Paris Seine River Cruise Tips: How to Book, Best Seats & Eiffel Tower Views
Paris is a city best explored on foot, but sometimes, the most magical moments happen when you slow down and see it from a different angle. One of the best ways to do that? A Seine River cruise. On my recent trip, I booked the 1-Hour Seine Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower, and it was one of the most relaxing (and surprisingly affordable) experiences of my trip.
Why Book the Paris Seine River Cruise?
The Seine isn’t just a river, it’s the heart of Paris. Cruising along it gives you sweeping, uninterrupted views of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Hôtel de Ville, and the Louvre Museum. It’s a perfect way to take in the Parisian skyline while resting your feet after a day of exploring. Plus, the atmosphere of gliding along the river is completely different from walking the bustling streets.
Who I Booked With
I booked directly through GetYourGuide here and paid £15 for my ticket. It was super convenient, I had the voucher ready on my phone, which I simply scanned before boarding. Super easy process!
What Is GetYourGuide?
For those who haven’t used it before, GetYourGuide is a platform where you can book tickets for tours, activities, and attractions around the world. They act as a trusted ticket provider, so you can skip the hassle of waiting in extra queues or trying to figure out local ticket counters. I’ve used them several times in different cities, and their app makes the process smooth and easy.
How to Get There
The meeting point is at Port de la Bourdonnais, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower (Pontoon No. 3). Look out for the Bateaux Parisiens logo. Paid parking is available nearby, but honestly, it’s much easier to take the metro or walk if you’re already sightseeing around the Eiffel Tower.
Cruise timings:
- April–September: Departures every 30 minutes, from 10 AM to 10 PM
- October–March: Departures every hour, from 10:30 AM to 9 PM
My Experience
I went for the 5:30 PM cruise, arriving at 5:15 PM and joining the long line. By the time I boarded at 5:25 PM, the boat was already filling up, and I just about managed to grab a spot on the top deck, one of the last few available. Pro tip: arrive at least 30 minutes early during peak season to secure the best seats.
Here’s another insider tip: if you’re facing the front of the boat, sit on the left side. This gave me an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower as we departed, perfect for capturing those postcard-worthy shots.
The cruise itself was peaceful and scenic. I didn’t bother with the audio guide (available in 14 languages) too much and instead just soaked in the views. From the Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Louvre, seeing Paris from the water really gave me a new appreciation for the city.
What I loved most? It was a moment of calm in between sightseeing, no walking, no crowds to dodge, just the gentle glide of the boat and Paris unfolding around me.
Best Time to Visit
If you want to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night during summer, aim for a 9–10 PM cruise. The atmosphere is unmatched, with the city lights reflecting on the Seine. But honestly, any time of day offers something special, daytime cruises are brighter and clearer for photography, while evening cruises feel more romantic and atmospheric.
Travel Tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early in peak season to secure a top-deck seat.
- Have your voucher ready to scan before boarding.
- Sit on the front left side for the best Eiffel Tower views.
- If you’re tired from walking Paris, this is the perfect way to rest while still sightseeing.
- Remember: once the boat starts, you can’t stand, so grab your spot quickly.
Highlights
- Affordable at £15 per ticket.
- Panoramic views of Paris’s iconic landmarks.
- Relaxing 1-hour ride to give your legs a break.
- Runs frequently throughout the day, giving you flexibility.
Final Thoughts
For the price and the experience, this Seine cruise is absolutely worth it. Whether it’s your first time in Paris or your tenth, seeing the city from the river adds a whole new perspective. It’s an easy, stress-free activity to weave into your itinerary, and one I’d definitely do again, next time, maybe at night to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
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