Boat trips – A magical experience on the Seine
Paris is often called the City of Lights, but from the Seine it reveals another magical side. A boat trip on the river allows you to experience the city’s iconic sights from a whole new angle – floating past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Louvrewhile the city life continues on both banks. With different types of boat trips, from leisurely sightseeing tours to luxurious dining experiences, there’s something for every taste and occasion.
Highlights along the Seine
During a boat tour, you’ll sail past some of Paris’ most famous attractions:
- Eiffel Tower: Start or end your tour close to this iconic structure that towers majestically over the river.
- Notre-Dame: Admire the historic cathedral from the water, where you’ll get a great view of its gothic details.
- Louvre and Musée d’Orsay: See these art institutions from opposite sides and get a new perspective on their magnificent architecture.
- Pont Alexandre III: Paris’ most ornate bridge, a symbol of the Belle Époque style.
Types of boat trips
- Sightseeing boats: Many operators, such as Bateaux Parisiens and Vedettes du Pont-Neuf, offer guided tours with narration of the city’s history and sights.
- Dinner cruises: For a romantic evening, opt for a dinner cruise and enjoy French cuisine while the city glows in the evening sun.
- Hop-on-hop-off boats: With the Batobus you can hop on and off at several popular attractions along the Seine. Purchase a 24 or 48-hour pass.
Practical information
- Price: Sightseeing tours typically start around €15-20 per person, while dinner tours cost from €60 and upwards.
- Duration: A tour usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
- Transportation to starting points: Many tours start at Pont de l’Alma (close to the Eiffel Tower) or Pont-Neuf. Both locations are easy to reach by metro.
Best time of day
A boat trip is beautiful at any time, but evening trips are especially magical when the lights of Paris are reflected in the river – it is the City of Lights after all!
Combining relaxation and sightseeing, a boat trip on the Seine gives you an unforgettable experience of Paris’ beauty from the water.
By Tommy Sverre – 2025