Welcome to the city of love, Paris – known for its stunning architecture, legendary culinary delights, and captivating culture. What better way to experience the beauty of Paris than by taking a leisurely boat ride along the Seine River, which runs through the heart of the city? From scenic views of the Eiffel Tower to exploring the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a river cruise offers a unique sightseeing experience that should not be missed. In this post, we will share the 10 best city cruises in Paris that offer an exceptional way to experience the magic of the city from a different perspective.
The 10 Best City Cruises in Paris
- Paris: 1-Hour River Seine Cruise
- Paris: The Louvre Museum and Seine River Cruise
- Paris: Seine Cruise & Crepe Tasting near the Eiffel Tower
- Paris: Panoramic Seine River Cruise
- Paris: Night Aperitif Cruise on the Seine River with Music
- Paris: Seine River Panoramic Dinner Cruise
- Paris: Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine
- Paris: Sunset Aperitif Cruise on the Seine River with Music
- Paris: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise
- Paris: Night River Cruise On The Seine With Waffle Tasting
The 10 Best City Cruises in Paris
1. Paris: 1-Hour River Seine Cruise
Embark on a 1-hour River Seine cruise and see Paris from a different perspective. Admire panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hôtel de Ville, and more iconic sights. Glide under the bridges of Paris and marvel at a succession of beautiful monuments along the waterway. You can listen to interesting commentaries on your smartphone or on an audioguide. The tour includes a roundtrip Seine cruise, drinks, and snacks, souvenir photos, and entrance tickets. Meet at the Port de la Bourdonnais, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, at pontoon no. 3. Regular departures are between 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, except at 1:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Please note that on July 14, the last departure is at 4:00 PM, and on December 24, the last departure is at 4:00 PM. Bring headphones and a charged smartphone. Pets, oversized luggage, and large bags are not allowed.
2. Paris: The Louvre Museum and Seine River Cruise
Experience the best of Paris with the Louvre Museum and Seine River Cruise tour. Spend 24 hours exploring the world’s largest museum, the Louvre, and admiring its vast art collections across three different wings. Marvel at priceless treasures like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Afterward, sail along the Seine River for an hour and enjoy insightful commentary with your audio guide while admiring iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Along the way, you will pass by Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Ile de la Cite, Hôtel de Ville, Place de la Concorde, and Grand Palais. The cruise ends near the Eiffel Tower, but entry to the tower is not included. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, Louvre Museum entrance, 1-hour Seine River cruise tickets with an audio guide, transfers between the Louvre and the river cruise, and gratuities. Please note that this is not a guided tour, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress code is smart casual. Passport or ID card is required. Pets, luggage or large bags are not allowed. Meeting point is at the Musée du Louvre Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris, and the Seine river cruise is located at Bateaux Parisiens Pier no 3 Port de la Bourdonnais 75007 Paris. Metro Accessible: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7). Upgrade your experience with an audio guide in the Louvre Museum by selecting the option at checkout. Book your Louvre Museum and Seine River Cruise tour to discover the beauty of Paris.
3. Paris: Seine Cruise & Crepe Tasting near the Eiffel Tower
Experience the beautiful sights and sounds of Paris from a unique perspective on a Seine River cruise. This tour takes you on a journey along the river to admire historical monuments such as the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower, while an audio guide provides you with interesting information about the city’s history. The one-hour tour departs every hour throughout the day, making it easy to fit into your schedule. After the cruise, head to Oh! Régalade de la Tour Eiffel and indulge in a delicious French crepe, choosing from chocolate, sugar, lemon jam or whipped cream. This is a perfect tour for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Paris both on the water and on land.
4. Paris: Panoramic Seine River Cruise
Experience the beauty and romance of Paris on the Panoramic Seine River Cruise. Sail down the River Seine and enjoy panoramic views of the city’s world-famous monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde and Grand Palais. Board a Bateaux Parisiens pleasure boat and enjoy a one-hour tour with informative audio commentary on your smartphone. The tour includes drinks and snacks, souvenir photos, and departures every hour between 10 AM and 9 PM, excluding 1 PM and 7:30 PM. Children under 3 travel for free, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Meet at the river bank at Port de la Bourdonnais, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, pontoon no. 3. Paid parking is available at the meeting point. So, book your seat now and enjoy the most breathtaking views of Parisian monuments from the comfort of your seat.
5. Paris: Night Aperitif Cruise on the Seine River with Music
Bask in the majesty and charm of Paris with a Seine River sightseeing cruise. Hop on board an hour-long night aperitif cruise at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and be swept away by the City of Light’s iconic monuments as you sail through the heart of Paris. Take in the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Orsay Museum, Les Invalides, and many more while listening to some soothing music. With the option to add drinks to your package, you can sip on your wine, beer, or champagne and unwind in the relaxing atmosphere of the boat while floating past the Ile de la Cite or the Grand Palais. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Paris in a unique and unforgettable way.
6. Paris: Seine River Panoramic Dinner Cruise
Admire the stunning view of Paris at night while enjoying a delicious three-course meal on the Seine River. This panoramic dinner cruise is the perfect way to experience the city’s beauty from a unique perspective. You can relax in the temperature-controlled salon or take in the sights from the panoramic terrace on the upper deck. The tour starts at Île aux Cygnes, where you will board the boat called “Paris en scène.” A professional crew will welcome you onboard, and you’ll be served an amuse-bouche, main course, and dessert with mineral water before returning to where you started. Please note that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and smoking is not allowed on the boat. All boats are non-smoking, with a designated smoking area on the terrace. Animals are not permitted on board. Boarding takes place 15 minutes before departure according to the timetable.
