Seeing the romantic city of Paris by boat is on the must-do list of most visitors to Paris and a Seine cruise is a very popular way to see Paris. These short river cruises allow you to take in many of the highlights of the city—the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, etc.—as you float along the famous Seine River.

However, deciding on the right cruise may be difficult as there are several companies that provide similar tours along the Seine River.

In this article, we’ll give you the details on the most popular sightseeing boat tours in the City of Light and help you decide which one might be best for you. We’ll also provide you with a list of Seine dinner cruises and companies offering private Seine river cruises for those looking for a special evening out. We’ll also let you know which one we chose and why for our own Seine river cruise experiences.

Seine River Cruises: Main Paris Sightseeing Boat Companies

There are a lot of similarities in many of the Seine river boat cruises that offer larger scale cruises along the Seine. First, most Seine cruises last about an hour in duration (one is 2 hours) and stop and end at the same point unless otherwise noted. They also all complete approximately the same circuit although you can check for the exact map for each by going to the companies’ websites. In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, the majority of these companies also operate dinner cruises (as well as other meals and special event cruises) if you are looking for a meal on board.

While you can buy tickets for most cruises the same day in-person near the dock, you may be able to save money by purchasing in advance. Often tickets are valid for 3 months to 1 year following purchase allowing you to choose the time and date of your Seine cruise. If you purchase a ticket or voucher online, be sure to print it out and take it with you to claim your ticket at the dock.

Below we summarize, the departure points, type of commentary or narration provided, cost of tickets, how to buy the tickets, and other points of interest about each company that offers Seine cruises. This list is in alphabetical order: 

1. Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise

This is the oldest company operating cruise boats on the Seine River, starting service after World War II, and these boats have become somewhat of a symbol of Paris. Bateaux Mouches has some of the biggest boats which are easy to spot because they are big, double-decker open-top boats with orange seats.

Departure Points(s)

Leaves from Pont de l’Alma (right bank) in the 8th arrondissement.

Narration

Pre-recorded narration provided in multiple languages, including English. They also provide printed handouts in 22 languages.

Pricing & Tickets

Current prices (as of June 2018): adults are 14 euros, children age 4 to 12 are 6 euros, and children under age 4 are free.

You can buy tickets online, by phone, or at the dock. If you purchase your ticket online, you can collect your ticket before boarding at the Pont de l’Alma at the Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches kiosk. You will just need to present your transaction number and proof of booking.

Other Points

• Website: https://www.bateaux-mouches.fr
• Also provide lunch, dinner, and special events cruises.

Summary

These boats are probably the most popular on the Seine as they are the biggest and you don’t usually need a reservation to get on them. However, this makes them very popular with tourist groups so be prepared to share the boat with hundreds of other visitors. The open-top is great in good weather and provides unobstructed better views than some of the other boats operated by other companies without the extra deck. However, in bad weather you’ll be forced into the glassed-in bottom half of the boat. Narration is provided but it can be hard to hear if the boat is full.

2. Bateaux Parisiens Seine Cruise

Bateaux Parisiens have medium-sized one-level glass covered boats, although they have a variety of boats with slightly different designs in their large fleet. This is probably the second most popular company on the Seine.

Departure Points(s)

Leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower, on the left bank) in the 7th arrondissement -OR- from Quai de Montebello (near the Notre Dame) in the 5th arrondissement.

Narration

If you depart from near the Eiffel Tower, narration provided through individual audio devices available in 14 languages. Live guide commentary is also usually available if you sit in the lower part of the boats. If you depart from near Notre Dame then there is live commentary only in 4 languages (including French and English).

Pricing & Tickets

Current prices (as of June 2018) are 15 euros to 16 euros for adults, and 7 to 7,50 euros for children 3-13, children under age 3 are free. Tickets are 1 euro cheaper if departing from near the Eiffel Tower.

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the ticket offices near the boats.

**DISCOUNT: You can save an extra 1 euro off your ticket price for any trips departing from the Eiffel Tower by booking your ticket online here.**

Note for PARIS PASS holders: Currently a free Bateaux Parisiens Seine river cruise is included as part of the Paris Pass. Check the website or guidebook for most up to date info but Paris Pass holders can currently collect their free ticket by presenting their Paris Pass at the ticket window at Pier 3 at the Eiffel Tower departure port. Read our review of the Paris Pass for more information, and take a look at our suggested 3 day Paris itinerary that includes this ride.

Other Points

• Website: http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/
• They offer lunch, dinner, and special events cruises. They also offer a special family-oriented cruise (offered in French only) that includes music and children’s activities.

