Best Seine River Cruise in Paris – Top 7 Tours & Guide!

Paris is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is famous for its numerous historic and unique sights. If you ever do go to the City of Love, there are certain locations that you simply must visit.

But what can you do if you don’t have the time to tour the famous Eiffel Tower or the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral?

The next best thing to physically touring these legendary sites is to go on a cruise on the Seine River. With the cruises, you can see the highlights of Paris in as little as one hour. Here is all you need to know about the best Seine River Cruise in Paris:

1. Bateaux Parisiens Cruise: Quick Entry Ticket

The Bateau Parisien Cruise is one of the top Seine River cruises and has rightfully earned its place as a bestseller for a long time. Once you board the glass-topped Trimaran, you will be welcomed by helpful and friendly guides who will make this one of the most memorable experiences in your life.

Aboard the vessel, you will be able to see the renowned Eiffel Tower in all its glories and other noteworthy sights, such as the Louvre Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

You will learn a lot about each sight as you pass by it thanks to the audio-guide commentaries, which are available in 13 languages.

The glass topping will allow you to take in the scenic views of Paris unobstructed. After the hour-long cruise, you will certainly feel as though you know all there is to know about the city.

It is important to note that smoking is not allowed aboard the vessel. Additionally, animals are also not allowed on board. Food and drinks are also not included in the package. Children under the age of four enter for free, which makes this a rather family-friendly cruise.

2. Paris: Batobus River Seine Shuttle Boat

This is a unique kind of cruise; it actually is more of a water shuttle service than an ordinary cruise around Paris. With the cruise, you get a 24 or 48-hour pass into the shuttle, which allows you to alight or get on board at any of its 8 strategic stops.

The shuttle boat is perfect for those who wish to explore Paris at an unhurried pace. Some of the places you can tour include the Champs Elysées, which is one of the most sophisticated streets of Paris, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Jardin des Plantes.

Before you book, you should know that heavy luggage is not allowed on the vessel. Additionally, you ought to be ready to undergo a thorough security check before you board.

3. Paris: 3-Course Lunch Cruise on the River

Is there any better way to see Paris than with a plate of appetizing food in front of your eyes? The romantic and exquisite scenery serves to make your meal all the better and more fulfilling.

One of the best Seine River cruises is the 3-course lunch cruise on the river. Here, you will enjoy savory French food while at the same time taking in views of noteworthy sights of the city, such as the Port Neuf, the Louvre Museum, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

You can wash down your scrumptious meal with a ¼ bottle of wine that is included in the menu before alighting from the vessel at 14: 30. Vegetarian options are also available.

4. River Seine Cruise from Parc de la Villette

This is a memorable 2& hour-long cruise on the Seine River and Canal St- Martin. One of the greatest highlights of this cruise is traveling down a dark tunnel that is a little more than a mile long. This part of the cruise is both exciting and mysterious and will make for an unforgettable experience.

Passing by the Notre Dame Cathedral beneath the Bastille Vault also showcases the serene and romantic side of Paris. You will also get great views of the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint Louis. There will be commentaries in both English and French.

5. Paris: 2-Hours Seine River Dinner Cruise with Options

This is a two-hour long cruise across Paris that also includes a 3-course dinner and drinks of your choice. The cruise is as popular for its delicious gourmet meals as it is for the iconic views you see while on board.

There is no better way to enjoy your evening than in this vessel while taking in the exquisite views of Paris and monumental sights such as Port Neuf, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum.

The menu is quite diverse and rather accommodative. After eating to your fill, you can wash it all down with a glass of champagne or whichever drink you, please. On board the cruise, there is no commentary, so you can enjoy your evening undisturbed.

6. Two-In-One: Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruise

If you want to tour the Eiffel Tower and still have some time left to cruise the Seine River, then this is definitely the cruise for you.

With this tour option, you first stop at the Eiffel Tower, where you quickly access the second level of this magnificent iron lattice since you don’t have to queue. When you have had enough of the tower, you then go on an hour’s cruise on the river.

Kids under 3 enter the cruise for free. Additionally, you can access the summit of the Tower if you want. Your ticket to the cruise is valid for six months after you visit the Eiffel Tower.

7. Paris: Bateaux Parisiens 2-Hours Lunch Cruise

This is yet another great way to enjoy a beautiful meal while at the same time soaking in the glory of Paris. While on board, you will get to see the panoramic views of the Eiffel, the famous quays of the River Seine, and of course, the former prison of the Concierge.

You will also get to see the imposing structure of the French National Library and a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Listen to an informative commentary as you cruise through the historical sites and relax as classic French music plays in the background.

Enjoy your chef-prepared meals while taking in the beautiful views of the city. This will, without doubt, be a tour that will remain forever etched in your brain.

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Best Time of the Year to go on a Paris River Cruise

There are many factors you should consider before you choose a specific time to visit the magical city of Paris. One of the most important ones is the prevailing weather at the time you plan to take your trip.

Although France generally enjoys average weather, winters can get too cold, rivers can get frozen, and water levels can get too high. In the summer, the heat can be too much and the crowds can be too big.

So, when is the best time of the year to go on a Paris river cruise? Generally, the weather is mildest between mid-May and mid-September, so you should plan your cruise around this time.

To enjoy Paris at its best, opt to go on your cruise in late June when the days are long, and nature is in full bloom. Alternatively, visit the city of love in September, when the summer crowds have diminished, the climate is pleasant, and there are no frozen rivers.

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Who is the River Cruise For?

If you want to experience Paris in all its beauty, there is no better way to achieve this dream than by going on a river cruise. The cruise comes in real handy if you are pressed for time and simply can’t afford to visit the highlights of Paris individually.

The cruise is also perfectly suited for the romantics who would like to explore this exquisitely beautiful city in an intimate setting. On the whole, there is not a single person that would not be awed and fulfilled by going on a Paris River Cruise; it is simply an unforgettable experience.

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Why Take a Cruise?

There are countless reasons why you should take a Paris river cruise. One of the most compelling reasons to go on a Paris river cruise is to see the sheer beauty of the city. There is simply no other way to see all that Paris has to offer better than on a river cruise.

Secondly, a river cruise saves you time. There are some cruises that allow you quick access to certain locations, such as the Eiffel Tower. With these tickets, you get to skip the long queues and see the glory of Paris in just a few minutes.

Additionally, taking a Paris river cruise allows you to learn a lot about this ancient city. Most cruises offer audio guide commentaries, which are helpful in teaching you about the major Paris attractions. After listening to the commentaries, you will know so much about the Eiffel Tower that you will feel as though you have physically visited every inch of that iron lattice.

Moreover, a river cruise gives you good value for your money. Most river cruises offer reasonable packages that are worth every single penny you spend on them.

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What is the Best Way to Get to Paris (From Gare du Nord)?

There are 3 major ways to commute from the ever-busy station at Gare du Nord to Paris: the metro, taxis, or the bus. Of the three, the easiest and best way to get to Paris is the bus. Why do you ask?

Because there are numerous bus stops from Gare du Nord to Paris, means you don’t have to worry about changing buses in a foreign city. The same can hardly be said of the metros; you would be hard-pressed to find a metro that leaves the station and stops at a station near Paris.

The taxis, on the other hand, are immensely convenient, save for the fact that you may have to put up with long queues, especially if you arrive during peak hours.

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What is the Range in Duration of the River Cruises?

Generally, a river cruise can last anywhere between half an hour to three hours; it all depends on the cruise you choose. There are even some cruises that allow you a pass that remains valid for up to 48 hours!

If you want to explore Paris at your own pace, then picking a cruise that lasts for hours is definitely the way to go. Most such cruises often offer food as well, so you can rest assured that you will make the most of your time.

If, on the other hand, you simply want to catch a glimpse of all the major Parisian highlights, then the shorter cruises will do for you.

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What is the Price Range for Paris River Cruises?

Most Paris river cruises are extremely reasonably priced. Prices start at €15 for adults and €7 for children. This can vary widely depending on exactly what is offered on the cruise. If there are meals included, a ticket could start at €99.

It is important to check out how much you will be charged for a given cruise and exactly what is included in the package in order to avoid rude shocks at the last minute.

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When Should You Book?

Normally, there are no hard and fast rules about booking your cruise ticket early in advance. In fact, you can just walk up to the shop and buy your ticket a few minutes before the vessel takes off.

However, there are a few benefits that come with booking your ticket early. First, you will have peace of mind knowing that you are assured of going on the cruise on the day you choose. Some cruise tickets do sell out, and this can be devastating to those who had not booked their tickets earlier.

Secondly, as with most things, booking early is cheaper, and you can save some money by doing this. On the downside, if you book a timed ticket, you can lose out if water levels go up or a heavy downpour starts at your slotted time.

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Types of Cruises

There are numerous types of cruises that cater to different tourists in Paris. If you are a history lover, then going on a cruise with a narrator or guide will help you learn a lot about the city’s history.

Some cruises are also perfectly suited for photographers, while others, such as the River Seine Cruise from Parc de la Villette, are great for the romantics.

There are even cruises that are best suited to those who love food! Get on a dinner, lunch or crepe cruise to explore Paris while enjoying scrumptious, chef-made French delicacies.

Conclusion

If you intend to go on a Paris river cruise, it is important that you make all the right plans. Pick the right season to travel to this beautiful city. Unless you are willing to put up with rainy days or very hot weather, avoid visiting Paris in winter or summer.

In fact, you would be well advised to tour the city in September when the climate is pleasant, and you are unlikely to experience any hitches.

Also, be sure to pick a cruise that best suits your needs. If you follow the tips shared above, you should find the right cruise without much trouble.

Have you been on a Seine river cruise in Paris? If so, you are welcome to share your experience in the comments below.