Paris Seine Private Cruise with French Champagne & City Views

Summary

Paris from the water with Champagne, laughter and city lights

You’ll glide along the Seine on a private cruise in Paris with French Champagne in hand, passing icons like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame while your local guide shares stories. Expect laughter, city lights reflected on water, and small surprises along the way. It’s an easygoing way to see Paris from another angle — one that lingers long after you step ashore.

What’s the experience like?

“You really brought Champagne?” That’s what I blurted out when our guide popped the cork just as we drifted past the mini Statue of Liberty on the Seine. The fizz caught the evening air, and honestly, I was already grinning like an idiot. The boat was smaller than I’d pictured — just four of us squeezed in, knees almost touching — but that made it feel even more like our own secret thing. The city noise faded behind us; all you could hear was water slapping the hull and someone’s radio from a passing barge. We started at Port de Javel Haut (don’t trust your taxi driver, just use Google Maps — learned that the hard way), right across from that little Lady Liberty.

Our skipper, Luc, pointed out every landmark without sounding like a textbook. “That’s Pont Alexandre III — built for a Russian czar,” he said, waving his hand so casually I almost missed it. He poured another round and told us how Parisians argue about which side of the river is better (he’s Left Bank all the way). The Eiffel Tower looked different from down here — less postcard-perfect, more real somehow. When we passed under Pont Neuf, I ducked instinctively (not necessary), and Luc laughed. A couple on shore waved at us; we toasted them back with our glasses. There was a breeze off the water that smelled faintly metallic — not unpleasant, just Paris doing its thing.

I didn’t expect to care much about seeing Notre Dame from a boat, but there was this moment where it rose up ahead and everything went quiet except for some distant accordion music drifting over from Paris Plage. It felt like time slowed down for half a minute. Someone tried to take a group selfie and nearly dropped their phone in the river (close call). Luc handed out bottled water like he’d seen this before. We looped around by the Louvre too — all those windows catching bits of sunset — and then circled back to Port de Javel Haut after about 90 minutes that didn’t feel long enough.

If you’re thinking about booking this private cruise in Paris: yes, it includes Champagne (the good stuff), bottled water if you need it, and yeah, you can bring your dog apparently (Luc had treats). Just don’t be late; traffic is wild near Port de Javel Haut and they’ll only wait so long before heading out without you. I still think about that view under Pont Alexandre III at dusk — something about it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Seine River Cruise in Paris

• Arrive early at Port Javel Haut
• Board private boat
• Cruise past Statue of Liberty
• View Eiffel Tower from boat
• Pass under Alexandre-III Bridge
• See Louvre Museum from river
• Pass under Neuf Bridge
• View Notre-Dame Cathedral
• See Paris Plages artificial beach
• Return to Port Javel Haut

Top questions

Where does the private Seine cruise in Paris start?

The cruise starts at Port de Javel Haut in Paris, opposite the Statue of Liberty monument.

How long does the Paris private cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours from departure to return.

Is French Champagne included on this Seine cruise?

Yes, original French Champagne is included during your private cruise experience.

What landmarks will I see during this Paris boat tour?

You’ll pass by the Eiffel Tower, Pont Alexandre III, Louvre Museum, Pont Neuf, Notre Dame Cathedral and Paris Plage.

How many people can fit on each boat?

The standard small boat fits up to 4 passengers; larger luxury boats can accommodate up to 8 passengers.

Are pets allowed on board during this private cruise?

Yes, pets are welcome on board for your private Seine cruise in Paris.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is provided; guests must arrive at Port de Javel Haut themselves.

What happens if I’m late to the meeting point?

The crew will wait up to 60 minutes for latecomers but this will shorten your total cruise time.

What’s included

Your day includes a private boat tour through central Paris with original French Champagne poured as you float past icons like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower; bottled water is always handy if you need it; all taxes and fees are covered so there’s nothing extra to worry about before returning to Port de Javel Haut at journey’s end.