Complete guide to a Paris boat tour — reviews, tips and booking
If you’re planning your first visit to Paris, you may have noticed people mentioning Seine river cruises on the travel forums. Now you’re wondering:
- What a river cruise is like
- What’s included
- Which river cruises are best
- Where to book a Seine river cruise
This short guide reviews everything you need to consider before booking a river cruise with a Seine tour operator.
First off — are river cruises worth it in Paris?
River cruises are a great way to see the city for the first time. They give you a relaxing intro to Paris so you can get your bearings and figure out where the main landmarks are located. The meeting points for cruises are easy to find, eliminating any of the usual travel stress that comes with navigating an unfamiliar public transportation system in a foreign language.
So to answer your big question: yes, river cruises are absolutely worth it. In fact, many of our past customers say their river cruise was the highlight of their visit to Paris.
What are the best Seine river cruises for first-timers?
“Bateaux mouches” or other big boat tours are cheap, you can turn up at any time and hop on the next boat, and you get a good first impression of the city, so they’re an ideal starting point for new-comers to Paris. But if you want to really experience the history and culture of the city, you will need to explore Paris by yourself afterward.
Private boat tours are another great way for first-timers to discover Paris. They come with a higher price tag, but they also have serious advantages:
- They let you experience the sights in an intimate setting, far from the crowds
- The skipper is a local guide who can give you detailed history behind the monuments — plus a touch of humor to keep the cruise fun for you and your fellow travelers
- They’re great for photo ops. Just ask the skipper to maneuver the boat in front of breathtaking sights like the Eiffel Tower and make your friends and family jealous of your unique Paris photos
To discover what past visitors to Paris thought of our private river cruises, go to our testimonials page.
What is the best season and time of day for a river cruise in France?
Summertime is the most popular period to visit Paris. And with fine weather almost certainly guaranteed, you won’t have to worry about canceling your Seine boat tour.
But not everyone likes the high heat of summer and big crowds of tourists. This is why autumn or spring can suit travelers looking for a more laid-back river cruise outside of peak season.
As to the best time of day to cruise the Seine, this is up to you. If you’d like to relax and put your feet up after a morning of visiting the sights of Paris, a lazy afternoon cruise is perfect. Or if you’re visiting Paris in the summer and want to avoid the heat of the afternoon, book a morning river cruise.
But if epic views and romance are what you’re after, the absolute best time of the day to take a Seine river cruise is at sunset. This is when the Eiffel Tower lights up, illuminating the river and the Paris skyline. This special moment is often mentioned in reviews as a top experience among visitors to Paris, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.
Dining options on Seine river cruises: pros and cons
Many boat tour operators offer food on board. This can range from a basic vending machine to a full sit-down 3-course meal with wine and champagne.
A gourmet meal does ratchet up the ticket price, though. And many travelers say that having to focus on your plate distracts you from the experience of enjoying the best views and landmarks of a Seine river tour.
A happy compromise is to bring your own drinks and nibbles on board. A small, informal meal is much easier to handle, meaning you’re free to sip your glass as you take in the views or pose for pictures with your family and friends.
At My Paris River, you can stock up on tasty treats and bring them on board to satisfy any cravings during the boat tour. Alternatively, our caterer can deliver food and drinks directly to the boat so that you don’t have to organize a thing. If you’re interested in this catering option, be sure to let our guide know when you fill in the contact form.
Reviews of top-rated cruises
There’s a whole host of places you can find reviews and personal experiences from seasoned travel guides and bloggers. For example, websites like Reddit and Tripadvisor are great places to read reviews and guide your search for top-rated cruises.
Also check out the Google reviews of the companies you shortlist. You’re certainly not the first traveler to enjoy a cruise on the Seine. So feedback and tips based on the experience of past visitors can be a good way to help you select the best operator for your cruise.
To find out what past customers have to say about our cruises, follow the link to our testimonials page.
What is the best boat tour in Paris?
This depends on what you’re looking for. If time and money are tight, then a boat cruise on a bigger ship like a “bateau mouche” or “vedette” is the easiest option. They’re cheap, you can turn up at any time and hop on the next boat, and they all take in the main landmarks, so you’re sure to see the Eiffel Tower and other iconic sights of the city of Paris.
If you want something a little special — a unique photo in front of a breathtaking monument, the history behind the city, or an intimate setting away from the crowds — then a small private boat tour is for you. We operate many private tours that cater specially for families, couples and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
Tips for booking a Seine river cruise
There are a few things to consider before booking a river cruise.
One is price. Everybody is different, and you’ll find Paris has a river cruise to suit every budget. Some of the cheapest tickets start at €15 per person. A private cruise with My Paris River comes in at between €60 and €100. Remember that with this difference in price, you get a small private boat and your personal guide in an intimate setting far from the crowds.
The cruise duration is also something to consider. Some tours last 1 hour, others 2.5 hours. If you’re traveling with kids, stick to a shorter cruise. There’s only so long little ones can sit still before it’s time to switch activities.
Lastly, make sure to check out cancellation policies. The weather can make or break a river cruise. If you need to postpone or cancel your cruise, you’ll want your money back. You can get a full refund with us as long as you cancel 48 hours in advance.
Thinking of taking one of our private river cruises through Paris? Browse reviews by past customers to make sure this is the experience you’re after.
