Paris River Cruise: 11 Magical Seine River Tours 2025
If you’re looking for the perfect way to experience the City of Lights, a Paris river cruise is an ideal choice. From the comfort of your own boat, you can take in some of the city’s most stunning sights while enjoying a leisurely journey along one of Europe’s most iconic rivers!
But, as you’ve probably figured out by now there are actually dozens of companies that offer Paris boat tours, which makes figuring out which River Seine cruise is right for you pretty difficult.
Fortunately, I’ve traveled around Paris on a handful of occasions and have done all of the local research for you. I’ve even spoken with several of the boat tour operators down on the bank for some intel on the tours that give you the most bang for your buck!
Thus, this list of the top-rated sightseeing cruises only includes premium local companies that are practically guaranteed to be worth your time and money.
From lunch cruises to epic dinner and dancing sails, you’ll have everything you need to make an informed decision on the one that’s right for you.
Don’t have time to read the entire post? No problem!
This Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise is easily the #1 Paris boat tour on this list!
With nearly 3,000 5-star reviews and a 3-course à la carte dinner with endless wine and champagne, this Paris river cruise is our #1 pick!
Not to mention, whether it’s day or night, there are plenty of attractions to see and experiences to be had on this beautiful stretch of water. From the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower and even Le Louvre, you’ll get one of the most unique perspectives of Paris!
With its charming bridges, picturesque quayside, and exquisite views across Paris’ skyline, a Seine River cruise offers something truly special. So, let’s jump into finding the Paris river cruise that’s right for you!
Top Rated Paris River Cruises
🚢1. Eiffel Tower, Seine River Dinner Cruise, Moulin Rouge Show
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 7 hours in duration
- Choice of either a glass or half bottle of champagne
- Experience a traditional Parisian cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge
- Choose between dinner at the Eiffel Tower or on a Paris river cruise
- Priority access to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower
- 1.5 hour cruise on the Seine River
Looking for the most bang for your buck? This adventurous tour takes you on three iconic experiences around the City of Lights!
From taking in the panoramic views from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and enjoying a classic cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge to embarking on a 90-minute Seine River Paris cruise, this tour knows how to plan a good time.
With over 1,100 5-star reviews, this is one tour you should have at the top of your list when visiting Paris!
🚢2. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 2 hours in duration
- Free glass of local champagne
- 3-course à la carte lunch with wine
- Live music throughout the ride
- Convenient departure point
Easily the best Paris river cruise with nearly 1,100 50-star reviews, this classic Bateaux Parisians boat ride offers a gourmet à la carte lunch and some lovely music to accompany your journey around the city.
Enjoy a free glass of local champagne as you board to kick off your 2 hour cruise around some of Paris’ top sights!
🍷If the wine is catching your eye on this cruise along the Seine River, be sure to check out one of these 15+ Top-Rated Wine Tours in France for 2025! They offer popular wine tastings, visits to numerous vineyards, and the chance to learn more about the art of French winemaking!
🚢3. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 2.5 hours in duration
- 3-course à la carte dinner with wine
- Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne (if option chosen)
- Live entertainment and music
On this exciting Paris river cruise dinner with Bateaux Parisiens, you will find yourself gliding past many of Paris’ most iconic sights all while dancing to live music (including a singer) and stuffing yourself with delectable French cuisine.
Paired nicely with wine and even a glass of champagne if you so choose, this is easily one of the best tours on this list… which is probably why they’ve earned Viator’s Badge of Excellence award and have nearly 3,000 5-star reviews!
If you’re looking for a romantic dinner cruise to impress a special someone on your upcoming trip to Paris, this one surely won’t disappoint.
🗼These beautiful dinner cruises are just one of the items I mention in this list of 33 Magical Things To Do in Paris at Night!
🚢4. Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise & Live Music by Bateaux Mouches
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Traditional French 4-course dinner
- Beverages & coffee/tea
- Live music onboard
Looking for a classic, all-inclusive dinner cruise through Paris’ Seine River for you and someone special? This is it! Not only will you get an abundantly romantic boat ride in Paris, but also a 4-course French meal and endless drinks while on board.
Perfect for friends and family, couples, Europe honeymooners, and even solo travelers, this tour has over 1,100 5-star reviews and always books up fast!
🚢5. Paris Gourmet Dinner Seine River Cruise with Singer and DJ Set
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3.5 hours in duration
- Live musician/singer and DJ set
- Gourmet dinner
- Panoramic views from the terrace
Rightfully earning Viator’s Badge of Excellence, this exciting 3.5 hour evening cruise along the Seine River is sure to delight everyone in your group!
Paired perfectly with a popular singer and full DJ set, you’ll be enjoying your evening floating down the Seine with a delicious dinner, a sparkling beverage, and epic views of the city from the enormous rooftop terrace!
🚢6. Paris Seine River Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Champagne
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 90 minutes in duration
- Gourmet 3-course dinner with Champagne (lunch option also available)
- All alcoholic beverages
- Coffee and tea
- Option to add the romance package (rose petals, window seating, & personal photos)
Thinking of popping the question to your partner on a trip to Paris? This gorgeous 1.5 hour Paris river cruise actually offers a romance package to help you out!
