12 of the Top-Rated Seine River Cruises in Paris Per Viator Travelers
If you assumed that every Seine River cruise in Paris was the same as the next, you’d be very, very wrong. France’s most famous river runs through the City of Light, and cruises offer stunning views of blockbuster Parisian attractions and a unique way to enjoy the city’s highlights. But there are many different ways to experience this iconic body of water.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and informative sightseeing trip, a luxurious and romantic overnight cruise, or something in between, you can find an experience to suit your interests and schedule. These are 12 of the top Seine River cruises in Paris.
1. Glide over the water to live tunes
They say Paris is the City of Love, and honeymooners here won’t want to miss this romantic 2-part tour: Sail down the Seine at dusk to admire the Parisian landmarks lit up at night, then disembark for a 3-course dinner in a panoramic restaurant. You’ll be regaled by a live singer as you dine—the perfect combination for making romantic memories.
What one reviewer said: "Definitely worth the reservation! It was nice to travel the Seine at sunset—the dinner was excellent and the service was very attentive." Robert_S, May 2025
2. Sleep on a Parisian boat
If waking up on the Seine sounds tempting, hop on board this luxurious overnight cruise. Begin with a 3-hour dinner cruise with live music, giving you plenty of opportunity to admire the views. Then, retire to one of the boat’s beautiful cabins, including suites with a private spa. Bonne nuit!
What one reviewer said: "I had no idea this kind of [experience existed] in Paris. We found it randomly ... and I really recommend it. We boarded the VIP Paris for a cruise dinner with a singer and we slept on the boat." Noemi_W, April 2023
3. Enjoy the views with a private cruise
Skip the crowds with a private 1.5-hour cruise on the Seine just for you and your group. As the boat seats up to five passengers, it’s an ideal way for families to cruise. Receive personalized attention from your skipper as you sail under Paris’ famous bridges and past attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
What one reviewer said: "This boat tour was the highlight of our four days in Paris! Patricia was exceptional with her knowledge of the city and setting us up for the best picture spots on the Seine. The homemade snacks from her mom were delicious and the Champagne was an extra special treat. I can’t recommend this family-owned river cruise enough." Kristen_L, May 2025
4. Sip Champagne as you cruise
Add some joie de vivre to your day by combining a Seine cruise with a Champagne-tasting session. An English-speaking sommelier will guide you through an onboard tasting with three delicious Champagnes. And when you can bring yourself to look up from your glass, the views are as sparkling as the wine.
What one reviewer said: "Amazing experience. Our guide and sommelier Pierre was incredible, very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The tour was everything we looked for—skipped the line, not crowded, great views, and fantastic tasting. Highly recommend." Stephanie_L, May 2025
5. Sample the best of Parisian cuisine
Short on time in Paris? Combine a gourmet déjeuner (that’s lunch to you and me) with a sightseeing cruise and check off two essential activities at once. On an enclosed boat, you’ll sit down to a 3-course meal, with the option of upgrading to the Champagne package, which also comes with window seats.
What one reviewer said: "A great way to have lunch in Paris! It was the right amount of time and the food and service were very good." Maggie_M, September 2024
6. Get your sightseeing in via bus and boat
First-time visitors to Paris will love the chance to combine multiple Paris highlights on one easy half-day tour. Start with a city tour by bus, passing many of the city’s landmarks. Then, cruise down the Seine, checking out many of those landmarks from a different angle. End at the Eiffel Tower, where you head up right away, thanks to the skip-the-line, time-saving entrance ticket.
What one reviewer said: "Matthieu was very knowledgeable, and had such impressive multilingual skills. Our bus tour route was excellent—comprehensive—and the audio-guide information was funny and educational." Nicholas_W, January 2025
7. Cruise with a side of culture
If you have a full day to spend in Paris, this tour includes lunch at the Eiffel Tower, a Seine cruise, and tickets to the Louvre Museum. Start with a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, followed by lunch at Madame Brasserie, a restaurant that’s situated in the tower itself. Then, kick back on a 100-minute afternoon cruise, finally ending at the Louvre, where you can enter first with skip-the-line tickets.
What one reviewer said: "Guides Helen and Effe were good—knowledgeable and very personable. The food and service in the restaurant was world class [...] surprising for a tourist location." Mark_S, September 2024
8. Take the kids on a family-friendly cruise
If it seems hard to find attractions for your kids in a city as big as Paris, this family-friendly cruise is the perfect solution. The cruise and commentary have been designed with kids in mind so the whole family can appreciate the scenery and stories. And when you think they might need a little pick-me-up, a variety of kid-friendly snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
What one reviewer said: "The tour guide was great and knowledgeable. You really do see everything you would hope to see. Also, I like that they didn't overcrowd the boat." Bethany_P, August 2024
9. Travel guilt-free on an eco-friendly electric boat
Anything we can do to reduce our carbon emissions when we travel, and minimize our impact on local communities and landscapes, is a positive step. As well as opting for other eco-friendly modes of transport, such as trains and your own two feet, see the best of Paris’ sights aboard a 100 percent electric-powered boat. You’ll cruise on the Ducasse sur Seine and indulge in a hearty 4-course meal along the way.
What one reviewer said: “The food was delicious. The staff was awesome. Great sites at night. It was the perfect length of time.” Stephanie_B, March 2025
10. Indulge in Italian food while you cruise through Paris
French cuisine is wonderful, but if you’re in the mood for something else, book a Seine River cruise that goes out on a limb by serving Italian food in the French capital. (And you can be certain the French chefs will do its neighboring country’s cuisine justice, too.) Admire the views of Parisian classics such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral while dining on Italian favorites, such as pizzetta, antipasti, and tiramisu. Buon appetito!
What one reviewer said: “The dinner cruise on the Seine is a must! The dinner and service were great. Good times with great friends!” Susan_C, June 2025
11. Set sail for the Moulin Rouge
OK, you can’t literally sail to the Moulin Rouge as it’s in Montmartre, a neighborhood that isn’t beside the river. But you can do the next best thing on this evening tour that starts at the Eiffel Tower, continues to the Moulin Rouge theater for a cabaret show, and ends with a cruise on the Seine.
What one reviewer said: “Best night of our trip (maybe our lives). Food was really good, live singer on the boat was wonderful, Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge are good in their own right. [Well-organized] tour, highly recommend!” Iseabail_R, August 2024
12. Hop on, hop off, and hop aboard a Seine cruise
Hop-on, hop-off buses are a great way to see and do a lot in Paris without being constrained by a tour group or set schedule. Get on and off the bus whenever and wherever you like, along its route and within its operating hours. This package goes the extra kilometer and includes a cruise on the Seine (if you select the option when booking) so you can see the city from another angle.
What one reviewer said: “It was really easy to navigate with only one route. Saw all the sights and did the river cruise. Great fun and [I] highly recommend [this tour].” Angie_G, June 2025
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