In short: which cruise to choose and how much it costs
- How much does it cost: A sightseeing cruise of about an hour ranges from 13 to 20 euros for an adult, 6 to 9 euros for a child, and free for children under 4. Booking in advance is usually cheaper than at the box office.
- Cruise with food: Lunch starts at about 55 euros, dinner at about 55 and reaches 150 and above on the gourmet route.
- Daily ticket: Batobus is not a guided cruise but transportation, hopping on and off at nine stops, about 22 euros per day.
- My choice: Vedettes du Pont Neuf. Smaller ships, departing from Ile de la Cité in the heart of the city, and usually with a human guide rather than a recording.
- Departure points: Bateaux Mouches from the Alma Bridge, Bateaux Parisiens from the Eiffel Tower, and Vedettes du Pont Neuf from the Pont Neuf.
- Cruise duration: About an hour for a regular cruise, about two and a half hours with dinner.
- When to sail: In the summer it only gets dark at 22:00 PM, so night cruises leave late. In the winter the city is lit up from 17:00 PM and the ships are heated.
A cruise on the Seine may be the biggest cliché in Paris, but I'll let you in on a secret: Sometimes clichés are created because they have a kernel of truth in them. The Seine River, the city's lifeblood, has flowed there for 14,000 years, and it's still the best way to see Paris from a completely different angle.
For years I was a Paris snob. Until 2014, the thought of boarding a tourist boat (Bateaux Mouches) seemed to me like something a true Francophile would never do. I saw it as a commercial and unnecessary tourist trap.
But then came that memorable trip with three friends to Paris. We plowed through the city on foot, and one day, after swallowing almost 20 kilometers of walking in the Marais district (which I love so much that I don’t feel the effort), my friends simply collapsed. They solemnly announced to me: “Zvi, we’re not moving anymore.”
My Francophile friend Yaffe Felder Sassoon threw out the redemptive idea: “Let’s go on a cruise.” I reluctantly agreed, just to give myself a break for the first time. And what can I tell you? It was bingo. I discovered that this was the perfect way to end an exhausting day – to simply sit, let the wind caress your face, and watch the most beautiful monuments of Paris pass by without making any effort. Since then, I have been recommending it to everyone.
🏆 Don't have time? Here are the 3 best-selling tickets
For those who want to order directly and bypass the lines, these are the options that provide the best value for money:
The classics: Bateaux Mouches
The famous large ships with the huge open deck. A must-see for first-time visitors who want the “postcard of Paris.”
Cruise + dinner at a great price (55€)
The best deal in town. The “Paris en Scène” ship offers a full meal and a cruise in comfortable window seats for the price of a regular ticket elsewhere.
Sweetest: Sailing + French Crepe
A perfect option for families or a light romantic break. An hour-long cruise that includes a crepe and a drink. Departs at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Booking tickets for a cruise on the Seine
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- best seller
Beto Mosh: The Classic Cruise
The large ships with the huge open deck, and the longest route among regular cruisers.
An hour and ten minutes from Pont de L'Alma and back, with an audio guide in dozens of languages. It is also the most wheelchair-accessible cruise, thanks to a sloping ramp at the pier. Boarding the ship begins about half an hour before departure.
Beto Frisian: Tourist cruise
Beto Mosh's big competitor, with a more convenient departure point for those living in the 7th arrondissement.
The cruise is ten minutes shorter than the one to Tou Mush and the route is almost the same. The only practical difference is the departure reef, so choose according to the location of your hotel and not the company name.
Guided electric boat tour of Vedette de Pree
Smaller electric boats, with a live speaking guide and no engine noise.
If the big ships sound too crowded to you, this is the quiet version. The guide answers questions, which is a real difference compared to a recording playing in seven languages.
Vedet du Pont Nef: Guided cruise from the heart of the city
The only cruise that departs from the tip of the Ile de la Cité, in the heart of the historic city.