Fitted with rose petals, preferred seating, and even a private photographer to capture the moment, they remove the stress of planning all of these small details out in advance. Talk about the ultimate Paris proposal package!
Or, if you’re simply planning a nice evening out in the city, you’ll be treated to a delectable French meal and unlimited alcohol during your sightseeing cruise.
🚢7. Paris Seine River Private Boat Tour
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 2 hours in duration
- Fully private tour for you and your group
- Bring your own snacks & drinks
- Pet friendly!
Want to avoid the chaos of traveling with dozens of other tourists down the Seine? While it is nice to enjoy the all-inclusive options, sometimes a private Paris boat tour like this one can offer a more personalized and fun experience.
Free to bring your own dinner and drinks and even your furry friend, this is the ultimate choice for anyone looking to drop a Paris proposal or simply want to enjoy the ride with just their friends and family.
Easily one of the best Seine River night cruise options on this list, this tour has earned Viator’s Badge of Excellence award for good reason!
🚢8. Paris at the First Lodges – Ducasse sur Seine Lunch Cruise
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 2 hours in duration
- Exquisite views of the city and ensured window seats
- Four-course lunch of gourmet French cuisine
- Extensive wine list to choose from
- Ride on an electric boat that emits 10x fewer CO2 emissions than a traditional diesel boat
Are you or someone else in your group determined to be environmentally friendly on your Paris river cruise? If so, then we should be friends because I’m always looking for the lowest-emission tours available too!
Fortunately for both of us, this tour is free of fuel and offers a glorious 4-course lunch and wine list for your afternoon glide along the Seine!
With guaranteed window seats and an utter lack of pollution, this tour will leave you feeling guilt-free (well, almost… it depends on how much wine you have! 😉)
🚢9. Paris at the First Lodges – Ducasse sur Seine Dinner Cruise
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 2 hours in duration
- Immaculate views of the city
- Guaranteed window seats
- Four or five-course dinner of gourmet French cuisine
- Fully electric boat
Similar to the lunch cruise, the Ducasse sur Seine dinner cruise is perhaps one of the most romantic dinner cruises on this list!
Offering the choice between a 4 or 5-course evening meal, stunning views of the city at night, and a refreshing lack of fuel emissions, this is one tour that almost never has leftover space.
🚢10. Paris in a Day with Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay & River Cruise
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 9 hours in duration
- Small group tour
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Eiffel Tower
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Musée d’Orsay
- Professional and local English-speaking tour guide
- One hour Paris Seine River cruise
Looking to take a Paris boat tour and see the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay all in one? Now you can!
With numerous skip-the-line perks to some of Paris’ most iconic sights and a one-hour cruise on the Seine, this Paris in a day tour is the perfect way to spend a full day in the City of Lights!
🚢11. Paris Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise
What’s Included? ⤵️
- Choose between a 24 or 48-hour pass
- Heated boats in winter
- Rooftop terrace option available in summer
- Knowledgeable crew
The hop-on hop-off boat in Paris is easily one of the best Seine River night cruises without dinner you can take (it actually has over 1,300 5-star reviews)! Keeping things ultra simple, you can choose a 2-hour ride on either a one-day or two-day option, though nothing onboard is included.
If you’re trying to stay on a budget, then this is by far the best option! You’ll get the chance to see numerous sights across Paris, and have the option to hop on or off the Seine River cruise at the Eiffel Tower, L’Académie Lime, Musée d’Orsay, Quai Malaquais, Quai de Montebello, Quai Saint-Bernard, Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville, Quai du Louvre, or the Concorde – Quai des Tuileries stops!
Plus, with free cancelation up until 24 hours before departure (just like most of the tours on this list), there’s really no stress in reserving your spot.
FAQ
Is a Seine River Cruise at Night Worth It?
A Seine River cruise at night is undoubtedly worth it. Personally, I actually prefer the evening cruises over the day cruises!
The city of Paris transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, offering an enchanting and romantic experience as iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral are beautifully illuminated.
The nighttime ambiance enhances the overall atmosphere, which is why these tours are more popular than their midday counterparts.
How Much Does a Paris River Cruise Cost?
A Seine River cruise in Paris can cost you anywhere from $20 to $130 or more, depending on the type of cruise you choose. Lunch cruises tend to be cheaper than dinner and dancing cruises, while private boat tours are usually the most expensive (rightfully so!)
It may be tempting to save some money on your dinner cruise and book the cheapest one, but unfortunately in Paris, and most of Europe for that matter, you get what you pay for.
Having walked along the Seine my fair share of times at this point, I will say that it is very obvious which boats are for budget travelers versus which boats (more like cruise ships) are for those who paid for dinner, dancing, or some champagne.
The overall cleanliness of the boat will vary as well as its comfort level, the onboard food and beverage selection, and the length of the trip.
Thus, it’s recommended to budget for this outing on your Paris itinerary rather than trying to save some cash in this department.
How Long is the River Cruise in Paris?
