Know Before You Go: Visiting the River Seine

There is no single departure point for all Seine River tours—rather, different companies maintain docks at various points along the river. Common departure points include, from west to east, the foot of the Eiffel Tower near the Pont d’Iéna, adjacent to the Pont de l’Alma, the Marina Port de Solférino, and Pont Neuf. However, there are numerous other potential docking areas along the river in Central Paris; consult the details of your tour’s itinerary to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.

If you’ve come to Paris with a packed sightseeing schedule—or have only a few short hours to see the city during a layover—then don’t fear: Seine River cruises offer one of the most efficient ways to see many of Paris’ top landmarks and can take as little as an hour. Extended tours—like lunch cruises and combined tours of Paris’ waterways—can last closer to 2 hours if you'd like to linger. If you spend your evening drinking and dining on the water, plan for up to 3 hours.

Insider tip: Some package tour options pair Seine cruises with visits to Paris’ other top landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Catacombs. These options aren’t just convenient—they also offer savings in many cases.

Paris is a famously beautiful city, and the Seine’s banks are so scenic that you’re guaranteed exceptional views at all times of day (and even during the city’s typical grisaille, or gray winter weather). Most visitors still opt for good-weather days to make the most of vessels’ open-air seating (typically on their upper decks). If you can aim for sunset, even better: The transitional time of day will let you see the last of the city sights by daylight—and then discover why the City of Light earned its twinkling, romantic nickname.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to come prepared with to-do lists and spreadsheets, then you’ll be relieved to hear that booking a Seine River cruise in advance is generally recommended. Many tour companies offer discounted rates for online bookings, and you’ll also guarantee your place on in-demand services (including dinner cruises and other journeys that only depart once or twice a day). However, if you prefer to keep things spontaneous—and want to be assured of good weather—many tour boat companies let you book on the day and sell tickets next to the dock for added convenience.

The Seine is Paris’ largest waterway and one of the city’s most famous avenues for sightseeing—and there are dozens, if not hundreds, of ways to discover it. To make the most of your trip, choose an excursion that best fits your needs. Looking for a time-saving way to see the city? A cruise complete with audio guides—and numerous departure times throughout the day—is a convenient option. Want a romantic experience? Book a 3-course dinner on the water for a meal to remember. Would you prefer to let loose? Opt for a nighttime excursion complete with DJ sets and live entertainment.

Insider tip: Don’t forget that Paris’ waterways go beyond the Seine. For an extended experience on the water, pick a Seine tour that also includes a journey up the charmant Canal Saint-Martin.

Seine River sightseeing cruises can vary significantly in scope and cost, which is good news for travelers of all stripes: You’ll always be able to choose an option that matches your budget. Introductory, 1-hour sightseeing tours are particularly wallet-friendly, with rates that begin under $20 per person. And if you don’t mind making a splash with an extravagant dinner tour complete with live entertainment, you’ll spend up to $180 per person—around the same as a gourmet meal at a high-end Paris restaurant (only with better views).

There’s no more fitting (or more French) way to celebrate your Parisian vacation than with a Champagne toast—especially when aboard a River Seine cruise and in view of some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Luckily, most tour operators understand how well boats and bubbly go together. Whether you accompany your sightseeing excursion with a flute, opt for a Champagne dinner cruise, or go all in and indulge in a sommelier-led tasting of three fine Champagnes as you float merrily along, there’s no better way to celebrate in the City of Light.

Insider tip: Seine cruises and French gastronomy certainly go together—and Champagne isn’t the only kind of dégustation available to you. For an alternative (and more family-friendly) tasting experience, book a river tour that includes crêpe or waffle sampling.

The UNESCO–worthy views of the Seine’s riverbanks are something all travelers should have access to—and thankfully, several Seine River tours of Paris are accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. The Paris Tourism Office lists tour providers with wheelchair-accessible entry, including stair-free entry via ramps. Note that some boats may only be able to accommodate manual wheelchairs and that facilities, including restrooms, may be cramped on board. Before booking, it’s worth contacting the boat company to learn more.

• Which cities does the Seine flow through? The Seine flows for some 485 miles (780 kilometers), originating a short distance north of Dijon and exiting into the English Channel. In addition to Paris, it also flows through Giverny (formerly the home of Monet), Rouen (known for its Gothic cathedral), and the port city of Le Havre, among others.
• How deep is the Seine? The Seine’s depth varies across its long distance, but in Paris, the river averages 10–20 feet (3–6 meters).
• Can you swim in the Seine? No, you cannot currently swim in the Seine—owing to the river’s pollution, swimming has been formally banned since 1923, and those who violate that ban are subject to fines. However, the city has been involved in major cleanup efforts around the 2024 Summer Olympics, and the river will soon be open to swimmers.
• Which landmarks are along the Seine River? If you’re embarking on a Seine River cruise, you can look forward to passing some of Paris’ most notable landmarks. Highlights include the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Grand Palais, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame, and the Louvre, among many other sights.