best seine dinner cruise paris

15 Best Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris for an Unparalleled Dining Experience

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Whether it’s your first or fifth time in Paris, any pick of the best Seine River dinner cruises down the famous waterway will blow your high heels off!

Even if you’ve explored the city or the river before, there’s something oh-so-magical about this experience.

At the end of the day, the surroundings are what make a dinner cruise on the Seine River so special, but it’s also about the food — you’re in one of the world’s Food Capitals! Combining both, this is one activity hard to beat!

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Seine River Dinner Cruises

With plentiful options and so many reviews, it can be daunting to know which one to go with. Luckily, our complete guide about the best Seine River cruises includes everything you need to know about sightseeing options and famous landmarks, routes, different lunch and dinner cruise operators, and so much more.

1 – Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens

With the city lights dancing off the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, revel in a gourmet three-course meal (of classic French dishes) with your favorite person during a Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise .

There are multiple seating options (middle, window seats and tables at the bow) and menus to suit all budget types.

Expect champagne on arrival and live musical entertainment setting the mood.

• book this cruise
• 6.30 PM Cruise: 1h15minutes
• 8.30 PM Cruise: 2.5 hours
• Etoile Service: €95
• Privilège Service: €125
• Premier Service: €149
• Etoile Service: €115
• Decouverte Service: €139
• Privilège Service: €185
• Premier Service: €215

This one really impresses with its menus. Think French duck foie gras, snail tart and spiced duckling fillet with a citrus dressing …

We especially love the panoramic views, and no matter your seating, you’re blessed with river vistas from all angles.

It’s a fabulous pick for couples: only one section of the boat allows dinner reservations with kids onboard.

We especially love the route, with the Eiffel as the star of the show!

2 – Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Mouches

For those that don’t want to just float along the river confined indoors; feel the river breeze on your skin from the open top deck when embarking on a dreamy Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise .

Feast on traditional French cuisine, highlighting regional ingredients, while the sounds of the grand piano and violin take you into the night.

• Dinner menu - 6pm early bird Service: €85
• Prestige dinner menu: €115
• Excellence dinner menu: €155
• Get a Yes in Paris - Marriage Proposal: €340

Thanks to the boat’s design, with its rooftop setup, this dinner cruise is perfect for photo-happy travelers — or professional photographers — snapping all the sites you pass by from open surroundings

We especially love the menus, with multiple choices between various starters, mains and dessert (or cheese platters). The pricier dinner menus have fancier items, but no matter which one, the food doesn’t disappoint!

3 – La Gourmande Seine Dinner Cruise by Le Diamant Bleu

The dinner experience with the La Gourmande Seine Dinner Cruise aboard Le Diamant Bleu is top-notch, from the service to the setting.

Dazzling guests with its superyacht-like design, enjoy drinks under the stars from its open 350m² terrace deck. Dinner is served while live musicians strum guitars, and as dessert approaches, kick back and head to the dance floor, where a DJ spins the funkiest beats.

• Gourmet Package: €89
• Sparkling Gourmet Package: €129
• Add a VIP bay window location to your package for an extra €15
• Add a PRESTIGE location (at the bow of the boat) to your package for an extra €20

While some of the other Seine River dinner cruises have an overly fancy feel, this one is perfect for a group of friends, welcoming younger crowds with open arms. We love the DJ!

All ingredients are sourced from local producers, and so the plates are always seasonally fresh.

The boat stops for long enough in front of the twinkling Eiffel Tower and doesn’t just glide past. Bonus!

4 – La Trattoria sur Seine dinner cruise by Le Diamant Bleu

Oui, oui , we may be in France, but who’s to say you have to only eat French food? If you’re in the mood for Italian, then book a table onboard the Theo barge boat (an open upper deck included) for its La Trattoria sur Seine dinner cruise!

Seating 90 passengers only, it’s an intimate affair!

• Trattoria formula – 1st service: €55
• Trattoria formula – 2nd service: €59
• Add a VIP bay window location to your package for an extra €10
• Add a Rooftop Dining location for an extra €15

Two words: handmade pasta! Using imported ingredients straight from Italia, like Sicilian wheat, transport yourselves to Italy for the night!

Not only is the food traditional, but so is the ambiance! From its classic Italian lounge, Italian songs and opera arias fill the air!

What do we love most? This excursion ensures that you get to see the most famous landmarks of Paris!

5 – Dinner cruise by Paris Seine

No matter which one of the three boats you end up on during your dinner cruise by Paris Seine , you’re in for a treat! All boast unique features: the Saphir has a 100m² open-air terrace, the Grand Pavois has a glass roof, and the Vert Galant is all-wooden floors.

Expect a menu full of seasonal products inspired by French gastronomy.

