During an organized city trip to Paris, a boat trip on the Seine is almost always on the program. This also appears to be a popular activity among travelers who go to Paris on their own. But is such a boat trip also worth it? What sights do you see? And how much does such a boat trip with the tour boat on the Seine cost? An overview.
Boat trip Seine
Glass roof or open roof
This article is about a boat trip on the Seine by tour boat. This is a tour boat that can accommodate about 50 people and that shows you the highlights of Paris in a short time. Glass-top and open-top boats are available and depart from various locations in Paris.
Many departures
The tour boats sail back and forth on the Seine and in high season a boat departs every fifteen minutes. You can then decide for yourself whether you want to be guided during the day or see the Seine at sunset. An evening tour when all the lights are already on is also recommended.
Fixed route on the Seine
These tour boats are not to be confused with the Batoboot. You can get on and off this boat at any time at eight places in Paris. The tour with the tour boat takes about an hour and sails according to a fixed route. You cannot get on and off on this boat in between.
The Seine
Artery of Paris
The French River Seine is also called the artery of Paris. Paris was once built on the Ile de la Cité (an island in Paris, also the oldest part of the city). However, Paris has now grown so big that it consists of 7 hills. The Seine, which is no less than 776 km long, divides Paris in two. The Seine ends in the French town of Le Havre.
Banks of the Seine
The Seine has become particularly famous because this river flows through Paris for no less than 13 km. You can see the most beautiful buildings from the Seine. It is pleasant to spend time on the banks of the Seine. You see many students with a bottle of wine or a homemade picnic. There is always entertainment around the Seine in Paris.
Boat trip Paris: an experience
A boat trip on the Seine in Paris is a real happening. You can really taste the atmosphere of Paris in just an hour. In the evening, most sights, for example Notre Dame, are illuminated with spotlights and these sights take on the most beautiful colors. It’s like a fairytale to sail through Paris. At certain times you can of course also watch the sun set. The Eiffel Tower then ‘disappears’ in orange light and the entire city seems to be bathed in this beautiful light.
Route and sights
The route of the tour boat depends on which company you choose. For example, there are tour boats that depart from the Eiffel Tower and tour boats that depart from Notre-Dame. The boats always sail along both banks of the Seine. You sail under the most beautiful bridges. The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame can often be seen and you have a beautiful view over the banks of the Seine.
Guide on the tour boat
A boat trip on the Seine is a real tourist attraction, but that does not make it any less worthwhile. On the boat in Paris there are so-called ‘tour guides’ who provide explanations via microphone in various languages about the sights that can be seen from the tour boat. There are also ‘audio guides’ available in many different languages.
Seine boat trip costs
The cost for a boat trip on the Seine is approximately 10 euros. You can buy the ticket at the kiosk of the relevant tour boat. On organized city trips to Paris, the boat trip is often part of the program. Some travel providers include the cost of the ticket. Other travel providers offer the boat trip optionally. You usually pay between 10 and 12 euros. For this price you will be dropped off and picked up again at the tour boat. A ticket for a child (up to 12 years old) costs approximately 4 euros.
Boarding points on the Seine
Various boat tour providers
There are several tour boat companies that organize tours on the Seine. They all have their own boarding points. Some of these companies on the Seine in Paris are:
- www.bateauxmouches.com
- www.bateauxparisiens.com
- www.vedettesdeparis.com
Brochures for a cruise in Paris
You can of course take a look on the internet for all the options available from Parisian tour providers. The Paris tourist office can also provide you with information about this and leaflets are available in various languages. The brochures are also provided at the kiosks of the tour boats on the Seine.
Would you like to reserve a cruise?
The tour boat websites indicate exactly what the boarding points are and which metro lines and/or bus connections take you to the tour boat in question. The site also states how often cruises are planned and you can choose a time yourself. In general, it is not necessary to make a reservation for a cruise during the high season. This is recommended outside the low and high season because the cruise on the Seine only takes place with a minimum number of participants.
More luxurious cruise?
In Paris it is also possible to take a more extensive and chic cruise on the Seine. These are often called ‘river cruises’. Some of these river cruises include lunch or dinner and are often intended for larger groups. The costs vary between 30 and 50 euros and advance reservations are required.