Here we discover together all the options for mini-cruises in Paris: we will discuss the best cruises for families with children, for couples or groups of friends, explore which ones are best for visiting Paris by boat, with information on ticket prices, departure points, tour duration, the most popular cruises and how to book easily.
Which cruise on the Seine to choose
Two of the most famous companies for river cruises on the Seine are Bateaux Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens.
Cruise schedules and duration
Cruises on the Seine are available year-round, with varying times depending on the company and season. Most sightseeing cruises depart between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., while dinner cruises start around 8:00 p.m.
10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with special evening cruises from 8:30 p.m
11:00 am to 9:00 pm for sightseeing cruises, and dinner cruises from 8:30 pm.
offers regular departures every 25 minutes from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (winter) and 10:00 am to 9:30 pm (summer).
about 1 hour
2 to 3 hours, depending on the menu and package chosen
duration depends on the number of stops, but the full tour takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Boating on the Seine:
Reviews
Of the trip on the Seine, guests especially appreciate the spectacular views of Parisian monuments, with particular enthusiasm for evening cruises that provide a romantic and atmospheric atmosphere, ideal for couples and families.
Great boat, on time and with concise explanations of monuments along the way. A very pleasant memory of Paris. I highly recommend.
We really enjoyed the boat trip on the Seine River. It is a wonderful experience to see Paris from the water, with beautiful views of the most iconic places visible from the shore. The boat was very clean, with excellent seating.
Barge and spacious boat, with seating for everyone and excellent views from every position. Important note: the audio guide can only be used on your smartphone by downloading a dedicated app.
Great welcome and good presentation of monuments. I recommend the audio guide for tourists to learn more about the history of Paris during the Seine tour while visiting the iconic sites of the city.
A must-see experience to see Paris from the Seine. The boat is spacious, open and allows perfect views. Highly recommended, in fact, I would say mandatory for those visiting Paris.
Beautiful experience, staff very attentive to every need. I highly recommend the Seine cruise: it was exciting, and you can see many monuments that would be difficult to see in a few days in Paris.
Dining on the Seine was a wonderful experience that I recommend to everyone. The’only downside is the long lines, but once you get past them, everything was spectacular, with views to die for.
The experience was positive: I did it in the evening and the Eiffel Tower is impressive, but I would recommend doing it in the daytime to better appreciate museums and other places from a real French boat.
A fantastic trip along the Seine to discover Paris and its treasures from a different perspective. The staff is very courteous and professional. I highly recommend the “tour sur la Seine” by boat!”
Cruise on the Seine River with dinner included
Dinner cruises combine fine dining, live music and views of illuminated monuments. Ideal for couples or special occasions, they last about two and a half hours. Companies offer gourmet menus and elegant atmosphere. Reservations recommended and neat attire required.
Combined ticket for the Eiffel Tower and a Seine river cruise
Departing from the Eiffel Tower means experiencing the magic of the Seine right away. Panoramic cruises offer spectacular views of iconic monuments such as the Louvre and Notre-Dame. Perfect for every type of traveler, they are available all day, with audio guides in multiple languages. Comfortable, affordable and unforgettable.
Useful information
Make sure you make the best arrangements for your Seine River cruise to have the perfect experience. Find out how to book tickets, what is the recommended attire, pet policy allowed, and cruise accessibility.
Tickets for Seine River cruises vary depending on the type of experience chosen, such as sightseeing, dinner, sunset, or evening cruises. It is always recommended to book in advance, especially for evening options and during peak season. Some companies also offer combined tickets with other attractions, ideal for those who want to visit Paris in one experience.
On the day of the visit, it is necessary to show up 1 hour before the scheduled time to avoid losing your reservation and to carry out all boarding operations smoothly.
Comfortable, seasonal attire is recommended for the Seine River cruise; a sober style is fine for lunch, while a more elegant look is required in the evening. Sportswear, Bermuda shorts or flip-flops are not allowed, and access may be refused if the dress code is not adhered to.
Cruises on the Seine are open to everyone, including children, adults, and seniors. Many companies offer child discounts and free tickets for toddlers (usually up to age 4), making the experience family-friendly. However, some evening or dinner cruises may have restrictions for unaccompanied minors.
Rules for bringing animals on Seine cruises change depending on the company. Bateaux Parisiens does not allow them (except guide dogs with certificates), while Bateaux-Mouches accepts them only on tourist cruises. Vedettes de Paris and Vedettes du Pont-Neuf allow small dogs, and Batobus also accepts large dogs. In any case, it is always best to check with the operator first.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about the river cruise on the Seine? Check out our FAQ section to find detailed answers to common questions, such as cost, tour length on the Seine, what you can see while cruising, and more.
The price of a cruise on the Seine depends on the type of experience you choose:
Standard sightseeing cruises: prices start at about €15-20 for adults and are often reduced for children and families, making them ideal for a first approach to the city.
Dinner cruises: these experiences include a multi-course menu and live music. Prices range from €70-100 per person for a simple dinner to €150-200 for more exclusive packages with wines and tables by the window.
Sunset or evening Seine cruises: designed to enjoy the view of illuminated Paris, cost about 20-40 € for a basic one-hour tour. Options with aperitifs, such as champagne or tastings, start at 30 €.
Batobus: offers “Hop-On, Hop-Off” service from €17 per day, with multi-day passes up to €19-24 for a flexible experience.
Tip: To avoid surprises, check online offers and consider combination tickets for attractive discounts. Some operators offer family packages or reductions for online bookings, especially for evening and dinner cruises.
Where do Seine River cruises depart from? The main embarkation areas are located at the most iconic points in Paris:
- Port de la Bourdonnais: below the Eiffel Tower, it is the starting point for Bateaux Parisiens cruises.
- Port de la Conférence: located near the Pont de l’Alma, it is the embarkation point for the famous Bateaux Mouches.
- Port de Suffren: embarkation point of the Vedettes de Paris cruises, it offers a picturesque view of the Eiffel Tower and is easily accessible by public transport.
- Île aux Cygnes: particularly charming, it is the departure point for Capitaine Fracasse cruises, specializing in gourmet dining and romantic cruises.
During a cruise on the Seine, you will have the opportunity to admire the most iconic Parisian monuments:
- Eiffel Tower: undisputed symbol of the city, with spectacular views by day and by night.
- Musée d’Orsay: former railway station and now one of the world’s most important art museums.
- Louvre: with its imposing structure and famous Glass Pyramid.
- Notre-Dame: even under restoration, the Gothic cathedral remains a central point for cruises on the Seine.
- Pont Alexandre III: one of the most elegant and ornate bridges in Paris, famous for its gilded statues and Art Nouveau sculptures.
- Hôtel de Ville: the city hall of Paris, with an imposing facade visible from the river.
- Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis: the city’s two historic islands, enclosing monuments and romantic views.
- Canal Saint-Martin: some routes, such as Paris Canal’s, also include the Canal Saint-Martin, passing under the Bastille Tunnel and through historic locks for an even more varied and picturesque experience.