Paris: Sightseeing Cruise with ‘Les Incollables’ Quiz

When it comes to exploring Paris, many travelers focus on walking tours or visiting famous landmarks on land. But there’s something special about seeing the city from the River Seine, especially with family-friendly options that combine fun and education. This sightseeing cruise with ‘Les Incollables’ quiz offers a different perspective on Paris, blending iconic sights with interactive activities that keep kids engaged.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the stunning river views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and the Grand Palais. Second, the educational quiz booklet designed for children in French, which turns the cruise into a playful learning session. Third, the multilingual audio guides and web app connectivity, making the journey accessible for international visitors.

A potential consideration is that the quiz booklet is only available in French, which could be a limitation for non-French-speaking children. However, the audio guides are available in multiple languages, helping everyone learn about Paris’s history and architecture. This cruise best suits families with children aged 6-10 who want a relaxed, informative way to discover Paris while keeping their kids entertained.

Good To Know

• Family-Friendly: The quiz booklet in French adds an educational twist for kids, making the cruise fun and interactive.
• Iconic Landmarks: Pass by the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and more, offering unbeatable water-level views.
• Flexible Seating: Choose between the open top deck for panoramic photo ops or the indoor area with large windows for comfort.
• Multilingual Audio Guides: Commentary available in numerous languages, accessible via Wi-Fi or optional individual guides.
• Cost-Effective: At $20 per person, the experience offers a good value for seeing Paris from the water with added educational content.
• Operational Flexibility: Multiple departures daily, with seasonal adjustments and the possibility of slight itinerary changes due to navigation conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Accessibility

The cruise departs from Bateaux Parisiens at the Eiffel Tower, a central and easily accessible landmark. To start, you’ll pick up the ‘Les Incollables’ quiz booklet at the ticketing booth, located at pontoon no. 3. The check-in process is straightforward, and the boat itself is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for all travelers with mobility needs.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise lasts around an hour, during which you’ll glide along the Seine, passing some of Paris’s most celebrated sights. The route begins with the Eiffel Tower, giving passengers an immediate sense of the city’s romance and grandeur. As the boat moves downstream, you’ll pass by the Pont Alexandre III — a marvel of Beaux-Arts architecture— a favorite for photographers.

Next up is the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, offering views of its grand facade from the water. Traversing past Notre Dame Cathedral, you’ll get a different perspective of its Gothic architecture, with the chance to spot details that are hard to see from the ground. The Grand Palais and Hôtel de Ville also grace the route, completing the tour of Paris’s architectural icons.

Onboard Experience and Commentary

Passengers can choose their preferred spot—either on the top deck for unobstructed panoramic views or inside the boat with large, clear windows. The interactive web app allows you to connect your smartphone via Wi-Fi and listen to commentary in several languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and more.

One reviewer noted that the boat was “not too big nor too crowded,” making it comfortable, especially with children. The audio guides provide a lively narration of Paris’s history and architecture, which enhances the sightseeing without overwhelming.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Kids’ Quiz Booklet

The Les Incollables quiz booklet is a delightful feature. It’s available in French only, which might be a slight hurdle for non-French-speaking children, but many parents found it added value to the experience. As Lyse from France mentioned, “Le quizz des Incollables est un petit plus ludique pour les enfants” — a playful addition that keeps kids engaged while they learn about the city.

This booklet contains questions about the river, landmarks, and Parisian culture, turning the cruise into a fun treasure hunt of knowledge. It’s a great way to keep young travelers entertained, especially on longer or daytime cruises.

Timing and Seasonal Considerations

The cruises run from 10 am to 10 pm in peak season (April to September), with departures every 30 minutes, offering flexibility for planning. From October to March, departures are every hour between 10:30 am and 9 pm, which caters to varying schedules.

Be aware that during peak times, you might encounter lines or wait times, so arriving early or booking in advance can smooth the process. Also, navigation conditions can lead to slight route adjustments, but the overall experience remains consistent.

Cost and Value

At $20 per person, this cruise offers an affordable way to see some of Paris’s top sights from the water. Compared to other river cruises, it emphasizes family engagement and educational value, which many travelers find worthwhile. The inclusion of the quiz booklet and multilingual commentary adds to its appeal, especially for families wanting a mix of sightseeing and learning.

Additional Notes and Tips

• Remember to bring a charged smartphone if you wish to use the web app or audio guides.
• Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and pets are only permitted if they are assistance animals.
• Snacks and drinks are not included, so consider bringing some water or snacks if needed.
• The experience is suitable for children between 6 and 10 years old, making it perfect for family outings but probably less engaging for older kids or adults without children.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One traveler appreciated that the boat “was not too big nor too crowded,” which is ideal when traveling with children. The quiz booklet was seen as an extra fun element, turning a sightseeing tour into an interactive game. The multilingual guides received praise for making the experience accessible for international visitors, providing educational commentary in various languages.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is a great choice if you’re traveling with young children who love interactive activities. It’s perfect for families looking for a relaxed, fun way to see Paris’s famous sights without the hustle of crowded land tours. Those interested in a budget-friendly experience that combines sightseeing, education, and some engaging activities will find this cruise particularly satisfying.

It’s also ideal for visitors who want a flexible schedule with multiple departure times and the comfort of both indoor and outdoor seating options. However, if you’re non-French speaking and want the booklet in your language, be aware that the quiz is only in French, although the audio guides help bridge this gap.

Final Thoughts

This sightseeing cruise with ‘Les Incollables’ offers a charming blend of scenic views, educational content, and family-friendly fun. While it doesn’t focus on a deep historical narrative, it provides enough context through multilingual commentary to enrich your understanding of Paris’s landmarks. The inclusion of the quiz booklet turns a standard cruise into an engaging activity for kids, making it a practical addition for families.

For travelers who value affordability, flexibility, and a lighthearted approach to sightseeing, this experience hits the mark. It’s a perfect way for families with young children to enjoy the City of Light in a more relaxed, playful manner. Just pack your curiosity, a charged phone, and maybe a snack or two, and you’re set for a memorable journey on the Seine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cruise suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the cruise is designed for children between 6 and 10 years old, with the quiz booklet providing an interactive and educational experience tailored to young travelers.

What languages are the commentaries available in?
The audio guides and web app offer commentary in French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Arabic, and Hindi, ensuring accessibility for international visitors.

What should I bring on the cruise?
A charged smartphone is recommended if you want to connect to the web app or listen to audio guides. Since snacks and drinks are not included, bringing water or light snacks could be helpful.

Where do I start the cruise?
The cruise departs from Bateaux Parisiens at the Eiffel Tower, with tickets and the quiz booklet collected at the ticketing booth at pontoon no. 3.

How long is the cruise, and what is the itinerary?
The cruise lasts approximately one hour, passing by landmarks like the Pont Alexandre III, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and the Grand Palais, with options for different departure times seasonally.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

Are the cruise departures flexible?
Yes, there are multiple departures daily, with seasonal adjustments—every 30 minutes from April to September and every hour from October to March.

This detailed review helps you understand what to expect from the Paris sightseeing cruise with ‘Les Incollables’ quiz. Whether you’re traveling as a family or simply want a relaxed way to enjoy Paris’s iconic sights, this experience offers both value and fun in a beautiful setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: