Seine River Cruise Route – All the Details You Need to Know!
What is the typical Seine River cruise route? Where are the stops, and what are the key sights you will see? Here is everything you need to know about the Seine River cruise route map.
- By: Ryan Mitchell
Today, I want to talk with you about one of the most frequently asked questions that people ask us when booking a Seine River cruise in Paris: What is the route of the cruise? So, here goes a full explanation about the different routes available on the Seine River.
Typical Seine River Cruise Route map
First of all, let me make it clear that there are two main types of cruises available along the Seine River: the standard sightseeing cruise, lasting about an hour and showing the main sights of Paris, and the dinner or lunch cruise – a longer, two- or three-hour cruise combined with fine dining.
Since the lunch and dinner cruise lasts longer, the cruise route is also longer and reaches additional areas along the Seine River that the sightseeing cruise does not reach.
Now, let’s discuss the standard Seine cruise route you’ll get with the most popular Seine cruise operators:
Bateaux Parisiens – Bateaux Parisiens cruises from its central embarkation point near the Eiffel Tower and offers two different routes – The sightseeing cruise is shorter and covers the central part of Paris, including the main sights such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Musée d’Orsay.
Their lunch and dinner cruises continue farther west toward the Statue of Liberty replica and east to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France for a longer overall Seine experience under Paris’s historic bridges.
Bateaux Mouches – The boats of Bateaux Mouches begin their journey, heading east along the Seine, starting from their embarkation point at Port de la Conférence near Pont de l’Alma. It will pass by several iconic landmarks: the Grand Palais, the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, and so on until it reaches the Arab World Institute, where the boat will turn around.
The highlight is the passage under the small channel between Ile de la Cité and the Left Bank with great views of Notre Dame Cathedral. The return trip also includes the National Assembly and the final views of the Eiffel Tower. Note that this route is a general guide, and actual routings may depend on Seine water levels.
Vedettes du Pont Neuf – Vedettes du Pont Neuf offers another perspective of Paris, with cruises starting and returning to the Pont Neuf bridge in the heart of historic Paris on the Ile de la Cité. The one-hour journey takes you west along the Seine past the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, and the Assemblée Nationale, continuing towards the iconic Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro.
After a change of direction, the boat cruises east, passing by the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral all the way to the Bastille and the Institut du Monde Arabe. What is special with this cruise is its central starting point: passengers can enjoy the most beautiful riverfront attractions of Paris from the water.
Here is some of the most classical Seine Cruise you can find:
Though routes can vary slightly, most sightseeing cruises (Like this Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens or this Cruise by Bateaux Mouches) begin or end their roundtrip loop at the Port de la Bourdonnais, nestled at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Gliding away, passengers are treated to glittering views of the “Iron Lady” herself while the boat slips eastwards. The ornate Musée d’Orsay soon comes into sight on the Left Bank, its grand architecture now home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Further along the river, boats float by the renowned Louvre Museum, passengers catching glimpses of I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid and the museum’s sprawling classical buildings.
Just beyond, the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral appears, its Gothic towers and architecture reflecting beautifully in the Seine’s waters. Across from this iconic cathedral is the Palais de Justice complex, including the towering medieval Conciergerie that held prisoners during the French Revolution.
Heading back westwards, sightseeing boats pass under the elaborate Pont Alexandre III bridge, laden with sculptures and gilt lamps. Next comes sweeping views of the Grand Palais and its giant glass-domed hall. Finally, the cruise loops back towards the Eiffel Tower, its graceful iron latticework glinting in welcome. Passengers disembark back where their journey began – under the shadow of Paris’ most iconic monument.
| Eastbound Stops | Westbound Stops |
|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower | Grand Palais |
| Musée d’Orsay | Pont Alexandre III Bridge |
| Louvre Museum & Tuileries Garden | Hôtel des Invalides & Napoleon’s Tomb |
| Notre Dame Cathedral | Champ de Mars Park |
| Sainte Chapelle | Conciergerie |
Key Seine Cruise Route Stops & Coordinates
Here are some of the main stops along a Seine River cruise route and their approximate geographic coordinates:
| Stop | Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower | 48°51’29.4″N 2°17’40.2″E |
| Musée d’Orsay | 48°51’50.7″N 2°19’45.3″E |
| Notre Dame Cathedral | 48°51’10.9″N 2°20’59.2″E |
| Louvre Museum | 48°51’36.4″N 2°20’15.0″E |
| Grand Palais | 48°51’53.0″N 2°19’48.1″E |
| Hôtel des Invalides | 48°51’17.1″N 2°18’36.7″E |
Choosing the Right Seine River Cruise
With dozens of boat tour companies plying the waters of the Seine through the heart of Paris, choosing the right river cruise to suit your interests and schedule can be overwhelming. Whether you want a quick one-hour highlight tour or an immersive half or full day cruise experience, there are many factors to consider.
The time of day you plan to cruise governs choices significantly. Daytime trips allow you to see top attractions in optimal light, though crowds will be thicker. Evening illuminations of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame are spectacular but sites close earlier. Special dining cruises feature high-end multi-course meals with limited sightseeing. Budget extra time for lengthy guided tours at key stops like the Louvre or Orsay.
When evaluating operators, look for cruiselines that give audio guides in your native language, have indoor cabin seating for poor weather, and offer snacks or light meals. Review docking locations too, as some smaller boats can go places big ships can’t. Sure bets are major operators like Bateaux Parisiens, Vedettes du Pont Neuf, or Bateaux-Mouches. Read recent reviews about companies carefully regarding things like guide quality, ease of boarding, and ride comfort.
Ticket prices for Seine cruises depend on many aspects like meals, guides, duration and upgrades. An inexpensive one-hour cruise may run $15 while lavish dinner packages with tours can cost over $100 per guest. Know what you want to spend before focusing your search. Additionally, look for special family, student or senior fares. Booking ahead online saves money too compared to last minute purchases dockside.
Choosing your perfect Seine River cruise involves balancing timing, budget, amenities and more. Focus on your unique priorities whether that’s just seeing the highlights quickly or making a whole luxurious day around a special boat tour.
Making the Most of Your Seine River Cruise Experience
A Seine River cruise promises views of Paris’s majestic monuments and charming vistas accessible in no other way. With careful trip planning, you can make the most of your special on-the-water experience while in the City of Light.
If visiting Paris for a very limited time, a one to two hour highlights cruise is likely the best bet to see top sites efficiently. Capture postcard perfect shots of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, elaborate bridges and more from unique river vantage points. Then focus the rest of your visit on exploring places like the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe or Versailles.
For more extended Paris stays, pair a half or full day Seine cruise with in-depth tours of attractions docked along the route. Disembark at places like the Musée D’Orsay to wander its impressionist masterpieces for a few hours before re-boarding. Build in time to stroll the Tuileries Garden or Napoleon’s Tomb after your boat anchors near these landmarks too. Checking opening hours is key for good planning.
Look for creative Seine souvenirs beyond the standard photos too! Reproductions of paintings seen in riverside museums, delicate Parisian marzipan confections in Eiffel Tower shapes, or even a coffee table book spotlighting the river itself make more unique keepsakes. Ask your guide for recommendations of the best shops near docks as well.
Aim for April to June or September to November for the most comfortable Paris weather and fewer crowds. But despite chillier winter air or summer heat, the views along the Seine remain glorious year-round. Dress appropriately, and the magic of gliding by Notre Dame blanketed in snow or seeing sun set behind the ornate bridges will stay with you forever, no matter the season.
More useful information about Seine River Cruise in Paris
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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!