Seine Boat Tour
Seine Boat Tour
Explore Paris
Seine Boat Tour
The River Thames runs through London and the Seine runs through Paris…
You can’t avoid the river when you’re exploring the city, but why would you want to anyway?! As you gaze into the water from the banks, a bridge, up above or even a boat, you’ll realise that the Seine changes every day and reflects the city in its own special way.
Rivers really are magical, aren’t they?
Note: The report refers to the normal trip. We have not tested the lunch or apéritif service.
My Rating:
The positives:
You can spend a whole hour taking in all the sights along the Seine for a very reasonable price. What a lovely and relaxing way to explore Paris! We’re talking about excellent value for money here.
The negatives:
Boat tours go ahead come rain or shine. While that might be admirable, it can get a bit chilly if the weather isn’t on your side. You just have to hope there’s enough room for you inside the boat! The terminal is big and so are the crowds. It’s kind of like going on a bus tour, but on water. So don’t get your hopes up for a romantic cruise for two!
Top Tip:
Buy your ticket online! If you don’t, you might end up waiting a while in the summer because online tickets are given priority.
Last Modified: 19.01.2024 | Céline & Jacqueline
Paris boat Tour
Tickets
1 minute
on the Seine
Sneak peak!
You want to enjoy a different view of Paris? Then the boat tour would be something for you!
We’ll take you here for 1 minute!
Have fun!
Your Celine
The details
at a glance
Departure times
April 9th – September 18th,
Monday to Sunday, every 30 minutes
from 10.00 a.m. – 10.30 p.m. (except at 1 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.)
October-March:
daily, every 30 minutes between 10.30 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Departure point
Place of departure and arrival is the same:
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower
Departure point
Place of departure and arrival is the same:
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower
Departure point
Place of departure and arrival is the same:
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower
Port de la Bourdonnais 300,
Pontoon No. 3
Metro: Line 6 (green line): Bir-Hakeim
REC C: Gare Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel
Paris boat Tour
Photo Gallery
PRACTICAL
INFORMATION
- Buy your ticket online during the peak tourist season to avoid having to stand around in line.
- Arrive before your scheduled departure time because bag checks are in place. The boats leave bang on time!
- The trip lasts exactly one hour.
- Don’t expect a full meal on board, but you can buy drinks and snacks from the vending machines.
- Suitcases and large bags are not allowed on board.
- Smoking is prohibited on the boat.
- You can’t take your pet along with you.
OUR EXPERIENCE
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE?
The Seine is the lifeline of Paris. If the river hadn’t been there, it’s unlikely that the Celts would have settled on the Île de la Cité in the 3rd century B.C. And now?
Surface water is used for the city’s water supply and sewage flows back into the Seine (after it has been treated, thankfully). Paris and Rouen are the main inland ports in France.
And the river has plenty to offer on a cultural level too. It’s no wonder ‘Paris, Banks of the River Seine’ has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. You won’t want to miss out on seeing the city from this side.
No end of companies offer boat trips. I went straight for the cheapest option, and I wasn’t disappointed. The terminal at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower is huge and looks a bit like a big dispatch centre. But the second you’ve stepped on board, you only have eyes for the city.
You can choose to head inside and enjoy the view through the huge windows from the comfort of the seats. Or you can stay out on the deck and sit on the wooden benches or wander around. I would definitely recommend heading up to the top because the view is so much better.
If you stay downstairs, there are facilities for you to listen to the audio guide. Upstairs, you’ll need to use your smartphone and make the most of the free WiFi to listen in. It all works well, but you’ll have to keep logging back in if you stop to take photos or videos on your phone. Not very practical! The audio guide does provide interesting information about the history of Paris and the main buildings you see on the tour, though.
The route couldn’t be simpler – you sail once around the Île de la Cité and Île Saint Louis. The boat passes under several iconic bridges en route, including the Pont Neuf, which is believed to be the oldest bridge in Paris (not that the name ‘New Bridge’ would suggest that at all). You don’t ever have to duck – although it might look like you’re going to need to every now and then. You might just have to hold your nerve a bit depending on how high the water is.
You’ll spend the hour gliding past the most beautiful building fronts and several sights you’re bound to recognise… The Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Palais de Tokyo, Grand Palais, Musée du Louvre, Place de la Concorde (obelisks), Notre-Dame and the Assemblée Nationale parliament building.
But I was actually most taken with the incredible rows of houses. It’s no wonder that together all this architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll end up back where you started after exactly one hour.
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2020 – 2024
With the support of Jaqueline Glarner
