Exploring Paris: Should You Choose a Day or Sunset Cruise with Drink, Ice Cream or Dessert?

If you’re looking to explore Paris while on the water, you may be considering taking either a day or sunset cruise. But which option is the best for a memorable experience with drink, ice cream or dessert? In this guide, we’ll look at the pros and cons of a day cruise versus sunset cruise in Paris, and highlight the best spots in town to explore while on the water.

Types of Paris Cruises

When it comes to planning a Paris cruise, you have several options. Most cruises range from 30 minutes to two hours and can be either daytime or nighttime. A typical day cruise will show you all the legendary sights of Paris such as the Bois de Boulogne, Notre Dame and other iconic sites. On a night cruise, you’ll also get to see the illuminated landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées.

Paris Day Cruise Pros & Cons

A day cruise is the perfect option if you’re looking to see the most remarkable sights of Paris while on the water. Here are some of the pros and cons of a day cruise:

Pros:

• Great daytime views of landmarks like Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower
• Chances to snap some timeless photographs
• Ability to take in many breathtaking sights on the lower Seine River

Cons:

• Choppy water from boat traffic can make for an uncomfortable ride
• Crowds of tourists can limit your privacy
• Can be difficult to adopt a relaxed attitude due to demand for returning within a certain timeframe

Paris Sunset Cruise Pros & Cons

A sunset cruise is an unforgettable way to experience Paris’s famous landmarks. Here are some of the pros and cons of a sunset cruise:

Pros:

• Beautiful views of Paris as the sun sets over the city
• More relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds in comparison to day cruises
• Romantic evening tour with drinks, ice cream or dessert included

Cons:

• Sometimes cloudy or foggy evenings can limit visibility
• Higher price tag than a day cruise as they tend include services such as aperitifs and desserts
• Unable to bask in all the sights like during a day cruise, as dusk arrives so quickly

Best Places for a Cruise in Paris

There are several great places where you can take a leisurely ride around Paris’s monuments and take in the beauty of the city. Here are some of the top spots for a leisurely cruise along the Seine.

1. La Seine & Canal Saint-Martin

The area near Paris’s Canal Saint-Martin is one of the finest spots for seeing the city’s magical lights. Locals flock to this part of town during warm summer days and the lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for people-watching. A canal boat ride is one of the most relaxing ways to take it all in.

Another great option for seeing this sparkling corner of Paris is taking a boat trip along La Seine, which provides amazing views of romantic spots like Place de la Bastille. There are plenty of tour operators offering boat rides down this part of the river and all offer luxurious amenities such as live performances or visits to local attractions such as museums or landmarks.

2. Musée d’Orsay & Musée du Louvre

The Musée d’Orsay and Musée du Louvre are two of the most renowned museums in the world, and both can be found right by the banks of Paris’s beautiful Seine River. A leisurely boat trip along this part of the river offers stunning views of both buildings—plus great opportunities for photography—all from the comfort of your vessel.

Cruising is especially nice during late spring, when boats depart from just opposite Les Tuileries Garden and take travelers on a half-hour ride past some of Paris’s most famous monuments, including Place de la Concorde, Quai Branly and Grand Palais.

A number of companies offer two-, three- or four-hour tours along this part of the river. These tours often include drinks, ice cream or dessert but do have time limits, so it’s important to book ahead if you want to make sure that you get back in time.

3. Seine Sightseeing Boat Tour

The best way to see everything that Paris has to offer by boat is to take a Seine Sightseeing Boat Tour. These unique boat rides take visitors on an A-to-Z journey through all the city’s most important sites and provide fantastic views while they learn more about everything from Notre Dame Cathedral to the majestic Eiffel Tower. It also gives travelers a chance to take plenty of beautiful photos along their journey.

Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for drinks, ice cream or dessert with each tour lasting one hour and 10 minutes. The boat has large, comfortable reclining chairs and an open roof so everyone gets an amazing panoramic view as they voyage past landmarks like Musée d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde and Pont Alexandre III. It even passes through a few tunnels!

Conclusion

Whether you choose a day or sunset cruise in Paris, you will be delighted by the beauty and awe-inspiring sights this amazing city has to offer from both perspectives. A day tour offers stunning views of renowned landmarks like Notre Dame, whereas enjoying a sunset cruise will show you all these monuments illuminated against a romantic backdrop.Booking your trip with GetYourGuide, you will be able to find a plethora of different package options that include drinks, ice cream or dessert; there’s something for everyone! Cruise around Paris in style with your loved ones and experience an unforgettable evening together!