The Seine River / Boat trip

The Seine River is the iconic river of Paris and is often referred to by locals as the city’s “main street.” It is 777 km long, making it the second-longest river entirely within France after the Loire. Its name comes from the Latin Sequana, a Gallo-Roman river goddess. The Seine flows into the English Channel at Le Havre, and downstream of Paris it winds through a series of wide meanders towards Rouen.

The Seine in Paris

In Paris, the Seine is fully navigable. Tour boats, river buses, and cargo vessels all use it, and many ships are permanently moored along the piers, functioning as floating residences, hotels, and restaurants. The riverbanks feature a continuous network of quays, making it easy to stroll along.

The Seine is spanned by 37 bridges in Paris, some dating back to the 17th century. Notable examples include the Pont Neuf (the oldest standing bridge), Pont Louis-Philippe, Pont des Arts (once famous for love locks, which were removed in 2015), and the ornate Pont Alexandre III, decorated with sculptures. Central Paris also hosts two large islands, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, home to landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and the Palace of Justice. The river offers striking views of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and other iconic Parisian buildings. In 1991, the banks of the Seine in Paris were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After a major clean-up for the 2024 Olympic Games, swimming in the Seine has been allowed again since summer 2025 at several supervised bathing sites in Paris.

Boat Trips on the Seine

A popular way to explore Paris is by taking a boat tour along the Seine. One-hour sightseeing cruises (Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux-Mouches, Vedettes du Pont Neuf, and others) depart near the Eiffel Tower, the Pont de l’Alma, or the Pont Neuf and cost about €15–20 (2026), often with an audio guide. The Batobus river bus works as a hop-on, hop-off service with eight stops, including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, Jardin des Plantes, the Louvre, and the Champs-Élysées; a day pass costs about €21. From the water you get panoramic views of Parisian landmarks, bridges, and the river’s bustling activity — a unique perspective on the city and its historic architecture.