7. Paris: Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine
Experience the stunning beauty of Paris under the cover of darkness on this spectacular evening dinner cruise on the River Seine. The 2.5-hour tour takes you on a journey to some of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. The cruise starts with some appetizers and a glass of champagne followed by a delicious 3 or 4-course à la carte dinner, featuring an impressive selection of French specialties. As you dine in the glassed-in boat, admire the breathtaking night views of Paris and its famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, and Grand Palais. Throughout the cruise, a live singer provides entertainment, and a photographer takes memorable photos of you and your loved ones. A vegetarian menu option is also available upon request. Dress in smart casual attire and be prepared for a security check before boarding. The tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, and shorts, sportswear, and sports shoes are not allowed. Choose from different booking options and enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars in Paris.
8. Paris: Sunset Aperitif Cruise on the Seine River with Music
Embark on an adventure and experience Paris in a new light on a Sunset Aperitif Cruise on the Seine River with music. Marvel at the beautiful landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, and Grand Palais. Set sail on a 1-hour cruise while enjoying music and indulging in drinks if the option is selected. Learn more about the monuments with the historic commentary available on the tour app. The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. Pets and luggage are not allowed on this tour. The roof might not be accessible during bad weather conditions. Please note that the opening hours are subject to change due to bad weather or a lack of visitors. The booking is provisional, and visitors will be welcomed aboard on the next available departure.
9. Paris: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise
Embark on a two-hour River Seine lunch cruise in Paris and experience the city’s historical sites from a unique viewpoint. Enjoy an all-inclusive, three-course à-la-carte lunch paired with delicious wines as you see iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum pass you by. Admire panoramic views of the city from the glass-enclosed boat and take in the beauty of the quays along the River Seine. This cruise passes through the heart of Paris, with major sites like Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, and Hôtel de Ville included in the itinerary. There are three booking options available, each with a different meeting point and additional features such as a cheese course or photo souvenirs. Vegetarian menu options are available upon request. Please note that the dress code for this cruise is casual, but shorts and sportswear are not accepted. Sports shoes are allowed as long as they are dark in color.
10. Paris: Night River Cruise On The Seine With Waffle Tasting
Discover Paris at night with the ‘Paris: Night River Cruise On The Seine With Waffle Tasting’ tour. This one-hour cruise takes you along the famous Seine River, where you’ll see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks illuminated in the night air. Enjoy the view of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Orsay Museum, and the sparkling Eiffel Tower as you board and exit the boat. Before or after the tour, indulge in an excellent waffle right in front of the boat. The tour includes a waffle tasting and audio guides in 14 languages aboard a modern boat. The meeting point is at the Bateaux Parisiens, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower port de la Bourdonnais pontoon 03, while the waffle tasting can be found on the port just opposite the Bateaux Parisiens. Please bring your e-tickets and QR code, which will be sent to your email. Note that pets, oversize luggage, and large bags are not allowed. In winter, the crêpe kiosk closes earlier than usual, so customers must visit before 7 pm for the waffle tasting.
Overview
Paris is a gorgeous city with rich eateries and much history. Before visiting Paris, it is common to have several questions in mind. In this blog post, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Paris, including where to stay, how to get around, and what attractions to visit.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is from June to August, which is summertime. The weather is milder, with warm temperatures and longer days, allowing visitors to benefit from all the outdoor attractions. However, be advised that the summertime is peak tourist season, meaning tourist spots will be crowded with long wait times. Winter is a second option, but the weather is similar to northern Europe’s climate, so prepare for cold temperatures and snow.
How do I get around Paris?
Paris is an easy city to get around. Public transportation is abundant and efficient, with the metro being the most popular transportation option in the city. The metro will take you almost anywhere in Paris while still being affordable. You can also take a taxi or a bus if you’re looking for a different mode of transportation. However, if you’re looking for more freedom, we suggest renting a bike or taking a walk throughout the city’s stunning streets and sites.
What are some popular tourist spots in Paris?
Paris has a long list of popular tourist attractions, including the incredible Eiffel Tower that symbolizes the city, the impressive Louvre museum, the majestic Palace of Versailles, and much more. But there is so much more to Paris that isn’t as commonly known. Visit a neighborhood like Montmartre to experience a more authentic Parisian experience filled with local markets, artist studios, and independent bistros.
What is the local cuisine in Paris?
Paris is famous for its rich cuisine, with iconic dishes such as coq au vin, ratatouille, and escargot. Paris has many Michelin star restaurants, but there are still countless authentic bistros with delicious French dishes. Don’t miss out on experiencing the local bakeries known for their croissants, baguettes, macarons, and other desserts.
Where is the best place to stay in Paris?
Paris has many excellent places to stay, such as the chic Saint Germain area and the trendy Le Marais neighborhood. However, if you’re looking for a true Parisian experience, we suggest staying in a hotel or Airbnb in one of Paris’s authentic neighborhoods like Montmartre or the Latin Quarter. These areas have the most charming cafes and bistros, making you feel part of the local scene while still being within walking distance to popular tourist spots.
In conclusion
Paris is a captivating city that will leave you breathless with its long list of attractions and rich culture. With this guide, we hope we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions and provided all the information necessary to make your Paris experience a memorable one. Whether it’s your first or third visit, Paris is undoubtedly a city worth exploring, with unforgettable views and experiences for all.
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