• 6 PM Cruise: 1h15mins
• 8 PM Cruise: 2 hours
• Paris Flavors: €75
• Festive Paris: €85
• Romantic Paris: €120
• Paris Flavors: €65
• Festive Paris: €75
• Romantic Paris: €100

These dinner cruises are super affordable in comparison to some of the others — no matter which one you book. On that note, discover different seating plans to suit all budget types.

Our personal favorite is the cruise onboard the romantic Saphir, with dining options available outside (weather permitting).

6 – Dinner cruise by Ducasse sur Seine

Calling all the serious foodies out there! It’s time to put on your red lips and don your high heels for the fancy schmancy Ducasse sur Seine dinner cruise!

Forget about an ordinary three-course meal; here, you have the option of a four, five or six-course menu! We’re talking lobster, scallops and truffles!

And just wait until you get a load of the all-glass boat …

• see price & reviews
• 4 Course Dinner: €160
• 4 Course Dinner + Food & Wine Pairing: €265
• 5 Course Dinner: €200
• 5 Course Dinner + Food & Wine Pairing: €305
• 6 Course Paris est une fête: €500

Eco Warriors, as the first 100% electric Parisian floating restaurant, this boat is 100% ecologically friendly!

We’re obsessed with the professional sommelier services (a private wine cellar onboard included), and the entire experience runs like a proper restaurant — plus, the ship is so silent, it all makes you forget you’re traveling on water.

7 – Dinner cruise by Don Juan II

If you’re keen on at least one Michelin-star experience in Paris, ditch all your previous ideas and opt for the Michelin-award-winning Don Juan II dinner cruise instead! Providing the most unique setting for it, it doesn’t get better than its one-star cuisine!

Its elegant and rich interiors (and Art Déco vibes) add the final cherry.

With three-star Michelin chef Frédéric Anton at the helm, expect the most gorgeous graphic plates of food flying out of this professional kitchen!

And because it’s got such a high-caliber chef leading the way, the restaurant boat matches in standard. We just love the regal feeling, everything dripping in luxury, including the wine cellar!

8 – Dinner cruise by Capitaine Fracasse

How delicious does celery root remoulade with truffle sound? Or how about duck breast tossed with honey and nuts ? Indulge in a gourmet three-course dinner cruise aboard Capitaine Fracasse .

Admire the sunset from the outdoor terrace (the perfect setting for drinks and mingling with other guests), or cozy up indoors in a plush and comfortable setting.

Thinking of popping the question? Add on extras like a window or front-of-ship table and a rose bouquet.

• Fracasse Package: €69
• Amiral Package: €79
• Champagne Package: €89

Free onboard wifi? You bet!

We also love the fact that there’s a plant-based menu available (on request beforehand)!

Don’t forget to let them know if it’s your birthday for a sweet surprise of glitter cake and a glass of bubbly!

No matter which of the dinner packages you choose, the menus are all the same; it’s another super affordable dinner cruise.

9 – Dinner cruise by Calife

With a Calife Dinner Cruise , you’re spoiled with an array of seating plans, each one designated in a different part of this vintage barge. Whether it’s the terrace, veranda or its exotic wood living room salon, fall into the rhythm of the Seine with 360-degree views.

Expect a cocktail reception greeting you as you arrive, and there’s a live jazz concert every night in the grand music room!

• Salon lounge dining: €87
• Terrace or Veranda dining: €107
• Salon lounge dining: €129
• Terrace or Veranda dining: €149

Honestly, it’s the unique seating sections of this boat that win our hearts over. Depending on the weather, the terrace is open or covered (and with heating), the veranda has a see-through glass roof, and the indoor lounge is modeled after a classic Parisian Salon (every table, a window seat).

All menus are three courses, and if there’s one item you have to try, it’s the famous iced nougat!

10 – Paris en Scène dinner cruise

Inspired by the French classic “en cocotte” casserole dish, a dinner cruise with Paris en Scène is a feast for the senses, all dishes revolving around traditional French simmered dishes.

With all the makings of a classic French bistro, menus comprise starters, a casserole main and dessert. Lap up the all-round views from bay windows or the terrace on the upper deck!

• Water Cruise: €55
• Wine Cruise: €65
• Champagne Cruise: €75

With two dinner cruise timetables available (7.15 PM and 9.45 PM), no one has to miss out, especially if you’re a night owl!

Its distinct style of cuisine sets it apart from the usual menus offered elsewhere.

Not breaking any bank accounts with its reasonably-priced options, we suggest going the full mile and opting for the Champagne Cruise.

11 – Bistronomic dinner cruise by Eiffel Croisières

Departing from the foot of the famously ornate Alexandre III Bridge, prepare your palettes for the delicious degustation menu from Eiffel Croisières’s Bistronomic Dinner .

Savor each morsel with stunning panoramas thanks to the Ivoire barge’s giant windows.

