The 8 Best Night Cruises on the Seine in Paris

Contemplating the illumination of the "City of Light" from a night cruise on the Seine is a unique experience not to be missed. Here are the best options
The 8 Best Night Cruises on the Seine in Paris

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One of the things you can't miss on your trip to Paris is a night cruise, a unique way to see the City of Light. From a bateau that will take you along the Seine River, you'll have a spectacular view of some of the city's most iconic monuments.

Here are some of the main options. Paris at night is a unique city.

1. The best way to end the day: a cruise on the Seine with a gourmet dinner.

Diamant Bleu night cruise| ©ukubaby
Diamant Bleu night cruise| ©ukubaby

What better way to end a long day of sightseeing than with a cruise on the Seine and a gourmet dinner while listening to live music? A magical and romantic evening you'll never forget.

Along the way, you'll see the beautiful lighting of iconic monuments such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Orsay Museum, the Île de la Cité, the Alexandre III Bridge, the Bourbon Palace, the Conciergerie, the National Library of France, and other landmarks of this city declared a World Heritage Site.

In addition, you will be treated to a glass of champagne, and the three-, four-, or five-course tasting menu will be accompanied by French wine and mineral water.

Details of interest

  • **Price...**Around €20. This amount will increase depending on the number of courses and the duration of the cruise.
  • **Duration:**2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • **What's included...**Seine River cruise and gourmet dinner with three courses, wine pairing, and a glass of champagne.
  • Languages... Available in English, French, and Spanish.

Book a Seine River cruise with gourmet dinner

2. The most popular option, night tour of the Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise

The Seine River and Paris| ©jlfaurie
The Seine River and Paris| ©jlfaurie

One of the most popular options for travelers is a night cruise on the Seine and tickets to the Eiffel Tower, combining the two most sought-after experiences in Paris. Without a doubt, these are two of the best ways to glimpse all the beauty of the city from sunset, when spectacular lighting gradually comes to life.

The Louvre Museum, the Orsay Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower are some of the most iconic monuments you will see on this cruise, where a guide will accompany you and provide all kinds of information throughout the tour. In addition, on the cruise you will have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of champagne. The tour will end at the Eiffel Tower, which you can access comfortably and without queuing.

If you would like more information about this combined tour, read the post Eiffel Tower plus Seine River Cruise.

Details of interest

  • Price**...**From $26.
  • **Duration...**2:30 hours. The cruise lasts approximately one hour and the visit to the Eiffel Tower another hour, so the entire experience lasts up to two and a half hours.
  • **What's included...**Seine River cruise, visit to the Eiffel Tower, glass of champagne.

Book a Seine cruise and tickets to the Eiffel Tower

3. The sweetest option: Seine cruise and crepe tasting

Night cruise on the Seine| ©Bateaux
Night cruise on the Seine| ©Bateaux

And for those with a sweet tooth, there's an unbeatable plan: a cruise on the Seine plus a delicious crepe tasting with chocolate, lemon, sugar, whipped cream, or jam. It's a great way to delve into the history of this beautiful city and see some of its most iconic monuments, such as the Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, while enjoying one of the most popular treats in French cuisine.

An audio guide is available with this option. The maximum capacity is 15 passengers, and it is also one of the most economical options, with prices starting at $22. And if you're left with a craving to delve deeper into the forbidden world of crepes, check out our post on the best creperies in Paris. You'll love it!

Details of interest

  • Price**...**From €22.
  • Duration**...**75 minutes (60-minute cruise on the Seine).
  • **What's included...**Seine River cruise and crepe tasting.

Book a cruise through Paris with crepes

4. The most romantic option, dinner cruise on Valentine's Day

Cruise Day| ©jlfaurie
Cruise Day| ©jlfaurie

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than in the city known as the "City of Love"? February 14 is the date chosen for this highly sought-after offer, which includes a cruise on the Seine with a delicious five-course dinner prepared by the chefs of the bateaux parisiens while you listen to live music.

Along the way, you'll see the city's most iconic monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Pont Alexandre III, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, and more.

Details of interest

  • Price**...**From $170.
  • Duration: 3.5 hours.
  • **What's included...**Seine River cruise and five-course dinner on Valentine's Day.

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5. A unique option, New Year's Eve sightseeing cruise on the Seine River

Cruise on the River Seine| ©Ana Villar
Cruise on the River Seine| ©Ana Villar

What better way to start New Year's Eve and welcome in the new year than with a sightseeing cruise on the Seine? This experience starts at 10 p.m. and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant cruise on a glass-enclosed boat from which you'll have unique views of Paris. You'll also receive a festive box that includes half a bottle of wine, festive items, and four macarons.

During the tour, you will see various landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Musée d'Orsay, the Institut de France, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, La Conciergerie, the Louvre Museum, the Obelisk, the Grand Palais, and the Eiffel Tower.

Details of interest

  • Price: From €75.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • **What's included...**Seine River cruise and festive box.

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6. The option for wine lovers, a cruise on the Seine with a sommelier

Cruise with La Marina de Paris| ©Bateau
Cruise with La Marina de Paris| ©Bateau

And if you're a champagne lover, you can take a cruise lasting approximately one hour with a tasting of three types of champagne accompanied by a sommelier who will provide detailed information in English about the three wines and tell you about the different French wineries, the types of champagne, and more.

All this while enjoying a beautiful tour where you'll see key monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Grand Palais, and the Musée d'Orsay. This tour has a capacity for approximately 20 travelers.

Details of interest

  • Price**...**From €65.
  • Duration: 1 hour.
  • **What's included...**Seine River cruise with a sommelier and three champagne tastings.

