Bateaux Parisiens: The Best Seine River Cruise in Paris

The Seine River runs through the middle of Paris and has breathed life into The City of Lights since the beginning of its history. The banks of the river house many of the city’s main attractions, and cruising down its waters is a great way to take in a different perspective while relaxing and enjoying a delicious French meal aboard an elegant ship.

Why Choose Bateaux Parisiens?

If you’re going to cruise down the Seine River, you should do it with Bateaux Parisiens. One of the best companies in the city, Bateaux Parisiens offers a variety of different Seine River cruises in Paris daily throughout the year, and no matter which cruise you choose you’ll be able to indulge in an exceptional French lunch or dinner. Another amazing highlight is your boat will be completely enclosed with full glass windows, making for a terrific viewing experience day or night. Even though there’s a premium for these seats, it’s best to be sure to book a table by a bay window for the very best views of the city.

Paris River Cruise Overview

What are the Different Cruise Options?

The most affordable of the Bateaux Parisiens Seine River cruise options is the regular sightseeing cruise without lunch or dinner. Prices start at €15 per person. The cruise sets off at 12:00 PM year round, and cruises along the Seine for about an hour.

The next step up in pricing is the lunch cruise which starts at €69 per adult and €34 per child. This Seine River cruise departs at 12:45 PM, runs for two hours, and includes a three-course lunch, with appetizer, white and red wine, mineral water, and coffee.

Finally, the two-and-a-half-hours dinner cruise starts at €99 per adult and €34 per child and departs at 8:30 PM. Starting from September 1st they also offer a shorter and cheaper dinner cruise at 6:15 PM. Both dinner cruises include à-la-carte three-course meal, with red and white wine. The 8:30 PM cruise also has live music onboard.

If you are not interested in lunch or dinner, another great option is the Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise. With a 24 or 48 hours pass you can board and alight where you want as often as you want, and see sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay and Notre-Dame at your own pace.

Things You’ll See on Your Cruise

Regardless of the time of your Seine River cruise, you will complete a loop on the Seine over the course of your meal. You will pass by famous Parisian landmarks like Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. You’ll cruise under bridges of the Seine, including the stunning Alexandre III that boasts opulent designs and busts. Depending on which cruise you choose and the time of year you take it, you may see the buildings and city lit up, twinkling against the nighttime Parisian sky, or even a spectacular sunset.

Your meal will be served as you watch the scenery. Each Seine River cruise offers a set menu of three courses. A starter, a main, and a dessert. The main course is a choice of fish, chicken, or beef. Bateaux Parisiens does offer a specific vegetarian menu, but options on it are limited. It does not have a vegan choice. Extras of birthday cake or wine can be added on to your cruise price and enjoyed with your meal. There is also a champagne option, but this is available only on the two dinner cruises.

More Information About the Cruise

Do not be late. Be sure you know exactly where your cruise departs from. If you’re not sure, Bateaux Parisiens’s website provides a map with the exact location as well as subway directions. All boarding times begin 30 minutes prior to departure which provides ample time for you to make your way to the boat. Of course, if you do not arrive by the time the ship departs you will lose your booking.

Whether you’re a first timer or a repeat visitor to Paris, a trip down the Seine is always special. And there is perhaps no better way to enjoy world-famous sights like the Eiffel Tower than by sailing past them while enjoying an elegant French meal with a glass of wine in hand.