Changing with each new season, always expect something new from this kitchen. Not keen on a tasting menu? A la carte options are available, too, fab wine list included!

• Bistronomic Dinner: €59
• Bistronomic Dinner with wine: €69
• Bistronomic Dinner with Champagne: €79

The food and wine pairings are a must for anyone considering themselves a vino connoisseur.

In case you were wondering, a vegetarian menu is available.

We’re mega fans of its onboard sightseeing commentary — they provide a QR code to download a description of all the monuments you pass by during the cruise.

12 – Prestige dinner cruises by Eiffel Croisières

Say hello to seafood towers, champagne showers and terrace moments under the moon!

Three glistening and glamorous lounges await you onboard the luxe Tosca barge. It’s not named the Prestige Dinner for no reason!

Admire the sites from its Privilege Lounge’s bay windows, sweep in panoramas at the bow at the Premium Lounge, and the upper deck is the VIP Lounge.

See how many bridges you can count (hint: you sail under 31 of the 37)!

• Prestige Dinner: €79
• Prestige Dinner with wine: €89
• Prestige Dinner: €99

Tables are set to fine-dining standards, and think seasonal ingredients with the options of seafood, meat or vegetarian menus. Plus, wine pairings!

We (highly) recommend the seafood option — we’re talking langoustines, oysters and shrimp on ice! If you want to order the seafood tower (its signature), let them know in advance.

P.S. Right at the Statue of Liberty, your captain rotates ship so that you catch direct sight of Paris’ most famous landmark. Quick , get your camera!

13 – Bistro dinner cruise by Canauxrama

Nothing beats a divine charcuterie and cheese board — and you’re in the perfect country for it! Add onto that a glass of Champagne and macarons (with live music setting the tone), and you’re all set for a quintessential Parisian soiree!

All thanks to Canauxrama’s La Parisienne Gourmande Cruise .

Take cover on the lower deck or dine under the warm evening sky. In cooler months, both sections are heated.

• Add a glass of champagne and a trio of macarons for an extra €11

This is for those that maybe have dinner plans later on but still want to experience the romance of an evening cruise filled with good food and fine wine!

Cue the accordion player and festive atmosphere, and you can topple up at the bar.

We’re mega fans of its first-come, first-pick seating vibes, and you’ll pass the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice on this trip.

14 – Seine River dinner cruise and Eiffel Tower combo

When the Eiffel Tower lights up at night, she becomes even more alluring! Add some extra excitement to your dinner cruise, finishing off the night with a climb up Paris’ most famous landmark!

Choose a guided exploration through its three levels, or opt for a combo that simply includes entrance tickets to the Iron Lady.

If you’re planning a proposal, these combination cruises are utterly romantic!

• Eiffel tower & dinner cruise

15 – Seine River dinner cruise and Moulin Rouge combo

“ Because we can, can, can. Yes we can, can, can, can ” embark on a dinner cruise AND a visit to none other than the world-famous Moulin Rouge in one go!

After you’ve got a load of the most famous sites along the Seine, complete your evening with a show at the iconic cabaret house!

All logistics are taken care of; what a pleasure!

• Moulin Rouge & dinner cruise

How to book Seine River dinner cruises?

Bookings are essential to secure your spot on your preferred floating restaurant.

Either book directly with the cruise company or with an online travel agency.

What’s the difference? Online operators often offer discounted rates, as well as epic combo tickets (for anyone wanting to visit the Eiffel Tower or experience the Moulin Rouge show after your dinner cruise). With a combination package, save extra euros!

Use our search engine to explore and compare the different cruise and combo tour options available on the web in one simple click!

With so many incredible options on the table, don’t miss out on the best Seine River dinner cruises for an unparalleled night out.

If your evenings are already full with other plans, you don’t have to miss out on the experience! Here are the best Seine River lunch cruises for daytime options.

Got any questions? Ask us in the comments below.

Bon Appétit!

Paris Dinner Cruise Guide: 10 Top Companies Compared (2024)

Enjoying dinner while cruising along the River Seine is an iconic Parisian experience. But with so many boat companies offering tours, how do you choose?

As a long-time Paris local, I’ve personally researched, reviewed, and rated all the best Seine dinner cruise options. Whether you’re looking for romance, luxury, entertainment or just delicious French food with amazing city views, you’ll discover the perfect riverboat here.

This guide also features my insider tips to help you book dates and seats that suit your trip.

Warning: these choices only reflect my personal opinion!

