Paris: Seine River Cruise & Eiffel Tower Visit

Discover Paris from Two Unbeatable Perspectives: Sky and Water

This Paris tour offers a captivating combination of Eiffel Tower access and a Seine River cruise, both included in a 1.5-hour experience that perfectly captures the city’s charm. The tour starts with guided entry to either the 2nd floor or the summit of the Eiffel Tower, depending on your choice, then transitions into a relaxing scenic cruise past Paris’s most famous landmarks. Travelers can also upgrade to a dinner cruise—a romantic way to see the city lights sparkle while enjoying good food.

The tour is designed for first-time visitors, couples, or anyone eager to see Paris from distinctive viewpoints. The flexibility to enjoy the cruise before or after visiting the Eiffel Tower makes it easy to fit into any itinerary. With high praise and a 4.8/5 rating based on 280 reviews, this experience combines convenience, stunning views, and insightful guides. A key consideration is that summit access may be unavailable in high winds, and the tour is not suited for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

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Key Points

• Includes guided access to either the 2nd floor or the summit of the Eiffel Tower.
• Scenic Seine River cruise showcasing Paris’s major landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Louvre.
• Optional upgrade to a dinner cruise for a romantic evening on the water.
• Flexible timing allows you to enjoy the cruise before or after your Eiffel Tower visit.
• Tour duration is 1.5 hours, with departures every 30 minutes from 10 am to 10 pm.
• Price and booking are flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Starting Point and Meeting Details in Paris

The tour begins at Port de la Bourdonnais, at pontoon no. 3, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Check-in with your Crown Tours host at least 30 minutes before your scheduled activity. The staff, easily recognizable in purple Crown Tours jackets, will facilitate your check-in process. It’s recommended to arrive early to ensure smooth access, especially during busy periods.

The voucher for your Seine River cruise is provided as a PDF at booking, which you show upon boarding. The cruise departs every 30 minutes throughout the day, running from 10 am until 10 pm, with the 6:30 pm departure reserved if you opt for the dinner cruise.

What You Experience at the Eiffel Tower: Summit or 2nd Floor?

This tour offers guided entry into the Eiffel Tower, with the choice of visiting either the 2nd floor or the summit. Guides are known for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the climb both informative and engaging. The summit access is usually available but can be closed in high winds, in which case a partial refund is issued.

Travelers enjoy fast-track entry, saving precious time in queues—especially valuable during peak season. The guides share interesting facts, helping to bring the tower’s history and architecture to life, making the experience more than just a view.

For those only able to reach the 2nd floor, the views are still stunning, and the guided tour ensures no time is wasted. The time spent on the tower allows for plenty of personal exploration afterward, with recommendations on the best photo spots.

Scenic Cruise Past Paris Landmarks

After your Eiffel Tower visit, you board the Bateaux Parisiens for a relaxing Seine River cruise. The scenic route takes you past iconic sights including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Conciergerie. The commentary provides insights into the history and significance of each landmark, making the cruise both informative and visually delightful.

The one-hour cruise offers plenty of opportunities for photos and soaking up the atmosphere of Paris from the water. Many reviews highlight the great views from every seat and the serene ambiance as a major highlight. The cruise’s easy access and regular departures make it a convenient addition to your sightseeing plans.

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Upgrade to a Dinner Cruise for a Romantic Night

For an extra touch of romance, travelers can upgrade to a dinner cruise departing at 6:30 pm. This experience combines dining with scenic views of Paris illuminated at night. The dinner cruise offers a magical atmosphere, perfect for couples celebrating special occasions or anyone wanting a memorable dining experience along the Seine.

While the basic cruise is included in the standard package, the upgrade adds a premium dining experience under the city’s lights, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more intimate evening.

Guides and Their Impact on the Experience

Throughout the tour, guides play a crucial role in elevating the experience. Review comments praise energetic, knowledgeable, and personable guides who answer questions and share fun facts. Guides like Kany, Sami, Veronica, and Alessio have received high praise for their enthusiasm and expertise, ensuring that each participant feels well-informed and engaged.

