Musée d'Orsay & Louvre from the boat.
Musée d'Orsay & Louvre from the boat.

An Evening in Paris: My Blissful Seine River Cruise Experience

I’ve grown up in different cities in India and have been fortunate to have explored a lot of cities. Many cities in India are on river banks or have huge lakes. Every time I went to such cities, I saw tourists taking boat rides and wondered “What’s so interesting about river cruises?” Well, at least in India, there are no river cruises except the Kerala backwaters boat tour, I cannot recollect any good river cruise in India. 

Hence, when my trip to Paris was confirmed, one thing that I added to my to-do list was to take the Seine River Cruise. That too in the evening, because I wanted to see the Eiffel Tower lit up. In this blog post, I’ll give you all the details and first-hand experience of my evening Paris river cruise on the Seine and whether it’s worth it or not. 

Seine River Cruise – What you should know?

My notion of river cruises changed completely when I visited Chicago. Not on my to-do list originally, the Chicago River Cruise is the best river cruise I have taken to date. The 1-hour cruise went through the Chicago River with towering skyscrapers all along. It was a journey through time as I saw buildings from the 1960s and 2000s on the same cruise. Whether you’re an architecture lover or not, if you’re ever visiting Chicago make sure to take the Chicago River Cruise. Read my blog post on the Chicago River Cruise to know more. 

Shoreline Cruise in Chicago
Shoreline Cruise in Chicago

Everyone wants to get on top of the Eiffel Tower and see the city. But there’s one thing that you cannot see from the top of the Eiffel Tower – the Eiffel Tower itself! While the Eiffel Tower is visible from almost all nearby areas, seeing it from the Seine River is a beautiful sight.

The Seine River cruise offers a unique way to experience Paris, allowing you to admire some of the city’s most iconic landmarks from a new perspective. Here’s everything you must know about the Paris river cruise:

Duration

Seine river cruises typically last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the operator and the type of experience you choose. My cruise with Bateaux Mouches was a relaxed hour-long journey, which gave me ample time to take in the stunning views of Paris without feeling rushed.

Some operators offer extended tours, including dinner cruises, which may last up to 2.5 hours, offering a more leisurely outing. Most operators have boats departing every hour, so you can plan your visit accordingly. 

Placed Covered

The Seine River cruise gives you a front-row seat to some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. As you drift along the river, you’ll pass by the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay, and the historic Conciergerie. This unique vantage point offers a fresh perspective on these landmarks, letting you appreciate Paris from a new angle. It’s a wonderful way to explore the city’s beauty, with a completely different perspective. 

My Seine River Cruise Experience
My Seine River Cruise Experience

Price

Prices for Seine River cruises vary depending on the operator and the type of experience you’re looking for. Basic sightseeing cruises typically range from €10 to €20 per person. I paid €16 for my hour-long Bateaux Mouches cruise, which I found to be great value for the money.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, such as a dinner or champagne cruise, expect prices to be higher, often starting around €50 or more.

Best Time

The Seine River cruise is beautiful at any time of day, but if you want to witness Paris at its most magical, consider booking an evening or sunset cruise. As the city lights up and landmarks like the Eiffel Tower glow against the night sky, the cruise becomes even more enchanting.

The golden hour just before sunset is ideal for photography, while nighttime cruises offer a romantic and tranquil atmosphere. Keep in mind that evening cruises can be more crowded, so plan accordingly.

My Seine River Cruise Experience

I wanted to see the Eiffel Tower in the evening and hence I had booked my tour for 5 PM. Considering I was staying far from the starting point, I had to take the Paris Metro from Plaisance to Invalides. From there I walked across the famous Pont Alexandre III, through the Jardin d’Erivan to reach Bateaux Mouches.