Summary

If you choose Bateaux Parisiens and don’t have a strong preference regarding boarding location, I would choose the Eiffel Tower departure point as you’ll save 1 euro per ticket and the audioguides are available in more languages. The handheld audioguides are really nice as you have the option to listen to them or not, although you also have the option to hear live narration if you want to see in the lower enclosed part of the boat. 

3. Batobus Seine Cruise (well, sort of…)

These are hop-on/hop-off boats that make a circuit with 9 separate stops, all near major tourist destinations (e.g., Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre). The Batobus is not really intended for a sighteseeing cruise but can still be a good economical choice if you also want to use the Batobus for transportation.

Departure Point(s)

Boats leave from 9 different stops near the following sites: St-Germain-des-Prés, Notre Dame, Jardin des Plantes, Hôtel de Ville, Lourve, Champs-Elysées, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Beaugrenelle. The boats stop at each stop every 20 to 25 minutes depending on the season. Please note that each stop is not always super close to the destination, for instance the stop closest to the Eiffel Tower requires a 15-minute walk to get to the monument from the boat stop. So be prepared.

Narration

There is no narration during these boat tours as they are designed as a boat taxi service rather than an actual cruise. Staff members are on board, however, and can answer questions in both English and French.

Pricing & Tickets

For a 1-day pass current prices (as of June 2018) for adult passes (age 16+) are 17 euros and child (age 3 to 15) passes are 8 euros. Children under age 3 ride for free. For a 2-day pass, adult passes are 19 euros and child passes are 9 euros.

Passes can be purchased online, at any of the 9 Batobus stops, tourist information offices, or the Paris L’Open Tour Boutique (3 rue Auber, 75009 Paris).

Other Notes

• Website: http://www.batobus.com/
• If you plan to use sightseeing buses as well, you might consider purchasing a Paris à la Carte pass that allows you unlimited use of both the L’Open Tour hop on/hop off buses and the Batobus river boat shuttle service. This give you access to over 50 stops and these passes can be purchased as 2 or 3 day passes. You can purchase that pass online here.

Summary

While these boats are meant to function as water buses they can still be a good choice for some views of Paris from the river. For some people who don’t want to use the bus system or metro, these can be an especially great and economical option. For instance, a 1 day pass allows for unlimited transportation for an entire day and you can use the Batobus as a bus during the day and then sit back and enjoy the full circuit at night. Just note that if crowded these boats can get quite hot in the summer heat, but can be nice and warm on cool days as they are heated.

4. Canauxrama Seine Cruise 

Canauxrama is one of the top companies for providing canal tours around Paris, but they also provide 2-hour scenic tours along the Seine River. The Canuaxrama boats vary a bit but all have a closed bottom deck and an open top deck.

Departure Point(s)

Leave from the Marina Arsenal facing 50 Bd de la Bastille (near Place de la Bastille) in the 12th arrondissement.

Narration

Live narration on board by guide in French and English.

Pricing

The Parisienne Cruise tickets are currently (as of June 2018) 18 euros for adults, 9 euros for children age 4-12, and free for children under 4. They advise that reservations should be made in advance for all cruises.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance, or at one of their two ticket offices at the Marina Arsenal or Bassin de la Villette.

Other Notes

• Website: http://www.canauxrama.com/en/
• The cruise described is generally only offered in the evening.
• Snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are available for purchase onboard.
• The company offers a wide variety of different types of cruises that include the Seine as well as a number of other waterways (mainly canals) in or near Paris, however, some of these cruises are not available year round.
• If you are interested in learning more about taking a Paris canal tour, check out our experience taking a Canauxrama cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin.

Summary

Canauxrama is better known for its canal cruises than Seine cruises; however, the company was purchased by Vedettes du Pont Neuf in 2007 which operates Seine cruise boats. If you are looking for a longer cruise (2 hours) that does not include dinner, this is a good price. It also includes the unique experience of learning a bit about locks as the boat passes through a lock as it makes its way into the Seine. Many people also appreciate the option to purchase snacks or drinks during the cruise. 

However, if you are looking for just a 1-hour, less expensive tour of the Seine, try another company. A 2-hour tour may be too longer for younger children. Also note the departure point is a bit further from the center of Paris than some of the other companies, but this may end up being great for those staying closer to the 12th arrondissement.

5. Vedettes de Paris Seine Cruise

Vedettes de Paris operate smaller sized boats along the Seine River. The boat configurations differ a bit but each holds approximately 250 people for the regular Seine cruises.

Departure Point(s)

Boats leave from Port de Suffren (near Eiffel Tower) in the 7th arrondissement.

Narration

Recorded audio commentary in English, French, and Spanish. Explanatory leaflets are available in 8 other languages (German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic) that you can pick up upon boarding.  

