Paris: The Rodin Museum and Seine River Cruise

Experience the best of Paris in a single day with a visit to the world-famous Rodin Museum and a relaxing cruise along the Seine River. For just $39 per person, you’ll explore sculptures by Auguste Rodin, wander through lush gardens, and enjoy stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. The tour lasts about a day, making it perfect for visitors with limited time wanting a taste of both art and scenic beauty.

What we love most about this experience is how seamlessly it combines culture with visual delight. First, the Rodin Museum offers a closer look at the sculptor’s lesser-known works as well as his popular pieces, giving us a richer understanding of his creative journey. Second, the Seine River cruise provides a different perspective on the city’s most famous landmarks, especially the Eiffel Tower, all from a peaceful boat ride.

A possible consideration is that the cruise can sometimes feel crowded, especially during peak season, which might detract from the romantic atmosphere some travelers seek. Also, note that transfers between the museum and the cruise departure point are not included, so you’ll want to plan your timing and transportation accordingly.

This tour suits art lovers, first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded introduction to Paris, and anyone who enjoys combining history, art, and scenic views in one affordable package. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas, this experience will likely meet your expectations.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines art at the Rodin Museum with scenic views on the Seine River
• Affordable price: At $39, offering good value for both museum entry and a river cruise
• Expert guidance: Includes an audio guide available in multiple languages, enhancing the experience
• Ideal timing: Designed to fit a full day, suitable for those with limited schedules
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with options for different languages
• Cultural depth: Beyond just viewing sculptures, you get a sense of Rodin’s lesser-known works and the city’s iconic sights

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting at the Rodin Museum, located on the Left Bank near Les Invalides, we’re welcomed into a world where sculpture takes center stage. The museum itself is housed in a former mansion, giving the setting a charming, historic atmosphere. The highlight here is the sculpture garden, sprawling over three hectares, divided into a rose garden and an ornamental garden. As we wander through, we’re surrounded by Rodin’s masterpieces like The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and many lesser-known but equally striking works.

What sets this visit apart is the chance to see over 200 paintings and other works collected by Rodin, providing a multi-layered insight into his artistic process. The museum’s knowledgeable guides and detailed audio commentary (if selected) help us understand the context and significance of each piece. As one visitor noted, “The visit to the museum was very pleasant, we liked both the garden, the sculptures in the garden and the museum itself.”

The gardens are a peaceful retreat. Divided into two sections, they’re perfect for a quiet moment or a picnic if you bring snacks. The terrace and relaxation areas invite visitors to sit back and appreciate the artistry or simply watch the world go by. Be aware, however, that during certain periods (like from June 5 to July 8), some parts of the garden might be inaccessible due to construction.

After soaking in the art, it’s time to head to the Seine River cruise. You’ll depart from Port de la Bourdonnais, close to the Eiffel Tower, making it a convenient next stop if you’re already in the area. The boat ride offers a perspective of Paris that many miss from street level—gliding past iconic sights like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Pont Alexandre III. The boat is equipped with an audio guide in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese, which enriches the experience with historical insights and little-known facts.

What we loved is the views of the Eiffel Tower at sunset or nighttime, when it twinkles, creating a magical backdrop. Many reviews mentioned the visual appeal: “We loved the way the Eiffel Tower was lit up from the river, it’s truly enchanting.”

However, some travelers, like Irina from Romania, found the cruise a bit underwhelming—describing it as “just a bus traveling on the Seine” with no music or romantic ambiance. Crowds can also make the experience feel less intimate during busy seasons, so patience and a relaxed attitude are best.

Overall, this tour offers a well-rounded day: a chance to see masterful sculptures and enjoy the city’s most photogenic views without breaking the bank. The combination works well for first-time visitors, art enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a taste of Paris’s artistic and scenic splendors.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation & Meeting Points:
The tour begins at the Rodin Museum, accessible via Varenne (line 13) or Invalides (lines 13 and 8) metro stations. After your museum visit, you’ll walk or arrange your own transport to the cruise departure point at Port de la Bourdonnais, which is a short distance away. Be sure to check the timetable for the cruise—departure times vary, so plan accordingly.

Timing & Duration:
The entire experience is designed to fit within a day—visiting the museum, exploring the sculpture gardens, and enjoying the cruise. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with the last rooms closing at 6:15 PM. The cruise duration isn’t specified exactly, but typically lasts around an hour, giving you time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed.

Inclusions & Extras:
Your ticket covers entry to the museum, sculpture gardens, and the cruise, including the audioguide. There’s no included transfer between the attractions, so you’ll want to plan your route. The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers audio guides in several languages, making it flexible and inclusive.

Considerations:
– During peak seasons, expect longer waits at security and crowded boats.
– Items larger than 55x35x20 cm are not permitted in the museum.
– The first Sunday of the month from October to March offers free entry to the museum, which can be a bonus if visiting then.
– Be aware that during certain dates, parts of the sculpture garden may be temporarily inaccessible.

Authentic Voices & Real Experiences

One traveler summarized, “Everything was just as I expected,” reflecting the straightforward, reliable nature of this tour. Another shared that the museum visit was “very pleasant,” especially appreciating the combination of sculptures and gardens.

Conversely, some found the Seine cruise a bit less romantic than hoped, describing it as “just a bus traveling on the Seine,” but still acknowledging the beautiful city views. This honesty helps set realistic expectations—if you’re after a magical, quiet cruise, you might want to consider combining this with a less crowded time of day or a private option.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for art lovers eager to see Rodin’s sculptures in a lovely setting, first-time visitors wanting a manageable overview of Paris’s highlights, or budget-conscious travelers seeking value. If you’re looking for a romantic, intimate river cruise, keep in mind that crowds and the boat environment might diminish that feeling. But if you’re keen on combining cultural exploration with scenic views, this tour hits the sweet spot.

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The Sum Up

This tour offers an accessible, budget-friendly way to experience some of Paris’s artistic and scenic treasures. With its combination of the Rodin Museum’s sculptures and gardens plus a Seine River cruise, it’s perfect for those who want a well-rounded day without spending a fortune. The inclusion of an audio guide and the opportunity to see works that are often overlooked enriches the visit, giving you more than just a superficial glance at Rodin’s genius.

While the cruise may feel busier and less romantic during peak seasons, the views of Paris’s skyline and landmarks from the river still hold undeniable charm. The experience is flexible, with accessible options and detailed information, making it a solid choice for a first taste of Paris’s artistic and scenic wonders.

If you value engaging guides, authentic art experiences, and picturesque vistas, this tour can truly deliver. Just plan your timing carefully, and prepare for sometimes crowded conditions—then sit back and enjoy the beauty of Paris from both land and water.

FAQs

Is transportation between the museum and the cruise included?
No, the tour does not include transfers between the attractions. You will need to plan your own route to the cruise departure point after visiting the museum.

How long does the Seine River cruise last?
While not explicitly specified, cruises typically last about an hour, allowing you enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Can I get into the museum for free?
Yes, the Rodin Museum is free on the first Sunday of the month from October to March, no reservation needed during that period.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

Are audio guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, the cruise includes an audioguide available in French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese.

What should I bring or be aware of?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, and be aware that items larger than 55x35x20 cm are not permitted inside the museum. Also, security checks may involve wait times during busy seasons.

You can check availability for your dates here: