Visit Paris by boat on the Seine: 3 cruises not to miss
Ever thought of visiting Paris by boat on the Seine? A river cruise gives you a different way to take in the iconic sights of the French capital. It’s also a great way to share a special moment in the company of friends, family, colleagues, or your partner.
If you’re wondering what itineraries are available, hop on board for our guide to the different ways of exploring the French capital by boat.
Expert tip: If you’re hoping for a little privacy during your cruise, don’t bother with the crowded bateaux mouches. Instead, book your sightseeing cruise with a private boat. You are sure to find cruises to suit every occasion, ticket price, preferred itinerary, duration, and extras like lunch, pre-dinner drinks, a gourmet dinner, and so on.
1. First option: 1.5-hour jaunt from Pont d’Issy bridge to the Louvre Museum
Short, 90-minute sightseeing cruises are the best option if you don’t want to spend the whole day on the river. They’re also ideal if you’re on a tight budget. You get a quick sightseeing trip and a chance to admire some of the French capital’s famous monuments. We’ve put together a synopsis of what to expect from your 90-minute excursion with a departure from Pont d’Issy bridge.
This cruise is perfect for families with young children. The little ones will adore the whole experience as they gaze in wonder at Notre-Dame Cathedral and the other famous Parisian sights—and be back on dry land before their patience runs out!
Highlights of your 1.5-hour river cruise
The first highlight is the Statue of Liberty. Not the one in New York, obviously, which was a gift from the French people to the Americans. That iconic New York attraction is the work of the French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and the engineer Gustave Eiffel. But did you know that they made at least one smaller model of their statue? It is now on display in the Orsay Museum, with a replica of it standing on the Île aux Cygnes and visible from the Seine.
The start of your river cruise also gives you an unparalleled view of the Eiffel Tower, the iconic symbol of this European destination. This is a photo opportunity that you really won’t want to miss. And if you’re touring Paris by boat at night, you’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower light up the night sky and twinkle across the surface of the Seine.
Next, you’ll head east toward the Pont Alexandre III bridge. From there, you can admire the Grand Palais, originally constructed for the world expo of 1900 and now home to art exhibitions and cultural events. After that comes the iconic Orsay Museum, with its famous clock, before you glide by the Louvre Museum and the eye-catching cupola of the Institut de Fra
2. Second option: 2-hour excursion to the Conciergerie
Want to travel right into the old city and see the mid-river islands? If so, opt for a slightly longer cruise like this one that takes you as far as the Conciergerie.
This is ideal if you want time to soak up the experience of cruising down the Seine but still leave room in your day for other outings like a trip to the museum or a meal out in a restaurant.
Take in the unmissable sights of the old city
This time, the tour does not end at the Institut de France. Instead, you pass under the Pont Neuf bridge before arriving at Île de la Cité, which offers a view of:
– The world-famous Notre-Dame Cathedral
– The Hôtel de Ville, which has housed Paris’s municipal authorities since 1357
– And the Conciergerie, the medieval royal palace that became a court during the French revolution—and then the prison of Marie-Antoinette!
3. Visit the old city and the east of Paris with 2- or 2.5-hour outings
If you plan on celebrating a special occasion like a birthday, a bachelor/bachelorette party, or a date with a special someone, then this is the cruise for you. It’s also ideal as a memorable work outing for after-work drinks, a client meeting, or a team building event. Boat around Paris with a glass of champagne, a photo shoot with a photographer, or pre-dinner drinks as you cruise by Paris’s most iconic monuments.
Top tip – If you want to take an evening cruise to enjoy the sunset, look for boats with daylight departure times (late afternoon in winter). That way, you’ll get to see the sun set over the skyline and soak up the wonders of Paris as the streets and monuments light up. Couples, take note: If it’s romance you’re after, then a romantic cruise like this is the one for you.
And it’s not over yet…
As you leave the Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis behind you, you’ll journey east toward a bright green building with a glass facade. This is the Cité de la Mode et du Design, which is home to the French fashion and design institute. Visitors throng to this venue for the restaurants, nightclubs, and panoramic rooftop.
After that, you’ll pass the Accor Arena, a major music, sporting, and hospitality venue, as well as the Josephine Baker swimming pool, which literally floats on the Seine. The last stop on your tour is the majestic building of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, the national library.
4. Private guided tours
What if you could get the inside scoop on the history and stories behind the famous monuments of Paris? Some companies—including My Paris River—offer private cruises with live-guided commentary. Our skipper can let you in on the secrets of the city in French or in English. Don’t miss this chance to discover another side of Paris.
Organize your cruise with My Paris River
At My Paris River, we specialize in organizing private cruises on the Seine and canals of Paris. We offer different cruises to suit your preferred duration, ticket price, itinerary, and optional extras (lunch, dinner, champagne, etc.). It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a romantic cruise or a day out on the river in the company of friends, family, or work colleagues—we can help you make the most of your visit to Paris.
Contact our team for information or to book your tickets to tour Paris by boat.
