What's the best way to discover Paris from the Seine? It all depends on your pace

A Parisian afternoon can start on foot, then carry on out on the water. From a boat, distances no longer feel quite the same, and the monuments flow past one after another, with no changing Metro lines or busy junctions to cross.

In practice, the best format mainly depends on what you're after. A private cruise doesn't meet the same need as a simple stroll, and a moored boat offers yet another way to enjoy the Seine.

To see Paris without lots of separate trips

Cruising lets you bring several points of interest together into a single route. You can move from one area to another while keeping a single thread running through it all: the Seine. This is particularly enjoyable when you'd rather take your time looking than rushing from one sight to the next.

To enjoy a genuinely private moment

Private hire lets you build an experience suited to your group. The pace, the organisation on board and the type of boat can all vary depending on the project. For two people, a small boat may be enough. For a larger group, a barge or another event boat may be more suitable.

To combine sightseeing and a meal

The Seine can also become the setting for a lunch, a dinner or a cocktail reception. The appeal here is not having to fully separate the sightseeing from the time spent together. The boat keeps moving while Paris gradually changes around you.

To choose the right format without getting it wrong

Before booking, it's worth being clear on this: you need to look at the route, the duration, the boat's capacity and the boarding conditions. A great idea on paper can turn out to be less suitable if the boat or the pace doesn't match your group.