The place was crowded, not with people but with buses. There were a lot of tourist buses parked and most of them seemed like day tour operators, some from different countries as well. (I realised from the number plates) 

Nonetheless, I got into the waiting area, however, since I was early, I had to wait a bit. In no time I saw the waiting area fill up with people. Though this was only my second international trip, I realised Chinese are everywhere and they travel in large numbers! Luckily my boat came in soon and after a little commotion, I got to my seat, the front row on the upper deck for the unobstructed views.

Though it was March, I was sweating most parts of the day, but when the boat started, I realised I should have gotten my jacket as this was going to be a cold and windy ride. So if you’re planning an evening Seine River Cruise, carry a jacket to keep yourself warm.

Musée d'Orsay & Louvre from the boat.
Musée d’Orsay & Louvre from the boat.

We began our cruise from Port Alexandre III, the very spot where the Paris Olympic teams were introduced. The atmosphere felt special, knowing the historical significance of the location. As the boat set off, we passed by the National Assembly and the Musée de l’Orangerie, getting a glimpse of Paris’ rich political and artistic heritage. We also crossed the Louvre but we saw only the building, the iconic glass pyramids weren’t visible from the boat. 

Next, we floated past the Musée d’Orsay, its grand façade reflecting on the water, and approached the iconic Notre Dame. Though still under renovation after the tragic fire, it stood as a symbol of resilience. Here, the boat made a U-turn as the wind picked up and the evening air turned chilly.

Notre Dame from Seine River Cruise
Notre Dame from Seine River Cruise

Along the way, the banks of the Seine were lively with people—enjoying drinks, reading books, or simply spending time with loved ones. It was a snapshot of Parisian culture, full of joy and simplicity.

The cruise culminated at the Eiffel Tower, which looked magical. The tower sparkled under the purple evening sky, its lights reflecting beautifully on the water. It was the perfect, enchanting end to our journey.

Beautiful Eiffel Tower from the river cruise.
Beautiful Eiffel Tower from the river cruise.

By the time the cruise ended, I was cold, my hands and feet were frozen and since I had come by metro, (and I didn’t want to splurge on a cab), I decided to walk back to the metro station, hoping that the walk will warm things up, well it did, but not too much. 

And this was the first time on my any international trip that I started looking for an Indian restaurant to eat something hot, warm, comforting and spicy. That’s when I reached Chez Raja and had a comforting plate of Palak Paneer and 2 Rotis. The servers seemed Pakistani but told me they were from Delhi :/ Anyway, a much-needed one in that chill.

Wrapping Up

To wrap up, while I thoroughly enjoyed the Seine River cruise, I couldn’t help but compare it to the Chicago River Cruise. I found the Chicago River cruise a bit more engaging, perhaps because of the detailed commentary from the guide, which added depth to the architectural beauty. The Seine cruise, on the other hand, is more laid-back, offering a serene ride past stunning historical landmarks and buildings from a bygone era.

That said, the Seine River cruise is undoubtedly a must-do when you’re in Paris, especially in the evening. The views of the Eiffel Tower and the city’s illuminated skyline are truly magical. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, it’s a peaceful way to soak in Paris’ beauty.

Just a tip—be sure to bring a power bank, some water, and a jacket to keep warm once the breeze picks up. For the price and the experience, it’s worth your time and money!

Feel free to drop a comment for any further information or reach out to me for any assistance. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj, DM on Instagram, or Get In Touch.

About Atulmaharaj

A seasoned blogger and a content marketer for close to a decade now. I write about Food, Technology, Lifestyle, Travel, and Finance related posts. Blogging brings me joy and the best part is I get to read and e-meet so many amazing bloggers! PS: I'm also the founder for Socialmaharaj.com :) Favorite Quote: "Traveling is like reading a book, one who hasn't traveled, hasn't turned a page.

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2 comments

  1. A river cruise seems like a great way to see a different side of the city. Beautiful captures, especially of the Eiffel Tower.

    • Absolutely, I’ve made it a point to go on a river cruise in every city – like you said, it gives a different perspective.

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