Paris Tickets

Bateaux Mouches: Experience the best Seine River cruises in Paris

If you're visiting Paris and looking for a unique way to see the city, Bateaux-Mouches is one of the most iconic river cruise experiences available. Known for its large open-deck boats and panoramic views, Bateaux-Mouches offers visitors the chance to drift along the River Seine while taking in the most breathtaking sights of the French capital — all from the water.

A bit of history

The term "Bateau-Mouche" literally translates to “fly boat,” named after the area of Lyon where these types of boats were originally manufactured. But today, Bateaux-Mouches refers specifically to the Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches, founded in 1949 by Jean Bruel. He had a vision: to show off Paris from its most scenic route — the Seine. His company was the first to launch guided river cruises for tourists, and over 70 years later, Bateaux-Mouches remains a symbol of Parisian charm and discovery.

Why choose the Bateaux Mouches Seine cruise?

A cruise with legacy
Seine River cruise with tourists viewing the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Inside the Bateaux Mouches Seine River Cruise
Seine River cruise boat with Eiffel Tower in background, Paris.
Family enjoying Vedettes de Paris guided cruise on the Seine River, Paris landmarks in view.
1/6

A cruise with legacy

Bateaux Mouches isn’t just another tour operator—it’s a Paris legend. They’ve been cruising the Seine since 1949, so they know this river like the back of their hand, with expertise and a quality service. Plus, with so many boats in their fleet, you’ll never have to worry about missing out—there’s always another departure just around the corner.

The boats that wow

The boats are part of what makes Bateaux Mouches so special. The open-air decks give you jaw-dropping 360-degree views of Paris—you can literally see it all. Rain or shine, their glass-roofed cabins mean you can soak in the sights while staying cozy and dry. The boats are big enough to feel spacious, but they still manage to keep the vibe intimate and relaxed.

A tailored Parisian adventure

Whether you’re in the mood for a casual sightseeing cruise, a romantic dinner under the stars, or a leisurely lunch with Paris as your backdrop, Bateaux Mouches has a cruise for you. Their dinner cruises, in particular, are legendary—featuring gourmet French cuisine, fine wines, and live music that create a magical ambiance you’ll never forget.

Read more

Affordable & flexible

Bateaux-Mouches offers very competitive pricing, especially for their 1-hour sightseeing cruise. You don’t need to book weeks in advance — just show up, grab a seat, and go. Great option for last-minute plans or travelers on a budget.

Live commentary in English & French

Unlike most audio-guided cruises, Bateaux-Mouches offers live narration from onboard guides, sharing historical facts, anecdotes, and insider tips about the city. It’s a livelier, more engaging experience than a pre-recorded loop.

Why it’s better than the rest

Sure, there are other cruises on the Seine, but Bateaux Mouches is in a league of its own. They’ve mastered the balance of offering something for everyone without losing that personal touch. Some operators stick to niche routes or smaller boats, but with Bateaux Mouches, you’re getting the full Paris experience—bigger landmarks, better views, and more options to fit your schedule.

Pick your style: Types of Bateaux Mouches Seine cruises

Batateux Mouches, with an open air deck, on its way to take people onboard.

Sightseeing cruises

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

What to expect:

  • Whether you choose to sit on the open-air deck or inside the glass-enclosed cabin, you'll have clear, unobstructed views of Paris’ most famous attractions.
  • On the sightseeing cruise, you’ll get an audio guide in multiple languages, sharing fascinating stories and facts about the landmarks you pass.
  • These run daily, departing every 30 minutes in the low season (October to March) and every 45 minutes in the high season (April to September).

Best for:

Ideal for first-time visitors, those short on time, or anyone wanting a relaxed sightseeing experience without a meal.

Sites covered:

Some of the sites covered are the Eiffel Tower, ​Notre Dame Cathedral, the ​Louvre, and ​Musée d’Orsay.

Recommended tickets:

1-Hour Seine River Cruise with Live Commentary
Live music and window seat on Bataeux Mouches Seine River Cruise

Dinner cruises

Duration: 2 hour 15 minutes

What to expect:

  • The dinner cruise provides a more refined and intimate atmosphere as you glide past the city’s illuminated landmarks. Enjoy a full-course gourmet meal with appetizers, main dishes, and desserts, often paired with fine wines.
  • Dinner cruises doesn’t usually include an audio guide, but some options feature live music or entertainment, creating an even more special and romantic ambiance for your evening.
  • This is an evening-only experience with select departure times, creating a relaxed and sophisticated setting to end your day.

Best for:

Perfect for special occasions, couples, or anyone seeking a romantic and luxurious evening.

