One-of-a-Kind Seine River Cruise Seasonal Events!

The Seine River comes to life throughout the year with a thriving program of events and festivals. 

Cruise along the River and see the City of Lights decorated for Christmas, vibrate with music during Fête de la Musique, or see world-renowned Tour de France riders pass by. 

Spring offers cherry blossoms and Easter celebrations, while summer provides vibrant Paris Plages urban beaches and open-air film screenings. 

Autumn brings Nuit Blanche, an all-night cultural event, and the luscious Paris Chocolate Festival. 

From romantic dinner cruises on Valentine’s Day to spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks displays, each season provides a fresh perspective on Paris’s charm from the Seine River.

Pro Tip: If you want to catch up and learn about the events and festivals in Paris, you should reserve the guided cruise ticket in advance as they fill up fast.

Spring Events (March to May)

Spring in Paris (March-May) has good weather and less tourists than summer. 

Expect temperatures ranging from 10 to 21°C (50 to 70°F), with periodic rain showers. 

Pack layers for unpredictable weather. Enjoy the city’s blossoming and colorful environment before the peak summer season starts.

1. Easter Celebrations

If you visit Paris around Easter weekend, which changes each year but generally falls in April, you can notice festive decorations or Easter egg hunts near the Notre Dame Cathedral.

2. Cherry Blossoms

From late March to early April, you can see cherry blossoms and you might be able to catch a glimpse of these beautiful blooms along the Seine banks.

3. Parisian Markets

There will be many open-air markets alongside the River bank. 

You will see flower markets bursting with colorful blooms, or farmers markets selling fresh seasonal produce.

Summer Events (June to August)

Summer cruises (June to August) will have nice weather, sunlight, and lively people. 

Expect increased pricing compared to the spring. Enjoy extended nights with late afternoon or supper cruises. 

Pack light clothing and prepare for the fast-paced life of Paris.

1. Tour de France 

In July, you can catch a peek at the world’s most renowned cycling race as it passes through Paris. 

Traditionally, the Tour de France finishes on Champs-Élysées in Paris, offering a potential view from a Seine River cruise.

But, due to the Paris Olympic events you won’t be able to witness it in 2024.

2. Fête de la Musique (World Music Day)

On June 21^st, 2024, you can see the citywide live music celebration on cruises. 

Expect free street acts and impromptu concerts along the Seine, resulting in a colorful soundtrack.

You may pass by stages set up along the Riverbanks or hear the joyful sounds of musicians playing on bridges or from boats on the water.

3. Dolce Vita sur Seine

In July, this French-Italian open-air cinema festival honors the cultural links between Rome and Paris. 

While sailing along the Seine banks, you could see a famous Italian film exhibited on a large screen.

4. Ciné club Paradiso

As a part of the movie festival, the free outdoor movie showing offers an opportunity to see cinematic masterpieces. 

Depending on the location of the screening, you may be able to view it from your ship.

5. Bastille Day 

On July 14th, 2024, you can see France’s national celebration with a patriotic sail. 

On Bastille day the military conducts parades, fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, and a pervasive spirit of patriotism. 

However, because Paris is hosting the Olympics, the firework display won’t be happening in 2024.

Pro tip: Witness the military fireworks display on the occasion of France’s National Day with the Bastille Day Seine River Dinner Cruise ticket.

6. Paris Summer Events

Throughout the Summer, you can see multiple events in Paris. 

You could see jazz concerts on floating stages, open-air cinema screenings along the Seine banks, or dance performances set against the city’s great buildings. 

7. Paris Plages (Paris Beaches)

From July to August, Paris Plages converts the Seine’s banks into sandy beaches complete with deckchairs, umbrellas, and even palm palms. 

You can sail around these urban beaches and soak in the fun summer vibes.

Autumn Events (September to November)

Autumn delivers milder weather, agreeable temperatures around 10 to 18°C (50 to 65°F), and less crowds than summer. 

You can see the changing foliage along the Seine while maybe finding great offers on flights and cruises.

1. Paris Autumn Festival

Paris celebrates Festival d’Automne à Paris from September to October.

Although you won’t be able to witness the performances and visual arts as they mostly happen in art galleries, cultural venues, and theaters, you can see people dressed up for performances.

2. Nuit Blanche (White Night) 

On the first Saturday in October, Paris pulls an all-night arts festival Nuit Blanche that brings museums, cultural institutions, and even public places along the Seine to life with art installations, performances, light shows, and themed activities.

Many of the artworks and events during Nuit Blanche are strategically located along the Riverbanks, making them ideal for viewing from your boat. 

You could notice lit sculptures, video projections on buildings, or creative acts taking place right near to the Seine.

3. Beaujolais Nouveau Release 

On November 21 st, Paris celebrated the emergence of the young Beaujolais wine with a delightful cruise. 

Although you won’t be able to see this festival from your cruise, some themed cruise lines will provide special tastings or themed dinners to commemorate this event.

4. Paris Techno Parade

The large electronic music parade involves floats, dancers, and DJs moving along a path that frequently follows the Seine in september. 

If you’re lucky enough to catch it during your cruise trip, you’ll see a spectacular show of music, lights, and costumes.

5. Paris Chocolate Festival 

From October 30th to November 3rd, 2024, you can indulge your sweet craving with a cruise during the Paris Chocolate Festival. 

Expect chocolatiers to display their masterpieces, provide samples, and even demonstrate the chocolate-making process along the Seine Riverbanks.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Paris will be cold, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 7°C (35 to 45°F). 

The city is less busy than it is during other seasons, and the festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and dazzling lights will enchant you. 

Bundle up for the trip, but most boats offer heated inside sections for colder weather.

1. Christmas Markets

In December, you can see Paris’ holiday mood with a cruise during the Christmas market season. 

Seine’s banks are frequently dotted with lovely wooden chalets selling seasonal snacks and artisan items. 

You can also enjoy a hot beverage onboard as you take in the dazzling lights and holiday ambiance.

2. Christmas Lights

Throughout the winter, Paris is decked with a beautiful display of Christmas lights. 

The Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, and the great Parisian bridges will be decorated with lights that will captivate you as you sail along the Seine River.

3. Christmas Window Displays

Parisian department shops such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are known for their extravagant Christmas window decorations. 

You might drive past these enormous magasins and marvel at the animated images and colorful decorations.

4. New Year’s Eve

On December 31^st, you can celebrate the New Year with a beautiful Seine River cruise. 

The Eiffel Tower takes center stage, erupting in a stunning light and fireworks display as the clock strikes 12.

5. Ice Skating Rinks

During the winter months, pop-up ice skating rinks appear across Paris, particularly along the Seine. 

You could witness Parisians skating near the Eiffel Tower or at other scenic areas along the River.

6. Valentine’s Day

You can expect some particular touches on your Seine River trip.

Some cruise lines may decorate their ships with Valentine’s Day themes, providing a more romantic atmosphere for your vacation.

Many cruise lines provide special Valentine’s Day supper or lunch cruises.

Pro Tip: Celebrate Valentine’s Day, New Year and Christmas with Seine River Cruise ticket curated for families and couples. 

Special Events

Aside from the seasonal beauty of a Seine River Cruise, there is a unique event to see while floating across the Parisian waterways.

Fashion Week (Spring/Fall)

For fashion fans, a Seine cruise during Paris Fashion Week provides an insight into the world of couture. 

You can even see celebrities or models along the Riverbanks.

It takes place in March/April for Spring and September/October for Fall. 

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