The Best Cruises in Paris
10 recommended cruises in Paris (Seine)
The best cruises available on the Seine, the iconic river of Paris. Dinner cruises, sightseeing boat tours (bateau-mouche), and private cruises — the most popular experiences among travelers.


Dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches
Let yourself be charmed by an unforgettable dinner cruise with the renowned Bateaux Mouches. Enjoy a refined four-course meal, accompanied by live musicians. Arguably one of the best dinner cruises in Paris, thanks to the outstanding service, exquisite cuisine, and a route that passes by the city's most iconic landmarks.

Private cruise with Visite Paris En Bateau
See Paris from a new perspective with a private and exclusive cruise on the Seine, aboard the elegant boats of the family-run company Visite Paris en Bateau. Enjoy a premium, intimate, and personalized experience, where it feels like the Seine is all yours – with a captain who truly takes care of you. The perfect cruise for a romantic moment, a family outing, or an unforgettable celebration.

Amphibious bus cruise with Les Canards de Paris
Hop on the most original Paris tour… by land and water! Aboard an amphibious bus with Les Canards de Paris, discover the capital’s iconic landmarks – from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe – before literally splashing into the Seine for a cruise that’s as surprising as it is fun. A playful, humorous experience that delights both kids and adults!

Sightseeing cruise with Bateaux Parisiens
Set off on a sightseeing cruise departing from the foot of the Eiffel Tower with the Bateaux Parisiens company. Discover Paris’s iconic landmarks from the Seine. On board a modern boat, enjoy breathtaking views of the capital’s monuments – from the Louvre to Notre-Dame – while listening to interactive audio commentary available in 14 languages. A fun and enriching experience, perfect for a first-time visit or a magical rediscovery of the City of Light.

Dinner cruise with Paris en Scène
Discover an enchanting dinner cruise by boarding the Paris en Scène barge. Sail along the Seine while savoring an authentic French meal cooked in a cocotte, and let yourself be amazed by the magic of the City of Light. A unique cruise and evening, blending refined flavors and a dazzling Parisian panorama.

Sightseeing cruise with Vedettes de Paris
Embark on a guided cruise with Vedettes de Paris and discover the city from a fresh perspective. Aboard a 100% electric boat, let yourself be amazed as you glide along the Seine. With live commentary from a passionate guide, dive into the stories and secrets that make the City of Light so unique. A peaceful and enriching experience, perfect for exploring Paris in a new way, far from the urban hustle and bustle.

Lunch or Dinner cruise with Le Diamand Bleu
Let yourself be enchanted by a gourmet Italian getaway aboard the charming boat Le Théo (Diamant Bleu). During a lunch or dinner cruise on the Seine, experience la dolce vita in the heart of the City of Light. It's a unique and refined way to discover Paris from the river while enjoying a delicious three-course meal inspired by Italy, all in a warm and elegant atmosphere. An unforgettable experience that perfectly blends Italian gastronomy with breathtaking views.

Cruise on the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin with Paris Canal
Embark on an unusual cruise between the Seine and the Canal Saint-Martin with Paris Canal. This guided excursion begins on the Seine and, lock by lock, leads you to the famous vaulted tunnel of the Canal Saint-Martin. An original and captivating interlude, perfect for travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, as well as for Paris lovers eager to rediscover the City of Light from a fresh perspective.

Private cruise on the Seine with Paris Boat Club
Treat yourself to a peaceful and intimate escape along the Seine with a private cruise from the Paris Boat Club. Enjoy a personalized tour of Paris’s most beautiful landmarks, comfortably seated on a fully-equipped boat. A timeless experience, far from the crowds of traditional sightseeing cruises. The perfect way to rediscover Paris — whether for a romantic outing, a family moment, or a getaway with friends.

Semi-private cruise with Paris Water Way
Discover Paris and the Seine as you've never seen them before aboard an elegant pontoon boat during a semi-private cruise with Paris Water Way. Set off on an intimate and exclusive experience, far from the crowds of traditional cruises. From the golden reflections of the Eiffel Tower to the city's historic bridges, let yourself be carried away by a timeless journey along the water. A tailor-made escape to enjoy solo, as a couple, with family or friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seine River Cruises in Paris
What is the average price of a Seine River cruise?
The price of a Seine River cruise varies depending on the type of experience chosen. For a sightseeing cruise on a tour boat (often called “bateau-mouche”), expect to pay between €12 and €20 per adult. For a cruise with a meal (lunch or dinner), prices range from €40 to over €150, depending on the menu (standard or gourmet), duration, and company. Finally, for renting a boat with a guide, or for a private cruise on the Seine, the price generally ranges between €250 and €500, to be shared among a group of 2 to 8 people.
What do Seine River cruises consist of?
Seine River cruises are boat rides, typically conducted aboard flat-bottomed boats (known as “péniches”) on the river that runs through Paris. They primarily come in three formats:
- Sightseeing cruises: approximately one-hour tours, often with audio guides or commentary, sometimes accompanied by an aperitif or snack.
- Meal cruises: river cruises with lunch or dinner on board, usually in a musical atmosphere.
- Private or themed cruises: unique experiences, often organized on small boats or privatized péniches.
How long is a cruise in Paris?
The duration of a Seine River cruise depends on the type of cruise:
- Simple cruises: about 1 hour.
- Lunch or dinner cruises: between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.
- Private cruises: variable duration, depending on the chosen package.
What are the Bateaux-Mouches of Paris?
A bateau-mouche is a type of flat and elongated riverboat commonly found on rivers like the Seine (in Paris) or the Rhône (in Lyon). The term “bateau-mouche” is often used generically to refer to this type of boat. However, Les Bateaux-Mouches® is also a registered trademark of one of the historic companies that organize cruises in Paris. Today, many other companies offer similar cruises aboard bateau-mouche type vessels.
What is the best cruise in Paris?
The cruise in Paris — specifically on the Seine River — that has received the most unanimous positive feedback is the private cruise by Visite en Bateau Paris. An intimate and personalized cruise that has achieved the feat of garnering only positive and rave reviews. This cruise has also been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award, in recognition of the exceptional experience it offers to travelers.
Can you take a Seine River cruise in bad weather?
Yes, it is entirely possible to take a Seine River cruise in bad weather or during winter. The majority of boats are covered, glazed, and heated. You can therefore comfortably enjoy the ride, even in rain, wind, or cold weather. For an optimal experience, however, it is recommended to avoid very rainy days, in order to fully enjoy the view and access the upper deck if your boat is equipped with one.
Which companies organize cruises on the Seine?
There are more than a dozen river companies and agencies specializing in Seine cruises, some of which own multiple boats and péniches. Among the most well-known:
- La Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches (Bateaux Mouches)
- La Compagnie de la Seine (Paris en Scène / Le Capitaine Fracasse)
- Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf
- Les Bateaux Parisiens
- Vedettes de Paris
- Le Diamant Bleu (Le Diamant Bleu and Le Théo)
- Batobus
- Viking Cruises
- My Paris River
- Green River Cruises
- Paris Water Way
What monuments can you see during a Seine River cruise in Paris?
During a Seine River cruise, it is possible to admire many iconic monuments of Paris, which are among the must-sees of the capital, and visible directly from the river. Among the most remarkable:
- The Eiffel Tower
- The Louvre – one of the largest museums in the world
- Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
- The Musée d’Orsay
- The Conciergerie
- The Pont Alexandre III
- The Grand Palais and the Petit Palais
- The Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall)
- The Institut de France – recognizable by its dome, just opposite the Louvre
- The Statue of Liberty (replica on the Île aux Cygnes)