The departure point is very convenient for those spending the day in the Marais, the Latin Quarter, or Notre Dame. The number of reviews for it is relatively small, because it has only recently been sold on Tiqets.
Family cruise with a quiz for children
The same route, with a puzzle booklet that keeps the children busy along the way.
Suitable for elementary school age children, who get tired of regular sailing after ten minutes. The quiz is in English and French, not Hebrew, but the drawings do most of the work.
One-hour cruise + crepe tasting
A classic cruise that ends with a fresh French crepe, near the Eiffel Tower.
The sweetest option on the list, and also the most convenient for families or a light romantic break. Note that the number of reviews for it is still small.
Evening cruise with music and drinks
Not a full meal but an hour of sunset, music and a glass of wine on the water.
This is my favorite option for a first night in Paris: cheaper than dinner on the water, and ends just as the lights come on. You can choose between champagne, wine, beer, or no drink.
Cruise with three-course lunch
The relaxed version of a meal on the Seine, in daylight and at a lower price than dinner.
Lunch on the water is a good compromise: the food is the same level, the view is brighter, and the evening is free for something else. The dress code is smart casual.
Dinner cruise
The romantic classic: a full dinner in front of the window, with Paris passing by outside.
Two pieces of advice: ask for a table by the window when you make your reservation, and arrive half an hour before the cruise. There is no audio guide on the food cruises, so if you came for the explanations about the monuments, choose a regular tourist cruise.
Cruise with four-course dinner and live music
The pampered version of Beto Frisian, with a singer and musician on board.
The most expensive option on the list, and also the highest rated. Suitable for a special evening, an anniversary or a marriage proposal. A table by the window is an additional charge on certain routes.
In Tubos: Hop-on Hop-off on the water
Not a cruise but transportation: a ship that stops at nine stations along the river.
The stops cover the Louvre, Orsay, Notre Dame, the Marais, and the Eiffel Tower. It's a pleasant way to get between attractions on a hot day, but it's slower than the metro and not a replacement for it.
Cruise on the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin
The route that leaves the state river and enters the 10th Ward public canal.
This is the most interesting cruise in my opinion, because it goes through water locks and an underground tunnel that no one expects. At two and a half hours, it is not suitable for small children or those on a tight schedule.
Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine on a guided cruise
The same route, in a shorter version and with a guide who tells the history of the canal.
The canal was dug by Napoleon to bring drinking water to Paris, and the story is worth a guide. Large groups, so it's worth arriving early and getting a seat close to the guide.
- Combined price
Paris City Card: Cruise and three more attractions
The cruise is just one of four components of this ticket, along with a monument and museum of your choice.
The ticket includes a cruise on the Seine, the Eiffel Tower or Orsay or the Pantheon, and the Arc de Triomphe or Versailles. It's only worth it if you really take advantage of three or more attractions on adjacent days.
- Combined price
Paris-Seine Pass: Evening Cruise, Orsay and Sainte-Chapelle
A card that includes the institutions on the banks of the Seine: Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Concierge.
The included cruise is an evening cruise with music, and you can choose to add a glass of champagne, wine or beer. Orsay is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
- Combined price
Palace of Versailles + Bateau-Mouche Cruise
The most common combination: one day out of town, and a relaxing evening on the water.
The two tickets are separate in terms of dates, so you can split them up into different days. Don't try to cram both into the same day unless the cruise is late in the evening.
- Combined price
Cruise on the Parisian Beto + Palace of Versailles
The same package, with the cruise company that leaves from the foot of the tower.
Choosing between these two packages is just a question of departure riff: Font de l'Alma facing the Champs Elysées, or Port de la Bourdonnais below the Tower.
- Combined price
Arc de Triomphe with roof access + cruise
See Paris from above and then from the water, a short distance apart.
This combination works well that afternoon: go up to the roof an hour before sunset, and go down for a cruise when the lights come on.
- Combined price
Disneyland Paris (one park) + cruise
One day for the kids, one evening for the parents. The best-selling combination for families.
