Cruises on the Seine in Paris

Discover Cruises on the Seine in Paris

The different companies

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When is the best time to take a cruise on the Seine?

Each season offers a different experience of Paris. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose:

Spring:

• Nature wakes up and trees in bloom line the quays, offering an enchanting spectacle.
• Temperatures are mild, ideal for enjoying the outdoor deck.
• However, beware of spring showers, so check the weather forecast or bring an umbrella!

Summer:

• The long sunny days provide ideal light for admiring the monuments.
• You can make the most of the outdoor bridges and cruises in the evening, when the city lights up.
• It’s high season and the atmosphere is festive!
• Remember to book in advance and protect yourself from the heat.

Autumn:

• The warm colours of autumn leaves set a magnificent tone for the Seine.
• The atmosphere is softer and more romantic, perfect for a tête-à-tête.
• Make sure you bring a warm jacket though, as temperatures can be chilly, especially in the evening.

Winter:

• The magic of Christmas takes hold of the Seine, with the illuminations and sometimes even the snow.
• The illuminated monuments are reflected in the water, creating a magical spectacle.
• Make sure you bring warm clothes for the winter temperatures!

The events

New Year’s Eve

A cruise on the Seine for New Year’s Eve is an unforgettable experience. The skies over Paris are lit up with spectacular fireworks, and the boats sail through the heart of the enchantment. Participants can ring in the New Year while admiring the glittering Parisian monuments with a glass of champagne in hand.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for a romantic cruise. Couples can enjoy a gourmet dinner as they cruise by Paris’s iconic bridges and monuments. The intimate atmosphere and sumptuous setting make this a special and memorable evening.

14th July

France’s bank holidays, 14 July, is marked by a spectacular fireworks display. A cruise on the Seine gives you a privileged view of the fireworks from the Eiffel Tower and other key sites. It’s a festive and unique way to celebrate the day.

Suggested itineraries

Bateaux Parisiens

The Bateaux Parisiens guided cruises take in the main monuments of Paris along the Seine, departing and arriving at the Port de la Bourdonnais near the Eiffel Tower. The cruise lasts 1 hour and offers a panoramic view of sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Louvre thanks to the fully glazed boats.

Bateaux Mouches

The Bateaux Mouches cruises last around 1 hour and also leave from the Port de la Conférence near the Eiffel Tower. The route takes you along the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis to see the main historic monuments of Paris.

Vedettes de Paris

Les Vedettes de Paris offer cruises with a similar itinerary, departing from the Port de Suffren at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Their ‘Apéro’ cruise lasts 1 hour and includes a glass of wine or a beer.

Paris Canal

Unlike the main cruise operators, who offer a classic itinerary on the Seine, Paris Canal stands out with an unusual 2? hour cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin. Departure is from either the Musée d’Orsay or the Parc de la Villette, depending on the direction of travel. The itinerary takes you up the Canal Saint-Martin, passing through locks and swing bridges. You’ll sail under the mysterious arch of the Bastille, cross the Port de l’Arsenal (Paris’s marina) and skirt the Île Saint-Louis with a view of Notre-Dame.

Famous monuments visible from the Seine

Paris is a whole, with its architecture, bridges, atmosphere and monuments. Here is a selection of those that can be seen from a cruise.

• The Eiffel Tower: Impossible to miss! The symbol of Paris, it sparkles with a thousand lights at night and offers a magical spectacle.
• Notre-Dame de Paris: Although it is currently being restored following the fire in 2019, the famous cathedral remains majestic when viewed from the Seine.
• The Louvre: Admire the façade of the world’s largest museum and its architecture, which blends classicism and modernity with the famous pyramid.
• The Musée d’Orsay: This former railway station transformed into a museum impresses with its architecture and its large clocks overlooking the Seine.
• The Conciergerie: Immerse yourself in French history as you admire this former royal palace that became a prison during the Revolution.
• The Assemblée Nationale: Don’t miss the majestic Palais Bourbon, home to the Assemblée Nationale.
• The Statue of Liberty: Yes, Paris also has its Statue of Liberty! Smaller than the one in New York, it nevertheless sits proudly on the Ile aux Cygnes.
• The Grand Palais and Petit Palais: These two palaces, built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, impress with their glass dome and grandiose architecture.
• Les Invalides: With its golden dome housing Napoleon’s tomb, this building doesn’t go unnoticed.
• Tour Montparnasse: The only skyscraper in Paris, it offers a striking contrast with the surrounding historic monuments.

Dinner, lunch, brunch or a stroll?

The dinner cruises are perfect for a magical evening. Imagine enjoying a gourmet meal while admiring the capital’s illuminated monuments. The chefs compete in creativity to offer you refined menus, accompanied by carefully selected wines. The atmosphere is hushed, conducive to romance and intimate conversation. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate an anniversary, a marriage proposal or simply to spend a special moment with your other half.

If you prefer to enjoy the daylight , opt for a lunch cruise. You’ll be able to admire the lively quays, majestic bridges and historic facades bathed in sunlight. Lunch cruises generally offer lighter, more relaxed menus, ideal for a gourmet break between two visits. It’s also an opportunity to take some great souvenir photos in broad daylight.

For late risers and those with a sweet tooth, a brunch cruise is a tempting alternative. Imagine enjoying freshly baked pastries, scrambled eggs and vitamin-packed fruit juices as you cruise peacefully along the Seine. It’s the ideal compromise between breakfast and lunch, in a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. It’s a great way to start the day before setting off to explore Paris.

Finally, if you simply want to enjoy the scenery without having to sit down for a meal, the walking cruises are for you. Shorter and less expensive, they still offer an unbeatable view of the capital’s architectural treasures. You can admire the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and many other wonders, while listening to the fascinating commentary of a guide.

What should I wear for a cruise on the Seine?

What to wear for a cruise on the Seine will depend on the type of cruise you have chosen and the season. Here are a few tips on how to be both stylish and comfortable:

For a daytime cruise:

• Opt for a casual but smart outfit. Trousers or a skirt with a short-sleeved top will do in summer.
• Don’t forget your jacket or jumper, as it can get chilly on deck, especially in the evening.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you will be on your feet for much of the cruise.
• In summer, remember to protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses and sun cream.

For a lunch or dinner cruise :

• Dress up, especially in the evening. A cocktail dress or trousers with a pretty shirt would be perfect.
• If you’re dining indoors, make sure you bring a jacket, as the air conditioning can be cool.
• Elegant but stable shoes are recommended, as you may have to take stairs or move around on deck.

In winter:

• Bring warm, comfortable clothing, as temperatures can be freezing on the Seine.
• A good coat, scarf and gloves will be your best allies.
• Choose closed, waterproof footwear to cope with the cold and damp.

Whatever the season, avoid overly bulky outfits that could restrict your movements on the boat. And don’t forget that the most important thing is to be comfortable so you can enjoy your cruise to the full.

To sum up, here’s a table of recommended outfits:

Need more information? Please contact us at +33 01 89 16 84 62