The Seine River

The Seine River has been Paris’s economic artery for thousands of years, bringing goods, materials, and people into and through the city as it sprung up on the Île de la Cité and expanded beyond to the Left and Right Banks. The water merchants of Medieval Paris became one of the most powerful guilds, and their symbol, the river boat, is still represented today in Paris’s coat of arms and municipal emblem.

Seine River Cruises

Several companies run river boat rides up and down the Seine. Most of them make a loop around the Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, passing by many landmarks, some with commentary. But with so many options, which river cruise should you book? Walid and Clara, Dayin’s co-founders, rode five of Paris’s most popular boat cruises in one day to find out. They’ve compared each one and have given you their honest, unbiased reviews. 

All five cruises were ranked out of four criteria:

1. Route & View - which sights the route passes and how well you can see the landmarks
2. Ease and Accessibility - booking, boarding, waiting, and accessibility to the boat
3. Comfort - seating, commentary quality, and protection from the elements
4. Atmosphere - vibe, size, and noise level

Watch the video to get the full breakdown of their ratings for each boat, and to see which one is right for your trip.

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Here’s a quick overview of each Seine River cruise, with Dayin's overall rating and some practical information:

🚢 Bateaux Parisiens: The Classic

• Overall rating: 16/20
• Why: The route is classic and comprehensive, identical to Vedettes de Paris. Commentary, on an app or an individual speaker by your seat, is available in multiple languages. Sometimes these boats can be noisy due to the large capacity and popularity with groups.
• Price: 19 € adult / 9 € child
• Duration: 1-hour loop, departing regularly from Port de la Bourdonnais at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
• Capacity: 600

🚢 Vedettes de Paris: The Elevated Experience

• Overall rating: 18/20
• Why: A great choice for its quintessential route and small capacity, with plentiful indoor and outdoor seating options. A more premium experience, this boat offers wider food and drink options than some others. The fleet is all-electric, making it the calmest and quietest boat cruise.
• Price: 18-21 € adult (time-dependent) / 10 € child
• Duration: 1-hour loop, departing from Port de Suffren at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
• Capacity: 250

🚢 Vedettes du Pont Neuf: The Efficient Option

• Overall rating: 18/20
• Why: Along with Vedettes de Paris, Vedettes du Pont Neuf provides the classic route of the other companies, but starts from an easily-accessible location right near the Louvre. Live commentary and a bar with a wide array of beverage options makes this a well-rounded cruise experience.
• Price: 17 € adult / 9 € child (timed ticket); 20 € adult / 10 € child (valid one year)
• Duration: 1-hour loop, departing from the Square du Vert Galant on the Île de la Cité

🚢 Canauxrama: The Unique Experience

• Overall rating: 17/20
• Why: Definitely the most interesting route with comfortable seating and a small capacity, this is a great option if you are okay with taking two hours or more for your Seine cruise experience. This cruise includes comprehensive live commentary throughout the ride from the Canal Saint-Martin and into the Seine.
• Price: 25 € per person
• Capacity: 206
• Duration: 2 hours point-to-point
  
  • Departs 71-79 Quai de Valmy 75010
  • Arrives at 19 Quai de l’Horloge on the Île de la Cité

🚢 Batobus: The Flexible Option

• Overall rating: 12/20
• Why: We love the concept of hop-on-hop-off boat because it is a very convenient way to both take a river boat ride and see the sights in Paris. However, in terms of comfort and atmosphere, Batobus fell short due to its uncomfortable seats and lack of shade, making it tough to enjoy on a hot summer day.
• Price: 23 € adult / 13 € child (ticket valid 24 hours)
• Duration: hop-on-hop-off, 2-hour loop with 10-15 minutes between stops along both sides of the Seine River

Dayin's Favorites

Clara’s favorite: Vedettes du Pont Neuf, for the super-easy access to this cruise, helping you make the most of your sightseeing time.

Walid’s favorite: Vedettes de Paris, for its more upscale cruising experience, quiet ride, and small size.

Special mention to Canauxrama because, although it’s twice as long as the other cruise options, the journey in the Canal Saint-Martin and through the tunnel and under the old arsenal makes for a super unique experience.

Local Tips

When booking your cruise, think ahead about the type of experience you want. If avoiding crowds is a priority, we recommend you take your Seine cruise in the morning, before lunchtime. The most popular times are later in the day and especially at sunset. If the weather is hot, you'll want to get out either in the morning or the evening to beat the heat.

You can usually buy your cruise tickets at the docking areas for each boat, which can be convenient! However, we recommend booking online instead, because it's often cheaper and it helps you plan your days in Paris in advance. While some cruises have timed entry, others, such as Batobus and Vedettes du Pont Neuf, allow you to use your ticket at any time.

If you opt for a smaller boat size, like Canauxrama or Vedettes de Paris, it's better to reserve your ticket ahead of time. Especially in peak season and at sunset, these cruises can fill up quickly!

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🚢 Now, on your next trip to Paris, you’ll know which Seine River cruise works best for your travel needs! 

Want more travel tips, insider reviews, and local favorites? Book a Day In Paris with us!