The two tickets are separate in terms of date, which is important: after a full day at Disneyland, no one wants to board a ship that evening.
- Combined price
Cruise + Disneyland Paris (both parks)
The same package, with a ticket that allows you to move between two Disney parks on the same day.
Suitable for those who only have one day at Disneyland and are not willing to give up either side. The cruise in this package is from Beto Frisian.
- Combined price
Cruise + Tootbus tourist bus
The package for a Sunday in Paris: a mental map of the city from above and from the water.
One of the oldest and most highly rated packages on Tiqets, with about a thousand reviews. The bus ticket is valid for a full day, and the cruise is on a different day if you wish.
- Combined price
Cruise + Big Bus tourist bus
Same idea, with Tootbus' competitor on the bus line.
Big Bus's route is shorter than Tootbus's but the frequency of trips is higher. Both are good, and the choice between them is mainly a question of price on the specific day.
- Combined price
Paris Aquarium + Cruise
Two attractions that sit in the same area, within walking distance of each other.
The aquarium is located just below the Trocadero Square, and the cruise departs from nearby Pont de L'Alma. A good combination for a rainy day with children.
- Combined price
Asterix Park + Cruise
The most French amusement park, combined with a cruise on the Seine.
The Asterix park is about thirty kilometers north of the city and requires a full day. The cruise is for another day, and is usually used as compensation for the long drive.
- Combined price
Gervan Museum + Boat Trip in Beto Mosh
Paris Wax Museum combined with a river cruise.
Groen is located in the Passage Joffreau in the 9th arrondissement, and the visit takes about an hour and a half. Children enjoy it more than adults, which is fine.
- Combined price
Cruise on the Frisian Beto + Groen Museum
Same package, with the other cruise line and with a greater number of reviews.
If you are debating between the two Gervan packages, this is the older and more established one in terms of customer reviews.
- Combined price
Cruise + Banksy exhibition in Paris
An unexpected combination of classic Paris with Banksy's street art.
The exhibition does not feature original Banksy works, but rather reproductions and performances, and the artist himself has opposed these types of exhibitions. It's worth knowing before you pay.
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🌞 When is the best time? The dilemma between day and night
One of the most recurring questions in travel groups is: “Is it better to take the cruise in the morning to see the details, or at night? ”
My answer is unequivocal: go for the evening/night.
Paris is beautiful during the day, but at night it truly becomes the “City of Lights.” Most of the important buildings along the river (the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay , Notre Dame, and of course the Eiffel Tower) are lit up in a dramatic and impressive way, designed specifically to be seen from the water. There’s something magical about seeing the Eiffel Tower twinkle as you sail beneath it.
📊 Quick comparison table: Who against whom?
To help you sort things out, I prepared a table that summarizes the main differences between the major companies:
| Company | style and atmosphere | exit point | Invitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bateaux Mouches | Huge ships, wide open deck | Alma Bridge (Pont de l'Alma) | Order tickets |
| Bateaux Parisiens | Modern, panoramic glass | Eiffel Tower | Order tickets |
| Type du Pont Neuf | Small, intimate ships | Pont Neuf (Ile de la Cite) | Order tickets |
🏛️ What to see along the way? The monuments you shouldn't miss
One of the main reasons I always recommend including a cruise on your trip is that the Seine is essentially the historic “main avenue” of Paris. Most of the city’s important monuments were originally built facing the river (befitting a time when the river was the main transportation and commercial artery). Here are six of the biggest stars you’ll see from the deck (get your cameras ready):
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Eiffel Tower
The “Iron Asparagus” doesn’t really need an introduction. Seeing it from the water is a powerful experience, especially if you time your cruise to pass under it just as it begins to twinkle (in the first five minutes of every hour in the evening).
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Orsay Museum
The beautiful train station has been transformed into a magnificent hall of Impressionist art. From the Seine you can get a close-up look at the giant clocks that adorn the facade of the building (which, by the way, are wonderfully lit at night).
