Summer isn’t the only time for Seine river cruises
We aren’t sure if the adventures of Kevin McAllister started the trend, but Christmas in Paris has been a thing ever since Home Alone hit the screens in 1990.
If you’re vacationing in Paris this winter, you may be wondering whether one of the city’s most popular attractions — a river cruise — is still possible during the off-season. Rest assured, Seine river cruises run all year round and can be just as fun and spectacular as during the summer. In fact, depending on what you like, a winter cruise may actually be more your thing.
In this blog post, we give you the lowdown on:
- Whether river cruises are worth it outside of the summer months
- What advantages you can expect
- Whether it is possible to stay cozy despite the cold
- How to book a Seine cruise for an unforgettable experience
And if you’re all read up and ready to browse our touring options, click here.
Is a Seine river cruise worth it in winter?
You bet it is! One of the main advantages is you’re safe from the summer heat waves. With the temperatures in Paris now regularly soaring above 104°F in summer, the last thing you want is to spend your vacation hugging the air con in the hotel room.
From November to February, you can get out, explore, sightsee, shop and dine without needing a shower every 15 minutes. You’re also well outside the peak tourist season. With far fewer tourists crowding the city, wait lines are shorter for restaurants, monuments, museums, and public transportation.
And outside of the Christmas season, even the big tourist boats are quieter. (To give you an idea of how busy it gets, the bateaux mouches are often full in summer, and they can accommodate between 150 and nearly 800 passengers each!)
And if you opt for a private Seine river cruise, you can have the splendor of Paris all to yourself and your loved ones.
Perfect for families with little ones
A highlight for many vacationers to the French capital is sunset over the city and the evening lights from the Eiffel Tower illuminating the night sky and sparkling across the water.
The problem is that in summer, you have to wait until 10 p.m. for the sun to go down and the evening light show to begin. This can make it tricky for families traveling with young kids, since sunset in summer is well after their bedtime.
But in winter, the sun sets far earlier — between 5 and 6 p.m. local time — meaning that little ones on their first vacation to Europe get to see an enormous pink sunset over the horizon and the magic of the Eiffel Tower as it springs into life just after the sun drops. Believe us when you tell you: this is an unforgettable experience you do not want your family to miss.
What about boat tours for couples?
Winter tours are also ideal for couples looking for romance on their getaway to Paris. After all, what could be more romantic than popping open a bottle of champagne as you float through the city of love against a backdrop of the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Île de la Cité, and more iconic sights.
Plus Paris has much to offer those looking for Christmas romance. Between the markets, delicious food, cozy hotels and snowy streets (some years), you’ve everything a couple could wish for in a romantic getaway to a French winter wonderland.
What about the cold?
We get it — no one wants to end up shivering while on vacation. Especially if you’re traveling with kids.
But rest assured, the bateaux mouches and other big boats have heated indoor spaces where you can look out at the city and enjoy the sights safe from the cold.
On our private boats, we put up a canopy that blocks the cold (but not the views) to keep you snug and warm. Plus you can bring hot drinks like mulled wine or hot whiskey on board to sip as we drift past the famous Paris monuments. If you have any questions or special requests about staying warm, fill in our contact form and we’ll be happy to help. In any case, don’t worry about the cold. We’ll make sure you stay toasty throughout your cruise.
How to book a Seine cruise
You can purchase tickets for any cruise directly via the websites of the main tour operators. You will also find plenty of information about their itineraries, cruise durations, pricing, and discounts.
Make sure to pick an itinerary that has all the sights on your must-see list. And also consider going for shorter cruise durations if you’re traveling with young children — they’ll only put up with so much sightseeing before their patience runs out! 😅
To organize a private boat tour with My Paris River, simply fill in the contact form and we’ll get back to you with a custom quotation. Be sure to mention any special needs or requests you have while filling in the form. These will be taken into account in our quotation.
And to find out more before you book, click the button below.
