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Searching for the perfect Seine River Cruise in Paris, but overwhelmed by the choices? You’re not alone. Paris offers a smorgasbord of cruising experiences, from quick one-hour sightseeing jaunts to luxurious evening sails complete with Champagne and gourmet dinners.
Deciding on the best Seine river cruise can feel like navigating a complex maze of options, each more tantalizing than the last.
That’s why I wrote this guide. I live in Paris, love the Seine River Cruises and curated this exclusive list of the best Seine River cruises available.
Let’s set sail and discover the Seine as you’ve never seen it before.
Quick List: The Best River Cruise in Paris
If you’re not in the mood to sift through endless options and prefer a quick guide to the best choices, you’re in luck. Below, I’ve distilled the wide array of Seine River Cruises down to an essential shortlist—featuring the top 3 most popular and highly recommended experiences in Paris.
Best 2h River Seine Lunch Cruise
- Roundtrip Seine River Cruise
- All-inclusive 3-Course Lunch with drinks
- Panoramic Views on Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and more
- Boarding at the Eiffel Tower
- 3-Course Dinner with Drinks
- Live Jazz Music & Window Seating
- Panoramic views on Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and more
- Boarding near Musée d’Orsay
These top 3 Seine River Cruises are reliable picks if you prefer not to sift through the multitude of options available for river tours in Paris
However, if you’re interested in exploring additional options, or if you’re still undecided about which Seine River Cruise is the best fit for your Paris trip, continue reading
Don’t miss these articles, they can help you plan your Paris trip:
The Agony of Choice: Find the Perfect Paris River Seine Cruise
I’ve created a decision tree to help you easily identify the Seine River Cruise that best matches your preferences, expectations, and budget.
The 5 Best Seine Cruises in Pairs
Do you know now which Cruise is the best for you? And which boat tour in Paris matches best your expectations? Then here’s for without further ado the compiled list of the best 5 Seine Cruises in Paris.
#1 The Go-To Option: One-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Seine
➲ Secure your seat on board of the Bateau Mouche here
The standard one-hour sightseeing cruise on the Seine is a fail-safe choice for any Paris visit.
This budget-friendly option allows you to view Paris’s most celebrated landmarks from the comfort of your seat—no extravagant add-ons, just the essentials.
For those pressed for time or seeking flexibility, this is an ideal pick. Most cruises of this kind depart every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day.
The top-rated Seine River Cruise embarks right at the base of the Eiffel Tower. You can book it here. The tour offers a multilingual audioguide available in 10 languages, and accepts mobile vouchers—no need to worry about printing tickets. Just display it on your mobile device, and you’re all set to cruise.
Despite its straightforward approach, the tour doesn’t skimp on amenities, offering onboard WiFi for your convenience. Click here for exact schedules and booking info.
#2 Gourmet Lunch Cruise on the Seine: Savor the Sights
➲ Book this Lunch Cruise in advance, it sells out quickly
Picture this: you’re aboard a riverboat, cruising past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Île de la Cité, all while indulging in a gourmet French meal and sipping fine wine. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? This two-hour Seine River Cruise offers just that experience.
As you sail, you’ll be entertained with live commentary and treated to a three-course à-la-carte French menu that includes an appetizer, starter, main course, and dessert. And let’s not forget the wine! For an even more authentic French experience, you can add a cheese course as an extra.
The cuisine on this lunch cruise is of a gastronomic caliber because it features a broad selection of French classics like foie gras and duck, as well as various meat, fish, and vegetarian options. To preview the menu in advance, click here.
Be aware that lunch cruises on the Seine are highly sought after and tables fill up quickly. To secure your spot, check rates and availability here and book in advance.
#3 Jazz & Dining: The Best Seine Dinner Cruise
➲ Book this 3-Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise here before it’s booked out
Want to elevate your Paris experience? Consider hopping on a 3-course dinner cruise that sets sail close to the Musée d’Orsay. As you drift along the Seine, you’ll catch iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, all from the comfort of your guaranteed window seat.
But let’s talk about the food—you’ll get to savor a gourmet 3-course meal complete with wine, Champagne, and other beverages. If you’re a fan of live music, the Jazz band on board adds a touch of ambiance without overwhelming the experience.
You have the flexibility to choose between a 1.5-hour early evening sail or a more leisurely 2.5-hour cruise. The dress code? Smart casual, so it’s stylish yet relaxed.
One note: the cruise is intended for those 10 years and older.
Don’t wait too long to book. Spots tend to fill up fast.