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The Louvre Museum
The former palace of the kings stands proudly along the right bank. Even from the water, it is hard not to admire the grandeur and historical power of the huge building that hosts the famous Mona Lisa.
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Notre Dame Cathedral
The First Lady of Paris sits in the heart of the Ile de la Cité. Even now, after its renovation after the fire, it is breathtaking. From the water, it reveals a unique and clean angle on the soaring buttresses and Gothic architecture.
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The concierge
Viewed from the river, it looks like a beautiful fairytale palace thanks to its pointed spires, but don't let its exterior fool you – this is the harsh prison where Marie Antoinette spent her last days before the guillotine.
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The bridges of Paris
An integral (and perhaps most romantic) part of the experience! From the ancient “Pon Nef” to the gold-plated Alexander III Bridge. Each bridge has its own story, and passing under them is a charming experience (just don’t forget to wave hello to the people above, it’s a tradition!).
🚢 Membership Review (The Practical Guide)
There are a lot of companies offering cruises on the Seine, and it can be confusing. Let's sort it out and see who's up against who, so you can choose what's right for you.
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1. My favorite and most intimate option: Vedettes du Pont Neuf
If you are looking for the best combination of price, location and experience – this is my choice. Their ships are smaller, and they depart from the heart of Paris, from the Pont Neuf bridge.
Why I like them? There's usually a human guide (rather than just a recording), which makes it feel less like a "tourist factory."
- Central location in the heart of the Old City
- Human guidance (mostly)
- The ships are smaller.
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2. The Great Classic: Bateaux Mouches
The most famous and oldest company. Huge ships with two decks, with the top deck completely open.
Who is it for? For those who want to take great photos without glass getting in the way. The downside is that the ships depart from the less central Alma Bridge area.
- Huge upper deck open for photography
- High frequency of cruises
- Sometimes feels crowded and crowded
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3. Modern Comfort: Bateaux Parisiens
Bateau Moche's big competitor. Modern ships wrapped in glass and an excellent audio guide. Departure right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Pros and cons: The glass is great in the rain, but can interfere with photography due to reflections.
- Excellent location near the Eiffel Tower
- Modern and accessible ships
- Closed glass may interfere with photography
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4. River Bus: Batobus
This is not a classic tourist cruise with explanations, but a Hop-on Hop-off style means of transportation. You buy a daily ticket and get on and off at 9 different stations along the Seine.
📸 Where do you take the perfect photo?
If you are an Instagram enthusiast or simply want an amazing souvenir, here are some points not to be missed during the cruise:
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The Eiffel Tower is shining.
If you're on an evening cruise, try to time your pass by the Eiffel Tower exactly on the hour (for example, 21:00 PM or 22:00 PM). For the first five minutes of each hour, the tower sparkles, and from the water it looks amazing.
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Alexander III Bridge
The most beautiful bridge in Paris with the golden statues. Try to take a picture of it from below as the ship passes, with the Eiffel Tower or the Invalides in the background.
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Notre Dame from a different angle
Despite the fire and renovations, the south side of the cathedral facing the river is still impressive and provides a relatively clear photo angle from scaffolding.
♿ Important information for people with disabilities
Paris isn't always wheelchair-friendly, but there's some good news on the cruise. Here's what's important to understand:
- Most accessible: The companies Bateaux Mouches and-Bateaux Parisiens They are highly recommended for wheelchairs. Both have convenient access ramps to the platform and the lower deck (which is enclosed and air-conditioned).
- Services: On most ships, disabled facilities are available. On the waiting platform And not on the ship itself (or access to them on the ship is limited). It is highly recommended to evacuate before boarding.
- Arriving at the platform: Please note that the descent to the platforms in the Eiffel area and the bridges may include steep ramps or cobblestones that may be difficult for manual wheelchairs. It is recommended to arrive with an escort.
If the cruise is part of a larger romantic vacation, it's also worth reading my guide to a honeymoon in Paris.
