River Seine

The basics

One of the best ways to see the Seine is to walk along it, particularly on the central stretch from Les Invalides to Île Saint-Louis. There, zigzag across the river on the Pont Alexandre III, Pont Royal, and Pont des Arts to see some of the most elegant and well-known architecture in France.

Alternatively, a Seine River cruise allows you to rest your legs and enjoy panoramic views. Book a brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise to combine your sightseeing with a French meal, or opt for a River Seine tour and Eiffel Tower combo to enjoy two of Paris' most popular activities in one tour.

Things to know before you go

• Running through Paris' main tourist areas, the river's hard to miss; you won't have to go far to find it.

• More than 30 bridges span the Seine within Paris city limits.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the banks and bridges.

• Be prepared for crowds on popular bridges like Pont des Arts.

How to get there

Bordering 10 of Paris' 20 arrondissements, the Seine is within walking distance of many of the city's most popular neighborhoods. By Metro, get off at Alma-Marceau, Invalides, Pont Neuf, or Saint-Michel--Notre-Dame station to reach the most central stretch of the river.

When to get there

For a tranquil walk, head to the river in the early morning hours before most of the crowds and commuters arrive. Or go for an after-dinner stroll, and take in the reflections of the City of Light on the water.

Exploring Canal Saint-Martin

In northeast Paris, the Canal Saint-Martin district is home to smaller waterways where footbridges, crossed by trendy locals, replace the Seine's traffic and tourists. Enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere and watch boats on the locks with a wander along the tree-shaded paths.

How much does it cost to cruise the River Seine?

You will pay around €15 (US$16) for a sightseeing cruise on the River Seine ticket, often including an audio guide. To enjoy included food or drinks and a boat tour, plan on spending around US$80 to US$100 per person for a sit-down lunch or dinner paired with wine and music.

Do I need to book a River Seine cruise in advance?

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.

What is the duration of a River Seine cruise?

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.

What do you see on a River Seine cruise?

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.

What is the best time of year to go on a River Seine cruise?

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.

What do I need to need to know before I book a River Seine cruise?

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.

Ways to explore

One of the best ways to see the Seine is to walk along it, particularly on the central stretch from Les Invalides to the Île Saint-Louis. Zigzag across the river on the Pont Alexandre III, Pont Royal, and Pont des Arts to see some of the city’s most elegant architecture.

Alternatively, a Seine River cruise lets you rest your legs and enjoy panoramic views. Book a lunch or dinner cruise to combine your sightseeing with a French meal, or opt for a River Seine tour and Eiffel Tower combo to enjoy two of Paris’ most popular activities in one tour.

Accessibility

Many riverside walkways are wheelchair-accessible, as are some sightseeing riverboats.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Good camera, picnic, foldable umbrella

What to wear

Paris weather is often changeable and overcast, so layers are recommended—especially for open-air river cruises.

Not allowed

Swimming in the river, biking on riverside pavements or pedestrianized bridges

Address

The River Seine stretches through Paris, dividing the city into Left and Right Banks, with numerous points of access. The river can be easily reached by tours or public transportation, and riverboat tours are among the best ways to explore.

Driving

You can access the River Seine throughout Paris, though finding parking near the river isn’t easy. If you must drive, park in garages near water-adjacent landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral or Eiffel Tower, then explore on foot.

Public transportation

Most of Paris’ 16 Métro lines have stops within easy walking distance of the River Seine, as do several RER commuter train lines. The Batobus hop-on hop-off riverboat also runs for much of the length of the Seine.

Best times to visit

Sunset and after-dark river cruises are great choices for discovering how the City of Light earned its name. Alternatively, early-morning excursions are best for avoiding crowds.

Best days to visit

As a rule, weekdays are calmer than weekends along the Seine, especially if you’re booking a sightseeing cruise. For weekends, make your reservations further in advance.

Best months to visit

Summer offers the brightest weather, although it’s also Paris’ tourist high season. Aim for late spring or early fall for good weather with fewer crowds.

Special events

For a festive experience, visit during Bastille Day, July 14: Special riverboat cruises run into the evening and offer views of the Eiffel Tower’s fireworks show.