River Seine floods: what happens to your event?

When the river floods, navigation on the Seine in Paris may be suspended: once the water level rises above certain thresholds, boats can no longer sail and the lower quays are sometimes inaccessible. An event planned on board is then postponed or adapted, depending on the clauses set out at the time of booking. Following the official alerts lets you plan several days ahead.

Flooding remains an occasional occurrence, but it deserves a place in your planning, especially in winter and early spring.

When navigation stops

As the river rises, the waterway authorities first restrict and then prohibit traffic, notably for safety under the bridges and along the quays. A boat moored at the quayside may also be affected if access for guests is no longer safe. The decision does not rest with the boat operator: it applies to all operators.

The high-risk seasons

Floods most often occur between autumn and spring, after prolonged spells of rain upstream of Paris. Summer is far less exposed, although a violent storm can occasionally disrupt navigation. If your date falls in the low season, keep some flexibility in reserve.

Providing for postponement in the contract

Before signing, ask what happens if navigation is halted: postponement to another date, conversion to a moored format, or another solution. Our article on rescheduling a boat event in Paris explains this flexibility in detail. For the more common case of rain, see also the rain contingency plan.

Following the Vigicrues alerts

The public service Vigicrues continuously publishes water levels and warnings for rivers, including the Seine. Check it in the days leading up to your event, and keep your guests informed as soon as any doubt arises.

• check the warning level a week before, then 48 hours before;
• keep a direct line of contact with the boat operator;
• prepare a template message for your guests.