A Seine River cruise is one of those things that might sound touristy but is truly worth it. However, the options can be overwhelming: Bateaux-Mouches, Bateaux Parisiens, Batobus, dinner cruise, champagne cruise, with prices ranging from a few tens to hundreds of euros. Below, I outline the options and share which I'd pick for different occasions.
Which Cruise is Right for You? Quick Overview
The Different Types of Seine River Cruises
Classic Sightseeing Cruise
A roughly one-hour cruise past major landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame, and a series of historic bridges. Onboard audio guide or live commentary. Perfect for a first visit or if you want a quick overview.
Two popular choices are Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux-Mouches. Bateaux Parisiens departs from the Eiffel Tower, convenient if you're already in the area. Bateaux-Mouches departs from Port de l'Alma, both cost about 20 euros and leave every 30 minutes. Both last about an hour and are similar in route, price, and boat.
View and book a classic Seine River cruise
Evening Cruise
No need to book a separate evening cruise. Many providers allow you to take the standard sightseeing cruise later in the day for the same price. I’d suggest around sunset: you often start in daylight and see the city slowly transform. Seeing the Eiffel Tower from the water at night offers a different perspective than from Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, but both are worthwhile.
There are also specific evening cruises with a drink onboard. They cost a bit more but include a glass of champagne.
View evening cruises on the Seine →
Lunch or Dinner Cruise
A cruise as a complete experience. Sail past landmarks while enjoying a French meal. The lunch cruise is more affordable, the dinner cruise is more popular for couples and special occasions. Always reserve in advance.
Ducasse sur Seine is in the luxury segment: lunch currently starts around 115 euros per person and dinner around 175 euros, with more elaborate packages costing significantly more. Onboard, Chef Jean-Philippe Berens' team works on a fully electric boat. This is not the choice for cost-effective sightseeing, but for those wanting excellent dining on the water. Departs from the Eiffel Tower at 7:30 PM.
Prices checked in August 2026 and may change.
View luxury lunch and dinner cruises on the Seine →
Private Cruise
For a group, a couple, or a special occasion. You have the boat to yourself, a flexible route with no public. My Paris River is a well-known provider for small, intimate private cruises. Prices start around 75 euros per boat. Departs from Pont Royal near the Louvre.
Hop-On Hop-Off: The Batobus
The Batobus is more transportation than a cruise. Hop on at one of the nine stops along the Seine and disembark where you wish: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Orsay, or Notre-Dame. Convenient if you already plan to move from one place to another and prefer water over the metro. A day pass costs about 23 euros (valid for 24 hours and for 6 months from purchase) and order tickets in advance here.
Not a Seine Cruise, but My Alternative if You Already Know Paris: Canal Saint-Martin
If you’re familiar with Paris and want something completely different, take a trip on the Canal Saint-Martin. This 4.5-kilometer canal in the 10th arrondissement shows a side of Paris most visitors never see: working locks, iron swing bridges, and a two-kilometer underground tunnel beneath the Bastille. The trip takes two and a half hours, heading from the Seine to Parc de la Villette in the morning and back in the afternoon.
The most famous provider is Canauxrama, with prices starting around 35 euros. Reserve in advance, especially in high season.
View and book the Canal Saint-Martin cruise →
Seine River Cruise Paris: Where Do the Boats Depart?
Most boats depart from central points in the city. Choose your departure point based on where you plan to be that day.
Port de la Bourdonnais, by the Eiffel Tower, departure point for Bateaux Parisiens
Port de l'Alma, departure point for Bateaux-Mouches
Square du Vert-Galant by Pont Neuf, departure point for Vedettes du Pont Neuf
Port de Solférino, by Musée d'Orsay, used by Paris Seine
Bassin de la Villette or Port de Solférino, departure points for Canal Saint-Martin cruise (Canauxrama)
Expect roughly 17 to 20 euros per person for a classic cruise. Lunch and dinner cruises vary widely depending on provider and menu.
Which Seine River Cruise in Paris Is Right for You?
First time in Paris → classic sightseeing cruise, preferably later in the afternoon or early evening.
Romantic → evening or dinner cruise. For the most luxurious option: Ducasse sur Seine.
With children → classic daytime sightseeing cruise, the Canal Saint-Martin cruise is also fun due to the locks and tunnel.
If You've Visited Paris Before → Canal Saint-Martin, showing a completely different side of the city.
See a lot with flexibility → Batobus as both transportation and a cruise.
With your own party → private cruise via My Paris River.
Find more about Paris in the rest of my articles. Want to know what else you can do besides a cruise? The best neighborhoods in Paris give you an excellent idea of how to plan your days.
Don’t want to constantly search for restaurants, wine bars, and addresses during your trip? My Google Maps map of Paris already has my personally selected addresses ready for you.
👉 View the Mapped by Carole map of Paris
Frequently Asked Questions About a Seine River Cruise
Is a Seine River cruise worth it?
Yes, especially for a first visit. In an hour, you see much of the city from a vantage point you won’t get on foot.
Which Seine River cruise is the most enjoyable?
It depends on what you're looking for. For atmosphere and romance, an evening or dinner cruise is best. For a first impression of the city, the classic sightseeing cruise is ideal. For those familiar with Paris: Canal Saint-Martin.
How much does a Seine River cruise cost?
A classic cruise costs roughly 17 to 20 euros per person. Evening cruises with drinks are slightly more. Lunch and dinner cruises vary widely by provider and menu. Prices checked in August 2026 and may change.
How long is a Seine River cruise?
A classic sightseeing cruise lasts about an hour. An evening cruise one to two hours. A lunch or dinner cruise two to three hours. The Canal Saint-Martin tour lasts two and a half hours.
Do you need to book in advance?
In high season, booking in advance is advisable. Outside of peak times, you can often get tickets on-site, but booking online guarantees your time slot.
Is a daytime or nighttime cruise better?
During the day, you get more light for photos and a better view of the buildings. At night, the atmosphere is more magical, and you see the city illuminated. I'd suggest going around sunset for the best of both worlds.
What's the difference between Bateaux-Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens?
Both offer a classic sightseeing cruise of about an hour past the same landmarks. The main difference is the departure point: Bateaux Parisiens departs from the Eiffel Tower, Bateaux-Mouches from Port de l'Alma. Choose based on where you'll be that day.
