Taking a tour of Paris by boat is unparalleled as romantic experiences go. The city seems to be fanned out before you as you lazily drift down the Seine River or Paris' miles-long network of canals.
By taking a Paris boat tour, you can get a glimpse of some of the city's most mythical spots, enjoy a romantic dinner amid the soft glow of light on the water, or just sit back and revel in the fresh air and delicious floating in a scenic setting.
The best time to take a Paris boat tour is May through mid-September, when skies tend to be clearer and temperatures in Paris are generally warm. Fall and winter boat tours are still worthwhile, but keep in mind that wind from off the water and frequent rain can make sitting on the open-air deck less than desirable.
Classic Paris: Tours of the Seine River
Ah, the Seine river. No other river in the world has been the subject of such poetic fussing, frantic picture-taking, and all-around adulation.
Touring Paris via the Seine river is a great way to get familiar with many of the city's most stunning monuments, historical buildings, and ornate bridges, including:
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Eiffel Tower
- Musee du Louvre
- Musee d'Orsay
- Assemblée Nationale (The National Assembly building)
- Hotel des Invalides
- Pont Neuf (Paris' oldest bridge, dating to the 16th century)
- Pont Alexandre III (Art Nouveau bridge dating to 1896)
- Grand Palais (Belle Epoque building housing National Galleries)
Several companies offer day and evening boat tours of the Seine River throughout the year. Before choosing a tour, decide whether you would prefer a narrated tour that focuses on Paris history and sights, have lunch or dinner, or even enjoy a show. Finding a boat tour that fits your budget shouldn't be a problem, either.
- Bateaux Mouches is Paris' most famous boat tour company and is easily recognizable by its enormous decks and bright orange seats. Bateaux Mouches has a fleet of 14 boats, some of which offer lunch and dinner service.
Bateaux Mouches Practical Info:
- Departs: Pont de l'Alma, 8th arrondissement (Metro Alma-Marceau, Line 9, or RER C Pont de l'Alma.
- Phone and website: 33(0)142 259 610
Visit the website - All boats are wheelchair-accessible
- Free parking in lot outside entrance
Narrated Tours:
Departures
- In high season (April-September), departures every 30 minutes, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- In low season(October-March), departures every 45 minutes, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Adults: 8 Euros (approx. $10.40)
- Children under 4: free
- Adults over 65: 4 Euros (approx. $5.20)
- Groups over 20 people: 5 Euros per person (approx. $6.50) (must reserve in advance)
- School groups (children 12 and under): 3 Euros (approx. $3.90)(must reserve in advance)
Tour details:
- Tour narrated in English, French, Spanish, and Italian
- Brochures available in 17 languages
- The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Bateaux Mouches Lunch and Dinner Cruises:
Lunch
- Lunch cruises available Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
- Departs at 1:00 p.m., returns at 2:45 p.m. Boarding starts at 12:15 p.m.
- Price: 50 Euros (approx. $65 ) per person; 40 Euros/approx. $52 per person (groups), children under 12: 25 Euros (approx. $32.50)
- Live accordion music
- Reservations are required.
Dinner
- Dinner cruises are available every evening. Departs at 8:30 p.m. and returns at 10:45 p.m.; Boarding starts at 7:30 p.m.
- Price: Menu "prestige" for 125 Euros (approx. $163; group menu 95 Euros (approx. $124)
- Reservations are required.
- Dress code: formal (jacket and tie for men)
- Piano and violin accompany the meal
Special Valentine's Day 2007 dinner cruise:
Candlelight and gourmet champagne dinner for two, with a special gift at the end of the meal.
Price: 300 Euros (approx. $390) per couple. Reservations are required at least a month in advance: 33 (0)142 259 610
Departs February 14, 2007 at 8:30 p.m.; boarding at 7:45 p.m.
- Departs: Pont de l'Alma, 8th arrondissement (Metro Alma-Marceau, Line 9, or RER C Pont de l'Alma.
- Bateaux Parisiens is another well-known Paris boat tour company offering narrated tours and fine dining.
Bateaux Parisiens Practical Info:
- Main departure point: at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Port de la Bourdonnais, 7th arrondissement (Metro Line 6, Bir Hakeim or Trocadero; RER C, Champs de Mars)
- Phone and website:
33 (0)146 994 313
Visit the website
Narrated Tours:
- Departures: Eiffel Tower (Port de la Bourdonnais) and Notre Dame (Quai de Montebello)
Eiffel Tower: open all year, departure pier 3
Note Dame: Open March 24 - November 5.
In high season (April-Sep.), departures every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
In low season (October-March), departures at least every hour, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Prices:- Adults: 10 Euros (approx. $13)
- Children under 12: 5 Euros (approx. $6.50)
- Children under 3: free
Tour Details:
- Commentary via individual handsets; available in 14 languages
- Hostess provides additional commentary
- Special commentary available for children
Bateaux Parisiens Lunch and Dinner Cruises:
Lunch
- Available year-round. Departs from Eiffel Tower pier at 12:45 p.m. (end of boarding at 12:30 p.m.). Returns at 2:30 p.m.
- Menus available for 52, 62, or 72 Euros (approx. $68-$94 ) and includes a traditional three-course meal with wine.
See full menu - Children's menu available for 31 Euros (approx. $40)
- Live musical entertainment
Dinner
- Available all year, departure Eiffel Tower Pier at 8:30 (boarding between 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.). Return at 11:00 p.m.
- Menus available for 95, 120, or 140 Euros (approx. $124-$182) and includes a four-course meal, wine, and live musical entertainment
See full menu - Vegetarian option available
- Dress code: smart casual
- Main departure point: at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Port de la Bourdonnais, 7th arrondissement (Metro Line 6, Bir Hakeim or Trocadero; RER C, Champs de Mars)
More Seine River Boat Tours:
- Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf
- Vedettes de Paris
- Batobus (no commentary or dining)
