The Seine River runs through the middle of Paris and has breathed life into The City of Lights since the beginning of its history. The banks of the river house many of the city’s main attractions, and cruising down its waters is a great way to take in a different perspective while relaxing and enjoying a delicious French meal aboard an elegant ship.
Why Choose La Marina?
If you’re going to cruise down the Seine, you should do it with La Marina. One of the best companies in the city, La Marina offers a variety of different river cruises in Paris daily throughout the year, and no matter which cruise you choose you’ll be able to indulge in an exceptional French lunch or dinner. Another amazing highlight is your boat will be completely enclosed with full glass windows, making for a terrific viewing experience day or night. Even though there’s a premium for these seats, it’s best to be sure to book a table by a bay window for the very best views of the city.
What are the Different Cruise Options?
The most affordable of the La Marina cruise options is the lunchtime cruise. Prices start at €42 per adult and €29 per child. The cruise sets off at 12:30 PM year round, and cruises along the Seine for an hour and a half. The next step up in pricing is the ‘Discovery’ dinner cruise which starts at €61 per adult and €35 per child. This cruise departs at 6:45 PM and runs for one hour and fifteen minutes. The Discovery cruise presents a different picture of the city depending on the time of year, so check sunset times during your visit to see if this cruise is a good fit for what you’d like to see. Finally, the ‘Flavours’ dinner cruise starts at €72 per adult and €35 per child and departs at 9:15 PM. This two-hour cruise is timed so you’ll pass by the Eiffel Tower during its 11:00 PM light show. All cruises set off from the same point in front of the renowned Musee D’Orsay.
While the above mentioned cruises run year round, they also host an array of special event cruises. They range from Valentine’s Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day cruises to Father’s Day and Bastille Day (French Independence Day) cruises. The cost of these special cruises run slightly higher and the timing is slightly different than the normal cruises, but all the details are listed on La Marina’s website.
La Marina offers private cruises for corporate or private events as well as discounts on bookings of 15 people or more. It is best to contact them directly for quotes in these circumstances.
Things You’ll See on Your Cruise
Regardless of the time of your cruise, you will complete a loop on the Seine over the course of your meal. You will pass by famous Parisian landmarks like Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. You’ll cruise under bridges of the Seine, including the stunning Alexandre III that boasts opulent designs and busts. Depending on which cruise you choose and the time of year you take it, you may see the buildings and city lit up, twinkling against the nighttime Parisian sky, or even a spectacular sunset. ParisByBoat is an app available for download which will guide you through the sites you are seeing throughout your tour.
Your meal will be served as you watch the scenery. Each cruise offers a set menu of four courses. A starter, a main, a cheese plate, and a dessert. The main course is a choice of fish, chicken, or beef. La Marina does offer a specific vegetarian menu, but options on it are limited. It does not have a vegan choice. Extras of birthday cake or wine can be added on to your cruise price and enjoyed with your meal. There is also a champagne option, but this is available only on the two dinner cruises.
More Information About the Cruise
Do not be late. Be sure you know exactly where your cruise departs from. If you’re not sure, La Marina’s website provides a map with the exact location as well as subway directions. All boarding times begin 30 minutes prior to departure which provides ample time for you to make your way to the boat. Of course, if you do not arrive by the time the ship departs you will lose your booking.
Whether you’re a first timer or a repeat visitor to Paris, a trip down the Seine is always special. And there is perhaps no better way to enjoy world-famous sights like the Eiffel Tower than by sailing past them while enjoying an elegant French meal with a glass of wine in hand.
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