Private boat rental in Paris — everything you need to know
When the Vikings invaded Paris, they did it by boat. When James Bond battled Max Zorin through Paris, he did it on a boat. And when France held the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics, they did it on boats. Because they all knew one thing — the river Seine is the only way to experience Paris in all its splendor.
And now you too can follow in their wake. But how to decide between all the boat rental companies offering cruises on the river? And why do some companies charge twice as much to rent a private boat as others?
Panic not, dear friend. If you plan on visiting Paris, France, and want to rent a private boat to cruise down the Seine, we can give you the lowdown on the rental options, pros and cons, what’s included, how to book, and what to look out for. Keep reading to find out more.
First off — are Seine river cruises worth it?
When you rent a private boat to cruise the Seine, you get to experience so many of the big sights in Paris in one go. This is ideal for visitors on short trips to Paris who want to go sightseeing but who don’t have time for all the walking, long wait lines, and public transportation.
Private cruises also come with a skipper who can act as your guide as you explore the beating heart of the city. If you book with My Paris River, your captain can give you live commentary on the sights and backstory to the famous monuments, provide an overview of all the places to see and things to do, and is generally a mine of helpful advice and tips. This comes in really handy if you are new to France and Paris.
And of course, we’re talking about a private boat rental. So there’s absolutely no crowds jostling for the best views or pranksters photobombing your holiday pics.
Best of all, a private Seine river cruise gives even the most intrepid traveler a chance to put their feet up after a long day of sightseeing and exploring the City of Light.
Choosing the right boat rental for you
Here are 4 things to look out for in your search for the perfect private boat rental in Paris.
1. Price
Price is a deciding factor for many guests wishing to rent a private boat in Paris. As always, there are a range of rental companies operating on the river that cater for every budget, from around the €400 mark right up to €800 and more. Our cruises at My Paris River start at €390 for up to 6 guests. Remember to compare price against the duration, itinerary, and everything else that’s included in each rental.
If you’re traveling on a shoestring, note that a shared private rental is much cheaper than fully private boats. Okay, you won’t necessarily have the boat to yourself, so a shared private boat is not the best option if you’re planning a romantic river outing for two. But just remember that these shared private options exist and are a good compromise between a fully private boat and the big tourist boats that may cost way less but that give you no respite from the crowds or customized service.
2. Type of boat
Most tour operators, My Paris River included, operate open-air pontoon-style boats. They give you a panoramic view of both banks of the river, comfortable seating, and a protective awning in hot or cold weather. But certain high-end rental companies operate Venetian-style mahogany launches. Go with your preference. Check out the companies’ websites for photos of the boats to help you decide.
3. Captain and personalized service
One big advantage of a private river cruise is that each boat comes with a captain. The skipper is often not just experienced at navigating the river but is also a local guide. They know which sights to point out and can give you plenty of backstory and history to the monuments that crowd the riverbanks.
A private rental also lets you customize multiple facets of your cruise. At My Paris River, for example, you can choose from multiple start and finish points. If you choose to embark at, say, the Louvre Museum or the Eiffel Tower, you can use your cruise as a break from all the walking and climbing while we transport you to the next sight or activity you plan on exploring. Also note that the tours we operate from Pont d’Issy offer a shorter, cheaper rental option for those wanting the privacy of a private boat without necessarily wanting or needing a long, drawn-out experience that takes up too much of the day (or your travel budget).
If you need optional extras like lingering by a particular sight, having food or drinks served on board, most private rental operators can accommodate your needs. Fill in our contact form and let us know what you need. And if you’re traveling with kids, make sure to check that the boat and cruise are family-friendly. (Not all the rentals you find online are.)
4. Canceling and rescheduling your boat rental
Last but not least, check the cancellation policy. Some companies allow you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance of your cruise. At My Paris River, we require 2 or 4 days’ written notice to reschedule your rental or to cancel it and give a full refund. Of course, no one wants to cancel their cruise, but sometimes the weather isn’t cooperating or plans change. And it’s good to know that you can choose another day or get your money back.
How to rent a private boat on the Seine
For visitors who are new to Paris, the sheer choice of boat rental companies can be overwhelming. Here are answers to frequent questions clients ask.
How much is a private Seine river cruise?
A big factor to consider is ticket prices, which depend entirely on the operator you choose. A shared private boat rental is the cheapest option. Expect to pay around €110 per person for 1.5 hours on the river. At the other end of the price scale are premium rental companies that charge upward of €800 for groups of up to 8 guests. At My Paris River, popular cruises such as our Essential and Ideal cruises cost between €390 and €450 for up to 6 guests for 1.5 hours or 2 hours of touring on the Seine.
How to book a Seine river cruise?
You can book directly on the website of some boat rental companies. Others offer more customized services, in which case you need to fill in a contact form and they get back to you with a personal quotation. This is how we take bookings at My Paris River.
Can you book a Seine river cruise on the day?
The big tourist boats allow you to rock up at the departure point and book your place there and then. But private tour companies do not always allow this. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but it is subject to availability. Our advice is to contact your chosen rental company in advance. This way, you can organize all the details of your cruise ahead of time, including the start and finish points, itinerary, duration, food, drinks, and so on.
What to wear on a Seine river cruise?
This is mostly up to you. Our advice is to wear loose, comfortable clothing as you probably don’t want to be wearing high heels when you embark and disembark. Other than that, dress for the season. Bring extra layers in case the weather turns cold or warm in spring and autumn, and remember to cover your skin as much as possible if visiting in the summer.
How to get to your Seine river cruise?
The main rental operators all run their river cruises from locations that are easily accessible by public transportation. One advantage of a cruise with My Paris River is that we operate from multiple start and finish points. For example, if you plan on visiting the Louvre but are dreading the long walk back to your hotel after hours traipsing around the museum, we can arrange to meet you near the museum so that you can kick back and experience the sights while recharging for the evening ahead or for your next day of exploring the city.
