Is the best Seine river cruise by day or by night?
This is a question that comes up often on travel forums and in emails from clients.
As usual, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. To make this decision easy for you, we’ve put together a little guide that lays out the pros and cons of day versus night river cruises in Paris.
With this information, you will be able to pick the right time of day for your Seine river cruise. And if a private cruise is what you’re interested in, click below to explore our river cruises, which run day or night.
What’s the best time of day to take a Seine river cruise?
Both day and night are a good time for a Seine river cruise. Your choice will depend on a few factors:
● Are you travelling solo, as a couple, as a family, or with work colleagues?
● Are you in Paris for the history and culture, or for the bright lights and parties?
Because depending on whether you take your Seine river cruise during the day or at night, you’re in for quite a different sightseeing experience.
What are the main advantages of a daytime Seine river cruise?
The views. The views, the views, the views. Paris is one of the most stunning cities in the world, and its history, architecture, and culture are among the highlights of any trip to Europe.
With a day cruise, you get to take in every little detail of every monument on the Seine. Remember, it’s not everyday you pass the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pont Neuf, or the Eiffel Tower. Wouldn’t it be a shame to pass so close to these famous monuments in Europe and yet not quite make them out in the dark?
And then there are the photo ops. Part of the fun of a great trip to Europe is to share your Paris pics with friends and family. A day cruise gives you the best chance of taking epic photos that will make everyone jealous back home.
What makes a nighttime Seine river cruise unique or special?
The atmosphere on the river at night is totally different. It’s quieter for a start, with fewer boats and tourists jostling for space on the Seine.
It’s also way more intimate and romantic, if that’s what you’re looking for. Paris is known as the City of Light, and for good reason. And if your cruise company times your cruise just right, you’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower light up at sunset.
Is one option better suited for families, couples, or solo travelers?
You should absolutely pick your cruise based on who you plan to travel with.
If you’re looking to party with friends or celebrate a bachelor/bachelorette party, a nighttime cruise is what you want. This is especially true if you book a private Seine river cruise, as you can bring drinks and music on board to kickstart the evening and get everyone in the party mood.
And if you’re traveling to Paris as a couple and looking for romance, you really want to capture the ambience of Paris as the sun goes down and the city lights illuminate the streets and monuments. So again, go for a night cruise.
For a family-friendly cruise, a day cruise is a much better option. Especially with little ones who have early bedtimes and little interest in the nightlife of the city. A day cruise is also the right option if you want the best photos of Paris. Because let’s be honest, no one is going to be impressed by photos of your trip to Europe if you’re posing in front of what may or may not be Pont Neuf or the Eiffel Tower. 😅
What about a cruise with clients or work colleagues?
Well, in this case, the time of the day is up to you. A day cruise might suit clients who travel to Paris and want to get everything done during normal office hours. However, if you’re hoping to treat your clients to a bit of entertainment, or you’re planning an after-work party, a night cruise works better.
Best Seine river cruise for open-air views and proximity to the Eiffel Tower
Just so we’re clear, when we say “cruise,” don’t imagine one of the big cruise liners from Europe to the Caribbean. Seine cruises are much, much smaller. Even the big boats like the Bateaux Mouches and Vedettes du Pont Neuf have an open-air deck and a shallow draft. So they can take you right up to the Eiffel Tower and other monuments to give you unobstructed views and the best photo ops.
Our private boats also give you open-air views and proximity to the Eiffel Tower, Pont Neuf, and other great monuments of Paris. Plus you get the boat to yourself, you can customize your cruise, and our skippers are trained local guides who can share stories about the monuments to give you a deeper appreciation of Paris and the Seine.
Some practical tips on tickets, availability, itineraries and durations
Tickets for a basic 1-hour cruise on the Bateaux Mouches can cost as little as €17 per person. Tickets for a private cruise with My Paris River start at €390 for up to 6 people. In other words, with private cruises you’re paying for a boat, skipper, and premium service rather than for a seat surrounded by hordes of other tourists.
As for availability, Bateaux Mouches often have availability on the day and even on the hour, although they recommend booking online to avoid having to wait to get a seat. For availability on our private Seine river cruises, contact us and we’ll make sure to find cruises that suit a day and time of your choosing.
Check postponement and cancellation terms. If you travel regularly, you know how hard it is to anticipate what each day will bring. Also, bad weather can ruin even the best-laid plans. So check if you can postpone or cancel your Seine river cruise before you book. At My Paris River, you get a full refund if you postpone in writing 48 hours in advance or cancel 96 hours in advance.
