Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Top 3 Paris Cruises You Shouldn’t Miss

When visiting Paris, few experiences are as magical as seeing the city from the water. Whether gliding along the Seine at night, cruising past the Eiffel Tower, or meandering through quaint canals, these boat tours offer unforgettable perspectives. Here are three recommended cruises by The Traveling Professor for your next trip to Paris.

1. Bateaux Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf

Métro: Pont-Neuf | Bus: 24, 27, 58, 67, 75 | Website: www.vedettesdupontneuf.com

For an affordable and intimate Seine River cruise, Bateaux Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf is my top choice. Boarding takes place directly under Pont-Neuf at the tip of Île de la Cité, next to Square du Vert Galant. The 1-hour cruise costs around €14, and there are often online discounts (note: the pier ticket office only accepts cash). I recommend taking this cruise at night when Paris truly sparkles—it’s perfect for your first evening in the city or a farewell on your last night. Of all the small group tours The Professor runs, this might be the top romantic moment. 

2. Bateaux Mouches

Métro: Pont de l’Alma | Bus: 63, 72 | Website: www.bateauxmouches.com

No trip to Paris is complete without experiencing the iconic Bateaux Mouches. Departing near Pont de l’Alma across from the Eiffel Tower, this Seine cruise costs €12.50 for the ride alone. Dinner cruises are available (€99–€140), but I recommend enjoying dinner elsewhere and saving this trip purely for the views. It’s a classic Paris experience that never fails to impress.

3. Canal Saint-Martin – Canauxrama

Métro: Jaurès | Bus: 26, 48 | Website: www.canauxrama.com

For something different, take a Canal Saint-Martin boat tour. These 1.5-hour cruises travel through charming residential neighborhoods, glide under romantic bridges, and navigate working locks. Departing from the Bassin de la Villette, the tour ends at the Bastille. Sit at the front of the barge for the best view. While there are some evening cruises, the daytime tours are especially scenic.

Final Thoughts

Paris is a city best explored from every angle, and these cruises offer three unique ways to take in its beauty. From the shimmering Seine at night to the atmospheric canals, each trip reveals a different side of the City of Light.

Ready to Plan Your Perfect Paris Adventure?

These Paris cruises are just the beginning! Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, The Traveling Professor’s small group tours to Paris offer expertly planned itineraries, insider tips, and experiences you won’t find in guidebooks.