Bateaux-Mouches Paris: Schedules, Prices, and Where to Take It

If you are in Paris, there is one experience you absolutely cannot miss: a cruise on the Bateaux-Mouches. These iconic boats are much more than just boats. They are a unique way to discover the city from a completely different perspective: from the water of the Seine.

Imagine gliding gently between the world’s most famous monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, as the sun reflects off the waters of the river. It’s romantic, evocative, and, above all, an unforgettable experience.

The Bateaux-Mouches have become one of the symbols of Paris, with more than 2.5 million visitors each year. They offer cruises for every taste: from a simple river walk to luxurious dinners overlooking one of the most fascinating cities on the planet. And you know what the best part is? It doesn’t matter if you’re in Paris for the first time or if you return often, a cruise on the Seine will always have something new to offer you.

If you’re wondering why they’re so popular or how to book your ticket, don’t worry: we’ll explain it to you step by step. Get ready to come on board with us!

Bateau Mouche: cruise ticket prices

ID 46723551 | Bateaux Mouches © Eugenesergeev | Dreamstime.com

Bateaux-Mouches are not just scenic cruises-they are true moments of magic on the Seine. In addition to classic cruises, the company offers unique and personalized experiences to turn a simple trip into something unforgettable.

Below you can find a table with the main types of cruises available.

Type of cruise	Price	Ticket
Tourist cruise	from 17€	Buy now
Cruise with lunch on board	from 79€	Buy now
Cruise with dinner on board and live music	from 130€	Buy now

In this article, we will explore the various types of tickets available for Bateaux-Mouches cruises, providing details on the features of each option.

Whether you want to enjoy a leisurely sightseeing cruise, a gourmet lunch or a romantic dinner, you will find all the information you need to plan your experience on the Seine.

Find out how to book online to guarantee you access at your desired time and to avoid long lines at the ticket office.

Bateau Mouche: sightseeing cruise

The sightseeing cruise with Bateaux Mouches offers a scenic tour of about 1 hour and 10 minutes, allowing visitors to see the main monuments of Paris from a unique and fascinating perspective. Departures are frequent throughout the year, providing flexibility and convenience for tourists.

Prices: Tickets are €17 for adults and €8 for children under 13, making this cruise an affordable option for families and groups. Children under 4 travel free of charge, providing an added benefit for families with young children.

On-board services: Boats are equipped with multilingual audio guides, providing detailed information about the monuments and history of Paris. In addition, catering services are available for those who wish to enjoy a snack or drink during the cruise.

Bateau Mouche: Lunch on board “Douce France”

Another option is the “Douce France” Lunch Cruise offered by Bateaux Mouches. This cruise is ideal for those who want to combine the beauty of Paris’ sights with a fine dining experience.

Prices: Prices start at €85 per adult and €39 per child (4-12 years old), making this cruise affordable for families who want a unique experience.

Menu: The menu includes typical French dishes, such as sea bream fillet with spiced carrots and coconut glazed soufflé. Hors d’oeuvres may include a duo of raw salmon with mustard and lentil salad, while main courses include the sea bream fillet with spiced carrots. To conclude, desserts offer delicacies such as coconut-glazed soufflé. The menu also offers vegetarian options to satisfy all dietary preferences.

You can find the full lunch menu here.

Bateau Mouche: dinner on board

A dinner cruise is a magical experience in itself, but some options add a touch of exclusivity and romance. Imagine dining with your partner as Paris lights up and the Eiffel Tower reflects off the waters of the Seine.

Prices: Prices start at 130€ per adult and 45€ per child (ages 4-12), making this cruise an affordable luxury option for families as well.

Menu: The menu includes a gourmet dinner with French dishes such as duck foie gras, cranberry duck breast tournedos, and glazed coconut soufflé. Appetizers may include delicacies such as duck foie gras, while main courses include the cranberry duck breast tournedos. To conclude, desserts offer such delights as the glazed coconut soufflé. The menu also offers vegetarian options to satisfy all dietary preferences.

You can find the full dinner menu here.

Bateau Mouche: thematic cruises and customized events

Bateaux-Mouches are not just for tourists. You can enjoy personalized experiences perfect for celebrating unique moments. Some of the proposals include:

• Private events: rent an entire boat for weddings, anniversaries or corporate parties.
• Group dinners: ideal for celebrating with friends or colleagues.
• School field trips: an educational and fun experience for youngsters, with special dedicated rates.

With the ability to customize the menu, entertainment and table arrangements, each event becomes unique and tailored to your needs.

Every experience on the Bateaux-Mouches is taken care of down to the smallest detail. From the friendly and professional staff to the quality of cuisine prepared on board, everything is designed to provide you with impeccable service.

The modern and comfortable boats feature large panoramic windows and open decks so you won’t miss a single detail of Paris’ beauty.

Ready to experience a unique moment? Explore all the options on the tickets page and book your personalized experience on the Bateaux-Mouches.

Where to board the Bateaux-Mouches

The official boarding point for the Bateaux-Mouches is the Port de la Conférence, located in close proximity to the Pont de l’Alma on the 8th Arrondissement of Paris. This strategic location is easily accessible from many of the city’s major points of interest.

