Best Seine River Evening Cruises in Paris (2025)
Compare, Choose & Book Your Perfect Night
Paris after sunset has its own kind of magic – monuments glow, the river sparkles, and the Eiffel Tower twinkles like a dream.
Over 2 million people take a Seine River evening cruise every year, and for many, the evening cruise becomes the highlight of their trip.
This guide compares the top two Seine River night cruises, so you can skip the guesswork and pick the one that fits your perfect Paris evening.
Top Seine River Evening Cruise Tickets
# Evening Cruise with Music Onboard + Audio Guide App
# Sunset Cruise with Drink, Ice Cream or DessertWith high demand, tickets sell out fast. Save time and get quick access by booking your ticket in advance.
What is a Seine River evening cruise like?
A Seine River evening cruise is one of the most magical ways to see Paris.
As the sun sets and the city lights come on, the monuments of Paris transform, glowing golden against the night sky.
You’ll glide along the river in an open-air or glass-covered boat, passing beautifully lit landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Pont Alexandre III.
Here’s what you can expect onboard:
🛥️ Comfortable boats, open-air decks, or heated glass-enclosed seating
🎶 Soft background music or live commentary (depending on cruise)
🥂 Optional upgrades like Champagne, snacks, or themed extras
📱 Multilingual audio guide apps on some cruises
🌌 A peaceful vibe, less crowded, more romantic than daytime tours
Pro tip: Time your cruise around sunset to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle. It happens every hour after dark!
Want more sparkle after sunset? Check out the Seine River Night Cruise
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Top 2 Seine River evening cruise tickets compared
| Cruise Name | Duration | Best For |
| Evening Cruise with Music + App | 1 hour | Peaceful, flexible cruise with relaxing music and an eco-boat experience |
| Sunset Cruise with Drink, Ice Cream or Dessert | 1 hour | Scenic views with flexible boarding and a Parisian snack experience |
Not sure which tour operator is best? Compare Seine River cruise ticket companies for reviews, departure points, and value.
Which Seine River evening cruise is best for you?
With dozens of cruises on offer, picking the perfect Seine River evening cruise can feel overwhelming.
We’ve narrowed it down to the top two, each offering a unique way to enjoy Paris after dark.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide fast:
Evening cruise with music onboard + audio guide app
Want a relaxing evening cruise with great views and a little extra atmosphere? This one’s perfect.
It sails in a 100% electric boat, no engine noise, just the soft hum of the Seine and music playing in the background.
You’ll pass some of Paris’s most iconic sights like Les Invalides, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, all beautifully lit for the night.
You can follow the journey with an easy-to-use audio guide app in six languages, and even add a drink if you’re in the mood.
What makes it stand out:
It’s the only evening cruise in Paris that combines music, a silent electric boat, and a drink upgrade, a rare trio perfect for a peaceful night.
Starting point: 2, Port de Suffren, 75007, Paris. Get directions.
Book This CruiseSunset Cruise with Drink, Ice Cream or Dessert
This evening cruise offers flexibility and a delightful Parisian experience.
Departing from the foot of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll cruise past illuminated landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, with a multilingual audio guide enhancing your journey.
Before or after the cruise, enjoy an included treat: ice cream (summer), waffle, or soft drink, at a café in Place du Trocadéro with spectacular tower views.
The ticket is valid for a month, and departures run regularly, including sunset and evening hours.
What makes it stand out:
It’s the only cruise that offers sunset sailing plus a dessert or drink you can enjoy at the most photogenic Eiffel Tower viewpoint.
Starting point: Bateaux Parisiens, Port de la Bourdonnais, Pontoon 03. Get directions
Book This Cruise
Still looking? Try these other well-reviewed options:
- Evening River Cruise with Music
- Evening River Cruise with Champagne from Notre Dame
- Happy Hour Evening Cruise on the Seine River
For a magical night experience, try the Illuminations River Cruise with Audio Commentary, a 1-hour evening cruise from the Eiffel Tower with multilingual audio guides and views of Paris beautifully lit up.