⭐️ Top Paris Dinner Cruise Picks

• For those looking for a reliable, classic River Seine cruise experience , I recommend Bateaux Mouches or Les Bateaux Parisiens . These long-running dinner cruises consistently receive excellent reviews.
• If romance is your top priority , treat your loved one to an intimate evening on Bateaux Mouches’ Privilège Étoile service or the newer luxury yacht Don Juan II .
• For a high-end Michelin star meal , only Alain Ducasse’s Ducasse Sur Seine single-handedly matches fine dining with smooth electric riverboat transport.
• On a budget but still interested in Seine views? Check out Paris en Scène or historic boat Le Calife for cheaper dinner cruises that impress.

Now let’s go into detail about each dinner cruise on the Seine.

Bateaux-Mouches, the Iconic Paris Dinner Cruise With Live Music

Bateaux-Mouches is a registered trademark that has been around for over 60 years.

Originally, the name referred to boats that transported goods, and it was during the 1867 Universal Exhibition that some boats began to accept passengers on board.

You will discover the main monuments of the capital: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame-de-Paris, the City Hall, the Musée d’Orsay… so many romantic places for your dinner on the Seine.

⌚ Schedule: 8:30pm (duration: 2h15)

• €115 for the “Prestige” menu (aperitif, starter, main course, dessert, drink)
• €155 for the “Excellence” menu (window seat, aperitif, champagne, starter, main course, cheese, dessert, drink)

You can also enjoy special events:

• New Year’s Eve : €460/person (from 20:30 until 02:00, band and singer)
• Christmas : €110

😍 What We Love:

• the large windows
• the live music that creates a great atmosphere
• the quality of the food
• the vegetarian options
• the wine included even in the cheapest package

🫤 What We Like Less:

• Saturdays are often fully booked weeks in advance
• the portions could be larger
• disappointing Cheese selection, like brie, were not up to expectations.

Note : Book in advance. Especially if you want to come on a Saturday, you should do so several weeks or even months in advance.

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches   🔥 H IGH DEMAND

Bateaux Parisiens, a Sophisticated Glass-Enclosed Cruise

You can board the Bateaux Parisiens next to the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame. Their main point is their enormous glass panes offering a panoramic view of Paris.

Whether you’re on the Onyx , the Diamant II , or any other of their boats, the Bateaux Parisiens will serve you the most famous monuments in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides, the Louvre and many more on a silver platter.

⌚ Schedule :

• 6:15pm (duration: 1h15)
• 8:30pm (duration: 2h30)
• Dinner Cruise 6:15pm (1h15): €95 for Dinner Etoile, €125 for Dinner Privilege, €149 for Dinner Premier.
• Dinner Cruise 8:30pm (2h30): €115 for Dinner Etoile, €139 for Dinner Découverte, €185 for Dinner Privilege, €215 for Dinner Premier.
• July 14th (National Day): €159 for the Excellence service (panoramic view)
• New Year’s Eve : €430/person

😍 What We Love :

• the fully glazed boats
• French cuisine
• the casual chic atmosphere
• the musical entertainment
• good timing with the Eiffel Tower’s light show
• a children’s menu at €39.

🫤 What We Like Less :

• the boat can sometimes appear quite crowded
• few availabilities
• the (too) short (1h15) and (too) early (at 6:15 pm) route

Note : Les Bateaux Parisiens can be difficult to book, so don’t wait until the last minute, especially if it’s for a Saturday (which can sometimes be fully booked 1 or 2 months in advance).

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens   🔥 H IGH DEMAND

Paris Seine, an Intimate River Cruise With French Cuisine

The boats offered by Paris Seine will delight you with their elegant and intimate decoration.

You will be able to enjoy high-quality food while admiring the main monuments of Paris, as the route starts at the foot of the Musée d’Orsay.

• Dinner Cruise 6:45pm (1h15): €85
• Dinner Cruise 9:15pm (2h): €100 without drinks, €130 for VIP including drinks, €165 for Romantic package.
• July 14th (National Day): €149 special menu
• A very popular cruise available most of the time
• The 9:15 PM journey allowing views of the illuminated Eiffel Tower
• Children’s menu at €40
• 100% vegetarian menu with several options
• Enjoyable live music performances.
• The price of additional options (drinks and seats near the windows)
• Some seats are sometimes too tight and crowded.

➡️   Book your dinner cruise with Paris Seine

Le Diamant Bleu, Paris By Night With Singers and DJs

Discover the magic of “Paris by night” aboard the Blue Diamond and savor a gourmet dinner while admiring the breathtaking views of the city’s iconic monuments.

Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine with a choice of starter, main course, and dessert, all prepared by the talented Chef Mohamed Gamara and his team.

Enjoy live entertainment with singers and a DJ.

