cruise companies offer discounted multi-ride packages like a 1-day Big Bus pass with a 1-hour Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise, making it easy to tour around different Paris neighborhoods. A river cruise allows you to see the landmarks from on the water, giving a perspective you can’t get walking the city streets.
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