Craving a relaxing way to see the sights of Paris?
Look no further than Bateaux Parisiens, a popular boat tour operator offering scenic Seine River Cruises.
The most enjoyable thing to do on any holiday is ride a boat.
With departures throughout the day, Bateaux Parisiens makes it easy to experience the City of Lights from a unique perspective.
You can also tailor your experience to fit your schedule, whether a romantic sunset cruise or a daytime adventure for the whole family.
What is Bateaux Parisiens?
Bateaux Parisiens is a company that offers sightseeing cruises on the Seine River in Paris.
They provide various cruise tours, including sightseeing and dinner cruises that feature gourmet meals prepared by top chefs.
You can enjoy these meals while admiring Paris’s iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre.
The boats are designed with large windows or open-air decks to ensure great views of the city’s attractions.
Bateaux Parisiens is popular with tourists and locals looking to experience Paris from a unique perspective.
Choosing Bateaux Parisiens provides a unique way to experience Paris, combining scenic views with excellent food and entertainment.
Top 3 Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruises
1. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner Cruise
Set sail for Parisian romance with this dinner cruise, which combines a 3 to 4-course gourmet meal with pre-selected menu options, accompanied by onboard musicians, creating a bistro atmosphere.
Choose champagne, wine, or kir royales to complement your dinner as you glide along the UNESCO-listed Seine River.
Indulge in an evening of elegance and enchantment as iconic landmarks pass by.
Ideal for: Couples
- Get free admission to the Eiffel Tower.
- The tour is available in ten languages, including English.
- Enjoy a 3 to 4-course meal (depending on the selected menu).Departure and arrival at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
- Adult ticket (12+ years): €125
- Child ticket (up to 11 years): €48
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
2. Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary by Bateaux Parisiens
Go on a quintessential Seine River Cruise in Paris, departing daily near the Eiffel Tower.
Choose from various departure times to fit your schedule and check in for your cruise.
Enjoy a popular Bateaux Parisiens riverboat ride and listen to prerecorded audio commentary on Paris’ history and legends as you cruise.
Conclude your sightseeing cruise back at the original departure point near the Eiffel Tower.
Ideal for: Families & First-Time Visitors
- Choose from various daily departure times to fit your schedule.
- Take advantage of exclusive online pricing not available for on-the-spot purchases.
- In addition to the commentary, a guide on board is available to answer any further questions you may have.
- Adult ticket (12+ years): €16
- Child ticket (4 to 11 years): €8
- Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free entry
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
3. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch Cruise
Spend an unforgettable afternoon in Paris like no other with this cruise that combines wine tasting, dining, and sightseeing on the Seine River.
Begin at the Eiffel Tower, where your guide will meet you and escort you to the Bateaux Parisiens boat.
Indulge in a three or four-course dinner featuring delectable dishes like chicken pate, marinated prawns, and salmon with freekeh pilaf, followed by morello cherry and lime pavlova for dessert.
Ideal for: Families
- This 2-hour tour is available in ten languages.
- Choose from multiple daily departure times to fit your schedule.
- Listen to prerecorded audio guides sharing Paris’s history and legends.
- Cruise under famous bridges, including Pont Neuf.
- Customize your experience with seating, menu, and wine choices,
- Adult ticket (12+ years): €80Child ticket (up to 11 years): €48
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Sights En Route
Taking a cruise will give you a fantastic perspective of Paris from the Seine River. Here are some of the iconic landmarks you can expect to see:
1. Île de la Cité: This island in the Seine River is home to Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under reconstruction), the Conciergerie (a medieval palace and prison), and the Hôtel-Dieu (one of the oldest hospitals in the world).
2. Île Saint-Louis: You can see Île Saint-Louis’s charming 17th-century architecture, quaint streets, and the beautiful Saint-Louis-en-l’Île Church.
3. Grand Palais and Petit Palais: These exhibition halls and museums offer beautiful examples of Beaux-Arts architecture. See the stunning glass roof and the Petit Palais, which houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.
4. Eiffel Tower: This world-famous symbol of Paris stands tall and offers a stunning view, especially when illuminated at night.
5. Louvre Museum: One of the world’s most famous museums, the Louvre’s grand exterior can be seen from the river.
6. Musée d’Orsay: This museum, housed in a former railway station, features an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
History of Bateaux Parisiens
Bateaux Parisiens cruises have been a part of Parisian tourism since the 1950s.
It initially started with a simple sightseeing tour company that offered visitors the opportunity to explore the magic of Paris from the Seine River.
Over the years, the company expanded its offerings to include dining experiences and themed cruises, becoming one of the premier cruise operators in Paris.
The company’s cruises have become a favorite choice for tourists and locals alike.
What are the Types of Bateaux Parisiens Cruises?
- Sightseeing Cruises: These sightseeing cruises allow you to experience the beauty of Paris from the water. They typically last an hour or so and are a great way to see the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame.
- Lunch Cruises: If you want to combine sightseeing with a delicious meal, a Bateaux lunch cruise is perfect. These cruises offer a multi-course lunch prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients while you gently cruise down the Seine River.
- Dinner Cruises: Take your Parisian experience up a notch with a Bateaux dinner cruise. These cruises provide a luxurious and romantic setting for an unforgettable evening. Expect a delectable multi-course dinner with stunning views of the illuminated city.
- Themed Cruises: It offers themed cruises for special occasions such as New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Bastille Day, and more. These cruises often include special menus, entertainment, and decorations to suit the theme.
Best Time to Take a Cruise
The optimum times to take a Seine River Cruise are noon from 10 am to 1 pm or early evening from 6 to 7 pm.
For the best experience, choose a weekday departure, preferably on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
As for the best months to embark on this romantic adventure, consider booking your cruise in April, May, September, or October.
To help you plan your Parisian adventure, here’s a guide to picking the best time for a Bateaux Parisiens cruise:
| Best Time of Day | Best Day of the Week | Best Months |
|---|---|---|
| Midday (10 am to 1 pm) & Early Evening (6 to 7 pm) | Weekday (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) | April, May, September, and October |
Tips to Sail Smoothly!
- Avoid the last-minute rush for a stress-free boarding experience by arriving at the departure point at least 30 minutes before your scheduled cruise.
- Choose comfortable shoes suitable for walking on the deck and exploring nearby areas before or after the cruise. Opt for wedges, flats, or dressy sandals.
- Remember to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for daytime cruises if you plan to sit on the open deck.
- Layers and a jacket or coat are advisable during cooler months, while lightweight and breathable fabrics are preferable in warmer weather.
- Opt for open-air seating for unobstructed views of the Seine River.
- Don’t hesitate to ask the onboard staff about the landmarks you are passing or any other questions you may have.
Contents
FAQs
1. Are Bateaux Parisiens cruises suitable for all ages?
Yes, these cruises are suitable for all ages, making them a great activity for families, couples, and solo travelers.
2. Do the boats have indoor seating in case of chilly or rainy weather?
Yes, the boats feature indoor seating with large windows, allowing you to enjoy the views comfortably, even during rainy or cold weather.
3. Are Bateaux Parisiens cruises wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the boats are wheelchair accessible, making them inclusive for all passengers.
4. Where do the cruises depart from?
Bateaux Parisiens offers cruises from multiple points along the Seine River. Popular locations include the Eiffel Tower and Pont de l’Alma. Choose the departure point closest to your desired sights or most convenient to your location.
5. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended during peak seasons. This guarantees your spot, and you might even score discounts or special offers.
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