Answer these 8 questions before you book your river Seine boat cruise

We get it. You’re touring Paris and you want to go sightseeing on a boat tour. But which Seine cruises suit your needs? Well, you’re in the right place because this blog tells you everything you need to know. And if you still have questions after reading it, contact us directly.

So quick, hop on board! The adventure begins.

1. Which tour company to go for?

This is THE big question. Because when you look for details on river Seine boat cruises, you will be baffled by the sheer number of tour companies and packages available.

So let’s make it easy for you by breaking your choices into 2 main options. Large boat tours like the bateaux mouches, vedettes and barges accommodate hundreds of tourists. Private boat cruises like pontoons accommodate much smaller groups of people—max. 12 on a My Paris River tour. This makes them ideal for a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. So the first decision you need to make is to decide whether you want a private cruise or not.

The next thing to think about is the itinerary and optional extras that each company offers. These may comprise lunch or dinner, a photo shoot, catering, live-guided commentary, and night cruises. Whatever you do, be sure to get exactly what you want. Especially if you’re organizing a special occasion like a bachelor/bachelorette party, birthday party, client meeting. Or if you plan to pop the question. 😉

And don’t forget to compare prices and browse customer reviews. This will give you a good idea of the value for money to expect from vedettes versus private tours.

2. Where to start your river Seine boat cruise from?

Not all companies operate their tours from the same starting points. Many leave from the center of the city, in or around the Eiffel Tower. (From the Pont de l’Alma bridge, for example.) Others operate from less central areas, such as the Pont d’Issy and Pont de Bercy bridges.

At My Paris River, you can book a city center departure from the Statue of Liberty, Invalides, Champs-Élysées, Orsay Museum, Louvre, or the Pont des Arts bridge. Or you can start your tour a little further outside of the center, from the Pont d’Issy bridge. You can even choose another starting point altogether. Just be sure to let us know. We’re happy to personalize the tour to your needs.

3. How much does a Seine cruise cost?

The price of a Seine river cruise depends on the type of boats and optional services you have in mind. For example, you can book a guided tour on the traditional bateaux mouches for less than €50. But if you want something a little more chic, say champagne and a fancy dinner on a restaurant boat, expect to pay a few hundred euros.

If you go with My Paris River, expect to pay between €60 and €100 per person. The price depends on the itinerary, departure point, number of passengers, and duration of the cruise. If you’d like to add optional services to your booking, let us know so that we can provide you with a custom quotation.

4. What is the best time of year for Seine cruises?

You can book a river Seine boat cruise at any time of the year. Just know that there are a few days of the year when most companies are closed. Check their websites before booking to make sure they’re open.

Here are a few tips to ensure you pick the right time of year:

The summer period from June to August is the busiest time of year. Although it is worth noting that August is generally quieter, as many Parisians leave the capital for their summer holidays.

If you’d rather avoid the summer heat, book your cruise tickets for spring (April/May) or autumn (September/October).

And if you’re after something really festive, book just before the Christmas holidays to experience the magic of the City of Light in the holiday season.

What about the weather? Don’t worry, all our boats come with a cover that screens you off from the cold (or heat). This keeps you comfortable all year round.

5. How long does a Seine river cruise take?

In Paris, some cruises last 45 minutes. Others, a few hours. It all depends on the tour company and type of tour you select. Our river outings last 1.5 hours, 2 hours, and 2.5 hours. The long tour gives you plenty of time to savor the view of Paris from the river. It also lets you take in more sights, bringing you from the Statue of Liberty all the way to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, with such highlights as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral in between. If you like, we can also personalize the duration of your cruise.

6. Is the Seine river cruise a round trip?

That depends on the type of boat tour you select. Many companies pick you up and drop you off at the same point. At My Paris River, you choose the option that best suits you. We can bring you back to your original departure point. Or you can start your tour in one place and finish it in another. Just let us know when you fill out this contact form.

7. What landmarks and monuments can be seen from a boat tour in Paris?

Again, it depends on the tour. Many river Seine boat cruises take you past the unmissable monuments of Paris. These include the Orsay Museum, Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Longer tours take you from one end of the city to the other, so you also get to see the Statue of Liberty and Bibliothèque Nationale de France. You can even find cruises that take you on a charming tour of Saint Martin canal. Read on to discover all our itineraries.

8. Is it possible to cancel a Seine river cruise?

Check the cancellation policy on the website of the tour company you select. At My Paris River, you can change your booking at no extra cost. Just make sure to cancel at least 4 days before departure or postpone at least 2 days before departure.