Which Seine River Tour to Choose in Paris?
The Seine is not just any river. It’s basically the beating heart of Paris tourism with most of the city’s iconic landmarks lining up along its banks: the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and yes, even our very own Statue of Liberty (surprise!). You definitely don’t want to miss hanging out on the Seine during your trip. So we’ve selected the best Seine River tours, tailored to match your mood, your schedule and your style.
1. The Most Practical Seine River Cruise
You know those double-decker hop-on hop-off buses you see in every big city? Well, in Paris, we’ve got the river version, on the Seine. Same idea, way better view. This Seine River HoHo doesn’t just cruise past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, and the Louvre, it stops there. You hop off, explore, hop back on. All while avoiding traffic jams and honking scooters.
It’s part sightseeing cruise, part floating metro. And with a 24h or 48h pass, you can hop on and off as many times as you like.
2. The Quickest Tour, ideal for short stays
The famous “bateaux-mouches”, a name that slipped into everyday language, even though it’s actually a brand, not the type of cruise. Alongside Bateaux Parisiens and Vedettes de Paris, those 3 companies offer the classic one-hour Seine River tour. You sit back and watch Paris’ greatest hits glide by.
It’s the ideal choice if you're short on time, low on energy, traveling with seniors or tiny humans. In just 60 minutes, you tick off the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and more without taking a single metro.
Bonus: Vedettes de Paris has both a live tour guide and audio commentary.
3. The Most Romantic Dinner Cruise
Got something to celebrate or just a burning desire to share a magical moment with your partner in the City of Lights ? Then say bonjour to Don Juan II, the most romantic Seine River tour in town. We’re talking candlelit tables, a one-Michelin-star dinner crafted by renowned chef Frédéric Anton, and views that compete with what’s on your plate.
It’s fine dining on a boat, with Paris as the backdrop. From aperitif to dessert, you drift past the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame all while bathed in soft lighting and clinking crystal. Is it the best dinner with a view in Paris? Let’s just say it’s definitely in the top ones and we know a few.
Looking for a slightly more affordable option? Try Ducasse sur Seine, no Michelin star, but still seriously gastronomic. You can choose between different options from three-course lunches to six-course dinners, optional wine pairings, and front-row seats to the most elegant cityscape in the world.
4. The Most Festive Seine River Cruise
Daytime Paris? Gorgeous. Paris by night? Pure magic. Once the sun dips behind the rooftops, the Seine lights up with golden reflections and glowing monuments.
To make the most of this nightly enchantment, Vedettes de Paris has imagined the perfect combo: a one-hour Seine River cruise with music, apéro, and a front-row seat to the illuminated City of Light. Think festive atmosphere, gentle rhythm of the river, and that unmistakable Parisian glow.
Drinks and snacks are available onboard at the bar and departures leave from the Eiffel Tower. The boat is 100% electric, so you float in total smoothness, no rumbling engines to ruin the vibe.
5. The Funniest Paris Tour that Drives and Sails
Is it a bus? Is it a boat? It’s both, it’s us and it’s called Marcel. With Les Canards de Paris, you're not just joining another Seine River tour, you're making a big, bold SPLASH right into it.
If you're in the mood for something a little crazy in Paris and a lot of fun, we should definitely be on your travel plan. Travelers love our quirky bus-boat (yes, amphibious) as much as our hilarious live guides, packed with commentary, jokes, and just the right amount of nonsense.
Our 1h45 ride mixes road and river, iconic and unexpected. You’ll drive past the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Pont Alexandre III and make some noise. Then, Marcel dives into the Seine (literally) to cruise the city’s west side, where fewer tourists go, to discover La Seine Musicale. On our way back : our very own Statue of Liberty, and a whole new angle on Paris.
6. The Most Yummy Seine Tour
We’ve already talked about the gourmet stars of the Seine, but you don’t need a Michelin star to enjoy good food with a great view. Other lunch and dinner cruises offer a delicious way to experience the Seine River with refined menus, set courses, wine pairings, and tables with riverfront charm.
These Seine River tours let you pick your meal and your spot on board. And since dining takes place indoors, it’s the perfect excuse to keep exploring Paris when it rains.
7. The Most Luxurious Private Tour
Forget the big boats and the group selfies, this is your moment. If you're after something truly exclusive, how about your very own private boat tour on the Seine? With private cruise options,the experience becomes fully yours to shape and savour.
From private pontoon boats with Green River Cruises to luxurious handcrafted Italian-style wooden speedboats from Paris Luxury Boat, this is a Seine River tour at your own pace far from the crowds. Just you, your people, and the city unfolding like a film set.
And of course, you can add champagne. Or an apéro. Or both. Because when the boat’s yours, so is the mood.
8. The Most Sparkling Seine River Tour
Now this is French art de vivre done right: a champagne tasting Seine River tour. Not just a flute handed out as the boat pulls away, but a full-on guided tasting with a sommelier and three carefully selected grower Champagnes.
In partnership with Ô Chateau, this cruise is all about bubbles and knowledge. You’ll sip, swirl, and learn while the monuments of Paris glide by. And because good things come in well-curated settings, you’ll enjoy the experience in a private lounge and deck, with priority boarding to start the evening in style. Santé or should we say, chin-chin on the Seine.
Romantic escape, foodie cruise, sunset sparkle or splash with a bus ; there’s a Seine River tour for every kind of Paris explorer. Just pick your style and hop on board !
