My Paris River
My Paris River was founded in 2013 by Antoine Commeau, after receiving his boating license as a Christmas gift. During his first trips on the Seine, he discovered a world that had remained invisible to him, despite having lived in Paris all his life. Then working in sales, he decided to turn this new passion into a business.
Fascinated by the comfort of the pontoon boat—popular in North America—he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey.
Despite a relapse of cancer that complicated access to bank loans, he found decisive support from his father Dominique and his wife Marianne.
Winner of the “Business Creator” award from Grand Paris Seine-Ouest, he officially registered My Paris River in autumn 2013 and ordered the very first boat from Canada.
Marianne contributed her marketing expertise to create the company’s first website, while Dominique handled the administrative side.
That same year, Antoine and Marianne welcomed the birth of their son Lucas, giving this entrepreneurial adventure a deeply family-oriented dimension.
That same year, Antoine and Marianne welcomed the birth of their son Lucas, giving this entrepreneurial adventure a deeply family-oriented dimension.
As Antoine’s health worsened and he could no longer manage the business alone (boat piloting, sales), he asked his longtime friend Benjamin to join My Paris River.
In May 2014, after months of training, Antoine and Benjamin carried out the very first cruise.
By the end of the year, My Paris River had already completed nearly fifty cruises.
Antoine passed away in 2015, leaving the future of his company in the hands of his associates.
Marianne threw herself wholeheartedly into the business and took the helm.
The company responded to a public call for projects that would allow the construction of its own dock at Pont d’Issy (instead of operating from Suresnes).
By the end of the year, My Paris River had crossed the symbolic milestone of 100 cruises.
This year brought its share of setbacks: refinery strikes, an exceptional flood, and an engine failure.
Despite the challenges, the company continued its growth with a remarkable +50%.
In 2017, all those involved in the My Paris River adventure remained more determined than ever to ensure its long-term success, while several projects were underway to make the company stronger and more structured.
In 2018, after winning a public tender, the construction of a dock in Issy-les-Moulineaux marked a major milestone in our development. This new location, accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM), benefited from a fully redesigned riverside thanks to the city’s revitalization efforts. The project opened the door to expanding the fleet and strengthening the area’s appeal, while providing modern infrastructure adapted to today’s needs.
In 2022, the fleet expanded with the arrival of French Connexion and French Cancan, adding a touch of elegance and boldness—true to our cherished “French Touch” spirit.
That same year also brought organizational change: Benjamin became CEO, strengthening his role as the driving force of our growth. Marianne retained a 10% stake, reflecting her deep attachment to the family adventure she had begun with her husband. Meanwhile, Audrey, Benjamin’s wife, joined the team to bring her commercial expertise and help write this new chapter with energy and enthusiasm.
In 2024, a fresh momentum took shape. Benjamin trained as a marine mechanic in Concarneau, reinforcing his expertise to ensure the upkeep and reliability of the fleet. At the same time, Audrey developed a tailor-made back-office tool designed to streamline sales management and pilot operations, while integrating a billing system adapted to the company’s needs. Two complementary initiatives that reflect the balance of the couple at work: Benjamin explores and refines the technical side, while Audrey structures and strengthens the organization. Together, they are shaping a company that is solid, innovative, and deeply human.
Every milestone since our beginnings has followed the same guiding thread: combining passion and high standards to deliver unique private cruises on the Seine. And while our story continues to be written along the river, it is above all nourished by encounters, challenges overcome, and a constant desire to offer our passengers a memorable experience—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