• If you arrive on foot: the Port de la Conférence is just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. A short walk along the Seine will take you directly to the embarcadero.
• If you use public transportation: the RER C – Pont de l’Alma stop is the closest, or you can use the metro line 9 (Alma-Marceau stop).
• By cab or car: parking is available nearby, but keep in mind that Paris is often busy, so plan your trip in advance.

Once you arrive, you will find clear directions to the landing stage, with comfortable waiting areas and company staff ready to welcome you.

ID 138499106 | Bateaux Mouches © Philippe Fritsch | Dreamstime.com

The cruises depart Port de la Conférence (Pont de l’Alma) and travel up the Seine toward Notre Dame de Paris, passing iconic monuments such as the Louvre, Hôtel de Ville, and Conciergerie. The turnaround occurs near the Arab World Institute. The cruise then continues past the Musée d’Orsay and the Assemblée Nationale in the direction of the Eiffel Tower. The route may vary depending on the height of the Seine level.

Bateau Mouche: schedule and duration

ID 179109619 | Bateaux Mouches © Khrystyna Vartanova | Dreamstime.com

The frequency and schedules of cruises make it easy to plan your trip. In this section you will find everything you need to know.

“Promenade” cruise schedule

• High season (April – September): Departures every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 22:30.
• Low season (October – March):
  • Monday to Friday: Departures every 45 minutes from 10:15 to 16:00 and every 30 minutes from 16:00 to 22:00.
  • Weekends and holidays: Departures every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 22:00.

Restaurant cruise schedules

• Lunch Cruise: Available every Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Embarkation between 12:00 and 12:15, departure at 12:30 and return to the pier at 14:15.
• Dinner Cruise: Available every evening. Boarding between 20:00 and 20:30, departure at 20:30 and return to the pier at 22:45.

Duration of cruises

• Dinner cruise: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Classic cruise: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Cruise with lunch: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Bateaux Mouches: practical tips for visitors

If you have decided to board the Bateaux-Mouches, you are already well on your way to an unforgettable experience along the Seine River. To ensure that everything runs smoothly and you enjoy your cruise to the fullest, there are a few things you should know before you leave.

Choose the right time

The time of year and the time of day can make a big difference. Here are some tips for choosing the best time:

• Daytime: perfect for those who want to take spectacular photos of Paris monuments in natural light.
• At sunset: for a romantic atmosphere and an incredible play of light as the sun goes down.
• At night: the illuminated city is pure magic. Monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Pont Alexandre III shine with a special light.

Book in advance

Although you can buy tickets directly at the pier, it is always best to book online, especially in high season. This allows you to:

• Avoid long lines.
• Secure the best seat, especially for lunch or dinner cruises.
• Plan your day in Paris better.

Dress code and preparation

Depending on the type of cruise you choose, it is important to pay attention to dress code:

• Classic cruises: casual and comfortable clothing. Bring a light jacket with you if you decide to sit on the open deck, even in summer.
• Dinner cruises: dressy attire is required. Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, caps or Bermuda shorts. For fine dining, a formal outfit is a must.

Arrive early

To avoid stress, we recommend that you arrive at the pier 20-30 minutes in advance of your departure time. This will give you time to relax, choose your seat, and perhaps take a few photos before boarding.

Take the essentials with you

• Camera or smartphone: you won’t want to miss the chance to capture the most beautiful sights in Paris.
• Guidebook or sightseeing app: many cruises offer on-board commentary, but having a guidebook on hand can help you discover extra details.
• A small snack or water: if you choose the classic cruise, you may want to have something to sip on during the trip.

Prepare your experience

• Consult the weather: even if the boats are overcast, a sunny day makes the cruise even more enjoyable.
• Avoid peak times: if possible, choose less crowded times for a quieter experience.
• Know the route: familiarize yourself with the itinerary to know what sights you will get to see.

Bateau Mouche meaning, origin and history

Have you ever wondered why they are called Bateaux-Mouches? The name has a fascinating history that takes us far from Paris to the city of Lyon, to the Mouche district. This was a strategic location in the 19th century, famous for its shipyard. Here light and functional boats were built, designed to transport passengers and goods along the region’s rivers. These boats thus took their name from the neighborhood: Bateaux-Mouches.

Early traces: from idea to success in the World’s Fair

Bateaux-Mouches made their first appearance in Paris in 1867, during theExposition Universelle. Built in the Mouche shipyards, a district of Lyon, these boats were originally designed for passenger transport. At the time, Paris was a city in the midst of transformation, thanks to Baron Haussmann‘s major urban renovations, and the Seine played a crucial role as a river artery for commerce and mobility.

For the exposition, thirty boats were transferred to Paris and used to transport visitors along the river. The boats, due to their practicality and ability to accommodate hundreds of people, were an immediate success and became an integral part of city life.

From daily use to decline

After the triumph of the Exposition, the Bateaux-Mouches continued to sail on the Seine, but with a different role. They became an affordable and accessible means of public transportation, allowing Parisians to move quickly along the river. At that time, they were steamboats, capable of carrying up to 400 passengers between the inner cabin and the open deck.

