Seine Cruises opening hours
The opening hours for Seine cruises vary depending on the season: in high season, cruises depart from 10:00 to 22:30, while in low season, departures are between 10:15 and 21:30.
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Top attraction in Paris
Navigation along the Seine to observe the monuments and the urban evolution of the city.
What are the opening hours of the Seine Cruises?
The opening hours for cruises on the Seine vary depending on the season and day of the week:
| Season | Period | Days | Frequency | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season | April – October | Monday – Sunday | Every 30–45 minutes | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| High season | April – October | Saturday | Every 30–45 minutes | 10:00 – 22:30 |
| Low season | 5 January – 14 February | Every day | Every 45 minutes | 10:15 – 21:30 |
| Low season | 14 February – 27 March | Every day | Every 45 min (10:15–16:00) / Every 30 min (16:00–21:30) | 10:15 – 21:30 |
As shown in the table, during the high season, which runs from April to October, boats depart from Monday to Sunday between 10:00 and 22:00, with an additional departure at 22:30 on Saturdays. This schedule offers frequent opportunities to sail, as boats leave the dock every 30 to 45 minutes throughout the day.
During the low season, from November to March, the service continues to operate with specific adjustments to the schedule. Between January and mid-February, departures occur every 45 minutes, from 10:15 to 21:30. From mid-February to the end of March, the frequency increases to every 30 minutes after 16:00 to accommodate the transition to the spring season. This schedule ensures that travellers can observe the riverbanks both during the day and at night.
It is important to note that these operating hours may vary due to weather conditions and specific days of the year.
Closing days
River cruise services maintain operations throughout the entire year. However, on specific dates such as July 14, December 24, and December 31, the routes undergo modifications or standard tours face suspension. These changes occur due to the French National Day celebrations and the organization of special Christmas and New Year's Eve dinner events. These adjustments ensure the safety of passengers and the coordination of local festivities during holiday periods.
Furthermore, navigation depends on the water levels of the Seine River. If the flow exceeds the safety limit, the authorities suspend the passage of vessels under the bridges to prevent accidents. This measure preserves the integrity of both the architectural structures and the vessels during periods of high river flow.
Best time to visit the Seine Cruises
April, May, September, and October offer the most favorable conditions for enjoying cruises on the Seine. These periods combine mild weather with a significant reduction in tourist traffic compared to the summer months. In addition, morning departures (between 10:00 and 11:00) offer the clearest views of the monuments along the riverbank.
Here are some recommended times to optimize the experience on the River Seine:
- The best times: Weekdays, specifically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, are the least crowded. On these days, both the morning (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and afternoon (2:00 p.m. until closing) time slots offer ideal conditions. Mondays also provide a positive experience throughout the day. For its part, the “golden hour” represents an opportunity for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a romantic atmosphere, as the sunset light creates a glow over the river and the city's facades. According to a Reddit user who lives in Paris, “sunset is the best for a river cruise,” as it allows passengers to watch the transition from daylight to the nighttime illumination of the monuments.
- Times to be careful: Weekends usually offer acceptable conditions, but only during the early morning hours. The midday hours, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., are usually very busy.
- Times to avoid: High demand makes Friday afternoons and all Saturday and Sunday afternoons less desirable. Sunday noon represents the highest weekly peak, so it should be avoided if you want to avoid crowds.