🍽️ Dinner Cruise: Romance or Fall?
Many of you ask me if it is worth including dinner on a cruise. The prevailing opinion among those in the know (and my experience) is that in most cases – the food on a cruise is mediocre at best and terribly expensive. You are paying for the view, not the gastronomy. In most cases, it is better to do a regular cruise in the evening, and then go to a good restaurant in Paris.
But… if you are celebrating a special event, a marriage proposal, or simply want the “wow” experience of eating by candlelight with the Eiffel tower twinkling in the window – I have chosen the options that really deliver:
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Luxury and Gourmet: The Blue Diamond (Diamant Bleu)
If you're paying, then wow. A new, well-designed ship, a high-quality 3-course meal, and a live singer. Very suitable for marriage proposals and birthdays.
- A real gourmet meal
- Live music
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Brunch or Dinner: Captain Fracasse
An excellent mid-range option. The ship offers a sumptuous Sunday brunch or dinners at very fair prices for the value. The food is freshly cooked on board.
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For children: Pizza sur Seine
The fun and cheap option. Not gourmet, but pizzas and pastas on the water are a great solution for families with children.
🎟️ Combo packages (save time and money)
If you are already planning to visit other sites, it is a waste to buy tickets separately. Combo tickets can save you quite a few euros.
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Cruise + tourist bus
A classic combination for beginners in Paris. See the city from land and water with one ticket.
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Cruise + Eiffel Tower
Saves the hassle of making two separate reservations. Be sure to choose whether you want a second floor or a summit.
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Cruise + Disneyland Paris
For those who want to stitch together all the major attractions in one purchase.
Want to see what else is worth visiting in the city? I've compiled all the attractions in Paris in one place, with visiting times, metro stations, and what must be booked in advance.
Hey!
Thanks for the fascinating logs and all the information!
Makes me want to return to the city of lights many more times :)
I wanted to ask about the dinner with a cruise on the Seine that you mentioned. Do you know of a kosher menu on such a cruise? Are there any companies that do this?
Thank you!
Hi Moshe,
Unfortunately, I don't know of a cruise company on the Seine that provides kosher food. If you hear of one, I would be very happy if you let me know and I will add it to the article.
deer
Hi! Thank you very much for a wonderful and interesting website!
My partner and I are looking for a nice cruise, if possible with a meal, but especially one that won’t feel like a party on the water. Once abroad we went on a cruise that included terrible noise and loud music and we just prayed for it to end. So I wanted to ask – do cruises usually include loud background music? Thank you.
Hi Naomi,
The cruise I was on did not include loud music.
deer
Hey,
Maybe I'm missing something... When I order the ticket I don't see an option to choose a time. Is there such an option?
Thanks.
Usually, only on a cruise with a meal do you need to choose the time. On a regular cruise, it is not necessary.
Hello and thanks for the recommendations! Most of the things I came across on the site were wonderful, I admit that I am specifically very disappointed with the cruise recommendation. I purchased the one that is supposed to leave from Font Neff that appears here – but now the company claims that there is actually no cruise from Font Neff (even though it is in the name of the site!), that it is a gift card and that gift cards cannot be canceled. 26 euros went to waste. It is important for me to emphasize that the recommendations here are usually successful and helpful, specifically here I am upset about the fall – it feels like the cruise company tried to make a fool of tourists. I am not sure what I can do from here… Is there a tourist office in the city that I can complain to? Thank you for your help!
Shalom Ofer,
It's really, really strange because if you bought the Vedettes de Pont Neuf, then they're supposed to leave from there (maybe there's renovations or something?). Anyway, in the HOTEL DE VILLE building there's a tourist office where you can complain. I'm currently traveling in France but when I get back I'll check it out myself. By the way, what's the problem if the cruise doesn't leave from Pont Neuf, but from somewhere else? In any case, it's a circular cruise so you'll see everything, no matter where you leave from.
deer