Boats on the Seine in Paris: who sails and why

Strolling along the quays, you will spot a wide variety of boats on the Seine, each used in very different ways. Here is an overview to help you understand what you see on the water in Paris, and where private boat hire fits into the picture.

The large sightseeing boats

These are the most visible: large glass-roofed boats that carry several hundred passengers on a guided cruise of around an hour. An option you can take without booking ahead, but with no privacy or personalisation.

Event barges and boats

Moored at the quayside or cruising for the occasion, these barges are entirely dedicated to hosting private and corporate events: weddings, seminars, company parties. This is the type of boat we offer for private hire at Sein'ario.

Private launches and yachts

More intimate than barges, these boats host smaller groups: ideal for an upmarket event or a very small gathering. Our comparison of barges, yachts and launches explains the differences between these formats.

Cargo and working boats

The Seine is still a freight route too: cargo barges and boats belonging to city or waterway services share the river with event and sightseeing boats, each with its own navigation rules.

Why not hire your own?

Between the impersonal sightseeing boat and the working boat, there is a third way: hiring an entire boat for your event. Our guide to private cruises explains how it works in practice.