3 minute read
If you’re planning a trip to Paris this spring or summer, there’s a new reason to carve out an hour for the Seine. Bateaux Parisiens just launched a brand-new cruise that offers an intimate and unforgettable way to rediscover one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Notre-Dame Cathedral.
This isn’t your typical river cruise.
Designed with couples, friends, and curious travelers in mind, this elegant one-hour experience is equal parts refined and relaxed. Each guest is welcomed onboard with a glass of chilled Pommery champagne (or a non-alcoholic alternative) and a sweet treat to set the tone for a charming journey through the heart of the City of Light.
A Front-Row Seat to Paris’s Icons
Departing from Quai de Montebello—right at the foot of Notre-Dame—this cruise gives you an unbeatable view of the cathedral’s intricate façade, a sight that feels even more powerful given its ongoing restoration. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Over the course of an hour, you’ll float past other legendary Paris landmarks including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower before returning to your starting point.
And yes, golden-hour sailings are absolutely a thing here. Cruises run from 5:00 PM through 10:00 PM, Thursday to Sunday, from April through June—making it easy to pair this with dinner or a night stroll along the riverbanks.
The Experience Onboard
The vessel itself, the Jean Marais, is thoughtfully designed to feel cozy but luxurious. It’s not a packed tourist boat—it’s a small, intimate setting with a focus on comfort, ambiance, and a laid-back elegance. Bilingual guides (in English and French) narrate the journey live, sharing historical tidbits and lesser-known stories about Notre-Dame and the many other Parisian gems you’ll pass.
If one glass of champagne isn’t enough (understandable), there’s an onboard menu with more drinks and gourmet snacks available to extend the experience.
Booking Info:
- Days: Thursday to Sunday
- Season: April to June
- Departure Times: 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:30 PM, and 10:00 PM
- Duration: 1 hour
- Highlights: Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Eiffel Tower
- Included: Pommery champagne (or non-alcoholic drink) + a sweet treat
- Language: Live commentary in English and French
- Prices: Adults €39 | Children (4–11) €30 | Free for ages 0–3
📍 Boarding Point: Bateaux Parisiens, Quai de Montebello – 75005 Paris
If you’ve cruised the Seine before, this is the kind of reimagined experience that makes it worth doing again. It’s Paris from a new angle—glass in hand, breeze in your hair, and Notre-Dame standing tall before you.
