Seine River Boat Tour — History, Storyline, Tours & Visitor Info

Glide past Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower on Paris’s most scenic waterway. Choose a relaxed daytime cruise, a golden-hour sunset trip, or a gourmet dinner cruise beneath twinkling bridges.

1-Hour Cruise from Eiffel Tower · €17

Why Cruise the Seine?

The Seine is Paris’s storyteller. From medieval trade barges to Belle Époque pleasure boats, its curves frame the city’s greatest monuments. A cruise gives you effortless, front-row views and a clear sense of how Paris grew along its islands and embankments.

Iconic Landmarks

See the Île de la Cité, Conciergerie, Louvre, Orsay and Eiffel Tower without navigating traffic.

Atmosphere & Stories

Live or audio commentary brings bridges, palaces and restoration projects to life as you drift past.

Quick Timeline

  • Roman–Medieval — Paris (Lutetia) grows around the Seine’s islands and trading quays.
  • 17th–18th c. — Royal embankments, bridges and riverside palaces reshape the banks.
  • 1850s–70s — Haussmann standardizes stone quays and tree-lined promenades.
  • 1990s — The historic Banks of the Seine gain UNESCO World Heritage status.
  • Today — Pedestrian promenades, cycle paths and frequent cruises make the river Paris’s open-air salon.

Top Cruise Experiences

Daytime Sightseeing

Clear narration and frequent departures—ideal for first-timers and families.

Sunset & Evening

Golden light, illuminated monuments and relaxed vibes; add a drink for extra sparkle.

Gourmet Dinner Cruises

Multi-course French menus with picture-window seating as the city lights up.

Smart Combos

Pair your cruise with Eiffel Tower access, Louvre entry or a Notre-Dame tour to maximize a single day.

Insider Tips

Time It for the Light

Late afternoon to sunset delivers warm colors for photos; evenings reveal the city’s glow.

Board a Little Early

Arrive 15–20 minutes ahead for preferred seats. Window seats on dinner cruises are pre-allocated.

Visitor Cheatsheet

Main Piers

Eiffel Tower (Port de la Bourdonnais), Pont de l’Alma (Bateaux-Mouches), Île de la Cité & Orsay.

Ticket Options

1-hour cruise from ~€13.60–€22 · Dinner cruises from ~€59 · Combos from ~€34.90.

What to Wear

Casual for day boats; smart-casual for dinner cruises. Bring a light layer—breezes can be cool.

How to Get There

Metro Bir-Hakeim (L6), Alma-Marceau (L9) or RER C: Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel / Musée d’Orsay.

Ready to Sail?

Lock in a time, pick your pier and see Paris unfold from the water.

Book an Evening Cruise