Winter in Paris transforms the city into a stunning paradise, and a Seine River cruise provides the ideal vantage point to appreciate its beauty.
The Eiffel Tower shines with millions of lights, while lovely cafes along the River provide warm beverages and outdoor heaters.
As you glide past classic sights such as Notre Dame and the Louvre, you’ll feel the festive mood of Christmas markets and the tranquil appeal of snow-dusted rooftops.
Whether you take a sightseeing cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, a live-guided tour with Vedettes du Pont Neuf, or a flexible hop-on-hop-off experience, a winter Seine River cruise guarantees an unforgettable, snug, and scenic voyage through Paris.
Top 3 Seine River Winter Cruises
1. 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens
Take a one hour round-trip ride on the River Seine, starting at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Glide under Paris’ bridges and see a series of gorgeous landmarks along the waterway while listening to comments about the city and the sites you see.
During your trip, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Hotel de Ville, the Louvre, and more. Choose to take your cruise at night for a completely different view of the City of Light, as the city lights up as the evening approaches.
Ideal for: Tourists seeking a calm and scenic way to discover Paris.
- Audio commentary is available in 14 languages via smartphone or onboard audio guide.
- Seine River roundtrip cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower.
- Option to experience the illuminated City of Light on a night cruise.
- Book the cruise anytime between 10 am and 10.30 pm, but there will be a break between 1 pm and 7.30 pm.
- Adult ticket (12+ years): €16
- Child ticket (4 to 11 years): €8
- Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free entry
Cancel 24 hours in advance from the chosen time slot for a full refund.
2. Sightseeing Cruise by Vedettes du Pont Neuf
A Seine cruise aboard a Vedettes du Pont Neuf boat, one of the city’s premier sightseeing riverboats, allows you to soak up Paris from the river.
As you glide down the water, take in views of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The one-hour trip departs from Pont Neuf, Paris’ oldest bridge, and includes onboard commentary from qualified guides.
You can take your trip at any time of day or night, subject to operation hours.
Ideal for: Families with children looking for a memorable and educational activity.
- Live commentary by knowledgeable guides in both French and English.
- Get a leaflet translated into 13 languages explaining each monument’s circuit and history.
- Stroller-accessible and service animals are allowed.
- Adult ticket (13+ years): €18
- Child ticket (4 to 12 years): €9
- Infant ticket (up to 3 years): €9
Cancel 24 hours in advance from the chosen time slot for a full refund.
3. Seine River Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Cruise
With a 24-hour or 48-hour pass to the Batobus hop-on-hop-off shuttle service along the Seine.
You can explore Paris at your leisure, jumping on and off at nine key stops to visit landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, and more.
Cruise through the center of Paris, enjoying prominent monuments along the riverbank from the comfort of a glass-enclosed boat. Then, pause to explore further at your leisure.
Ideal for: First-time visitors to Paris
- 24-hour or 48-hour pass for the Riverboat shuttle service.
- Access to boats running at 30-minute intervals.
- Panoramic views from glass-covered boats.
- Access to more than 10 significant attractions.
- Get a host in multiple languages (French, English and Spanish).
- Adult ticket (16+ years): €20
- Child ticket (3 to 15 years): €9
- Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free entry
Cancel 24 hours in advance from the chosen time slot for a full refund.
Benefits of Winter Cruises
Even if it could be colder than in the spring or summer, a winter Seine River cruise offers a special ambiance and a few benefits:
Fewer Crowds: Winter typically draws fewer travelers. Shorter wait times, less crowded boats, and a more leisurely sightseeing experience are the results of this.
Calm Ambience: There is a sense of calmness due to the wintertime atmosphere on the Seine. You can glide by popular sites in the mellow glow of winter light, accompanied by a gentle breeze.
Unusual Posing Possibilities: The city’s winter clothing, with its joyous decorations and snow-dusted rooftops, produces an entirely other visual experience. Take in these distinctive views of Paris throughout the winter from your Riverside vantage point.
Preparing for the Cruise
However, there are some winter-specific factors to consider:
Dress in warm clothes: Pack many layers of clothing, including a warm coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. Cruise companies might arrange blankets on the boat for you, however layering helps for greater temperature regulation.
Shorter Days: Winter days in Paris are shorter. Check cruise timings carefully, especially if you choose a late afternoon or nighttime cruise. You may not get to see as much during the restricted daylight hours.
Limited Outdoor Seating: While some cruises have outdoor seating spaces, they may be less popular in the winter owing to the cold. If you want to stay warm, choose an indoor seat, but you can stroll outdoors to take photos.
