Paris seen from the river is a special Paris, a Paris full of reflections, of magic, a Paris with that bohemian and nostalgic touch that comes from being contemplated at the slow and gentle rhythm set by the Seine. A unique experience that you can enjoy for little money with a boat trip on the Seine.
However, the options for taking a cruise on the Seine are many, so you can choose the one that best suits you, your budget, your way of traveling, and your companions. To make it easier for you, here is plenty of practical information not only about the cheap boat trip on the Seine, but also about other different Seine cruises.
Cheap boat trip on the Seine: practical info
The most economical way to see Paris aboard a panoramic cruise is to take the simple option consisting of a boat trip on the Seine that lasts one hour and includes an audio guide in Spanish to learn about many curiosities and historical facts about the city’s emblematic landmarks that you will be observing.
That’s exactly the one I chose during my trip to Paris with children. Although there are several companies, all the info I’m telling you here in this section is from the company Bateaux Parisiens with which I did it. After my experience, in the middle of August and with three very small children, I 100% recommend this Seine cruise with audio guide.
What is the route on the cheap boat trip on the Seine?
On this Seine tour you will set sail from the Eiffel Tower and sail under the famous bridges of Paris until you pass Saint Louis island where you will turn around, as it is a circular route.
During the minimum one-hour journey, you will be able to delight in the sight of buildings as beautiful as the Grand Palais, the Conciergerie or the Institut de France, monuments like the Egyptian obelisk in the Place de la Concorde, museums that are works of art even from the outside, such as the Louvre and the D’Orsay.
In addition, the cheap boat trip on the Seine allows you to pass under some of the most famous bridges in Paris such as the Alexander III bridge that connects the Grand and Petit Palais with the impressive dome of Les Invalides; the historic and iconic Pont Neuf that keeps the Île de la Cité afloat; or the Pont des Arts, now stripped of the thousands of padlocks that lovers used to put it at risk.
From the boat trip on the Seine you will also have a very good view of Notre Dame. This way you can see how the restoration works are progressing after the fire suffered in 2019 that stripped this cathedral of its roof and its famous spire.
What is the boat like?
This cheap boat trip on the Seine will be on a large two-level catamaran with an open-top second floor to be able to contemplate some of the main landmarks in 360 degrees. Prepare your camera and make sure your phone battery is well charged because you are going to discover the most photogenic Paris.
The lower part is glass-walled with large windows. You can sit comfortably inside, letting yourself be carried away by the magic of Paris seen from the Seine, or go out to the small outdoor terrace surrounding the boat. However, the views are not as impressive.
The boats are equipped with bathrooms and a vending machine in case you need a snack. Honestly, with how beautiful and short the Seine cruise is, it’s not worth missing anything to go get a soda.
Upon leaving the boat, you will find a café and a small souvenir shop. Obviously, prices are high.
How much does a cheap boat trip on the Seine cost?
The cheapest Seine cruise costs only 16 euros for adults and youth from 13 years old included. Children from 4 to 12 pay 7.50 euros and the ride for children under 4 is free.
Keep in mind that if you have the Paris Pass tourist card, this activity is included at no extra cost; you just have to go straight to the boat (exactly below is the exact address) and show your card.
Where to catch the boat for the Seine trip?
Specifically, this panoramic Seine cruise departs from the pier known as Port de la Bourdonnais, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Here is a map with the exact location so you are clear about where the cheap boat trip on the Seine departs from.
The best way to reach the port is by public transport. If you go by metro, the nearest stops are Trocadero (line 9) and about 10 minutes walking to Bir-Hakeim (line 6).
You can also arrive by bus. Bus lines 30 and 82 have a stop right at the entrance of the pier, under the Eiffel Tower, at the famous Iena or Jena bridge. Bus 42 and 72 also leave you a few minutes’ walk from the port.
If you go by RER (the commuter train), the closest stops to the point where the cheap boat trip on the Seine departs are the Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel and, in the opposite direction, Pont de l’Alma stations. Both belong to line C of the RER.
Schedules for the cheap boat trip on the Seine
You can take this excursion every day from Monday to Sunday throughout the year, including public holidays.
However, depending on the season, the departure times and frequencies of this Seine cruise vary. Here are those established for this 2022 and part of 2023:
- From April 9 to September 18: Every 30 minutes between 10:00 and 22:30, except at 13:00 when there is no departure.
- From September 19 to October 2: Every 30 minutes between 10:00 and 22:00, except at 11:30, 13:00, and 19:30 when there is no departure.
- From October 3 to 21: Every 60 minutes from 11:15 to 22:00.
- From October 22 to November 6: Every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 22:00, except at 11:30, 13:00, and 19:30 when there is no departure.
- From November 7 to December 16: Every 60 minutes from 11:15 to 22:00.
- From December 17 to January 1: Every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 22:00. On December 24 the last departure is at 17:30.
- From January 2 to February 17: Every 60 minutes from 11:15 to 21:20.
- From February 18 to March 5: Every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 22:00, except at 11:30, 13:00, and 19:30 when there is no departure.
- From March 6 to 31: Every hour from 11:15 to 22:00.
The cheap boat trip on the Seine is worth it at any time of the day. However, one of the most special moments to take this cruise is at sunset. That way, you will see Paris with very special light and upon returning you will enjoy the night lighting that is so special in the French capital.
Tips for enjoying the cheap boat trip on the Seine
–Arrive well in advance to be able to choose a good spot on the upper deck. Tickets are booked by day, but not by a specific hour, meaning you can board the boat you want as long as there is availability upon arrival. At the very least, I recommend going half an hour before the departure that suits you best.
– To take the best photos, sit in the row of seats closest to the Eiffel Tower (or so they recommend). Although I sat on the other side and had no complaints, as the Seine is really a narrow river and both banks are close. That said, try to get a spot at the bow or stern of the boat, that is, at the very front or back, to be able to take photos without the risk of having a lot of heads in front of you.
-Save money by purchasing the Seine boat trip ticket in advance. If you wait to get it directly at the pier, it will be more expensive, 18 euros for adults and 9 euros for children, and you will also waste more time.
-Be careful, don’t get in the wrong line because there are others for the cruise with a restaurant or the Lady Bug theme. The one-hour cruise with an audio guide on the Seine departs from pier number three.
-Bring headphones for your mobile and a well-charged battery because your phone will become your audio guide. You just have to connect to the boat’s Wi-Fi, choose the language, and that’s it!
-If you go in summer, don’t forget sunscreen and a cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun because there is no shade at all in the upper part.
–In autumn and winter, it won’t hurt to bring a raincoat or umbrella in case you go upstairs and it rains.
–If you are going with a stroller, you have a specific space to leave it folded in the bottom part as soon as you enter.
-The cheap boat trip on the Seine is accessible both for strollers and wheelchairs. The staff is very friendly and will show you the best access to board.
- Did you know that you can combine this boat trip with a climb to the second floor of the Parisian Iron Lady? Book the cruise + priority entry to the Eiffel Tower now.
More options for navigating the Seine in Paris
So far I have told you about the cheapest option to sail the waters of the Parisian river. But the offer is very wide and here are other cruises that follow more or less the same route as the cheap boat trip on the Seine but with different formats.
Batobus, very cheap and practical
Here you have the aquatic option of the famous Paris tourist bus. The Batobus is the second cheap Seine boat tour option, as it only costs 17 euros for the 24-hour pass for adults 17 and over, 8 euros for children and young people aged 3 to 16, and free for children under 3.
You also have the two-day option, meaning 48 hours to take it as many times as you like. With the Batobus you can hop on and hop off at each of the nine stops it has on the banks of the Seine.
Seine dinner cruise, the most romantic plan
If you’re looking to surprise your partner, are a hardcore foodie, or simply want to treat yourself with illuminated Paris as your witness, this gourmet dinner boat tour is for you. Note that if you’re going with children, this is also a good plan because they have a very special children’s menu.
For those celebrating something special, they have the romantic option with cava and a heart-shaped dessert. Everything served at a special table decorated with flower petals. Plus, you’ll get a souvenir photo.
Seine boat tour with lunch
Enjoy delicious French gastronomy while sailing down the Seine for an hour and a half. This boat tour with lunch with a three-course menu to choose from sets sail from the Solférino port, the pier right next to the Orsay Museum.
Ladybug cruise for the little ones
Kids will go crazy for this Ladybug themed cruise. Paris’s most famous superheroine and her partner Cat Noir will accompany you aboard the Miraculous during the panoramic tour of the Seine. In addition, the little ones will have to follow a very entertaining game to complete a mission.
Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best things to do in Paris with kids. But you should keep in mind that it takes place only in French and English. Check in advance because, for now, it’s only held until the end of November.
Private cruise on the Seine
For those looking for a more intimate experience, a good option might be to book a private Seine cruise, which can also be shared. If you’re going with a group of friends or family, it’s a great idea because you can also bring your own food on board.
On this occasion, you’ll sail in a small boat where pets are also allowed.
The importance of having travel insurance
Even if you carry the European Health Insurance Card, you should know that France has a co-payment healthcare system. This means there are some occasions where, depending on the medical care you receive, you may have to pay a portion of the final cost, even if the rest is covered by the card.
For that reason alone, it’s worth taking out good travel insurance that covers those costs and many others. Imagine having to cancel your trip to Paris and losing the money for flights, hotels, and booked activities? Or that your luggage gets lost and you need to buy clothes to wear?
For very little money, you can have all that covered and have the peace of mind that someone is looking out for you. I recommend Mondo travel insurance, which is what I use on my trips and has great coverage and prices. Did you know that for less than 17 euros per person, you have travel insurance for a week-long stay in France? Now you have a 15% discount on travel insurance for being a reader of the blog, but only until April 2nd!
Mondo also has an app from which you can access a 24-hour medical chat. Being able to consult a medical professional about your case at any time can save you from wasting hours in a hospital or can advise you on how to solve a minor health problem. I’ve used it a couple of times for concerns about my baby’s health and it worked brilliantly.
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*This cheap Seine boat tour was courtesy of Atout France. However, all opinions on this activity are completely personal and independent.