⌚ Schedule : 8:30 pm (2.5 hour)

• €89 Gourmet Dinner Cruise
• €109 Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Wine (1/2 bottle of wine per person)
• €129 Sparkling Gourmet Dinner Cruise (1/2 bottle of champagne/wine per person)
• €144 VIP Sparkling Gourmet Dinner Cruise (guaranteed window table)
• The superb upper deck terrace
• The excellent quality of food
• The Lounge and live music ambiance. The performance of the musicians and singer is incredible (songs in French and English)
• Friendly and very helpful staff
• The opportunity to dance back at the dock (Live DJ)
• Music a bit too loud for having a conversation
• No vegetarian options
• Limited non-alcoholic drink options
• Some tables are a bit too close to each other

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Le Diamant Bleu  

Calife, a Charming Barge Cruise That Feels Like Old Paris

The Calife , whose personnel clearly seems to treat you as a pasha combines two opposite aspects: a both sumptuous and friendly atmosphere.

Whether it is the music, the decor and, obviously, the Parisian monuments to admire, you will definitely not be in want.

⌚ Schedule : 8:45 pm (duration: 2h).

• Calife menu priced at €67/adult without drinks (welcome cocktail, starter, main course, dessert)
• Royal menu priced at €109/adult (welcome cocktail, starter, main course, dessert, wine, champagne)
• Children’s menu called Les Petits Matelos priced at €45 (starter, main course, dessert)
• good value for money
• the barge is pretty, typical and quite small
• outdoor pontoon to admire Paris
• retractable roof to see Paris under the stars in the open air
• there are vegetarian options
• some tables are close to each other

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Le Calife

Ducasse sur Seine, Alain Ducasse’s Gourmet Electric River Boat

  View this post on Instagram   Une publication partagée par Ducasse sur Seine (@ducassesurseine)

Now you can enjoy the excellence of chef Alain Ducasse on the Seine. Since 2018 it is possible to take a (gastronomic) dinner cruise on board the Ducasse sur Seine.

Beyond a simple cruise, Alain Ducasse offers you a real experience on board an electric boat. A silent trip around the historical and remarkable sites of Paris.

⌚ Schedule : 8:30 pm (duration: 2h).

• €160 for the 4-course menu (excluding drinks).
• €200 for the 5-course menu (excluding drinks).
• €305 for the 5-course menu & wine pairing.
• the only eco-friendly dinner cruise (100% electric)
• the silence of the boat
• the high-level gastronomic cuisine
• over 100 wine references
• the valet parking service (€15)
• drinks not included in the menu (glass of wine is expensive).

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Ducasse sur Seine

Vedettes du Pont Neuf, Casual Terrace Dining With City Views

Initially founded in 1959 with no less than four boats, the Vedettes du Pont Neuf have been welcoming travelers who want to visit Paris in a tasteful atmosphere.

As such, under the lights of the Eiffel Tower and other famous monuments, you will be able to enjoy a meal worthy of French gastronomy.

💰 Price: €79 for the menu (excluding drinks): Earth Menu, Sea Menu, Vegetarian Menu

• the terrace
• the beautiful 2h00 trip
• the French cuisine
• there is a vegetarian menu
• Background music: French classics
• drinks not included in the menu

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with the Vedettes du Pont Neuf 

Paris en Scène, an Affordable Cruise With Parisian Bistro Fare

An affordable dinner cruise on the Seine is possible! And it’s offered every day of the week.

You will enjoy a meal inspired by French bistro traditions, comfortably seated in large leather armchairs.

After dinner, treat yourself to a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris’ landmarks from one of the boat’s three captivating terraces.

⌚ Schedule : 7:30 pm, 10:00 pm (duration: 1h45).

• €62 for the Water formula
• €72 for the Wine formula (½ bottle of wine for two)
• €82 for the Champagne formula (½ bottle of champagne for two)
• the value for money
• the comfortable leather armchairs
• the romantic atmosphere
• the friendly service
• the vegan/vegetarian options
• the lack of live performance
• the wait between courses can be long
• the insufficient portions

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with the Paris en Scène 

Capitaine Fracasse, a Cozy Dinner Cruise on A Freshly Renovated Boat

The Capitaine Fracasse offers a cruise on the Seine aboard a freshly renovated boat, allowing you to discover the most beautiful Parisian monuments along the river.

Inside, passengers are seated in a contemporary and elegant setting, with an optimal view of the Seine from their table thanks to the large bay windows.

The menu offers gourmet dishes cooked on board with options for all tastes and budgets.

Well thought-out packages are available to suit all budgets and options are offered to enhance the cruise.

⌚ Schedule:

• Sunday to Friday: 8:45 PM (duration: 2 hours 15 minutes)
• Saturday: 6:15 PM (duration: 1 hour 45 minutes), 9:00 PM (duration: 2 hours 15 minutes)
• €75 for the Fracasse formula (without drinks)
• €85 for the Amiral formula (welcome cocktail and ½ bottle of wine included)
• €95 for the Vinophile formula (75 cl of a superior wine for two)
• the human-sized boat
• the welcoming and quality service
• the quality of the dishes
• the soft background music
• access to the rooftop and animation by the photographer
• vegan and gluten-free options
• the wait between the starter and the main course can be long
• the staff’s insistence on taking photos can be a bit too much.