➲ 1.5h Seine Dinner Cruise starting at 6 PM: See availabilities here
➲ 2.5h Seine Dinner Cruise starting at 8PM: See availabilities here
#4 Private Boat Tour in Paris: An intimate Seine Rive Cruise
➲ Book your private boat tour in Paris here
Opt in a Private Boat Tour in Paris for an intimate and luxurious adventure on the Seine.
The boat accommodates up to eight people, so it’s ideal for your small gatherings, celebrations, or simply an elevated sightseeing experience in Paris. If you travel with a pet, I have good news because your furry companions are also welcome on board.
The journey begins at the Statue of Liberty near the Eiffel Tower and sails all the way up to Notre Dame and back. Here you have the choice to either disembark where your tour began, or near the Louvre. A convenient drop off location, for your next Paris stop.
If you’re in the mood for a Parisian apéro, feel free to bring your snacks and drinks to enjoy as you cruise.
To top it off, the boat is equipped with Bluetooth speakers, so you can set the soundtrack to your unforgettable cruise. All while absorbing Paris from an entirely unique vantage point.
Click here to see if the Captain has still availabilities on your travel dates.
#5 Paris Night Cruise: The Illumination Cruise Explained
➲ Book your Night Time Paris Seine Cruise here
Discover the magic of Paris at night with an “Illumination Cruise” on the Seine. While the name might make it sound like an exclusive, high-priced affair, the reality is much simpler.
Essentially, this is your standard 1h-Seine River Paris Cruise but timed perfectly to showcase the city’s lights. Simply choose a late time slot—ideally around or just after sunset—to experience Paris as it transforms into the “City of Light.”
Aside from the dazzling lights, everything else about the cruise remains the same, from the iconic landmarks you’ll pass by to the ticket price. So you’re getting an extraordinary experience for the ordinary cost of a Seine cruise.
This evening adventure is perfect for photographers, romantics, or anyone wanting to see Paris from a different angle.
Don’t miss out on this enchanting yet surprisingly affordable experience. Book your Illumination Cruise now to capture Paris in its finest light.
Panorama View from a Bateau Mouche
You may be wondering what sights you’ll encounter on your Seine River Cruise and whether it’s worth your time and money. Rest assured, it’s a valuable experience.
Not only does a Seine cruise offer a picturesque overview of Paris in a condensed timeframe, but you’ll also glide past many of the city’s major landmarks.
- the Tour Eiffel
- Musée d’Orsay
- Musée de Louvre
- Notre Dame
- Île de la Cité
- Grand Palais
- Petit Palais
Your Seine river cruise will also pass through more than 20 bridges – among others the Pont Neuf, Pont de l’Alma, Pont Alexandre III, and the Pont des Arts.
Paris Seine Cruise: Travel Tips
Be Prepared for the Weather: Don’t overlook weather conditions. Pack sunscreen for sunny days or an umbrella and raincoat for unexpected showers. Keep in mind you may have to wait in an uncovered queue before boarding. (Find the latest weather forecast here).
Mobile Vouchers: Check in advance if your chosen tour accepts mobile vouchers. Some tours still require printed vouchers, which can be inconvenient if you’re already on the go.
Dress Code: If you’ve opted for a lunch or dinner cruise, be sure to review the dress code requirements to avoid any boarding issues.
Consider the Paris City Pass: Before finalizing your booking, take a look here at the Paris City Pass. It covers over 60 activities, including the Seine cruise. If you plan on multiple activities, the pass often offers better value. (Click here for a full list of included activities).
There you have it—the top Seine River Cruises in Paris, tailored to fit a variety of preferences and budgets. Whether you’re in the mood for an indulgent dinner cruise or just a laid-back scenic ride along the Seine, both are bound to be highlights of your Parisian adventure. Enjoy 🙂
I have lived in Paris since 2005, and I am happy to show you around. Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.
PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris
FAQ Seine River Cruise in Paris
The standard 1h Seine River Cruise with one of the Bateaux Mouchesstarts at €16. Lunch cruises start from €60 and Dinner Cruises from €80.
A Seine Cruise is a lovely way to see Paris. It is very popular and one of the best things to do in Paris. Because while you sit relaxed on board, you see some of the most spectacular sights of Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Pont Neuf and many more.
The standard Seine River Sightseeing Cruise in Paris takes 1h. If you opt in for a Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Seine, allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours. To be on time, make sure to arrive 15-30 Minutes in advance.
To be on the save sight, it’s best to book the Paris Seine Cruise in advance. The standard Cruises are often not dated, and you can use the voucher whenever it suits you. Dinner and Lunch Cruises need to be booked in advance, as they sell out very quickly.
