Discover the Magic of Paris in Winter on a Cruise along the Enchanting Seine with these top-rated cruises:
Winter cruises along the Seine offer a magical way to experience Paris during the colder months. Prices typically range from €17 for a basic sightseeing cruise to €120 or more for dinner cruises. Durations vary from 1 hour for standard tours to 2-2.5 hours for dining experiences.
Most cruises depart near the Eiffel Tower, often from Port de la Bourdonnais or Port de Suffren. You’ll glide past illuminated landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and the Conciergerie. The boats are usually glass-enclosed and heated.
Sightseeing cruises often include multilingual audio guides, while dinner cruises feature live music and gourmet French cuisine. Family-oriented cruises are available, offering activities like quizzes and the chance for children to earn a “Captain’s diploma.”
For a special winter experience, consider an evening dinner cruise. You’ll enjoy a multi-course meal with wine as you take in the enchanting views of Paris by night. Remember to dress warmly for outdoor viewing areas and check specific dress codes for dining cruises.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the holiday season. Most cruises offer cancellation options up to 24-72 hours before the scheduled departure.
Winter cruises in Paris offer a range of experiences to suit various preferences and budgets. Sightseeing cruises start from around €17, providing an affordable way to admire the city’s illuminated landmarks. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, dinner cruises with live music and gourmet meals typically range from €75 to €120 or more. Family-oriented cruises, perfect for entertaining children during the colder months, are priced around €20 per person.
Booking tickets through platforms like Tiqets and GetYourGuide is highly recommended for a seamless experience. These user-friendly websites offer 24/7 customer support, ensuring assistance whenever you need it. They frequently provide discounts and bundle deals, allowing you to combine your cruise with other Parisian attractions for better value.
Additionally, these platforms often feature flexible cancellation policies, giving you peace of mind when planning your winter adventure in Paris. By choosing these services, you can easily compare options, read reviews, and secure your spot on a magical Seine cruise with just a few clicks.
Cruise Type | Price Range |
---|---|
Sightseeing Cruise | €17 – €20 |
Family Cruise with Live Guide | €20 – €25 |
Lunch Cruise | €75 – €100 |
Dinner Cruise | €115 – €120 |
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.
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.
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.
Seine River cruises in Paris operate throughout the year, including winter months, with varying schedules to accommodate different preferences. Most sightseeing cruises run from mid-morning until early evening, typically starting around 10:00 AM and continuing until 9:00 or 10:00 PM.
During winter, especially in December, many companies adjust their schedules, with the last departures often around 6:00 PM due to earlier sunsets. Dinner cruises usually begin in the evening, with departure times ranging from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, depending on the service provider.
It’s important to note that operating hours may change during holidays or special events, so it’s advisable to check with the specific cruise company or booking platform for the most up-to-date schedule information.
Seine River cruises offer a variety of durations to suit different preferences and schedules. Standard sightseeing cruises typically last about 1 hour, providing a compact yet comprehensive tour of Paris’s iconic riverfront landmarks. Family-oriented cruises with interactive elements for children also generally run for about an hour.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, lunch cruises usually extend to 2 hours, allowing ample time to enjoy a meal while taking in the sights. Dinner cruises offer the longest duration, typically lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, combining fine dining with live entertainment and stunning nighttime views of illuminated Parisian monuments. Some specialized or themed cruises may have unique durations, so it’s always best to check the specific details when booking.
Seine River cruises in Paris depart from various points along the river, offering convenient access for visitors. Many popular cruises, including those operated by Bateaux Parisiens, set sail from Port de la Bourdonnais, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
This central location is easily accessible by metro or bus. Other common departure points include Port de Suffren, also near the Eiffel Tower, and Port de la Conférence in the 8th arrondissement. Some cruises may depart from Île de la Cité or near Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Vedettes du Pont Neuf offers departures from the Pont Neuf bridge. It’s essential to confirm the exact departure point when booking your cruise, as it may vary depending on the company and type of cruise you choose.
What is the best River Seine cruise?
There are many boats offering various cruise options – you can choose to enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine or opt for a sightseeing cruise. With so many choices, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
What’s the best time of day to take a cruise in winter?
Any time of the day is great to hop on a boat, but evening cruises on the Seine are truly magical. Most Seine River boat companies offer cruises up until 6 pm, especially in December. However, if you prefer a night cruise, you might still have an option or two available.
When is 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. This allows you to easily walk up to the dock when the weather looks promising and enjoy your cruise spontaneously.
How long do Seine River cruises typically last?
The duration of Seine River cruises varies depending on the type. Sightseeing cruises usually last about 1 hour, while lunch or dinner cruises can last 2 to 2.5 hours.
Are Seine River cruises heated in winter?
Yes, most boats are enclosed and heated during the winter months, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of the outside temperature.
What landmarks can I expect to see on a Seine River cruise?
You’ll typically see iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, and the Conciergerie, among others.
Are there special cruises for families with children?
Yes, some companies offer family-oriented cruises with activities for children, such as quizzes and the opportunity to earn a “Captain’s diploma”.
Is there a dress code for Seine River cruises?
For sightseeing cruises, casual attire is fine. However, for dinner cruises, smart casual dress is often required. It’s best to check the specific requirements when booking.
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!