Cruise Ports of Embarkation in Paris

Cruise departure ports along the Seine and in Paris are fairly well distributed among companies (see the map below). All cruise companies offer unforgettable cruises.

Note: At the end of the text, you’ll find your Bonus: 5 valuable tips to help you organize and enjoy your stay in Paris

Paris can also be discovered from the water.

Gliding along the Seine offers a unique perspective on the City of Light. The monuments pass before your eyes, bathed in golden light. A river cruise turns a simple visit into an unforgettable experience.

Cruises tailored to all your desires

Whether you’re seeking romance, gastronomy, or cultural discoveries, Seine cruises adapt to all desires. Candlelit dinners, jazz concerts, or simply guided strolls: the options are endless. Even families will find their happiness, with routes designed for children.

Cruise departure ports

To make the most of this getaway, it’s best to choose your departure point carefully. Ports, companies, offers… every detail matters: see the offers from the main companies.

Main river cruise companies and advance reservations not to be missed

  1. Paris Seine Cruises, gastronomy and iconic landmarks - Book now

  2. Capitaine Fracasse Seine cruise, a gastronomic experience - Book now

  3. Paris Canal Cruises, discovering the French capital from a new angle - Book now

  4. Seine River Cruises with Bateaux-Mouches - Book Now

  5. Paris Vedettes Cruises - Book Now

  6. Bateaux Parisiens Cruises - Book Now

  7. Pont Neuf Vedettes: Romantic Seine Cruises, Historic Paris from the River - Book Now

  8. Marcel le Canard Amphibious Bus: A Mixed Land and Seine Cruise - Book Now

  9. Batobus Shuttles: A Seine Hop-on Hop-off Service - Book Now

  10. Croisières Vedettes du Pont-Neuf - Réservation

Practical tips for booking and optimizing your river experience

Book early to avoid disappointment. Seine cruises are popular. Spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Check the best times to visit Paris to choose your date.

Check schedules and boarding points. Some ports are more accessible than others. Prioritize those near your accommodation.

Choose an evening cruise. Paris lights are magical after sunset. Dinner cruises offer a unique atmosphere. Dress appropriately if meals are included.

Get your camera ready. The monuments along the Seine are spectacular. Choose a high-definition format for unforgettable memories. Discover our tips for perfect photos. Also check out the HD photos from our partner photographers for inspiration on capturing quality souvenirs.

Arrive 30 minutes before boarding. This avoids stress and lets you pick the best seats. Front seats or deck spots offer breathtaking views. Make the most of every moment.

Combine your cruise with other activities. Paris has plenty of options for a multi-activity stay. Visit a museum in the morning and board in the afternoon for a perfect day.

Bonus: 5 valuable tips to help you plan and enjoy your stay in Paris

Have you noticed that our website offers tools to help you easily organize your trip to Paris so that your stay is a stress-free success?

1. Phrasebook Translator for those who don’t speak French fluently

Struggling to find the right word or phrase in French? Click here on PHRASEBOOK – or in the top right corner of your screen. It’s a glossary of 100 useful words and/or phrases for a tourist visiting Paris. You’ll feel at ease in restaurants, hotels, while shopping, using the metro, greeting people, asking for directions, and more. Eight languages are available. And here’s the best part: you can also listen to each word and phrase in French.

2. VPBY’s Trip Planner

There’s so much to see and do in Paris—it’s a must-visit city. To make the most of your stay, we recommend careful planning. That’s why we’ve created our Trip Planner, available to you for free.

In just 5 minutes and 5 clicks, you’ll get your half-day-by-half-day sightseeing itinerary. Plus, all reservations—if you want, with no obligation—for the sites you’d like to visit. You can also book your transport (plane, train or car) and your accommodation, and even get suggestions for high-quality souvenir gifts for yourself, your friends or your family.

How does it work?
Click on “Paris Trip Organizer,” completely free, to save yourself the hassle of trying to see as much as possible in the shortest time. Then you’ll need to choose:

1/ Select your “general preferences” by clicking on the list (Museums, Churches, Monuments, Parks, etc.);
2/ The Stay Generator by VPBY will then suggest all relevant listings;
3/ You select by clicking on the names of the museums, monuments, parks or activities you’d like;
4/ The organizer will return your daily itinerary for each day of your stay;
5/ with geographic optimization of your daily visits—if you wish—to avoid tiring, time-consuming travel.

It only takes 5 clicks and just 3 minutes. And it's completely free. To use it, click on "Paris Trip Organizer"

Note: want to know what users of the VPBY Trip Generator think about their experience? Click on "They created their trip with VPBY"

3. List of Reservations to Make

You have free access to our database to "tame" Paris (click on Paris Guide) and discover Paris (click on Places to See). To avoid wasting time in lines, we recommend making your reservations directly online a few days in advance. All official reservations are available and useful on our website:

  • Bookings to enter museums, monuments, shows, Seine river cruises

  • Bookings for your arrival in France: flights, trains, cars

  • Bookings for your accommodation: hotels, apartments, guesthouses – in Paris or nearby

You’ll find links to all these bookings directly in the articles about the attractions you’re interested in or in the self-guided routes of our walks. By clicking on "Bookings" in the header bar, you’ll get all the bookings you’ll need during your stay. For example:

4. Collectible Paris Keepsake Photos

These are collectible HD photos available in digital format or as long-lasting prints (75 to 100 years). Their size ranges from postcard to large format (1m or more on one side). A lifelong keepsake to decorate your home. High-quality souvenirs (unlike plastic Eiffel Towers or snow globes). At very affordable prices. Click on:

5. Take home a personalized photo report of your stay in Paris

Professional photographers will capture your chosen locations in Paris or suggest scenic spots. Whether it's a family shoot, wedding, or other special event, sessions range from 1 hour to a full day. The best quality-to-price ratio. Click on: