Seine River Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the River Seine. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Paris Top Sights Half-Day Walking Tour With a Fun Guide

• Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise

• Paris in a Day: Louvre or Orsay, Eiffel Tower, City Walk, & Cruise

• Top Private Cruises in Paris With French Champagne and Surprises

• Highlights of Paris Bike Tour w/ a Local Guide (English or Dutch)

It’s free to admire the River Seine from its banks and the many bridges that cross the waterway. If you’d prefer to explore by boat, expect to pay a starting price of US$20 for guided river cruises. Lunch and dinner cruises on the Seine typically go for upwards of US$85.

Yes, the River Seine is well worth visiting. You'll catch picture-perfect glimpses of the river while exploring many of Paris' waterside attractions, from the Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Pont des Arts. However, the best way to enjoy the Seine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical and architectural value—is on a river cruise or walking tour that highlights its scenery and cultural significance in Paris.

Per one customer who booked the Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise, "We had an incredible time on our lunch cruise along the Seine River. The food was delicious, the staff were friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was just perfect. As we cruised, we passed so many amazing Paris landmarks — including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Chapel, and countless others along the river. It was such a relaxing and beautiful way to take in the city's history and architecture. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Paris!"

It depends. You can book a sightseeing cruise either online or directly from the ticket office before departure time. But it’s always better to reserve in advance to avoid last-minute sellouts. And if you’re joining a dinner or lunch cruise on one of the restaurant boats, book ahead of time.

A typical Seine River sightseeing cruise starts from the Port de la Bourdonnais and lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. You can also find longer itineraries of 2.5 hours. Lunch or dinner cruises are longer, typically between 2.5 hours and three hours—giving you time to indulge in four courses and enjoy live accordion or piano music.

Many top attractions are situated alongside this river that cuts through the heart of Paris. You’ll have front-row seats to some of the city’s biggest blockbusters on the right and left banks of the Seine. A few Paris icons include the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides, Ile de la Cité island, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum.

Seine River cruises are available year-round, but the most popular time is roughly April–September, when the days tend to be warm and sunny. But that’s also when you’ll find the biggest crowds. Cruises are partially enclosed, making the festive wintertime an option as well.

There are plenty of cruise options, so do your research before deciding on the right one for you. In addition to lunch and dinner cruises, you'll find combined tickets that include a cruise and entry to other attractions, such as the Louvre Museum or a Moulin Rouge show.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the River Seine. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Paris:

• Eiffel Tower

• Louvre Museum

• Notre-Dame Cathedral

• Musée d'Orsay

• Montmartre

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Paris.