Celebrate the magic of Paris with an aperitif cruise
A boat tour on the river Seine is a great way to experience the French capital. It gives you a breathtaking view of the main sights and monuments of Paris. But instead of traipsing around the city, you get to kick back and relax.
An aperitif cruise is one of our favorite boat tours. There’s just something very James Bond about an aperitif cruise. The drinks, the boat, the stunning location. It’s just classy — secret agent classy.
It’s also a great way to rest weary feet, enjoy some music, and sip a glass of wine or champagne for those of you who need a break from saving the world.
To visit Paris in true Bond style, this blog post gives you the lowdown on:
- The cruise packages you can choose from
- The best times and durations to book
- The advantages of private tours
- The options for booking your cruise
We also explain why a private cruise with My Paris River can transform your boat tour on the river Seine into a unique experience. Already tempted by the idea of classy pre-dinner drinks on a private boat in Paris?
What is included in an aperitif cruise on the Seine?
No matter what cruise company you choose, a boat tour is first and foremost a sightseeing tour. This means you get to take in iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the famous bridges, or “ponts,” of Paris.
If you book with one of the large vedettes, you usually get a 1-hour cruise on a set itinerary. You can choose from a range of drinks on board. But the music and audio commentary are preselected.
An alternative option is to book a private aperitif cruise with My Paris River. Unlike the vedettes, we let you personalize every aspect of your boat tour. From the music and drinks on board to the food, duration, and itinerary. Please note that high-speed boat chases with gun-toting henchmen are optional. With that in mind, does a private aperitif cruise sound like your thing?
Best time and duration for an aperitif cruise in Paris
“Happy hour” is the traditional time for a post-work/pre-dinner drink. Luckily for you, happy hour often coincides with sunset in Paris.
Just imagine it. The boat rocks gently beneath you as you cruise past the famous monuments of the French capital. The last rays of the day warm your face as the sun hovers behind the Eiffel Tower. A cool glass of champagne — or a vodka martini — in your hand. Is there a better way to savor Paris? We don’t think so.
Be aware that winter in Paris can be cold, just as summer can be hot. Christmas and the summer holidays are also when the city is busiest with tourists. If you prefer quieter streets and gentler temperatures, book your cruise in spring or autumn instead.
How long is an aperitif cruise in Paris? That depends entirely on you. Most of the big vedettes operate 1-hour boat tours. At My Paris River, our private cruises last 1.5 hours, 2 hours, or 2.5 hours. But remember that this is your cruise. Customize the duration if you like.
For a unique aperitif cruise in Paris, try My Paris River
Vedettes can accommodate more than 200 people on each cruise. But maybe a throng of tourists is not your style? If so, try a private cruise with My Paris River instead. Our boats have a maximum capacity of 12 people. This way, there are no nosy onlookers to spoil the mood.
And because we operate private tours, you can personalize everything. From the duration and itinerary to the drinks, food, and music. It’s your cruise. You call the shots.
Would you like to discover the history behind famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower? Our local skippers are specialists in live-guided commentary. Don’t worry — they can tailor their stories to your needs. Which means there is plenty to entertain little ones and grown-ups alike.
But don’t just take our word for it — see how past customers have rated our tours and our skippers. Check out our customer reviews on our testimonials page.
What are the ticket prices for a booking?
Ticket prices vary for an aperitif cruise in Paris. They depend on the tour operator you go for. They also depend on the itinerary, duration, and optional extras you wish for.
For a basic aperitif cruise on one of the vedettes, expect to pay around €25 for adults and €12 for children. At My Paris River, our private boat tours start at €60 per person.
If you’re booking for a number of passengers, we offer group discounts if you book for 7 people or more. Remember that you can customize your aperitif cruise as well. Contact our crew for a custom quote.
How do I book my cruise?
There are a few ways you can book your tickets. Some tour companies allow you to book your aperitif cruise through an app. To book with My Paris River, simply complete the quotation form on our website.
Just so you know, you can cancel or postpone any booking with My Paris River free of charge. Just make sure to cancel 4 days ahead of time or to postpone 2 days ahead of time. Our flexible cancellation policy can come in handy if the weather isn’t behaving — or if a maniacal villain shows up unexpected!
Ready to enjoy a classy pre-dinner drink as you glide through the center of Paris?
