Is a Seine river cruise worth it? You bet it is!
We all know Paris is absolutely worth a visit. The city has long had a reputation as one of the cultural capitals of the world. And one reason Paris has this reputation is the “Belle Epoque” from 1870 to 1914.
It was a period in Europe of cultural, social and technological innovation — and of decadence and high living. And nowhere was this more evident than in Paris.
During this period, the Eiffel Tower was erected, and Paris became famous for its hotels, cafes, theaters, and art scene. The city hosted two World Fairs. It opened the first metro lines. And it saw the arrival of the bateaux mouches — the original Seine river cruise.
Today, the French capital is still world-famous — and rightly so. From the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Louvre Museum and Palace of Versailles, there is plenty in Paris for lovers of art, history, and architecture.
But if you are planning to vacation in Paris, you may have seen Tripadvisor reviews and tourist guides mentioning boat tours and Seine river cruises. And the question you’re probably asking is, is a Seine river cruise worth it? Well, in our (admittedly biased) opinion, we think they are. So here’s our guide to:
- Why a Seine river cruise is worth the investment
- What types of Paris boat tours are available
- And how to choose the right Seine river cruise for your needs
Already sold on the idea? Let’s get you booked on your river cruise.
4 reasons why a Seine river cruise is worth the investment
If you check out the online reviews and travel forums, you’ll quickly realize that most visitors to Paris rave about their boat tour. For many, it’s the highlight of their vacation.
And on our private Paris boat tours, we’ve heard many visitors tell us why they rate Seine river cruises. Here are 4 reasons they usually mention:
1/ Fresh views: If you are visiting Paris, then chances are you want to see UNESCO world heritage sites like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. But have you noticed how the pictures of these Parisian landmarks all have a sameness about them? That’s because they’re all taken from the same spots.
From a boat tour on the river Seine, you get a totally fresh angle on Paris’s iconic landmarks. And the pictures you share when you get home will be like nothing your friends and family have ever seen.
2/ Feet up: Traipsing up and down the banks of the river as you move from monument to monument can become tiring, especially for little feet if you’re travelling with children. On a Seine river cruise, you get to see all the usual landmarks — but you can put your feet up as you do it.
3/ All the sights in 1: Depending on the itinerary of your boat tour, you can take in almost all the main landmarks of the French capital in 1 go. This comes in handy if you’re on a short trip to Paris, or if you’re visiting multiple cities in Europe and time is tight.
4/ No wait lines: One major advantage of Seine river cruises is that you avoid the long wait lines to see places like the Louvre Museum or the Eiffel Tower. Which of course leaves more time and energy for exploring the city’s countless cafes and restaurants once you’re back on dry land.
It couldn’t be easier to book a Seine river cruise — just click the button below, fill in the form and get ready for a jaunt through the City of Light.
Different types of Seine river cruises
A day cruise through the heart of the city is a great way to take in the sights as you unwind after a delicious lunch and an exquisite glass of wine in one of Paris’s famous restaurants. Night tours can be perfect if you’re looking for a little more romance. Pro tip: Look for river cruises that depart at sunset to see the city lights twinkle into life as the sun sets over the horizon. Dinner cruises are a spectacular way to sample the fine wines and gourmet meals of the French capital while surrounded by one of the most famous skylines in the world.
Two main types of boat tour
Bateaux mouches are the boats most people associate with Seine river cruises. These large open-top or glass-paneled boats can accommodate hundreds of visitors. Their relatively cheap ticket prices make them an accessible tour option for any budget. But be aware that you may have to jostle for the best views as you’ll be sharing the boat with lots of other tourists.
Smaller operators — such as My Paris River — operate private Seine river cruises. The advantage of our private tours is the peace and quiet of being far from the crowds and the chance to share this unique experience with a select few.
A private cruise is the best option if you have this experience all to yourself and your loved ones. For a custom quotation for your Seine cruise, just fill in the form.
How do you choose the best Seine river cruise for your needs?
First, which landmarks do you want to see? Not every tour operator covers every landmark along the river. So check the itineraries of each cruise to make sure your must-sees are on the list.
Then there is the time of your cruise to consider. Daytime tours give you the best light if you’re after some memorable snaps of your vacation. And a day cruise also suits family outings for little ones with early bedtimes. Nighttime cruises may suit couples or a party of friends who want to enjoy the city with a glass of wine or champagne. And during the summer months, a night cruise is a refreshing alternative for those of you who prefer cooler temperatures.
The peak season is when most folks have time off work to travel to Europe. But it’s also the busiest time of year, with the biggest crowds and the longest wait lines. If you can swing it, off-peak visits offer fewer crowds, which means more availability for booking, shorter wait lines for monuments and more time and space to soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Lastly, be sure to check reviews for insights on popular Paris cruise companies and services. Tripadvisor is always a mine of information, as are Google reviews and forums like Reddit. Here’s what past customers have to say about our private Seine river cruises.
Bateaux mouches versus private river cruises
The last thing to consider is whether you prefer the cheaper fares but teeming crowds of bateaux mouches, or the more intimate feel of a private cruise.
At My Paris River, we specialise in private tours on small boats. You can customize your itinerary, cruise duration, and add optional extras like drinks, a meal on board, music, or a photoshoot with a professional photographer.
There you have it: a few reasons why we think Seine river cruises are definitely worth it. If a private cruise sounds like your kind of thing, go to our contact form with your preferred dates, times and must-see landmarks. We’ll be back in touch with a custom quotation.
