3 Must-Do Cruises in Paris: See the City from the Water
Paris is magical on foot—but it’s magnifique from the water. A cruise lets you glide past history, architecture, and daily Parisian life with zero blisters and maximum charm. If you’re deciding how to experience Paris by boat, these three Paris cruises each offer a very different (and very memorable) perspective.
1. Bateaux Mouches – The Classic Seine Experience
If you’ve ever pictured yourself cruising past the Eiffel Tower at sunset, this is the cruise you’re imagining.
Bateaux Mouches operates large, open-deck boats that deliver sweeping views of Paris’s most famous landmarks:
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Eiffel Tower
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Notre Dame Cathedral
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Musée d’Orsay
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The Louvre
This cruise is ideal for first-time visitors who want a relaxed, comprehensive overview of Paris in about an hour. Commentary is available in multiple languages, making it easy to follow along even if your French is limited to bonjour and croissant.
Why choose it:
✔ Iconic views
✔ Frequent departures
✔ Perfect intro to Paris
2. Vedettes du Pont-Neuf – Smaller, More Intimate Seine Cruise
For travelers who like things a little more personal, Bateaux Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf is a fantastic alternative.
Departing from Paris’s oldest bridge, this cruise uses smaller boats, which means fewer crowds and a more conversational atmosphere. The guides are known for lively, engaging commentary—often with a bit of humor and insider insight you won’t get on larger vessels.
You still see the major highlights of the Seine, but the experience feels more like a guided stroll… just one that floats.
Why choose it:
✔ Smaller boats, fewer crowds
✔ Entertaining live narration
✔ Great for repeat visitors
3. Canauxrama – Canal Saint-Martin: Paris Like a Local
This is the cruise most tourists don’t know about—and that’s exactly what makes it special.
The Canal Saint-Martin cruise with Canauxrama takes you through a quieter, more residential side of Paris. Instead of grand monuments, you’ll see:
Watching the boat rise and fall through canal locks is oddly fascinating, and the slower pace makes this cruise feel intimate and authentic.
Why choose it:
✔ Off-the-beaten-path Paris
✔ Unique engineering & scenery
✔ Perfect for travelers who want something different
Which Paris Cruise Is Right for You?
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First time in Paris? → Bateaux Mouches
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Want smaller boats and great narration? → Vedettes du Pont-Neuf
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Love hidden gems and local flavor? → Canal Saint-Martin with Canauxrama
Many savvy travelers actually do two cruises—a Seine cruise for the landmarks and the Canal Saint-Martin cruise for a deeper look at Parisian life.