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with the Capitaine Fracasse 

Don Juan II, Michelin-Star Dining On a Luxurious Parisian Yacht

Since 1991, Yachts de Paris allow you to discover the monuments of Paris in luxury.

They’re aiming for excellence.

The 7 yachts, all more splendid than the next, will welcome you in an elegant atmosphere but it is on the Don Juan II that you can have your dinner.

The cuisine, created by the Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Anton, is worthy of a three-star restaurant. You’ll definitely never want to leave the Don Juan II.

💰 Price : fixed menu at €240 (drinks not included)

• the extremely high-class ambiance
• the human-scale barge
• the atypical setting
• the menu worthy of a gourmet restaurant
• the originality of the dishes
• the discreet musical atmosphere
• the portions are sometimes too small
• drinks are not included in the menu

➡️ Book your dinner cruise on the Don Juan II 

Comparison Table of the Paris Dinner Cruises

Paris dinner cruise booking tips.

Planning ahead is key when booking a memorable Paris River cruise. Follow these tips for an amazing hassle-free tour:

• Reserve Early: Popular cruises like Bateaux Mouches or intimate boats fill up weeks in advance, especially for peak summer months and weekends. Book your tickets at least 2-3 weeks out if possible. Last-minute trips could have limited days or times.
• Consider Group Size: Smaller barges like Le Calife or Don Juan II provide a more exclusive vibe. If traveling with more guests or kids, larger boats like Bateaux Parisiens accommodate bigger groups.
• Check Schedules: Evening illumination cruises to see monuments like the sparkling Eiffel Tower are stunning but shorter in length. Late evening departures allow you to dine at leisure while taking in the sights.
• Confirm Dress Code: While most Seine cruises have no formal dress code, shorts and flip-flops are best avoided. Business casual or smart casual attire creates the right vibe for these classy Parisian dinner events.
• Bring a Cover: Even in summer months, cool breezes can pick up at night on the open river. Having a light sweater, wrap or jacket ensures you stay comfortable admiring the views.
• Arrive Early: Aim to arrive 15-30 minutes before your cruise departure time to check-in, get settled at your table, and enjoy a pre-dinner drink on board

I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!

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The 5 Best Seine River Dinner Cruises [2024 Reviews]

The Seine River in Paris is a sight to be seen especially when looking across it at the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks. But there is an even better way to view Paris’s famous architecture and attractions.

The Seine River flows through the heart of Paris and past many of these locations. Why not take a cruise down the Seine River and enjoy champagne, a delicious meal, or both as you glide gently past some of the most well-known sites in Paris?

However, there are tons of different options to choose from in this top tourist destination. That’s why I’ve decided to carefully curate a guide to the 5 top Seine River dinner cruises available, that are well worth your time and money. Let’s get started!

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Paris Dinner Cruises

Quick answer: the 5 best rated seine river dinner cruises in paris.

• Best Dinner Cruise: Dinner Cruise on the Seine River
• Best Evening Cruise: 3-Course Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Seine River
• Best Lunch Cruise: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise
• Best Champagne Cruise: Champagne Tasting Cruise Departure from Eiffel tower
• Best Value Cruise: Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine

We’ve chosen these Paris river cruises because they offer a wide range of experiences and will fit into everyone’s budget.

Seine River Dinner Cruise Reviews

1. best dinner cruise: dinner cruise on the seine river.

• Departure Point : 300 Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris
• Departure Time : 8:30 PM
• Duration : 2.5 hours
• Includes : 3-course dinner with either wine or champagne, cheese board, a glass of champagne with dessert and a mini-sweet selection with coffee

This first tour is the most complete of any, where you’ll get to not only soak in panoramic vistas of Paris at night, but a delicious à-la-carte dinner and live entertainment.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic night out on the town, or a unique way to have fun with friends or the entire family. The Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine is the perfect alternative to going to a nice restaurant, and the views will be much better, too!

The first thing you should know is that there are 4 different service options available: Premier, Privilège, Découvert, and Etoile. Each one includes slightly different food and drink options, as well as seating in different parts of the vessel for better views.

The meeting spot that your tour will start from is also dependent on which tour service option you select, so make sure to take a look at that beforehand.

However, no matter which option you book, you’ll meet up with the crew and be escorted onboard a panoramic sightseeing boat made specifically for the purpose of enjoying Paris’ beauty in comfort.

The walls are basically entirely glass, offering great views of the bigger landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, as well as the detail of gilded bridges, historic quays, and much more.

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We selected the Premier service option, which includes seating right at the front of the boat, along with a glass of champagne to start off, which I highly recommend in terms of views and service.

