Paris by Boat: Discovering the French Capital's Beautiful Waterways

Last Updated:

2/2/2021

Edhral

Paris is a city easily explored by foot, with seductive small streets and cobblestoned alleyways inspiring you to extend your stroll just a little longer. However, some of the most enchanting views of Paris can be seen from water level, and those who are looking to rest their weary feet will be rewarded by a fun way to explore the capital’s waterways and gardens. Luckily, there is a wide variety of options for those who are ready to take sail and see the city in a new way. Here are a few options for families, groups of friends, and adventurous travelers.

Cristian Bortes

Drop Anchor in an Idyllic Lake Just Outside the City

Located in the Bois de Vincennes, the Lac Daumesnil is a wonderful place to take a break from the bustle of the city center and go with the flow. Small boats, or barques, are available to rent for a reasonable price – 10 euro for 1-2 people and 12 euro for 3-4 people – on weekends and bank holidays. Take an hour to row around this charming lake, whose centerpiece is a wooded island complete with a quaint rotunda and gushing waterfalls. Enjoy a private picnic as you take in some much needed nature a mere five minutes from Paris.

Test out your Sea Legs on the Seine

While waving at Les Bateaux Mouches from the shore may be a lovely way sunny afternoon activity, if you’re actually going to spend some time on the river, why not make it a more private affair? Green River Cruises proposes boats for 2-11 people, adapting to each group’s needs. Families, groups of friends, or des amoureux will find the perfect vessel for a cozy tour of the enchanting Seine. Trips can be from 1-3 hours, allowing for enough time to sip on wine or arrange a sunset picnic, all while taking in the historic sights of Paris from a unique vantage point. Their candlelit stroll with champagne and snacks is perfect for honeymooners and hopeless romantics too.

Mark Weston

Meet up with your First Mates at the Canal

Explore the canals of Paris by renting an electric boat from Marin d’Eau Douce, who will set you up with boats for up to 11 people. Perfect for an easy potluck entre amis, these small but accommodating boats are easy to operate and offer great views of the city. The Chamber, a pop-up social club that hosts events around the city, regularly organizes outings on the boats, which are a great way to meet new people and avoid the hassle of preparing your own picnic.

Set Sail in the City Center

Childhood memories are made around the large fountain at Luxembourg Gardens, where children of all ages chase wooden sailboats as they glide across the still waters. While serious sailors come with their own boats, equally charming miniature sea vessels are available to rent for pocket change (2 euro/30 mins and 3.30 euro/hour). The boats come with a large wooden pole that is used to propel the boats across the fountain as they zigzag their way back and forth, narrowly escaping collisions and capsizing along the way.

Do Laps on the Left Bank

While it is highly ill-advised to go swimming in the Seine, there’s no reason not to go swimming on it. The Piscine Josephine Baker provides just that opportunity. Located on a barge that is docked on the Left Bank, this swimming pool- and its large upper-floor solarium- is open to the public throughout the year. If you can’t make it to the south of France, this open-air swimming pool is a great back-up plan for catching some rays on a sunny day.

Cristian Bortes

WRITTEN BY

Emily Dilling

Emily Dilling is a France based writer and author of My Paris Market Cookbook: A Culinary Tour of French Flavors and Seasonal Recipes. In 2005 Emily moved to Paris from her native California and began exploring the cities markets, restaurants, and cafés. In 2010 she founded the blog Paris Paysanne, where she writes about her favorite addresses and artisans in the city. Emily currently lives in the Loir-et-Cher region of France, where she writes and works in the grapevines.