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Where to Board Bateaux Parisiens? Access, Metro & Parking at Port de la Bourdonnais

30 August 2025 - par Pierre-Antoine Galéa

Where to Board Bateaux Parisiens? Access, Metro & Parking at Port de la Bourdonnais

All Bateaux Parisiens cruises depart from Port de la Bourdonnais, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower (Paris 7th): a prestigious boarding point, central and easy to reach by metro, RER or bus. This page walks you through everything (access, schedules, parking) and guides you to all Bateaux Parisiens offers: sightseeing cruise, lunch cruise and dinner cruise.

Key takeaways

Key takeaways
  • Boarding: Port de la Bourdonnais, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Easy access: Metro 6 (Bir-Hakeim), RER C (Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel), Buses 42/69/82/87.
  • Parking: public Quai Branly car park (paid), a short walk away.
  • Timings: sightseeing cruises every 30–60 min depending on season.
  • Meals on board: lunch & dinner services depart from the Eiffel Tower (advance booking recommended).

Tip: arrive ~10 min before boarding to pick your seat calmly (glass lounge / open upper deck).

Contents

Access to Port de la Bourdonnais (departure point)

Port de la Bourdonnais sits on the Left Bank of the Seine, facing the Eiffel Tower. It’s the historic and most iconic quay: arriving here gives you a perfect photo backdrop before or after your cruise.

How to get there: metro, RER, bus, on foot & parking

Metro & RER

  • Metro 6 – Bir-Hakeim (8–10 min walk)
  • RER C – Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel (7–9 min walk)
  • Metro 9 – Trocadéro (best viewpoint + 12–15 min walk via Pont d’Iéna)

Direct routes with clear signage around the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower.

Bus & on foot

  • Buses 42/69/82/87 (stops: Eiffel Tower / Champ de Mars)
  • Walk from Trocadéro (best view) or École Militaire (through the Champ de Mars)

Handy at the end of the day if you’re continuing with a dinner cruise.

Parking

Public Quai Branly car park (paid) very close by. In high season and on weekends, plan ahead or use public transport.

Timing tip

Arrive ~10 min before boarding. Choose between the glass lounge (quiet for the audioguide) and the open upper deck (photos, bridges & landmarks).

Schedules & departures (sightseeing, lunch & dinner)

Service Boarding Departure Return Duration
Sightseeing cruise (commentary) ~10 min before Every 30–60 min depending on season ~1h after departure ~1h00
Lunch cruise ~15–20 min before Usually 12:45 (depending on date) ~14:30 ~1h45–2h00
Dinner cruise ~20–30 min before Evening slots (e.g. 20:30) by season ~22:30–23:00 ~2h00

High season (Apr → Sep): sightseeing approx. every 30 min from 10:00 to 22:30 (to 23:00 on weekends).
Low season (Oct → Mar): sightseeing approx. every hour from 10:30 to 22:00 (to 22:30 on weekends & holidays).
For lunch and dinner, check your chosen slot on the product page (dates & menus).

Just want a narrated loop? Book your sightseeing e-ticket (valid all day, skip-the-line, 12-month rebook).

Route map (Eiffel Tower departure)

Bateaux Parisiens route map from the Eiffel Tower

Depart and return at Port de la Bourdonnais. A 1-hour loop (sightseeing) past top landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Orsay, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Concorde, Pont Alexandre III…

Which option to choose for your plan?

Just want the views?

Pick the sightseeing cruise (by day or by night). Flexible e-ticket valid all day – perfect to adapt to the weather.

A gourmet pause

Looking for chic yet relaxed? The lunch cruise pairs Parisian views with refined cuisine, at Seine pace.

Unforgettable evening

For a standout memory (couple, birthday, gift), the dinner cruise delivers illuminated Paris, candle-lit service and sparkling monuments.

All offers

Compare and book on the parent page: All Bateaux Parisiens offers.

Ready to book?

Pick your Bateaux Parisiens cruise
Boarding at the foot of the Eiffel Tower — easy access, iconic views, unforgettable memories.
Sightseeing cruise
Lunch cruise
Dinner cruise
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Practical info

  • Boarding & return: Port de la Bourdonnais (Eiffel Tower, Paris 7).
  • Access: Metro Bir-Hakeim (L6) • RER C Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel • Buses 42/69/82/87.
  • Dress code: casual (bring a light layer at night).
  • Accessibility: facilitated (mention specific needs when booking).
  • Parking: public Quai Branly (paid).

Go further: explore our dedicated guides:
Bateaux Parisiens Lunch Cruise,
Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise,
Bateaux Parisiens Sightseeing Cruise (full guide),
Bateaux Parisiens vs Bateaux Mouches,
Sightseeing by Night.

FAQ – Access & boarding (Bateaux Parisiens)

Where exactly is Port de la Bourdonnais?
On the Left Bank of the Seine, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower (Paris 7th). This is the Bateaux Parisiens boarding quay.
Which metro is closest for boarding?
Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) and RER C (Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel). Trocadéro (Line 9) gives the best view before crossing.
Is there parking near the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, at the public Quai Branly car park (paid), a few minutes’ walk from the quay.
How early should I arrive?
For sightseeing: ~10 min. For meal cruises (lunch/dinner): 15–30 min depending on the option.
Do cruises run in all weather?
Yes, except in rare navigation restrictions. Boats feature a glass lounge, heated/air-conditioned.
Best seats for the views?
Upper deck for panoramas and bridges; glass lounge to stay warm and follow the commentary.
Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, toilets are available on board (barring exceptional outage).
Is access suitable for strollers and PRM?
Yes, access is facilitated. Mention your needs when booking.
Are sightseeing departures frequent?
Yes, every 30–60 min depending on season (see the schedule table above).
Where do I book each option?
Sightseeing: sightseeing cruise • Meals: lunch or dinner • All offers.

Boarding Bateaux Parisiens at the foot of the Eiffel Tower

Board at the foot of the Eiffel Tower

Sightseeing, lunch or dinner — compare and book your Bateaux Parisiens cruise.

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