Paris River Seine Boat Cruise Tour with options Lunch and Dinner

Explore Paris by Water with a Scenic Seine River Cruise and Gourmet Dining Options

This Paris River Seine Boat Cruise offers a charming way to see the city’s most famous landmarks from the water. Priced at $191.17 per person, the tour lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and is suitable for most travelers. It departs from 13 All. Paul Deschanel in the 7th arrondissement, right near the Eiffel Tower, making it easy to access and perfect for combining with other sightseeing plans.

What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to join an informative briefing at the Eiffel Tower grounds before the cruise begins. Guests receive a free “101 Paris Secrets and Treasures” guidebook, packed with insider tips and hidden gems, which adds value for those wanting to explore Paris beyond the usual sights.

The tour’s flexible dining options, lunch or dinner on board, elevate the experience, combining scenic views with delicious food. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a relaxed afternoon, this cruise offers a memorable way to experience the City of Light.

Key Points

• Two-hour cruise along the Seine, with optional lunch or dinner.
• Starts at 13 All. Paul Deschanel, near the Eiffel Tower.
• Includes an exclusive briefing at the Eiffel Tower grounds.
• Free “101 Paris Secrets and Treasures” guidebook, valued at $19.99.
• Passes iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Pont Alexandre III.
• Suitable for most travelers, with group sizes up to 100.

The Eiffel Tower Grounds Tour Before the Cruise

The experience begins with an exclusive tour of the Eiffel Tower grounds. Here, a detailed briefing discusses the tower’s architectural ingenuity, history, and cultural importance. This preliminary activity lasts about 30 minutes and is free of charge, giving visitors context before they see the city from the water.

This briefing helps guests appreciate the symbol of Paris, offering insights into its design and significance. It also sets a relaxed tone before boarding the cruise, making the entire experience more engaging.

Iconic Parisian Landmarks Visible from the Seine

As the boat cruises along the Seine, guests enjoy panoramic views of key Paris landmarks. The tour passes Notre Dame, the Conciergerie, and the museum facade of the Louvre, where the famous glass pyramid is visible. The Pont Alexandre III, with its ornate gold statues, offers particularly stunning vistas, passing under in approximately 2-3 minutes.

The route also includes views of the Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris, and several other notable bridges and buildings that highlight the city’s architectural diversity. The river provides a unique perspective that cannot be matched from land-based sightseeing.

Detailed Stops on the Cruise Route

The Eiffel Tower from the Water

While the Eiffel Tower itself isn’t a stop on the cruise, its proximity means you get excellent views of this iconic monument throughout the ride. The cruise offers a perfect opportunity for photos and to appreciate the tower’s grandeur from below.

Notre Dame and the Île de la Cité

Passing by the Île de la Cité, the boat showcases Notre Dame’s stunning Gothic facade and the Conciergerie. The sightseeing here lasts about 5-7 minutes, providing a glimpse of the medieval architecture that defines central Paris.

Pont Alexandre III: Ornate Bridge and River Views

The Pont Alexandre III is a highlight, known for its ornate design, gilded sculptures, and panoramic river views. Passing underneath takes around 2-3 minutes, during which guests can admire the detailed craftsmanship and take photos of the city’s skyline.

The Louvre and Artistic Landmarks

On the Right Bank, the Louvre Museum stands prominently, with its exterior and glass pyramid visible for about 5-7 minutes. The cruise also offers views of the Orsay Museum and the Tuileries Gardens, passing by on the way.

The Historic Bridges and the Seine’s Oldest Crossing

The Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, is another notable stop, with a passing time of about 2-3 minutes. This spot offers a chance to appreciate Parisian engineering from the water.

Panoramic Views of Paris’s Most Famous Sights

Throughout the cruise, guests enjoy breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, especially when viewed from the river, with several vantage points providing panoramic photographs. The boat’s wide windows and open-air options make it easy to take in the scenery without missing details.

The sightseeing commentary enhances the experience, providing historical context and fun facts about each landmark, making the views more meaningful.

Dining Options that Elevate the Cruise Experience

Guests can choose to add a lunch or dinner to their cruise, making it more than just sightseeing. The lunch option typically includes a well-presented meal, while the dinner option offers a more relaxed, elegant setting with the city lit up at night.

The onboard dining is praised for good food and attentive service, with reviews highlighting that the food exceeded expectations and was beautifully plated. The option to pair the meal with fine wines makes this cruise suitable for special celebrations or romantic outings.

Practicalities: Meeting Points, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour departs from 13 All. Paul Deschanel, a location near the Eiffel Tower and well-served by public transportation. The activity is designed to accommodate up to 100 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable group size.

Note that private transportation and hotel transfers are not included, so guests should plan accordingly. The tour’s confirmation is rapid, and most travelers can participate, making it accessible and straightforward to join.

Why This Seine Boat Cruise Offers Good Value

At $191.17 per person, the experience combines scenic sightseeing, a detailed briefing, and optional gourmet dining. The inclusion of the free guidebook, valued at $19.99, adds extra value, especially for those interested in exploring Paris beyond the water.

While the non-refundable policy means cancellations are not flexible, the overall package provides a comprehensive way to enjoy Paris’s most beautiful sights from a relaxed vantage point.

Final Thoughts on the Paris River Seine Boat Cruise

This tour is well-suited for visitors wanting a relaxed, scenic view of Paris’s top landmarks, combined with the option of enjoying a meal directly on the water. The informative guide briefing at the Eiffel Tower grounds adds educational value, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a curated experience.

The positive reviews highlight excellent food, friendly service, and memorable views, although some mention logistical hiccups like guides arriving late. This cruise offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural insights, and fine dining, making it a worthwhile addition to any Paris itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the cruise?
The cruise ticket, sightseeing commentary, and the option for lunch or dinner are included. Plus, guests receive the free “101 Paris Secrets and Treasures” guidebook.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at 13 All. Paul Deschanel, near the Eiffel Tower, with no hotel pickup or private transport included.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise duration is approximately 2 hours, with some stops and commentary along the way.

Can I customize the dining experience?
Yes, guests can opt for lunch or dinner on board, which is available as an add-on to the standard sightseeing cruise.

Is there a guide on the cruise?
The cruise includes an audio guide, providing commentary about the landmarks and city history.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed to be accessible. However, those with mobility concerns should check specific accessibility details.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, especially if choosing to dine on the boat, and layers are suggested for varying weather conditions.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan carefully before confirming.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The starting point is near public transportation options in the 7th arrondissement, close to the Eiffel Tower.

What makes this tour different from other Seine cruises?
The combination of an Eiffel Tower briefing, gourmet dining options, and the free insider guidebook distinguishes this experience from standard river cruises.