Barge or private boat in Paris: what are the differences?

On the Seine, people talk about a 'barge', a 'private boat' or simply a 'boat'. In practice, these terms don't follow quite the same logic. A barge refers to a type of boat, while a private boat mainly describes the principle of private hire.

In other words, a barge can be hired privately, just like any other boat. What you mainly need to check is the capacity and layout you want for your event.

A barge is first and foremost a type of boat

A barge is a boat defined by its shape and the way its spaces are organised. In Paris, event barges are particularly well suited to groups that need a larger indoor area. At Sein'ario, this category includes boats that can welcome 40 to 250 people depending on the chosen layout.

'Private boat' is mainly about private hire

A private boat is above all a boat reserved for your group. It may be a yacht, a small vessel or a barge. The idea is therefore less about describing the shape of the boat than making clear that the event takes place in a privately hired space.

Capacity quickly changes the equation

For a handful of guests, a yacht or a small private boat may make more sense. For a larger group, a barge generally offers more room to move around, set up tables or create several areas. In practice, the guest list is often the best starting point.

Which option for your event?

A small meeting, an intimate dinner or an outing with close friends and family isn't planned like a reception for 100 people. Before comparing boats, define the number of guests, the type of meal and the space needed to move around. It's this combination that lets you narrow down the options quickly.