Book a cruise through Paris

7. A dream experience, cruise on the Seine River and show at the Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge| ©Vadin Sadovski
Moulin Rouge| ©Vadin Sadovski

And the star attraction is a combined ticket to enjoy a cruise on the Seine and a show at the Moulin Rouge. Yes, you read that right.

The plan starts with a cruise along the Seine, lasting approximately one hour, during which you will be provided with an audio guide and will be able to see iconic monuments such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the National Assembly, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Orsay Museum.

Once the cruise is over, the other highlight of the tour comes: you will have the chance to attend a two-hour cabaret show while enjoying a glass of champagne. Entitled 'Féerie', the show brings a hundred artists to the stage, 60 of whom are the Doriss Girls. Don't hesitate to read the post about the Moulin Rouge show in Paris and find out all the details.

Useful information

  • Price: From $170.
  • Duration: 5 hours.
  • **What's included...**Seine River cruise and cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge.

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8. The economical option, Seine River cruise with wine tasting

Cruise on the Seine passing through the Île de France| ©Joe deSousa
Cruise on the Seine passing through the Île de France| ©Joe deSousa

An economical option is a 70-minute cruise on the Seine with sparkling wine tasting and a multilingual guide who will point out the city's most important sights.

Although shorter, this cruise will take you past the main attractions along the banks of the Seine, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Orsay Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Île de la Cité.

Another advantage of this tour is its availability, as it departs every 30-45 minutes, so you won't have any trouble booking it. The maximum capacity is 14 people.

Details of interest

  • Price**...**From €33.
  • Duration: 70 minutes.
  • **What's included...**Cruise on the Seine and sparkling wine tasting.

Book a cruise through Paris

Sunset, the best time for a cruise on the Seine in Paris

Sunset cruises on the Seine are the perfect option for those who want to enjoy a unique experience in Paris, as they allow you to admire the changing light as the sun sets behind the most iconic monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre. A magical atmosphere that delights everyone who has the opportunity to experience it.

However, when planning your trip, it is advisable to take into account the time of sunset depending on the time of year:

  • In spring and summer, sunsets are later, allowing you to enjoy a longer cruise, a prolonged experience that is ideal for those looking for a relaxed outing.
  • In autumn and winter, as the days are shorter, sunsets occur earlier and cruises are shorter, although equally impressive, with their orange and pink tones.

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How much does a night cruise in Paris cost?

Family cruise| ©Davequ
Family cruise| ©Davequ

A night cruise on the Seine in Paris costs between €17 and €360, depending on whether it includes dinner, a glass of champagne, wine tasting or crepes, whether it is sold as a combined ticket with the Eiffel Tower or a Moulin Rouge show, or whether it takes place on a special date such as Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve. There are various options to suit all tastes and budgets.

In the case of the standard cruise, the price difference between the day and night cruises is minimal, as before sunset you can take a cruise from $18 and upwards for $20.

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What are the must-see attractions on a night cruise in Paris?

Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens| ©Jainbow
Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens| ©Jainbow

When taking your night tour of the Seine River in Paris, keep your eyes peeled because you will have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular lighting of iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Orsay Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Île de la Cité, the Alexandre III Bridge, the Bourbon Palace, the Conciergerie, and the National Library of France, among others.

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Why is a night cruise in Paris recommended?

Alexandre III Bridge, Paris| ©Léonard Cotte
Alexandre III Bridge, Paris| ©Léonard Cotte

Taking a night cruise on the Seine in Paris is one of the most highly recommended experiences during your visit to the City of Light. The beauty of Paris at night is unparalleled: its main monuments and most special sites are illuminated, and you will feel like you are seeing a different city from the one you explored during the day, especially if you have the opportunity to view it from one of the bateaux parisiens. A unique sight!

If after this night cruise on the Seine you feel like taking a daytime cruise, don't hesitate to read the post on cruises on the Seine, where you'll find the best options. I also recommend the posts on what to see and do in Paris and the 10 best excursions so you can discover other alternatives for your trip. And to ensure you enjoy your trip to the fullest and without any mishaps, it's very important to know how to get around Paris.

Differences between a daytime cruise and a nighttime cruise in Paris

The main difference between booking a daytime cruise and a nighttime cruise on the Seine is that it is more impressive to enjoy this experience after sunset, as the view of Paris from the banks of the Seine as night falls and the city lights come on is truly unique. On the other hand, the night cruise option usually includes some additional services such as a glass of champagne.

However, the price is lower for the daytime cruise, although the difference is minimal, as it can be booked from $18, while the cheapest option for the night cruise starts at $20. There is no difference between the daytime and nighttime cruises in terms of the route.

Book a cruise in Paris

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can a cruise on the Seine be combined with another activity?

    Yes, you can live a dream experience: enjoy a cruise on the Seine River and a show at the Moulin Rouge.

  • What are the most popular days of the year for a cruise on the Seine?

    Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve are two of the busiest days of the year.

  • What are the main differences between a daytime cruise and a nighttime cruise in Paris?

    The main difference between a daytime cruise and a nighttime cruise on the Seine is that it is more impressive to enjoy this experience after sunset, as the view of Paris from the banks of the Seine as night falls and the city lights come on is truly unique.

  • What monuments will you see on your cruise along the Seine?

    You will have the opportunity to admire the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Orsay Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Île de la Cité, the Alexandre III Bridge, the Bourbon Palace, the Conciergerie, and the National Library of France, among other attractions.

Reviews from other travellers

4.6
· 10209 Reviews
  • C
    C. W.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Lovely cruise seeing the sights. Paid for the upgrade to early entry which was worth having not to rush. Beautiful violin music and delicious food.
  • T
    T.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    A must for any visitor to Paris!
  • D
    D.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The experience was educational and entertaining; I learned a lot about the city.
  • C
    C.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The view of Paris illuminated at night is simply magical.
  • A
    A.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.