The guides not only assist with navigating the tower but also provide interesting stories about Paris’s landmarks, making the experience more meaningful than just a sightseeing trip. Some reviews mention private tours due to fewer bookings, enhancing the personal nature of the visit.

Meeting Point Logistics and Tips

The meeting point is straightforward to find on Allée Léon-Bourgeois, next to the ticket line. The staff are easy to recognize and are available 30 minutes before the tour begins. To avoid confusion, it’s best to arrive early and confirm your booking in advance.

Since summit access might be closed in bad weather, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The tickets for the Seine cruise are shared as PDFs for easy access, and boarding is at pontoon no. 3.

Accessibility and Physical Considerations

This tour not recommended for wheelchair users due to a lack of wheelchair access to the upper levels of the Eiffel Tower. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Travelers who need assistance should consider alternative options.

The tour involves climbing and walking within the tower, which might be challenging for some. The timing allows for personal exploration after the guided visit, giving options to rest or take photos.

Pricing, Flexibility, and Cancellation Policy

The booking options allow for reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that plans can be adjusted without penalty. The cost includes both the Eiffel Tower access (either summit or 2nd floor), the scenic Seine cruise, and the guides’ service.

This combination provides good value, especially considering the skip-the-line access and the insights offered by guides. The additional upgrade to the dinner cruise is optional but makes for a special night out.

Popularity and Positive Feedback

With a 4.8/5 star rating based on 280 reviews, this tour consistently receives praise for friendly guides, excellent organization, and memorable views. Many reviewers appreciate the ease of access, knowledgeable guides, and the quality of the Seine cruise.

High praise is given to guides like Kany, Veronica, and Sami, who are noted for their helpfulness and enthusiasm. Several reviews mention the efficient skip-the-line access, which saves hours waiting in queues.

Final Words: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This Paris experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to the city’s icons. The guided access to the Eiffel Tower avoids long lines and provides insights into its history and architecture. The scenic cruise complements the visit perfectly, offering relaxing views and photo opportunities.

Couples looking for a romantic evening will find the dinner cruise upgrade particularly attractive, especially at night when Paris sparkles. Young travelers and families should note the mobility restrictions and plan accordingly.

In terms of value, the tour strikes a good balance between convenience, guided expertise, and scenic views. This combination of sky and water makes for a memorable day in Paris—a highly recommended choice for those seeking to see the city efficiently and beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include skip-the-line access?
Yes, guides provide fast-track access to the Eiffel Tower, helping you avoid long queues.

Can I visit the summit of the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, select the summit option during booking; however, summit access may be closed in high winds, with a partial refund issued.

Is the Seine River cruise included in the standard ticket?
Yes, the cruise is included and departs from pontoon no. 3 at Port de la Bourdonnais.

What is the duration of the entire experience?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, with flexible timing to enjoy the cruise before or after the Eiffel Tower visit.

Can I upgrade to a dinner cruise?
Yes, the dinner cruise departs at 6:30 pm, offering a romantic dining experience under Paris’s lights.

Are there any accessibility restrictions?
The activity not recommended for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments due to limited access at the Eiffel Tower.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I find my guide?
Your guide is easy to find at the meeting point, wearing a purple Crown Tours jacket. They will assist with check-in and tickets.

Is there a recommended time of day for this tour?
The Seine cruise runs from 10 am to 10 pm, and the dinner cruise is at 6:30 pm, making it suitable for both daytime and evening enjoyment.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While suitable for most, mobility restrictions mean it may not be ideal for very young children or those with physical limitations.

Can I combine this with other activities?
Yes, many similar experiences are available, such as tours of the Louvre or Versailles, which can be booked separately.

This well-rounded tour combines convenience, expert guides, and stunning sights, making it a top choice for exploring Paris’s iconic skyline and waterway in just a few hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby