Seine River: Tours and Guided Visits
A Seine River tour in Paris is the perfect way to see the city from a different perspective. Gliding past some of the city's most renowned landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, is an unforgettable experience for everyone. Spotting well-known landmarks is an enjoyable pastime for all the family. And, with a knowledgeable guide in your ears to share stories and history, you'll be able to appreciate these sites in a whole new light.
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A Seine River tour in Paris is the perfect way to see the city from a different perspective. Gliding past some of the city's most renowned landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, is an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Spotting well-known landmarks is an enjoyable pastime for all the family. And, with a knowledgeable guide in your ears to share stories and history, you'll be able to appreciate these sites in a whole new light.
This is your ultimate guide to Seine River tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing activities in Paris.
What are the best Seine River sightseeing tours in Paris?
You will find below the best Seine River cruises in Paris.
Sightseeing cruise on the Seine River
This cruise lasts an hour and travels along the Seine, taking in the sparkling sights of Paris. You'll have your own audio headset to listen to a commentary and learn more about the monuments and landmarks that you pass.
You can expect to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Pont Neuf, among other spectacular Parisian gems.
Paris evening cruise with dinner in the Seine River
If you want to create a special experience during your time in Paris, this à-la-carte Seine River dinner cruise is the way to do so. You'll travel in a glass-topped boat with an unparalleled view of the City of Lights, as you enjoy a three-course meal.
You can drink champagne against a backdrop of the twinkling Eiffel Tower, as the city turns dark, and choose different dining options to suit your needs.
2-hour lunch cruise in the Seine River
This cruise also serves a three-course meal and travels along the Seine River, so that you can enjoy a different view of Paris. However, on this lunchtime sightseeing boat tour you will see Paris in broad day-light.
You'll listen to a commentary about the many attractions you pass, as you float along the river, before devouring a gourmet feast. This includes champagne, wine and cheeses, depending on the tour option that you choose.
Aperitif cruise on the Seine River
Many evening Seine River sightseeing tours in Paris take place after dark to provide exquisite views of the City of Lights. This one lasts for an hour and has various departure times up until 11 PM, which makes it the perfect way to end an unforgettable evening.
You'll listen to French music as you drift along the river and enjoy an aperitif, as you soak up the sights that surround you.
How much do River Seine tours cost?
One-hour Seine River sightseeing tours in Paris include an audio guide, as well as a guide on board that you can ask any questions to. You can expect to pay €15.
Dinner cruises have several options to choose from depending on your budget. The basic package will guarantee you a seat in the middle of the boat. However, if you choose a more premium package, you can sit at the front with the best views of Paris.
Prices range between €80 and €150 for cruises that include a three-course meal.
Lunchtime Seine River cruises serve a three-course meal and you can choose where to sit based on your budget. The most basic package includes a three-course meal and wine, and you'll sit in the middle of the boat.
If you wish to be seated closer to the action, you can choose a more premium package that includes champagne, a cheese course and a seat at the bow of the boat. Prices range from €70.
Tours that include an aperitif cost €20. You'll experience an hour-long cruise of the Seine River and enjoy an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. Tours depart throughout the evening, starting at 7:30 PM. The last boat leaves at 11 PM.
What do Seine River boat tours include?
Seine River sightseeing tours in Paris include a cruise along the Seine that typically lasts one to two hours. There will usually be an audio commentary, which will either be conducted via headset or by the crew onboard.
Some tours include food and drink, ranging from a glass of champagne to a full à-la-carte meal with wine and a cheese course.
How long are Seine River trips?
A tour of the river often lasts one hour. During this time, you'll see countless sights, and you may have an aperitif included. Lunchtime cruises that include a three-course meal last two hours, while dinnertime cruises that are offering the same last 2.5 hours.
Where do Seine River cruises depart from?
Most tours begin at Port de la Bourdonnais which you'll find located next to the Eiffel Tower. Occasionally, Seine River sightseeing excursions will start at Port de la Conférence instead. This meeting point can be found further up the river, by the Champs-Élysées.
When is the best time to go on a Seine River sightseeing tour?
Nicknamed the "City of Lights," Paris is at its most spectacular during the evening. Seine River sightseeing tours are particularly special and even romantic once the sun has set, and you can see the thousands of lights shimmering on the water.
While you'll enjoy a cruise at any time during your trip to Paris, it's a particularly magical way to end your vacation. Book your excursion for your final evening in the city to be left with a Paris-shaped mark on your heart.
Are there any combos available with Seine River tours?
Eiffel Tower 2nd floor guided tour with optional Seine River cruise
This excursion takes you on a 1.5-hour guided tour of the most iconic monument in France — the Eiffel Tower. You'll go as far as the second floor, where you'll learn about the history of the landmark and the significance it holds in France.
You'll have a bird's-eye view over the entire city, and you can spot your favorite sites from the viewing platform.
Once your guided tour is over, you can spend as much time as you like looking over Paris from above. Once you're finished at the tower, you'll have the option to take an hour-long Seine River sightseeing tour in Pairs with an audio guide.
This combo tour of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine includes skip-the-line access and a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower along with a river cruise, starting from €70.
Know before you go
- If you experience travel sickness, ensure you take any medication to combat this at least 30 minutes before setting sail.
- While it's not a requirement, dinner cruises provide you with an excellent excuse to dress up and feel special.
- Check the dress code of your particular tour, as some do not allow sneakers or shorts.
- If you are embarking on a Seine River sightseeing tour in Paris that includes a meal, let your tour provider know of any dietary requirements when you book.