There are even more ticket options you can choose from. Don’t limit your choices! Get the best experience for you.
What do tourists say about the Seine River Evening Cruise?
Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking night views, and numerous photo opportunities. Many say their Seine River evening cruise was the most memorable part of their trip to Paris.
FAQs about Seine River evening cruises
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Seine River Evening Cruise that you might also have in your mind:
Can I take a Seine River evening cruise in winter?
Yes, but only select cruises run in winter. The Evening Cruise with Music + App operates year-round with heated indoor seating. The Sunset Cruise with Drink, Ice Cream or Dessert is seasonal and usually available from April to September when weather and river conditions are ideal. Its a good idea to check the best time to cruise before booking tickets.
Will I see the Eiffel Tower sparkle during the cruise?
Yes! The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour after sunset. Time your cruise around 8 pm or later to catch the sparkling lights. It’s one of the highlights of any evening cruise on the Seine. You can also visit the Eiffel Tower from the inside. Get amazing Seine River combos!
Which is the best Seine River evening cruise for couples?
The Sunset Cruise with Drink, Ice Cream or Dessert is great for couples looking for a casual, sweet evening with scenic views and flexible timing. If you’re looking for something more peaceful, choose the electric music cruise.
Is it better to take a Seine River dinner or an evening sightseeing cruise?
It depends on your budget and mood. Dinner cruises offer a full gourmet meal and a longer experience, while evening sightseeing cruises are shorter, more affordable, and still offer stunning nighttime views of Paris landmarks.
Are kids allowed on evening cruises?
Yes, both cruises are worth visiting for your family. The Sunset Cruise with Drink, Ice Cream or Dessert is especially fun for kids, with the treat and relaxed pace adding a nice touch for families.
Do I need to book a specific time slot?
Yes. Both evening cruises require you to select a fixed time when booking. Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding process, especially on weekends or holidays when traffic is busiest.
Still have more questions? We have more FAQs for you!
Practical Tips for Your Seine River Evening Cruise
Evening cruises are one of the most relaxing ways to see Paris, but a little planning goes a long way.
Here are some tried-and-true tips from locals and frequent travelers to help you get the best out of your Seine night experience:
✅ Arrive early
Boarding usually starts 15–20 minutes before departure. Arriving early gives you better seating options, especially if you want an open-air seat with Eiffel Tower views.
🧥 Dress in layers
Even in summer, the breeze on the river can be chilly after sunset. Bring a light jacket, scarf, or shawl to stay warm and comfortable. Learn more about the dress code.
📷 Hold your camera steady
Low-light photography on a moving boat can be tricky. Use a phone with night mode or stabilize your camera for clearer, less blurry shots.
🗺️ Use the Metro to arrive
Driving or taking a taxi during evening hours in Paris can be slow. The Metro is faster, more predictable, and drops you off near most cruise starting points. Explore other ways to reach your destination!
⏰ Time your cruise for the Eiffel Tower sparkle
The Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes every hour after sunset. Choose a departure time between 8.30 pm and 10 pm to enjoy this magical moment from the water.
🥤 Upgrade if available
Some cruises let you add drinks, snacks, or even champagne. If you’re celebrating or just want to enhance the moment, consider adding a treat to your ticket.
❌ Don’t assume you’ll get a front-row seat
Unless seating is assigned, early boarding is the only way to snag the best spots, especially on open-deck or electric boats.
Get more such useful tips to enhance your cruise experience!
Still unsure? Here’s the quick version:
If you want a peaceful, flexible cruise with music and optional drinks, go for the Evening Cruise with Music + App.
Prefer flexibility, a day or night option, and a sweet treat included? Choose the Sunset Cruise with Drink, Ice Cream or Dessert
Either way, you’ll float past some of the world’s most beautiful landmarks under the Parisian night sky.
