Unusual Cruises on the Seine: Discover Paris from a New Perspective
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Looking to rediscover Paris away from the crowds and typical tourist routes? The Seine, the iconic river of the capital, holds many hidden treasures. While the famous bateaux-mouches are a classic feature of the Parisian landscape, a new wave of unique cruises now offers original, intimate, and unexpected experiences.
Designed for lovers of heritage, nature, music, or gastronomy, these river getaways appeal both to travelers in search of authenticity and to curious Parisians. It’s a unique way to see Paris from a different angle—at the rhythm of the water, far from the beaten track.
Perfect for a romantic weekend in Paris, a cultural escape, or an original outing, these cruises are often hosted on small, human-scale boats piloted by passionate guides. You’ll rediscover peaceful riverbanks, iconic bridges, and the city’s hidden gems with a gentler, more poetic, and immersive approach.
Themed, Cultural, and Creative Cruises
Far from the hustle and bustle, some cruises offer a true onboard spectacle. The Explore Paris platform offers unique cruises year-round on the Seine, the Marne, and even the Canal Saint-Martin. You can find street art tours in Bobigny, cruises narrated by actors, or musical journeys featuring jazz concerts or live DJ sets.
The “Paris Through Its Bridges” cruise blends heritage with quirky anecdotes about these iconic structures. Other excursions take you through the locks of the Canal de l’Ourcq or beneath the mysterious vaulted tunnels of the Canal Saint-Martin, for a poetic immersion into a lesser-known Paris.
The website Croisière Insolite also offers a cozy, glass-roofed boat that makes a 1 hour and 15-minute loop through the heart of Paris, complete with audio guides and onboard service. More intimate than traditional boats, this concept emphasizes comfort, elegance, and accessibility for all.
Western Paris: Nature, Tranquility, and Wonder
Departing from western Paris—especially from Issy-les-Moulineaux, Boulogne-Billancourt, or the Pont de Sèvres—some cruises reveal a more bucolic side of the Seine. Wild islands, houseboats, former industrial ports, and quiet residential neighborhoods line a route often overlooked by traditional tourist circuits.
For photography enthusiasts, painters, or urban explorers, these cruises offer true sources of inspiration. Some even include creative workshops on board or during exclusive stops along the riverbanks.
Auteuil Tour Eiffel Hotel: Your Ideal Starting Point
Easily reach the various boarding points on foot or by metro:
Located in the heart of the 16th arrondissement of Paris, just steps from the Seine, the Auteuil Tour Eiffel Hotel is the perfect starting point for your alternative cruises.
Then, after a day full of river discoveries, treat yourself to a well-deserved break in the relaxing setting of the Auteuil Tour Eiffel Hotel. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, away from the Parisian bustle, our hotel welcomes you with all the comforts you need: a leafy terrace for peaceful drinks, a wellness area with sauna, a gym, and elegant rooms for a truly rejuvenating stay.
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Hotel Auteuil Tour Eiffel, a 4-star hotel in the heart of Paris 16th arrondissement