With the advent of the Paris subway in 1900, however, river transportation began to lose importance. The convenience of faster and more efficient underground trains gradually overshadowed the boats, which were used less and less until they almost disappeared.

Rebirth: Jean Bruel and the birth of river tourism

The history of the Bateaux-Mouches might have come to an end if it had not been for one visionary man-Jean Bruel. After World War II, Bruel understood that tourism in Paris was changing. The city was no longer just a place to live, but a destination to explore. In 1949, Bruel had a revolutionary idea: turn the old riverboats into a tourist attraction.

Bruel purchased one of the last remaining steamboats from the 1900 World’s Fair and founded the Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches®. His concept was innovative: to offer nonstop commented cruises in which passengers could discover the beauty of Paris directly from the Seine. To make the experience even more special, Bruel commissioned the construction of boats with panoramic windows, providing spectacular 360-degree views.

Jean-Sébastien Mouche’s Invention of the Myth

Bruel was not only an entrepreneur, but also a marketing genius. To bring prestige to his company, he created a legend around the Bateaux-Mouches: the character of Jean-Sébastien Mouche. According to the invented story, Mouche was allegedly an associate of Baron Haussmann and the creator of the first transport boats in Paris.

In 1953, Bruel organized a spectacular inauguration ceremony, presenting a bust of this “historic inventor” to the media and Parisian authorities. The stunt was ingenious and attracted the attention of the press, establishing the Bateaux-Mouches as an iconic attraction.

The Bateaux-Mouches today

Since then, the Bateaux-Mouches have never stopped evolving. Today, they are one of the most beloved attractions in Paris, with more than 2.5 million passengers each year. The company offers a wide range of experiences, from classic cruises to exclusive luxury dinners on board, perfect for a romantic evening.

Bateaux-Mouches has become synonymous with elegance and innovation. The current fleet includes 15 boats, designed for comfort, sustainability and an unparalleled visual experience. Some boats are even equipped with eco-friendly technologies, demonstrating a commitment to respect for the environment.

Bateaux-Mouches: historical trivia and anecdotes

Bateaux-Mouches are not only a means of transportation or a tourist attraction: they are also the symbol of a history full of curiosities and anecdotes that have contributed to their fame. Behind each cruise lies an intriguing past that makes the experience even more fascinating.

A name with deep roots

The term Bateau-Mouche has origins well before Paris. As already explained, it comes from the Mouche district in Lyon, where in the 19th century there were shipyards building passenger boats. The word “Mouche,” meaning “fly” in French, was a nickname given to those small waterways in the region.

The linguistic coincidence and historical connection to the Lyon shipyards gave the boats their distinctive name, which today immediately evokes Parisian cruises on the Seine.

International success

Did you know that the Bateaux-Mouches are the fourth most visited tourist attraction in Paris? With more than 2.5 million passengers a year, they far surpass many other tourist activities. Only giants like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Centre Pompidou attract more visitors.

Since 1949, more than 150 million people have experienced a cruise on the Bateaux-Mouches. This is an impressive achievement that testifies to the timeless appeal of this activity.

From public transportation to luxury tourism

Originally, Bateaux-Mouches were not meant for tourism. In the 19th century, they were used as a cheap and fast means of public transportation to cross Paris along the Seine. But with the advent of the Metro in 1900, river transportation lost importance and the boats fell almost into disuse.

Thanks to the intuition of Jean Bruel, the Bateaux-Mouches were reborn as a tourist attraction. And today, with their classic cruises and luxurious lunches and dinners, they have become a symbol of Parisian romance.

The Seine, “boulevard” of history

The strategic location of the Bateaux-Mouches is not accidental. The Seine has always been considered the main “boulevard” of Paris. Since ancient times, this river has been at the heart of the city’s development. The monuments we can admire today while cruising-from the Eiffel Tower to the Musée d’Orsay to Notre Dame-were built along the river precisely to take advantage of its proximity.

A cinematic icon

The Bateaux-Mouches have also featured prominently in film and literature. Numerous films and novels set in Paris have used them as a romantic and evocative backdrop, solidifying their role in the collective imagination.

Bateaux-Mouches: frequently asked questions

Conclusions

Bateaux-Mouches are more than just a cruise: they are an experience that combines history, culture, romance, and breathtaking views. Sailing on the Seine, admiring the iconic monuments of Paris from a unique perspective, is a moment that remains in the heart of anyone who experiences it.

From the allure of classic cruises to the magic of dining under the stars, each trip on the Bateaux-Mouches tells a story, interweaving its historical roots with a modern, refined experience. It is a way to experience Paris in a different way, being carried away by the city’s timeless beauty and atmosphere.

If you’ve read this far, it means you’re ready to get on board and experience this adventure firsthand. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing excursion, a meal with a view, or a romantic evening, there’s a cruise perfect for you.

Don’t wait any longer! Book your cruise on the Bateaux-Mouches now. Paris is waiting for you, ready to reveal its most magical side, straight from the water. Enjoy your trip!

Cover image of ID 72520296 © Viocara | Dreamstime.com