River cruises in Paris Region

On a river cruise, you swap the car horns and background din of the city for the sound of lapping water… And you only have to look up to admire the sights that pass before your eyes at port and starboard. The Louvre Museum, displays its 460-metre Grand Gallery, competing with the Orsay Museum housed in its majestic station building on the other side of the river. At opposite ends of Paris, two iconic monuments tower above the river: the industrial-looking Eiffel Tower and the medieval ** Notre-Dame Cathedral. To fully appreciate the view, go to the upper deck. From there you’ll notice other Parisian gems tucked behind the quayside façades. Something more romantic? Opt for a night cruise to see the monuments all lit up and looking their best.

Not all cruises are limited to Paris itself. Go off the beaten track to see the heritage features of the wider region, on a cruise along the river Oise or the river Marne. Head for Meaux where Marin d’Eau Douce rents out electric boats to skippers in the making. (No permit required.) Want to go north west of Paris? Follow the river Oise! Brunch, “Music’n chill”, introduction to art… The Oise river cruises unveil all the secrets of this heavenly bit of countryside, on the river itself and along its banks.

Could Paris be the new Amsterdam? The Dutch capital isn’t the only one that does cruises. While a cruise on the immense river Seine promises stunning panoramic views, a trip along the canal reveals a warmer and more intimate side of Paris. Pass under the many bridges of the Saint-Martin canal, through a peaceful haven of bobo bistros and creator boutiques. North of Paris, the Ourcq and Saint-Denis canals invite you to try a more eclectic viewpoint. From Mareuil-sur-Ourcq in the Oise department, there’s a host of activities to enjoy along the Ourcq on your way to the Villette basin. Which will be your port of call? Fishing, swimming, cinema or canalside café, the choice is yours in this popular part of Paris. Convinced? Simply book your seat with Canauxrama or Paris Canal to take a tour of the picturesque canals of Paris… and the surrounding.

Against the backdrop of the Paris Region’s most beautiful monuments and districts, a river cruise is a great opportunity to enjoy something else that France does best, gastronomy. There’s nothing more romantic than a candlelit dinner cruise under the Paris lights, and you don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day.

Want to be starry-eyed and Michelin-starred? The Michelin-starred restaurant Don Juan II is a great choice for high-end lunch and dinner cruises. You’ll savour your meal as well as the views, gliding along the river Seine for a whole sensory experience.

If a dinner cruise is on your bucket list, do it on New Year’s Eve! Lit up to the nines, the Eiffel Tower looks more beautiful than ever, and the monuments compete for attention, festooned with illuminations. Many companies offer all-in packages that include the river cruise, a festive dinner and a glass of champagne. To see the New Year in under the stars, go up on deck for the countdown to midnight and savour this poetically grandiose moment.

Sightseeing cruises come in various forms. As do the waterways. Canal or river? Sightseeing cruise, dinner cruise or self-skippered boat trip?

Fans of traditional sightseeing tours will opt for the Bateaux-mouches vessels, the river-cruise stars of the Paris Region. These boats are an institution. Created in 1949, they have carried more than 150 million sightseers. In fact, Bateaux-Mouches was the first company to provide sightseeing tours with commentary. They also do lunch and dinner cruises, a perfect way to enjoy the scenery.

10 years after the creation of the Bateaux-Mouches tourist river boats, the Vedettes du Pont Neuf took to the Seine. For a romantic cruise or a family sightseeing trip, the Vedette boats promise a relaxing experience. They are very similar to the Bateaux-Mouches vessels, but don’t do onboard meals, just ‘snack’ and ‘champagne’ cruises.

Sick of the metro? Travel across the Seine by Batobus. The Batobus boats, a combination of public transport and sightseeing service, can drop you off at the capital’s iconic sights. A trip on the river makes a pleasant way to unwind after work!

A boat trip, yes. On a crowded vessel and not in command? No thanks. Marin d’Eau Douce offer an alternative service, as they let you skipper your own boat! From the basin of La Villette to the Ourcq canal, take to the 40 km of waterways and go wherever you decide. And if you fancy exploring along the river Marne, you’ll find [Marin d’Eau Douce in Meaux as well.