Paris Seine River Cruise: Flexible Times & Live Commentary

Summary

Notre Dame and Louvre views from the water, flexible boarding, live stories and local moments

You’ll board near the Eiffel Tower whenever you feel like it—no time slots needed—and glide past Paris icons like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre on a one-hour cruise. Listen to stories in your language or chat with a guide onboard as you pass under historic bridges. It’s a gentle way to see Paris shift around you, sometimes surprising in its quietness.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, we almost missed the boat—literally. My friend thought we were supposed to meet at Pont Neuf, but it was actually down by the Eiffel Tower (classic mix-up). We rushed over, laughing and out of breath, and just flashed our phones at the quay—no fuss about times or tickets. The sky was that washed-out Parisian grey, but somehow the river made everything look softer. There was this faint smell of rain on stone, and I remember a little girl next to us pressing her nose to the glass, totally mesmerized by the water swirling under Pont Alexandre III.

The commentary kicked in as we drifted past Notre Dame—available in something like 14 languages, which is wild. I tried listening in French for a minute (ambitious), then switched to English so I wouldn’t miss anything about Napoleon’s tomb or how Place de la Concorde used to be where they set up the guillotine. Our guide—her name was Camille—wandered by and answered my random question about why Parisians always seem to walk so fast (she just grinned and said “It’s the coffee”). Sometimes I tuned out and just watched reflections flicker across those old bridges. The city felt both grand and strangely close from down there.

We passed under Pont Marie and someone told us you’re supposed to make a wish with your eyes closed—I did it, probably looked silly, but who cares? There was this moment near Île Saint-Louis where everything got quiet except for the hum of the engine and a couple whispering behind us in Spanish. I still think about that view of the Louvre stretching forever along the bank; it made me want to sketch something right then, even though I can barely draw stick figures.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seine River sightseeing cruise in Paris

• Depart from Eiffel Tower quay
• Cruise under Pont Alexandre III bridge
• View Dome des Invalides tomb
• Pass French Parliament building
• See Orsay Museum and surroundings
• Enjoy views of famous Paris quarter
• Pass under Pont Neuf bridge
• See Notre Dame Cathedral from river
• Pass through atmospheric 5th Arrondissement
• View Ile Saint Louis architecture
• Pass under Pont Marie bridge and make wish
• See Conciergerie prison landmark
• View Louvre Royal Castle
• See Egyptian obelisk at Place de la Concorde
• Admire Grand Palais architecture
• Pass bridge built from Bastille prison stones

Top questions

Do I need to book a specific time for the Seine River cruise?

No, you book for a date but can board at any time that day during operating hours.

Where does the Paris Seine River cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from near the Eiffel Tower on Port de la Bourdonnais.

Is there live commentary during the cruise?

Audio commentary is available in 14 languages via headset or smartphone; guides are also onboard for questions.

How long does the sightseeing cruise last?

The Bateaux Parisiens Seine River sightseeing cruise lasts approximately one hour.

Are children or strollers allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers on this cruise.

Is this Paris river cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both boarding and boat facilities are wheelchair accessible.

What famous sights will I see during the cruise?

You’ll see Notre Dame Cathedral, Pont Alexandre III, Place de la Concorde, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Neuf, Louvre Museum and more from the river.

Can I bring my service animal on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this Seine River sightseeing cruise.

What’s included

Your ticket includes a one-hour Seine River cruise departing from near the Eiffel Tower with open boarding times on your chosen date. You’ll get audio commentary in 14 languages via headset or smartphone app as you pass Paris landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. A local guide is also available onboard if you want to ask questions along the way.