See the top sights of Paris along the Batobus route
Batobus is the only hop-on hop-off river service in Paris. With nine strategically located stops along the Seine, this river shuttle allows you to discover the iconic monuments at your own pace. Hop on and off as often as you like for a unique exploration of the capital, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Discover in this article:
The Batobus route connects 9 key stops along the Seine, in the heart of Paris’s iconic neighbourhoods. The full journey takes around 2 hours, with a boat departing every 25 to 40 minutes depending on the season and passenger numbers. A true ‘metro on the water’, this river shuttle allows you to travel freely between the right and left banks.
Each stop opens the doors to a unique neighbourhood: from Port de la Bourdonnais at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, via Les Invalides, the Musée d’Orsay, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, the Jardin des Plantes, the Hôtel de Ville, the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. This hop-on hop-off option offers you an eco-friendly and scenic alternative to public transport in Paris.
| Stop | Neighbourhood / Main Monument |
|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower | Port de la Bourdonnais, Champ de Mars |
| Les Invalides | Esplanade des Invalides, Army Museum |
| Musée d'Orsay | Quai de Solférino, National Assembly |
| Saint-Germain-des-Prés | Historic district, legendary cafés |
| Notre-Dame | Île de la Cité, historic heart of Paris |
| Jardin des Plantes | National Museum of Natural History |
| Hôtel de Ville | Le Marais, Centre Pompidou |
| Louvre | Louvre Pyramid, Tuileries Garden |
| Place de la Concorde | Champs-Élysées, Grand Palais |
An iconic symbol, the Eiffel Tower offers breathtaking views of Paris. Cross the bridge to the Trocadéro to photograph it from its best angle or visit the Aquarium de Paris. At the foot of the Iron Lady, the Champ de Mars is perfect for a chic picnic with produce from the Grande Épicerie.
The vast esplanade is the perfect spot to relax opposite the Hôtel des Invalides, which houses the tomb of Napoleon I. Nearby, the Rodin Museum offers a poetic interlude in its sculpture garden. On the quays, the atmosphere becomes festive: enjoy a stroll along the riverbanks or discover Fluctuart, a floating urban art centre unique in the world.
Immerse yourself in the world of the Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a majestic former railway station. Then stroll along Quai Voltaire among the antique dealers or explore the elegant streets of the Left Bank. For a high-end shopping experience, the Bon Marché is a must. Foodies will appreciate the Atelier de Joël Robuchon for its exceptional cuisine.
Head to the Pont des Arts for an iconic view of the Seine. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, a hub for 20th-century intellectuals, charms visitors with its legendary terraces such as the Café de Flore. With art galleries and fashion boutiques lining Rue de Rennes, there’s always something going on. Finish with a peaceful break in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
In the heart of the Île de la Cité, admire Notre-Dame Cathedral, a jewel of Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the stained-glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle and the Shakespeare & Co bookshop . Cross over to Île Saint-Louis for a Berthillon ice cream, or take a seat at Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris, steeped in history.
Start your exploration at Quai Saint-Bernard, along the Seine, heading towards the Jardin des Plantes. Nature lovers will discover the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, the Galerie de Paléontologie or the Ménagerie. Nearby, the Arab World Institute impresses with its architecture. For a tasty break, the Grand Mosque is the perfect spot for a cup of mint tea. History buffs can also reach the Arènes de Lutèce or the Panthéon in just a few minutes.
Admire the neo-Renaissance splendour of the Hôtel de Ville before diving into the narrow streets of the Marais. This historic district is brimming with gems: designer boutiques, art galleries and the famous Place des Vosges. For culture, visit the Musée Carnavalet or the Picasso-Paris Museum. For lunch, head to Rue des Rosiers or the Marché des Enfants Rouges.
From the platform, the Louvre reveals its iconic Pyramid. A world-renowned masterpiece, the museum houses the Mona Lisa and priceless antiquities. Extend your relaxation in the Tuileries Gardens or at the Palais Royal, amidst contemporary art and peaceful gardens. Shopping enthusiasts should head to Rue de Rivoli or La Samaritaine, a recently restored architectural gem.
Between the Tuileries Garden and the Champs-Élysées,
Place de la Concorde and its obelisk offer a magnificent view. Admire the Petit Palais before strolling up the ‘most beautiful avenue in the world’ to browse its luxury boutiques. For an exceptional dining experience, Fouquet’s awaits you. The Arc de Triomphe stands proudly in the distance.
The 1-day pass, the 2-day consecutive pass and the annual pass. Each offers unlimited journeys for the chosen duration, allowing you to hop on and off freely at the 9 stops. Prices range from €23 for a day to €73 for a year. The child fare (ages 3 to 15) applies to all options.
Timetables vary by season: in high season (1 April to 2 November), boats run from 10am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday and from 10am to 7pm Sunday to Wednesday. Boats run every 20 to 25 minutes on average. Tickets are available online or directly at the ticket offices at the stations. A free audio guide is available on board to enhance your experience.
Booking online helps you avoid queues, particularly during the high season and at peak times. For an alternative way to explore the Seine, Bateaux Parisiens cruises also offer a wonderful river experience.
Here is a summary table of Batobus fares and timetables, to help you plan your trip on the Seine.
| Pass Type | Adult Price | Child Price (4–11 years) | Privilege Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-hour Pass | €23 | €13 | €18 |
| 48-hour Pass | €27 | €17 | €22 |
| Annual Pass | €73 | €48 | €73 |
| Duo Liberté Pass (Batobus + Big Bus 48h) | €84 | €49 | - |
The times shown correspond to the first departure and the last departure from Tour Eiffel station (Port de la Bourdonnais).
| Period | Days of the week | First departure | Last departure | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Season (1 April to 2 November) | Sunday to Wednesday | 10:00 | 19:00 | 20 to 25 mins |
| Thursday to Saturday | 10:00 | 20:00 | 20 to 25 mins | |
| Low Season (3 November to 31 March) | Monday to Thursday | 10:00 | 17:00 | 30 to 45 mins |
| Friday to Sunday | 10:00 | 19:00 | 30 to 45 mins |
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