Menu:

Choose between the ​Prestige menu and the ​Excellence menu

Recommended tickets:

Bateaux Mouches Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music & French Menu

Know before you go on a Bateaux Mouches cruise

Seine River cruise with Bateaux Mouches, Paris landmarks in view.
  • Sightseeing cruises
    April to September (High season)
    10am to 10:30pm - Departures are scheduled every 30 minutes.
    October to March (Low season)
    10:15am to 9:30pm - Departures are scheduled every 45 minutes
  • Lunch cruises
    Boarding time - 12pm to 12:15pm
    Departure - 12:30pm
    Return to dock - 2:15pm
  • Dinner cruises
    Boarding time - 8pm to 8:30pm
    Departure - 8:30pm
    Return to dock - 10:45pm

Pont de l'Alma, 75008 Paris, France

Find on maps

  • Metro: Take line B or C and get off at Cité or Maubert - Mutualité.
  • RER: Use line B or C and get off at St Michel Notre Dame.
  • Bus: Lines 27, 38, 47, 63, 75, N15, N22, or 96. Nearest stops are Lagrange, Saint-Michel, Dante, Pont de L'Archevêché, and Saint-Michel - Saint-Germain.
  • Area highlights: Petit Palais, Grand Palais, Orangerie Museum, Place de la Concorde, Pont Alexandre III, Champs-Élysées, and the Tuileries Garden.
Get detailed directions

All cruises (both sightseeing and dining) follow the same central route along the Seine — a round trip that starts and ends at Port de la Conférence, near Pont de l'Alma.

You’ll pass by some of the most iconic landmarks in the city, including:

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Les Invalides
  • Musée d’Orsay
  • Louvre Museum
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis
  • Conciergerie & Sainte-Chapelle
  • Pont Alexandre III, Pont Neuf, and several other historic bridges
Seine River cruise with wheelchair accessibility in London.
  • Wheelchair accessibility 
  • Audio guides
  • Live commentary
  • Washrooms
Seine River dinner cruise with live music on Bateaux Mouches, Paris.
  • For dinner cruises, a formal dress code applies. Smart attire is a must, and items like sportswear, flip-flops, Bermuda shorts, and baseball caps are not allowed to maintain the elegant atmosphere.
  • Guests are expected to behave respectfully at all times to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone on board.
  • The management reserves the right to deny boarding or ask guests to leave if they do not follow the dress code or exhibit inappropriate behavior.
  • Safety is a priority, so always follow the crew’s instructions—they’re there to keep you safe and make your cruise enjoyable.
  • Dangerous materials, such as flammable or harmful substances, are strictly prohibited on board.
  • While animals are not allowed on the cruise, guide dogs are warmly welcomed to accommodate those who need them.

Your view from the Bateaux Mouches boat

Eiffel Tower as viewed from Bataeux Mouches

Eiffel Tower

The iconic symbol of Paris, standing tall and majestic, offering breathtaking views from the Seine.

Louvre Musuem during noon as seen from Batauex Mouches, with another boat passing by.
Bataeux Mouches ship on Seine river in Paris with a view of Notre Dame in background
La Conciergerie in Paris with stained glass windows and Gothic architecture.
Vedettes de Paris passing front in front of Les Invalides as seen from Bataeux Mouches

Frequently asked questions about the Bateaux Mouches cruise

Do I need to book in advance for a sightseeing cruise?

Online booking can save time during peak seasons or holidays. That being said, booking isn’t required for the 1-hour sightseeing cruise. You can just walk up to the ticket booth near Pont de l’Alma and buy a ticket on the spot.

What makes the Bateaux Mouches cruise special compared to other Seine River cruises?

Bateaux Mouches is the original Seine River cruise, offering panoramic glass boats, open-air decks, and live commentary in multiple languages. The fleet is one of the largest, ensuring frequent departures and spacious seating.

Is there a big difference between front, middle, and back seating?

Yes — if you're aiming for photo-perfect views, try to sit toward the front upper deck for minimal obstructions and the best angles. The back is quieter and often has fewer people, ideal for a relaxed experience.

What languages is the commentary in?

Live commentary is in English and French. If you speak other languages, you may want to download an audio guide app (unofficial ones are available) or follow along with a printed map showing key landmarks.

Can I do a cruise at night without dinner?

Yes! Evening sightseeing cruises run until around 10:30pm (peak season), so you can still enjoy the Eiffel Tower lights and Paris illuminated without committing to dinner.

Are meals included in all the cruises?

No, only the dinner cruises include meals. Sightseeing cruises do not offer food but may have light snacks and drinks available for purchase.

How early should I arrive for the cruise?

Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Can I take a cruise in bad weather?

Yes, the boats are equipped with indoor seating and panoramic windows, ensuring a great experience regardless of the weather.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes, dining cruises have vegetarian menus as well.

Why don’t sightseeing cruises pass the Statue of Liberty replica?

The 1-hour-10-minute route focuses on central landmarks; extended routes require dining cruises.

Paris Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
AFFIRM