The starter was delicious, as well as the main course, though I’ll admit my favorite part of the meal was the cheese platter along with the delicious dessert!

The servers were so attentive, it’s like they read our minds, and the live entertainment in the background made it that much more magical. Overall, it was an amazing night and I’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting Paris.

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

More information & tour booking, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best evening cruise: 3-course gourmet dinner cruise on seine river.

• Departure Point : Port de Solférino – Promenade Edouard Glissant 75007 Paris
• Departure Time : 6:45 PM or 9:15 PM
• Duration : 75 minutes – 2 hours
• Includes : Cruise on a glass-enclosed boat,  3-course dinner, c offee or tea, g lass of Champagne (if option selected),  2 glasses of Champagne (if option selected)

Imagine gliding past the Gothic spires of Notre Dame soaring high into the sky as the sun is setting while dining on some of the best food in the city, and that’s only the beginning.

If you want a little itinerary recommendation from me, I’d say you should spend the afternoon at the Orsay Museum exploring the Impressionist masterpieces and finish up a bit before dinnertime.

This cruise starts right at the Paris Seine La Marina Port de Solférino which is right next to the museum, and easy to access by simply heading down the stairs to where the river is.

By that time, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite walking around, so this is your chance to kick back, relax, and enjoy breathtaking Parisian views while enjoying a delicious 3-course dinner.

This boat is very similar to the other, in that it’s completely glass-enclosed which is essential for the best views along the Seine. After all, many of the sights you’ll want to see are very tall – even more so when you’re down on the river, which sits significantly lower than the river banks.

As we cruised along, our guide told us some interesting facts about the different landmarks, pointing them out so no one missed them. The meal will vary a bit, depending on if you decide on the 6:45 pm sailing or the 9:15 pm sailing – mostly the main course.

For the earlier sailing, you’ll have the delicious seared salmon and leek compote (what I had), and for the later option, either seared sea scallops with leek compote or lightly-cooked foie gras with grape compote and orange marmalade.

Honestly though, I would’ve been perfectly happy just enjoying our fresh coffee and dessert while floating along the misty green river.

Search For Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best lunch cruise: 2-hour river seine lunch cruise.

• Departure Point : Meeting point varies depending on the option booked
• Departure Time : 12:45 PM
• Duration : 2 hours
• Includes : 3 -course lunch, with appetizer, white and red wine, mineral water, and coffee, c heese course (“Service Privilège” and “Service Premier” options), c ruise through the heart of Paris, t oilets on board

Experience Parisian elegance with a Bateaux Parisiens lunch cruise along the legendary River Seine. The 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise  is the perfect way to break up a day of trekking around the city by relaxing on an iconic riverboat while enjoying a delicious meal and wine!

This is one of my favorite tours, because it always seems to time itself perfectly around when my feet start to get a little sore from our morning sightseeing.

While the evening tours are also something special, I do think that it’s a whole different experience during the daytime as you’ll get to see the city in literally a different light.

I’d recommend taking this cruise tour if it’s your first time in Paris and would like to get a “lay of the land” as to where the main sites are before really jumping in. In fact, if you can time it to where you need to fill your time before checking in to your hotel your first day there, do that.

Similar to the first tour on this guide, there are 3 different service options which will change your seating and included drinks and appetizers.

However, generally speaking, everyone will get to enjoy a tasty 3-course lunch à-la-carte, an array of different cheeses, along with some white and/or red wines. Boarding was a very easy process, and the staff was so friendly and welcoming from the very beginning.

I should note that this is more of a “self-guided” experience, so we did have a bit of an idea of what was where but the guides weren’t there to give us a full “tour” if that makes sense.

However, it was a nice way to get to know the area while feasting on some delicious French food (the included bottle of white wine and bottle of red was very welcomed!). It definitely makes for a memorable first impression of Paris, perfect for travelers of all ages and interests.

Related: See the World Famous Louvre Museum – Skip the Lines – Find the Best Tour for Your Money.

4. best champagne cruise: champagne tasting cruise departure from eiffel tower.

• Departure Point : Les Vedettes de Paris, Port de Suffren
• Departure Time : 6:00 PM
• Duration : 1 hour
• Includes : English-speaking server, pr ivate salon and deck at the front of the boat,  3 good wines from boutique wineries, i nformation about Paris monuments and wine

No matter if you’re on a budget of either money or time, this next tour will be absolutely perfect for your needs.

The Champagne Tasting Cruise Departure from Eiffel Tower  is a seamless transfer option after seeing the world-famous structure, taking you away from the crowds and onto the calm waters of the Seine.

If you’d like all that rush to melt away and just soak in the city’s manmade and natural views without spending a bunch of cash, take a look at this one.

