The ultimate guide to the best river tours in the French capital
Want to try something really special while you’re in Paris, France? How about a boat tour on the Seine? Whether you’re a seasoned Parisian or visiting the City of Light for the first time, a jaunt on the waters lets you rest weary feet while you take in the views and tour the sights.
But with the sheer number of tours available, you may end up feeling lost between the cruise companies and packages.
Not to worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together this guide to help you choose one that fits your budget and offers you the right duration, start and finish points, company, and type of craft. Ready to see how it all works? All aboard for the ultimate guide to Seine tours!
Which package should you go for?
On a trip to the city for a romantic getaway or a family break? Try a sightseeing cruise on the Seine and learn about the city’s monuments, including some of Paris’s iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, and Orsay Museum.
Or perhaps you’re looking to break up the weekly routine with a fun outing among work colleagues, or searching for a quirky way to celebrate a bachelor/bachelorette party in Paris.
Either way, there are a range of options to choose from for each of these occasions and more. Choose whichever suits you, whether that’s a cruise with lunch, dinner, drinks, the sunset, or live-guided sightseeing. There are also themed tours for couples, families, and birthdays. You can start at different points around the city, including the Pont d’Issy, Pont d’Alma, Pont Neuf, or at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Cruise companies also offer different craft, itineraries, pick-up points, and durations. For example, you can choose between pontoons, boat restaurants, “bateaux mouches” (the famous glass-enclosed boats) or “vedettes” (cabin cruisers). And of course, you can book cruises for an hour, a half-day, or more. The price depends on which options you go for.
Choose a private river cruise and have that unforgettable moment all to yourselves
A crowded bateau mouche not your style? If you prefer a more intimate feel as you drift through the heart of the city, why not try a private Seine river cruise? Just imagine it:
- ● You and someone special, a glass of champagne in your hand, as you soak up a breathtaking sunset from the cozy, spacious deck of a pontoon. Sound like fun? If so, book your romantic Seine river cruise right here. You can customize every little detail, from dinner options to the duration to the pick-up and drop-off points. You can even have a bouquet of red roses and a photographer waiting for you on board to make your day out unforgettable.
- Have a friend visiting Paris for the first time and want to give them a tour that’s a bit different? Private river tours let you hang out and chat, listen to your favorite music, or enjoy live-guided commentary in French or English from your skipper. It’s up to you.
- Want to surprise clients or colleagues? Organize a meeting or after-work drinks on a private boat and let them experience a cruise that they are not likely to forget in a hurry.
Take a themed river cruise in Paris and raise your glass—or pop the question!
Got a child who’s obsessed with boats and pirates? Why not celebrate their birthday on a private boat? Have your parents just retired? Mark the occasion with dinner, a tour of the city, and a glass of champagne on the Seine!
Want to pop the question right opposite the night-lit Eiffel Tower? Better do it in the quiet, intimate setting of a private river cruise than surrounded by a crowd of tourists on the Champ de Mars.
Organizing a bachelor or bachelorette party? Hop on board and raise your glasses with your friends. Or perhaps you just want a romantic meal with your partner? If so, there are cozy or romantic lunch and dinner cruises to suit every style and budget.
Final tips on choosing the best river outing for your day in Paris
-
The itineraries as well as pick-up and drop-off points depend on the company chosen but can also be tailored to your needs.
-
The price of tickets depends on the company, duration, type of craft, number and age of passengers, and optional extras included. Consider whether you’d feel more comfortable on a bateau mouche, a private boat, or a vedette, and whether you’ll need a guide, lunch, dinner, champagne, etc. To give you an idea, you can usually find a spot on a large sightseeing cruise for under €50 a head. With My Paris River, our prices start from €390 for up to 6 passengers.
-
You can also choose the duration of your tour, which can last an hour, two hours, or a whole morning.
Several companies take online bookings. To organize your Seine cruise with My Paris River, contact our team directly.
