Few cities are as created by, tied to, and defined by their rivers as Paris is by the Seine. After all, it's the reason Paris exists in the first place. The river also provides a unique vantage point for visitors. From a bateau mouche cruising along the Seine you get a real sense of how the historical heart of Paris is strung out along the banks of this river. So many of the city landmarks can be seen from the boat — the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Islands of Paris, the Louvre, and so much more.

1. Top-Rated (and Romantic!) Dinner Cruises

Imagine a nighttime cruise along the most romantic river on Earth while savoring a classic French multi-course dinner. You see so many of the iconic sights of Paris while you share a meal with your special someone. The best part is being treated like a VIP as you're led to your table. Look outside and see all the iconic Paris museums, monuments, and bridges before you. Discover our top dinner cruise recommendation (also our readers' favorite). Hint? It involves VIP seating and a special menu.

2. Paris Champagne Cruises

Another favorite way to cruise the Seine River is with a glass of sparkling champagne in hand, These VIP experiences perfectly show you the best of Paris. It starts with exclusive seating at the front of the boat (as well as a private deck). Then, as the sommelier pours you a glass or two of bubbly, panoramic views of Paris surround you. Discover why we love this type of watery excursion so much.

3. Lunch, Brunch & Champagne River Cruises

If you want to see as much of the city as possible during daylight hours, these river cruises combined with lunch, brunch or al fresco French picnic really deliver. Relax on board and sip champagne as you're served flaky croissants, French cheeses, and fresh fruit. All the while, the most iconic Paris monuments, museums & romantic bridges pass by.

4. The Best Seine River Cruises with a Plus!

The River Seine is magical, but there's much more to Paris. That's why we like to combine a cruise with… something extra. Journey up the Eiffel Tower, ride on an open-air bus, cycle past historic monuments — Paris has so much to offer. That's why we love these combo tours that all start or end with a Seine river cruise. Visit the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay and punctuate the day with a river cruise. Let's look at our favorites.

5. An Evening Out in Paris

As lovely as Paris is during the day, by night it assumes even more of a magical quality. (After all, it's called the City of Light for a reason.) Nowhere is this more apparent than from a bateau gliding on the Seine. And, since it's Paris, you can add a VIP dinner, along with a trip to Moulin Rouge or to the Eiffel Tower. It makes for a memorable evening in Paris!

Seine River Fun Facts

• At a whopping 777 kilometres, the Seine River is more than double the length of its arch rival, London's River Thames which measures a mere 346 kilometres.

• Stone tools have been recovered from the Seine Basin that are 200,000 to 500,000 years old. In historic times, the Seine has been a vital commercial waterway since Roman times and, before them, the Gauls.

• The Seine cuts through the center of Paris, dividing the Left Bank from the Right Bank, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Half of the city's 17 Arrondissements border the river.

• The Left Bank is on your left as you cruise westward down the river, towards the Atlantic. The Right Bank is on your right.

• The Seine flows into the Atlantic at the ports of Le Havre (right bank) and Honfleur (left bank).

• There are 37 bridges that cross the river within the Paris city limits. The most famous are Pont des Arts, Pont Royal, Pont Alexandre III and Pont Neuf (which is the oldest bridge, completed in 1607).

• The Seine frequently floods. In 1910 there was extensive flooding in Paris. In 2003 over 100,000 art works were moved out of the city when a flood warning was issued.

• Since 2002, the annual Paris Plage transforms the paved banks of the river into beaches with sand, umbrellas & entertainment for three weeks in August.

• During the 1867 Paris International Expo the first steamboats, called bateaux mouches, were introduced and became an instant hit! Today they are the most popular boats on the river. (Though no longer steam-powered!)

• The World Rowing Championships were held on the Seine in that same year (1867). The winners were the underdogs, a Canadian team from New Brunswick. O, Canada!

• In 1881 the Statue of Liberty was barged down the Seine in sections en route to an ocean steamer, headed to New York City.

• Starting in 1802 floating swimming pools were a feature on the Seine and were, in fact, used in the 1924 Olympics.

• During World War I river steamers were used as hospital ships and wounded soldiers could be seen as they were transported to Le Havre.

• In 1944 the Seine was a target in Operation Overlord, AKA the D-Day landings. One of the Allies' goals was to reach the Seine in Paris within 90 days. They met that goal.