Bateaux Parisiens Sightseeing Cruise, Opening Hours, Seating Plan & Visitor Guide

When you think of Paris, you imagine elegant bridges, the Eiffel Tower glowing over the water, and boats gliding along the Seine. The Bateaux Parisiens Sightseeing Cruise captures that magic perfectly.

Departing from the foot of the Eiffel Tower, it offers a calm and beautiful one-hour journey through the heart of Paris, passing its most iconic landmarks from a completely new perspective.

🕐 Opening Hours & Frequency

The Bateaux Parisiens sightseeing boats operate every day of the year, except on January 1st and December 25th.

Opening Hours: approximately 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Cruise Duration: about 1 hour

Departure Frequency: every 30 minutes in high season (April-September) and every 45-60 minutes in low season (October-March)

📍 Departure Point: Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris

(Located right next to the Eiffel Tower, between Pont d’Iéna and the Trocadéro Gardens.)

All cruises start and end at the same dock, so there’s no need to worry about return transport.

🛥️ The Cruise Route

The sightseeing route follows the most scenic stretch of the Seine River, offering postcard views of:

The Eiffel Tower at departure and return

The Musée d’Orsay and Louvre Museum

The Conciergerie and Notre-Dame Cathedral

The historic bridges like Pont Neuf, Pont Alexandre III, and Pont des Arts

Along the way, you’ll glide under Paris’s UNESCO-listed riverbanks, discovering how the city’s story unfolds along its waterway.

💺 Seating Plan, Covered & Open Areas

Bateaux Parisiens boats are designed for comfort and panoramic viewing.

🌤 Open-Air Upper Deck

Offers the best views and photo opportunities.

Completely open, perfect for sunny days or sunset cruises.

Seats are unreserved; early arrival gives you first pick.

🪟 Glass-Covered Main Deck

Fully enclosed with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering clear views in any weather.

Air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter.

Spacious rows of comfortable seats, great for families and those seeking shelter.

You can move freely between decks during the cruise, so many visitors enjoy a mix of both.

🧭 Onboard Facilities

🚻 Toilets ✔️

Clean restrooms available on the lower deck.

🗣️ Audio Commentary ✔️

Offered in multiple languages (via smartphone app or onboard screens).

☕ Snack Bar ✔️

A small refreshment counter serving coffee, soft drinks, and light snacks (available on select boats).

♿ Accessibility ✔️

Most vessels are wheelchair accessible; ramps are provided at the pier.

🧒 Family Friendly ✔️

Children under 4 typically travel free of charge.

🕶️ Panoramic Windows ✔️

Large curved glass panels offering unobstructed views.

Everything on board is designed to make the one-hour journey relaxing and scenic.

🌇 Best Time to Take the Cruise

Morning (10:00-12:00): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, and soft light for photos.

Afternoon (12:00-17:00): Warm daylight brings out the colors of the buildings and bridges.

Evening (18:00-22:00): Magical, the monuments are illuminated and the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour.

For photography lovers, late afternoon and sunset are the most rewarding times to cruise.

🍴 Can You Bring Your Own Food or Drinks on a Bateaux Parisiens Sightseeing Cruise?

Generally, no, outside food or drinks are not allowed on Bateaux Parisiens boats, even for the standard sightseeing cruise.

Here’s why and what you can do instead 👇

🚫 Why Food from Outside Isn’t Allowed

Cleanliness & safety: The boats are designed for quick boarding and short 1-hour trips. Food packaging or drinks could cause spills and clutter.

Consistency: The company provides its own snack bar service, and keeping outside food off the boat helps maintain a clean, comfortable space for all passengers.

Limited space: Seating areas are shared and compact, so eating during the cruise isn’t practical.

✅ What You Can Bring

You can still bring a few small personal items:

Water bottles or non-alcoholic drinks with a secure lid

Baby food or children’s snacks (small quantities are generally accepted)

Light personal items like a sandwich or pastry may be tolerated if discreet and odor-free, but this depends on the crew’s discretion

Alcohol, glass bottles, or takeaway meals are strictly forbidden.

🎟️ Practical Tips

Buy tickets online to avoid waiting at the dock.

Arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure your favorite seat (especially the open deck).

Bring a light jacket or scarf, even in summer, the wind on the river can feel cool.

The boats operate rain or shine, so don’t worry about the weather.

If you’re short on time, the 1-hour sightseeing cruise is one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to see central Paris.

🌟 Why Choose Bateaux Parisiens

Bateaux Parisiens stands out for its frequent departures, modern glass boats, and ideal location beside the Eiffel Tower. The company’s focus on comfort, multilingual commentary, and flexibility makes it perfect for first-time visitors or anyone who wants to see the city’s landmarks without rushing through the streets.

Whether you sit under the glass canopy or on the open deck, the view of Paris from the Seine is unforgettable, timeless, elegant, and always changing with the light.