Seine River Cruise in Winter - Everything You Need to Know!
Taking a cruise on the Seine River in winter is a great experience! Which one should you choose? How much are the tickets? and where should you buy them? Here is all you need to know!
- By: Amelia Hayes
Gliding through River Seine is one of the most coveted experiences and a must-do when in Paris. That, coupled with the charming winter atmosphere plus snow-capped buildings along the banks of the river will inevitably create indelible memories.
These short but fun river cruises give you a chance to see the most famed attractions in Paris including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay, and many more.
If you’re curious to know more about taking a cruise on the Seine River in winter, here is a simple guide that will help you plan one of the most enthralling adventures of your life.
Is the Seine River Cruise worth it in Winter?
A lot of people assume river cruising in Paris is off the table during winter. And from the surface, their assumptions make a lot of sense. After all, isn’t everything way fabulous when the weather is warmer and the sun is shining?
Well, that depends…
Cruising on the Seine River is exciting throughout the year and probably a little bit more captivating during the winter. If you’re worried about the cold, most boats boast inside seating areas so you’ll be shielded from the wind and the freezing cold air.
Whenever you need to take a photo you can move out to the deck, take a picture and head back inside. If the weather is decent enough, this cruise is definitely worth it regardless of the time of the year.
Here is some of the best Seine cruises you can find in winter:
What is the ticket price for Seine river cruise in winter?
Seine river cruise tickets in winter typically cost around the same as they do in other seasons, but can sometimes be cheaper. Sightseeing cruises cost between €13 and €16 for adults and between €7 and €9 for children. Dinner cruises cost more, depending on the type of cruise you choose, starting from €60 to €120.
Here are some examples of ticket prices for popular Seine river cruises in winter season:
Sightseeing Cruise:
- Bateaux Mouches: €15 for adults and €7 for children (ages 4-12). See full ticket prices here.
- Bateaux Parisiens: €16 for adults and €8 for children (ages 4-11). See full ticket prices here.
- Vedettes de Paris: €13 for adults and €9 for children (ages 4-11). See full ticket prices here.
Where is the best place to buy the tickets?
One of the best ways to purchase Seine cruise tickets during the winter months, is by well-known platforms which offer to order tickets in advance and discounts. Some of the most popular ones are “Tiqets” which is considered a very well-known online tickets platform, or “Getyourguide” which is also a very popular website.
Another convenient and recommended method is to secure your tickets online through the official websites of the cruise providers. This approach not only guarantees availability but also allows you to explore various cruise types, compare prices, and select the one that best suits your preferences.
For those who prefer spontaneity or are making last-minute decisions, on-site ticket booths along the Seine River offer a convenient option. These booths, often located near popular embarkation points, allow visitors to purchase tickets directly before the cruise. While this option offers flexibility, it’s important to note that popular time slots during winter months may still sell out quickly.
Reasons to take a cruise on River Seine in winter
1. It can be cheaper
For obvious reasons, winter is the off-season in Paris especially as far as the River Cruises go. This means most boats are willing to offer enticing discounts to fill the empty slots.
If you’re traveling on a shoestring budget, be sure to visit during winter and when school is in season for even better deals.
Of course, River Cruising in Paris is an affordable excursion any time of the year but you can score even better deals in winter.
2. Fewer crowds
Probably one of the highlights of experiencing a river cruise in winter is dodging the crowds.
As stated above, cruising on River seine is pretty popular so, at any other time of the year, you might have to brave the crowds.
But during the winter, you’re most likely going to share the spectacle of this escapade with just a few people.
This also allows for personalized services from professional guides depending on the tour you settle for.
The best River Seine cruise
There are a lot of boats offering a lot of different cruise options – you can choose to enjoy Dinner cruise on the Seine or settle for only sightseeing cruise. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
The best time of the day to take a cruise in winter
Any time of the day is great to hop on a boat but evening cruises on this river are magical.
Most Seine River boat companies offer cruises up until 6 pm, especially in December. But if you prefer a night cruise, you might still have an option or two.
The best time to book a winter cruise on the Seine River
Most cruises on the Seine River don’t require advance booking which is very convenient because then you can easily walk up to the dock when the weather looks promising and enjoy your cruise.
More useful information about Seine River Cruise in Paris
- Come check all the Best Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris!
- Going to Paris with kids? here are the best Seine River Cruises with Kids!
- What is Seine Cruise Tickets Prices?– The best Guide!
- Having a Low-Budget? Here are some Cheap Seine River Cruises with deals and discounts!
- Paris hop-on hop-off river cruise – The best way to travel in Paris!
We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Paris. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising on the Seine River in Paris. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Seine River cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more. Bon voyage!