Most Seine River cruises last between 1-2 hours, although some last up to 4 hours. If you’re looking for a shorter river cruise, opt for lunch cruises that usually last around 1 hour.
But, if you’re looking for something longer and more immersive, private boat tours as well as dinner and dancing cruises are the way to go!
If you only have one day in Paris, then a lunch tour is perhaps the best choice.
Can You See the Eiffel Tower from a Seine River Cruise?
Yes, you usually will be able to see the Eiffel Tower from your Paris river cruise! Depending on which boat tour you take, you may have impressive views of the iconic structure from all angles.
When is the Best Time to Go on a Paris River Cruise?
The best time to go on a Paris River cruise is during the spring and summer months when the weather will be warmer and sunnier, typically in May, June, July, August, and September.
The busiest times of year are usually during school holidays (particularly in the months of June through August), so if you’re looking for a more intimate experience try to plan your trip outside of these peak periods or opt for a private Paris river cruise.
For dinner cruises and private boat tours, late afternoon/early evening is the best time to go as you’ll get a chance to take in the city at night while enjoying your meal (which means you’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower do its light show from the river!)
Just be sure to read this list of Paris safety tips if you’re planning on exploring the city at night.
For discounted and budget-friendly boat tours, opt for an early morning or late afternoon cruise when there are fewer people onboard.
✈️ For a more detailed explanation on when to go to the City of Lights, read up on The BEST Time to Visit Paris for Travelers in 2025.
Where to Board a Paris River Cruise?
Most Seine River cruises in Paris leave from the embankment near Quai de Montebello, which is right by Notre Dame Cathedral.
However, depending on the company you book with, there may be other departure points available such as the Port de la Bourdonnais which is near the Eiffel Tower.
Do River Cruise Prices Include Airfare?
No, none of the Paris river cruises on this list or any that are available along the Seine include airfare in their price.
These tour companies aren’t all-inclusive vacation planners, so you would need to handle airfare, lodging, and so forth either on your own or with an experienced travel planner prior to your trip.
Do River Cruises in Paris include Dinner?
Some river cruises in Paris include dinner while others do not.
If you are hoping for a Paris boat tour that includes an evening meal, check out the Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise, the Paris at the First Lodges – Ducasse sur Seine Dinner Cruise, or the Eiffel Tower Access with Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show.
Do You Need Reservations for a Seine River Cruise?
While you don’t technically have to pre-book a Seine River cruise, it is highly recommended. The best ones book up months in advance, so if you want to get a seat in one of the more popular cruises, it’s best to book your tickets early.
Otherwise, you’ll be stuck roaming the banks of the Seine for a boat with enough tickets left for everyone in your party, which I’m guessing isn’t how you want to spend your day in Paris. By booking in advance, you’ll save yourself time, stress, and even money!
Yes, you read that right. Many of the Seine River cruises offer discounts and deals for purchasing tickets online ahead of time, so this ultimately is the best way to manage your reservations.
What Should I Pack for a Seine River Cruise?
Depending on if you’re taking a day lunch cruise or an evening dinner cruise, you’ll need slightly different items, though many will carry over from one to the next.
The list below includes everything for both, so remove any items that don’t make sense in relation to the cruise you pick.
➡ Sunscreen/sunhat
➡ Comfortable clothing and footwear
➡ A light jacket for cooler evenings
➡ Camera with a charged battery
➡ Travel adapter (if needed)
➡ Passport/ID
➡ Cash or credit card for onboard purchases (food, drinks, French souvenirs)
➡ Reusable water bottle
➡ Snacks such as nuts, fruit, energy bars
➡ Day backpack (if allowed – check with your company)
➡ Sunglasses
What is the Beautiful River in Paris?
The name of the beautiful river in Paris is the Seine! The Seine is a 780 km-long river that runs through the north of France and is one of Europe’s most important rivers.
It flows through Paris from east to west, dividing the city into two halves known as the Left Bank and Right Bank.
Not only is the Seine beautiful, but it also serves an important purpose in terms of transportation.
Is Hop On Hop Off Boat in Paris Worth It?
The hop-on hop-off boat in Paris is certainly worth it if you’re interested in a unique way of seeing the city!
It allows you to avoid the typical city and metro traffic and provides a nice cool breeze on those scorching summer days. They’re quite affordable, provide great opportunities to get photos from the riverside, and allow you to save your energy from walking everywhere.
I will say that they can get a bit crowded during the busy summer months, but if this doesn’t bother you then they can be a fantastic choice.
Jump to the bottom of the post? No problem!
This Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise is easily the #1 Paris boat tour on this list!
With nearly 3,000 5-star reviews and a 3-course à la carte dinner with endless wine and champagne, this Paris river cruise is our #1 pick!
While there are dozens of reasons to visit Paris, a boat tour on the Seine is probably one of the most important!
Now that you know what to look for in a Paris Seine River cruise, it’s time to start planning your journey! From lunch cruises to dinner and dancing tours, there is something special waiting for everyone.
So take some time out of your busy schedule to explore this beautiful city from one of its most iconic rivers and book yourself a memorable Paris river cruise today!
