Tour operator
Bateaux-Mouches
The classic Seine cruise company, sailing from Port de la Conférence by the Pont de l'Alma with guided sightseeing, brunch, lunch and dinner cruises.
Vedettes du Pont-Neuf
One-hour guided Seine cruises leaving from Square du Vert-Galant at the western tip of the Île de la Cité, with live commentary.
At a glance
- Type
- Seine river cruise
- Area
- Île de la Cité, Paris, France
- Official site
- vedettesdupontneuf.com
Good to know
- Live guide commentary in French and English
- Free commentary app
Why we recommend it
Vedettes du Pont-Neuf runs guided sightseeing cruises from the Square du Vert-Galant, the small tree-lined garden at the western tip of the Île de la Cité, below the Pont Neuf and the statue of Henri IV. The location is one of the most central departure points on the Seine, and the company's boats are smaller than those of some competitors, which gives the cruise a more relaxed, informal feel.
The main cruise lasts about one hour. From the island, the boat heads west past the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower, turns around near the Statue of Liberty replica on the Île aux Cygnes, then sails back east past the Conciergerie and Notre-Dame and around the Île Saint-Louis before returning to the Vert-Galant. A live guide gives commentary in French and English, explaining the history of the bridges and buildings along the river, and a free app offers commentary in six languages for passengers who prefer another language.
The cruise suits first-time visitors, families and couples who want a straightforward, good-value introduction to the city's riverside landmarks. Children usually enjoy the boat trip, and the one-hour length is manageable for most ages. Evening cruises are especially pleasant, when the monuments are lit and the river is calm.
Tickets can be bought online through the official website or at the ticket office by the pier, and the official site sometimes offers discounts for online booking. In the high season, departures are frequent throughout the day. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure to find a good seat, ideally on the open upper deck if the weather is fine. The pier is reached by steps down from the Pont Neuf, so travellers with reduced mobility should check access with the company in advance.
Pont Neuf station on metro line 7 is just across the bridge on the Right Bank, and Cité on line 4 and Saint-Michel on RER B and C are within a short walk. The Place Dauphine, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie are all a few minutes away on foot, and the Square du Vert-Galant itself is a pleasant spot for a picnic before or after the cruise.
Vedettes du Pont-Neuf FAQs
How long is the cruise?
The main guided cruise lasts about one hour.
What languages is the commentary in?
A live guide speaks in French and English, and a free app offers commentary in six languages.
Where do the boats leave from?
From the Square du Vert-Galant, at the western tip of the Île de la Cité below the Pont Neuf.
How do I buy tickets?
Online through the official website or at the ticket office by the pier.
Is it accessible?
The pier is reached by steps from the Pont Neuf, so check access with the company if you have reduced mobility.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the one-hour cruise is easy for families with children.
What is the nearest station?
Pont Neuf, on metro line 7.