Things to do · Paris
Seine river cruise: how to choose the right one
An hour on the river gives you Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower without a single queue. Here are your options.
The Seine
The riverbanks through central Paris are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The boat slides under a stone bridge and someone on the quay waves. Behind you the Eiffel Tower lights up, ahead of you Notre-Dame appears on its island. Paris was built facing the river, and from here you see why.
In short: Seine river cruises
A standard sightseeing cruise takes about an hour and passes most of the famous buildings along the Seine. Bateaux Parisiens leaves from the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Bateaux Mouches from Pont de l'Alma. Go at dusk if you can. A dinner cruise takes the whole evening and should be booked well ahead.
Our first choice: Bateaux Parisiens from the foot of the Eiffel Tower. See experiences and tickets
How to choose the right Seine cruise
First time in Paris: an hour-long sightseeing cruise. The city from the water, with commentary on the way.
With children: the same trip, by day. An hour is just right.
A special evening: a dinner cruise with live music. You eat while the city drifts past.
Three Seine cruises
Choose by time of day and budget.
Bateaux Parisiens from the Eiffel Tower
For most people: a sightseeing cruise from the foot of the tower, easy to combine with a tower visit.
Book: Bateaux Parisiens from the Eiffel Tower
Bateaux Mouches from Pont de l'Alma
For the classic: the big open-deck boats that have sailed the Seine for generations.
Book: Bateaux Mouches from Pont de l'Alma
Dinner cruise with live music
For a special evening: Bateaux Parisiens with dinner and music on board, as the monuments light up.
Worth knowing
Best time: dusk, when the lights come on. In summer it gets dark late.
Sit outside: take the upper deck if the weather allows. Bring a jacket, it is breezy on the river.
Pair it with the tower: do the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon and the boat straight after, they are next to each other.
Getting there: metro to Bir-Hakeim for Bateaux Parisiens, Alma-Marceau for Bateaux Mouches.
Stay near the river
Five minutes from the quay where Bateaux Mouches departs.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
The palace hotel sits on Avenue Montaigne, a short walk from the Seine.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
For Avenue Montaigne: red awnings, fashion houses on either side and a short walk down to Pont de l'Alma. The palace hotel belongs to the Dorchester Collection, and many street-side rooms catch the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hôtel Plaza Athénée
More hotels in our Paris hotel guide.
Seine river cruise: FAQ
How long is a Seine river cruise?
A standard sightseeing cruise takes about an hour. Dinner cruises last longer, often two hours or more, and usually run in the evening. That is enough to see Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower from the water without giving up a whole afternoon. Start with a sightseeing cruise if unsure, and save dinner for another evening.
Where do Seine cruises leave from?
Bateaux Parisiens leaves from the quay at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Bateaux Mouches leaves from Pont de l'Alma, a little further east. Both are easy to reach by metro. Departure times are on your ticket, and it pays to reach the quay 15 minutes early for a good seat.
When is the best time for a Seine cruise?
At dusk, when the city lights up. Daytime trips suit children and give the best photos of the façades. In summer it gets dark late, so choose a late departure if you want the lights. In winter it gets dark early, so an afternoon cruise works well.
Do I need to book a Seine cruise in advance?
Sightseeing cruises can often be booked on the day, but a ticket gives you a fixed time. Dinner cruises should always be booked well ahead. At weekends and in summer the popular times can fill up, especially around sunset. If you only have one evening in Paris, book ahead.
Where should I stay near the Seine?
Saint-Germain, Le Marais and the area around the Louvre are all close to the river. Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a few minutes from Pont de l'Alma. See more in our hotel guide. Stay near Pont de l'Alma and you can walk to the boats and the Eiffel Tower in about 15 minutes.