Question 1

Which cruise to choose for a first school trip to Paris?

Accepted Answer

For a first discovery, opt for a guided tour of one hour. The Bateaux Mouches Sightseeing Cruise and the Bateaux Parisiens Guided Cruise are perfect for large groups thanks to their multilingual audioguides and flexible schedules. If you want a more interactive experience, the Guided Cruise of Vedettes de Paris offers a guide on board.

Question 2

What is the ideal duration of a cruise for students?

Accepted Answer

For primary and middle school, a cruise of one hour to 1h10 matches the maximum attention span of children for a passive activity. This is the format of classic guided tours. For older students or a specific educational project, the Canal Saint-Martin Cruise of 2h30 remains captivating due to the variety of its route (locks, Bastille vault).

Question 3

Can a meal be included in the school trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For younger students, we recommend the quay packages of Bistro Parisien, without navigation and therefore no risk of seasickness: the Lunch on the Quay & Cruise at noon or the Dinner on the Quay & Cruise in the evening. For middle and high school students, dinner cruises like the Eau de Paris en Scène Package or the Trattoria en Seine create a memorable "evening in Paris" effect.

Question 4

Are the cruises safe for a group of children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The boats are certified river vessels regularly inspected, with glassed-in spaces, high railings, sufficient life jackets, and staff trained to welcome school groups. Statistically, cruising is one of the least accident-prone activities of a school trip: no road traffic, no risky stairs, no elevation changes. Plan the usual ratio of chaperones from your institution.

Question 5

How to get a group rate and a custom quote?

Accepted Answer

Never book at the public rate for a school group: these are not the rates intended for you. Go through our custom quote procedure to access negotiated rates, specific conditions for chaperones, and a dedicated contact. Contact us before any steps by specifying the name of your institution, the number of participants, and the age of the students.

Question 6

What chaperone ratio should be planned?

Accepted Answer

We recommend following the guidelines of your institution and the national education system, generally 1 adult for 8 to 10 primary students and 1 for 15 secondary students . Be sure to indicate the exact number of chaperones when requesting a quote, as specific pricing conditions often apply to them.

Question 7

Where can the coach park during the cruise?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the embarkation point. The Bateaux Mouches at Pont de l'Alma have parking on the port during the service, eliminating the cost of coach parking in Paris. At the foot of the Eiffel Tower (Port de la Bourdonnais), a paid coach parking is available. For evening departures (Invalides, Île aux Cygnes, Passy), contact us so we can indicate the closest drop-off zones.

Question 8

Is there a more original cruise than the classic tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Guided Cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin offers a unique 2h30 journey between the Seine and the canal. Your students will pass through the underground vault of the Bastille and observe the operation of historic locks and swing bridges. It's an ideal support for a project on water, civil engineering, or the urban history of Paris, with live commentary by a guide.

Question 9

Are the commentaries available in foreign languages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Bateaux Parisiens Guided Cruise offers individual audioguides in 14 languages , and the Bateaux Mouches Sightseeing Cruise provides commentaries in French, English, and Spanish with brochures in 27 languages. This is a valuable asset for language classes or international groups.

Question 10

What happens in case of rain?

Accepted Answer

No worries: all our vessels have a covered and glassed-in lounge offering a complete panoramic view, and most are heated. The outing continues in all weather, and your students are free to join the upper deck as soon as it clears up. The quay packages of the Bistro Parisien take place under a large glass roof, completely sheltered.

Question 11

Are dinner cruises really suitable for high school students?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the "evening in Paris" effect works particularly well on middle and high school students. For a tight budget, the Eau de Paris en Scène Package offers one of the lowest prices in the capital. The Trattoria en Seine attracts with its Italian cuisine, and the Bistronomic Dinner Cruise early evening allows for an early finish (return at 8:00 PM), ideal for a supervised group.

Seine River Cruises in Paris for School Groups

Sightseeing Cruises

Seine River Sightseeing Cruise from Pont de l'Alma

Eiffel Tower Seine River Cruise

Guided Cruise on the Seine

Commentary Cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin

Dinner Cruises

Water Package Dinner Cruise

Early Evening Bistronomic Dinner Cruise

Dinner at Bistro Parisien and Eiffel Tower Sightseeing Cruise

Bistronomic Dinner Cruise

Lunch Cruises

Browse by mood

Which option is right for you?

For a first discovery: guided tours

For an unusual outing: the Canal Saint-Martin

To structure the day: lunch or dinner on the quay

For high school students: dinner cruises

Where do our school cruises embark?