There are places in Paris that are easily labeled as exceptional, but whose exceptionality is more about reputation than reality. Port de la Bourdonnais is not one of those. Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, below the avenue of the same name, this pier enjoys a geographical position that literally has no equivalent in the capital: it is right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
When you descend the steps leading to the dock, the first thing that strikes you is not the river, nor the boats, but this towering monument reaching into the Parisian sky just a few hundred meters away. This immediate proximity to the Iron Lady creates a unique atmosphere, a mix of eager excitement and gentle melancholy - that particular feeling that great monuments evoke when you approach them for the first or the hundredth time.
The quay itself is thoughtfully arranged. Shaded waiting areas, benches, clear information panels: everything is designed to make your arrival at the pier pleasant, even if you are waiting for your departure time. In summer, the golden light of late afternoon illuminating the Eiffel Tower and reflecting in the Seine creates a scene worthy of the greatest Impressionist painters. In winter, the pier takes on a more intimate, more subdued, almost romantic atmosphere in the morning mist or the dim lights of the night. Whatever the season, you will be charmed from the moment you arrive.
It is also important to note that Port de la Bourdonnais is the exclusive pier for Bateaux Parisiens®, meaning there is no possible confusion with other companies. The boats, the crews, the ticket offices: everything belongs to the same entity, ensuring a smooth organization and consistent quality of service from your arrival to your return to the quay.
Our expert's opinion
Julien - Cruise Expert
Arrive at Port de la Bourdonnais at least twenty minutes before the departure time indicated on your ticket: boarding usually starts a quarter of an hour before, and the best seats on board are chosen by the first arrivals, especially for the guided cruise.
Accessibility is one of the great strengths of Port de la Bourdonnais. Whether you are coming from the other side of Paris, the suburbs, or directly from the airport, several efficient means of transport allow you to reach the pier without difficulty. The area is one of the best-served in the capital, which is not surprising given that the Eiffel Tower is the most visited attraction in the world.
Let's first note that Paris is a city where walking is enjoyable, and a stroll from several central districts can be pleasant to reach the pier. From Trocadéro, for example, a short walk downhill takes you directly to the port, crossing one of the most photographed perspectives of the capital. From Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a twenty-minute walk along Quai Branly is enough to reach the dock.
The Paris public transport network drops you off just a few minutes' walk from Port de la Bourdonnais. The metro line 6, station Bir-Hakeim, is undoubtedly the most convenient: upon exiting, the Eiffel Tower is already visible, and you just need to follow Avenue de La Bourdonnais towards the river to reach the pier in less than ten minutes. It is also one of the most photogenic stations in Paris, with its metal viaduct and suspension bridge offering a clear view of the Eiffel Tower.
The RER C, station Champs-de-Mars - Tour Eiffel, is a very practical alternative, especially if you are coming from the southern suburbs or if you have taken this train from Orly airport. The RER exit places you almost directly on the Champs-de-Mars, from where the port is accessible in less than five minutes' walk towards the river. Bus 82 (stop Champs-de-Mars) also serves the area from several points on the left bank.
If you are coming by car - which is relatively common for families or those coming from the provinces - know that parking in the immediate vicinity of the Eiffel Tower is possible but requires a bit of anticipation. The underground parking at Trocadéro, accessible from Avenue du Président Wilson, is one of the closest. There is also the Tour Eiffel parking, located on Rue de la Fédération, which offers significant capacity and reasonable hourly rates for such a Parisian location.
Then count between five and ten minutes' walk from these car parks to the pier, depending on your pace. If you are traveling with young children or people with reduced mobility, note that the path is fully accessible and the descents to the quay are equipped with ramps. Taxis and VTCs (Uber, Bolt) can drop you off directly on Avenue de la Bourdonnais, on the surface, then you join the dock via the stairs or the access ramp.
This may be the most valuable advice we can give you, and it directly concerns the quality of your experience from the first minutes: book your cruise online and always opt for the skip-the-line e-ticket. This simple decision can radically transform the start of your adventure on the Seine, saving you precious minutes - or even hours in the high summer season - that you would otherwise spend queuing at the ticket office.
The process is disarmingly simple: once your reservation is made, you receive your ticket directly on your phone. Upon arrival at the pier, you access the priority boarding area directly by presenting your QR code to the dedicated agent. No ticket office, no queue, no stress. You can arrive at the pier in the last minutes before departure, e-ticket in hand, and board with peace of mind while other passengers without reservations wait.
Our Croisière Commentée, available for only 18 €, is available in skip-the-line e-ticket format and is the simplest and most efficient way to discover the monuments of Paris from the Seine. With one click, you secure your place for the departure of your choice, with the comfort of knowing that your boarding will be quick and without unpleasant surprises. In high season, when demand can be very strong, especially around sunset times, this ticket is truly invaluable.
The e-ticket is also irreplaceable for dinner cruises, for which a table is assigned to you in advance. Your online reservation guarantees not only your access but also the location of your table on board, which is particularly important if you want to enjoy a view of the Eiffel Tower from your side of the boat.
Port de la Bourdonnais is remarkable in that it is surrounded by a neighborhood extremely rich in activities, monuments, and cultural experiences. Whether you arrive early before your cruise or wish to extend the day after your return to the quay, you have plenty of choices.
The most obvious and unmissable walk is, of course, the visit to the Eiffel Tower itself. The queues for the elevator can be long in the height of summer, but if you have booked your tickets online, the visit can fit perfectly into a day that ends with a dinner cruise. The view from the second floor of the Tower, with Paris at your feet, is an indelible memory that pairs wonderfully with that of an evening cruise.
A few minutes' walk away, the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac is one of the most beautiful and original museums in the capital, with its plant-covered architecture by Jean Nouvel and its extraordinary collections dedicated to the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It is a powerful cultural experience that contrasts beautifully with the lightness of a cruise on the Seine.
If you prefer to sit on a terrace before boarding, the Champ-de-Mars area is full of cafes and restaurants where it is pleasant to linger. From some terraces, you can even glimpse the Eiffel Tower between the trees, making the wait particularly enjoyable. And if you are with children, the gardens of the Champ-de-Mars with their large lawn are an ideal play and relaxation space to let them run and expend their energy before boarding.
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