Must-Have Experiences
A Seine River cruise in the winter is a multi-sensory experience that engages your taste buds, you’re hearing of city and River noises, and your eyes with the beautiful winter landscape.
It’s a one-of-a-kind method to immerse yourself in Paris’ enchantment.
Winter Aromas
As the boat glides past notable spots, take in the unique fragrances that waft through the air during a winter tour.
Roasted Chestnuts: The warm, nutty aroma of roasted chestnuts offered by street vendors along the Seine is a classic Parisian winter experience.
Mulled Wine (Vin Chaud): Although not commonly offered on board, the aroma of mulled wine (Vin Chaud) from surrounding cafes will permeate the atmosphere.
Freshly prepared Pastries: The aroma of freshly prepared croissants, pain au chocolat, and other pastries from surrounding cafés can be especially appealing on a cold winter day.
Subtle Woodsmoke: A whiff of woodsmoke will linger in the air, particularly on colder days, providing a pleasant and comforting atmosphere.
Festive Soundscape
The noises you hear on your winter Seine River ride might enhance the experience.
Gulls Calling: The occasional cry of gulls soaring overhead gives a natural harmony to the metropolitan atmosphere.
Live Music: Some cruises will include live music performances throughout the winter season. This might include anything from classical music or jazz to holiday carols, creating a pleasant mood onboard.
Lively City Murmur: The distant noises of the city, with its busy cafes and street performers, give a backdrop to the tranquil River ride.
Winter Visuals
Winter in Paris provides a distinct visual spectacle.
Festive Decorations: The city takes on a vivid winter glow with dazzling lights covering bridges and buildings, as well as Christmas markets filled with colorful decorations.
Snow-Dusted Cityscape: A small covering of snow on the roofs and Riverbanks can convert Paris into a magical winter paradise.
Shimmering Reflections: The city lights reflect on the surface of the Seine, resulting in a stunning show of light and movement.
Fashionable Parisians: As you cruise by you will see the fashion sense of Parisians on winter wear, which includes gorgeous coats and scarves as well as trendy boots and caps.
Pro tip: Take a cruise trip around christmas time to experience all the winter wonders with the Christmas Lunch Cruise.
Best Time for a Winter Cruise
Your experience on your cruise will be greatly impacted by the time of day you select.
Let’s explore the best times to take a winter Seine River cruise and help you choose the ideal time for your trip to Paris.
Fresh Start (10 am to 11 am)
Fewer Crowds: Early morning cruises are frequently less crowded than later hours, particularly on weekdays.
Soft Morning Light: The early hours provide a unique visual experience of morning light, showering the city with a warm glow, accentuating architectural details and creating a serene atmosphere.
Fresh Winter Air: Before the city awakens, the air can feel especially crisp and refreshing, ideal for energizing your senses as you embark on your Paris excursion.
Ideal For: Early risers
The Golden Hour’s Charm (12 pm to 4 pm)
Pleasant Temperatures: Afternoons are often more comfortable than mornings, making it simpler to spend time on the terrace.
Golden Hour Magic: As the sun sets, the golden hour spreads a warm and inviting glow over the city. This glow makes for amazing photo opportunities, accentuating the architecture and adding a touch of magic to the Parisian environment.
Landmarks Open: Most museums and attractions are open in the afternoon, allowing you to continue your Paris sightseeing following your trip.
Ideal for: Photo enthusiasts
Nighttime Spectacle (5 pm Onwards)
Romantic Atmosphere: At night, Paris transforms into a metropolis of sparkling lights. Imagine drifting by the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and other sites lighted against a dark sky, creating a magnificent and romantic atmosphere.
Festive Lights: The city is even more festively lit in winter. An evening cruise lets you to enjoy Paris at its most beautiful, from warmly lit Christmas markets to illuminated bridges and landmarks.
Live Entertainment: In winter, certain nighttime cruises feature live music or holiday acts on board, adding a touch of entertainment to your journey.
Ideal For: Perfect for those seeking a romantic Parisian experience.
Contents
FAQs
What time should I arrive for my winter cruise?
To guarantee easy boarding, arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes before departure.
What is the best time for a winter cruise to see city lights?
Choose evenings from 5 pm onwards for a winter Seine River cruise for stunning city lights.
Is it cheaper to take a cruise in winter?
Yes, winter cruises are generally cheaper than peak summer months.
Are there special winter-themed cruises?
New Year Dinner Cruise and Christmas Lunch Cruise are the special winter-themed cruises.
Are the views as good in winter as in other seasons?
The city’s winter clothing is stunning despite winter lacking summer foliage. During a Seine River cruise, festive lights, lighted landmarks, and roofs dusted with snow.
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