Pricing & Tickets

The 1-hour non-stop Discovery sightseeing cruise is currently (as of June 2018) 15 euros for adults, 7 euros for children 4-11, and free for children under 4. There is also a similar sightseeing cruise that includes an optional stopover at Escale Pont Marie and return to Port de Suffren that is 16 euros per adult and 8 euros per child. Cruises to Escale Pont Marie without a return ride are also possible for lower prices.

Tickets can be booked in advance online here, or purchased at the Port de Suffren port office.

Other Notes

• Website: https://www.vedettesdeparis.fr/
• Paris de Vedettes offers  dinner and themed cruise options with snacks. They also offer a special children’s cruise (French only).
• Snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are available for purchase onboard. You can also eat at the affiliated seasonal restaurant near the boat dock called Terrasse des Vedettes and there is a special deal if you combine a menu and a sightseeing cruise.
• The boat configurations differs depending on the boat, but all appear to have some indoor and outdoor seating. You can see some photos of each boat on the website.

Summary

Paris de Vedettes offers pretty much the same standard 1-hour cruise of the Seine as most of the other companies; however their boats are smaller than many of the other companies. Boats with top decks allow for better viewing and pictures, but during cold weather everyone will be forced into the covered spaces. Pre-recorded commentary can be difficult to hear, especially near the engine and on top deck if crowded.

6. Vedettes du Pont Neuf Seine Cruise

Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf operates a small fleet of small and medium sized boats and have been operating tourist cruises since the 1960’s. The company seems to just focus on the basics of providing a 1-hour scenic tour as they don’t offer meals or special sightseeing cruises and offer some of the cheapest tickets on the Seine.

Departure Point(s)

Boats leave from the Square du Vert Galant near the Pont Neuf on the tip of the Île de la Cité (within walking distance of Notre Dame)

Narration

Provided by live guides who give commentary in both French and English.

Pricing & Tickets

The website says the tickets are regularly 14 euros for adults and 7 euros for children 4-12. However, as far as I can tell they always have a discount if you purchase the tickets online from their website. Currently they have deals for 10 to 12 euro adult tickets and 5 euro child tickets.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the port in person before the cruise.

Other Notes

• Website: http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/
• Two of the boats currently have two decks with an open upper deck, but all boats allow for open-air and inside covered seating.
• Vedettes du Pont Neuf bought Canauxrama in 2007, so you may see boats with signage from both companies.

Summary

If you are looking for the cheapest tickets, Vedettes du Pont Neuf is probably the best choice if you take advantage of their online deals. They also offer a great central location if you are going to be near the Notre Dame. If you choose this company, take some time to explore the Square du Vert Galant before or after your cruise as it can be a peaceful little green patch on the tip of the island. Live narration is provided by real guides; however, both sound quality and guide quality can vary.

Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris

If you are looking for a special way to experience Paris, you may want to consider a Seine River dinner cruise. Many visitors want to see Paris at night from the river while having dinner on a cruise. These cruises typically take place on boats that have a special glass enclosed restaurant area, so you can watch the scenery but are protected from the wind and rain. Some of the cruises are only for those dining onboard and some also carry regular sightseeing guests as well.

In addition to dinner cruises, some cruise companies offer brunch, lunch, and special themed cruises that also serve food. During holidays (e.g., Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Bastille Day), you’ll find a number of special cruises and menus being offered. The cost of a meal cruise generally ranges from about 50 € to 200 € per person. Lunch and brunch cruises are usually less expensive than dinner cruises and speciality themed cruises.

If you are having trouble deciding on a cruise, I’d start with these cruises offered by Viator as they offer some of the most popular cruises from those mentioned below. You can also read reviews of each lunch or  dinner cruise on their site.

• Bateaux Mouches – This company offers meal cruises in addition to the regular sightseeing cruises described above.
• Bateaux Parisiens -This company offers meal cruises in addition to regular sightseeing cruises. Its dinner cruises are popular.
• Capitaine Fracasse – This company specializes in dinner cruises, offering a variety of meal cruises along the Seine with a choice of menus. 
• Paris en Scène – This company specializes in meal cruises and does not offer any regular sightseeing cruises. It only offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and special event cruises.
• Vedettes de Paris – This company offers dinner cruises in addition to regular sightseeing cruises. 
• Viator – Viator offers a number of tours and packages that include a Seine River cruise dinner. This company often offers vouchers for many of the other tours at competitive prices.
• Yachts de Paris  – This company operates a fleet of yachts and barges for private use and can cater meals on board its ships.

Seine River Cruises: Private Boat Cruises

Most visitors to Paris want to join one of the regularly schedule group Seine river boat cruises from one of the companies above. However, if you are looking for a special private or semi-private Seine cruise, this can also be arranged.

Most of the previously mentioned companies offer either a semi-private cruise option (e.g., a private area, restaurant, room, or terrace of a boat) or a fully private cruise option (an entire boat just for the exclusive use or you and your group). Private Seine river cruises are great options for special celebrations, weddings, marriage proposals, large families, holiday parties, tour groups, or corporate travel events. Meals, drinks, and entertainment can also be arranged on most semi-private and private Seine cruises. Costs for a fully private cruise generally start at about 200 € for an hour for 2 persons or a family and can go well above 2,000 € depending on the duration and type of cruise experience you want.

Here is a list of companies that offer semi-private or private boat tours along the Seine. I’ve put an asterisk (*) next to those companies who specialize in private Seine cruises which are probably the best fit for those looking for a private experience as a couple, family, or small group. The rest of the cruise companies specialize more in private hires for larger groups, weddings, and corporate events.

• Bateaux Mouches – This famous Seine river boat company offers a variety of private hire options for up to 350 guests for personal or corporate events.
• Bateaux Parisiens – Bateaux Parisiens offers semi-private experiences to smaller groups (2 to 50) as well as entire private boat hires for larger groups that can accommodate over 100 people.
• Batobus – A Batobus boat can be hired for private use and can seat up to 180 persons. These hires are geared towards shorter corporate hires.
• Canauxarama – This company offers boats for private use along both the Seine River as well as the Canal St Martin. Boats can accommodate between 50 to 200 guests.
• Green River Cruises * – This companies offers  boats that can accommodate 1 to 11 persons, and have set prices for cruises from 1 hour to 3 hours in duration. This is perfect for couples, families, and small groups. 
• River Limousine * – This company offers private boat rides in a custom-designed Venetian boat for small groups of 1 to 6 persons. Perfect for couples and families. 
• Vedettes de Paris – This company offers boats that can accommodate 3 o to 250 persons for events, cocktail hours, and sit-down meals and can do a variety of semi-private (part of a boat or lounge) to private options. 
• Vedettes du Pont Neuf – This company offers various options and can accommodate 30 to 200 person depending on the boat and type of event.
• Viator*  – This Viator Paris private romantic evening tour is for couples looking for an entire romantic evening out. It includes a driver, a 1-hour Seine river cruise, champagne, dinner, and a guided nighttime sightseeing drive. The cruise portion is NOT private but it is on one of the smaller cruise boats.
• Yachts de Paris * – This company operates a fleet of yachts and barges for private use in Paris which range from small to large boats, which can arrange sailings for groups from 2 to 800 people!

How to Choose Your Seine Cruise

So there you have it, the details of six different companies that operate Seine cruises in Paris, plus a list of companies that offer dinner crises and private Seine River cruises!

Summary of Seine Cruise Factors to Consider 

So how can you use all the above information to decide which Seine cruise might be the best for you? This is a matter of deciding on what is most important to you regarding the cruise. Main factors you probably want to consider:

• Location of port departure
• Price of tickets
• Narration type and languages
• Boat route
• Length of trip
• Size of boat
• Do you want to pay extra for a meal, themed cruise, or private cruise?

Our Seine River Cruise Experiences in Paris

For my first Seine River boat tour in 2012 with then partner Ethan, we prioritized location, followed by price, and then narration. After researching the options ourselves, we personally chose Vedettes du Pont Neuf for an evening cruise along the Seine for a few reasons.

First, it was within a 5-minute walking distance of where we were staying in Paris. Second, it provided the best prices and we booked tickets in advance online for only 16 euros total for the two of us. These tickets also gave us a lot of flexibility regarding when we used them as they were good for one year following purchase. Third, the live narration was preferred by us over pre-recorded narration although honestly it rained (unfortunately!) and it was difficult to hear the guide during parts of our cruise because of the rain. Finally, we were not interested in any sort of meal or specialty cruise and the no-frills cruises provided by this company was a good fit for us.

Overall, we were very satisfied with our choice as the only major problem was that it started to rain during our cruise. I would definitely recommend trying to do the cruise when you have good weather if you can.

Then in 2017 I decided to do another Seine river cruise with Laurence as he had never done one before. This time we chose the Bateaux Parisiens. Our decision was made simple on this visit as we were traveling with the Paris Pass and we were able to get free tickets with our pass for this cruise.

This time the weather cooperated and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the views. Towards the end we also moved inside and listed to the commentary. The Bateaux Parisiens boats are larger than those by the Vedettes du Pont Neuf and it was more crowded than my first experience but there was plenty of space to sit and move around. 

Hope this guide was useful in helping you select the Seine cruise that was the best fit for you during your trip to Paris. Essentially no matter which Seine cruise you choose, you are going to see the same scenery!

Have you taken a Seine cruise during a trip to Paris? Let us know what company you chose and let us know your feedback and tips for other readers trying to decide on a boat tour. As always, all questions and comments are welcome.