This is a bit of a little secret, but it’s also a great tour if you’re into wine and would like a nice intro to French wines in one of the most romantic settings possible.

Starting out at Les Vedettes de Paris, it’s a super convenient location but I suggest getting there at least half an hour early to find the right boat and have your tickets ready. If you can, get your voucher beforehand, as the ticket booths can also sometimes get quite busy.

As we stepped onboard the glass-enclosed vessel, we were greeted by the friendly staff and escorted to our seating where we received some coffee and tea as we set sail.

Once underway, we were able to indulge in a curated wine tasting experience led by expert sommeliers who guided us through a selection of handpicked French wines.

We tasted 3 different champagnes (one Brut, one Extra-Brut, and one Rose, which was a great way to get to learn about Champagne.

As we sipped, the gentle pace of the cruise set the ideal backdrop for chatting with others in our group as well as other passengers from around the world!

As it’s only an hour, it’s very easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules, while still fitting in so much sightseeing, tasting, and learning.

Should you have any, make sure to ask any questions about winemaking, differentiating and pairing, or even recommendations for Parisian activities!

Related: Skip the Lines and See the Catacombs – Find the Best Tour for Your Money.

5. best value cruise: early evening dinner cruise on the river seine.

• Departure Point : Port de Solférino – 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur 75007
• Departure Time : 6:45 PM
• Duration : 75 minutes
• Includes : 3-course dinner, c offee or tea , night-time views of the Paris skyline, live music

Last, but certainly not least, is the Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine tour . This tour is just a little bit longer than an hour, but it’s a beautiful journey that seamlessly combines gourmet cuisine, breathtaking views, and the timeless allure of Paris!

This evening tour was one of my favorites, and the tour that I select whenever I’m bringing people to the City of Light for their first time.

It’s an opportunity to see the city come alive with a kind of golden glow, further solidifying this kind of untouchable magic that I always feel every time I’m here.

It’s a feeling that, when you’re on the river that so many countless icons throughout history have also traveled on, seems to feel like time and space all meld into one.

Just like with the others, your cruise will take place on a glass-enclosed vessel that allows for unobstructed views of all of the most impressive landmarks.

While our seats were actually quite good, I’ll say that the only thing I wasn’t full on board with was that the window seats are extra – so prepare for that!

You’ll still have good views of everything no matter where you’re sitting, due to the glass enclosure, but if that’s important to you keep it in mind with your budget.

We then enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring a gourmet menu inspired by French culinary traditions with a few modern twists.

The staff was very attentive, to the extent that I’d say I received better service here than at the majority of fine dining restaurants I’d tried in the city. It makes for an excellent celebration with a loved one, or just a great way to sightsee while relaxing and enjoying the riverboat ambiance.

Pair that all with some top-notch live music, and you have a romantic atmosphere that’s truly unforgettable!

Your Guide to Visiting Paris

While visiting the City of Lights may not be just as you expect after watching An American in Paris, a vacation in Paris is like nothing else. With so many tourist spots to explore, you may find it difficult to plan everything you’d like to see and experience into just one vacation. I guess that just means you’ll have to come back to see this beautiful city again.

Our travel guide below can help you plan a vacation to Paris whether you are staying for 2 days or 10 and whether it’s your first visit or fifth.

Airports & Entry

When headed to France, you won’t need to apply for a visa so long as your expected stay is less than 90 days. You also need to have at least three months before your passport expires past the date you expect to leave the country.

An emergency passport will not be accepted unless you also have an approved visa, no matter the length of your stay. There should be at least one page available for a stamp when you arrive.

There are three major airports in the area of Paris, France. The one you fly into will most likely be determined by the airline you are using. That airline will fly into the airport it is contracted with. With that in mind, when flying to France you will most likely land at one of the following airports:

• Paris Beauvais Airport
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Paris Orly Airport

Planning Tips

Paris is unlike most other vacation destinations. The French, especially Parisians, live life a little differently. This means that while you’re there, you may have to get used to eating at different times and you may need to plan your attire.

These are our top 5 tips for visiting Paris. Have you been there and have tips of your own? Let us know!

Tip #1: Stay in a Central Location

Everywhere you’re going to want to go as a tourist in Paris will be centrally located or have provided travel that leaves this area. Most of the hotels, many museums, and a lot of restaurants are all centrally located.

You’ll also find that the pickup and drop-off locations for many tours are located here. It makes things much easier if you find accommodations close to central Paris.

Tip #2: Always Have Euros on Hand

There are many stores and even restaurants that don’t accept debit or credit cards. Some taxis won’t accept plastic either. If an establishment does accept a card, they often won’t allow you to leave a tip on your receipt.

This means it’s important to always have a few euros on hand. Many ATMs in the city will allow you to use a foreign card to withdrawal euros.

Tip #3: Have Snacks on You

Parisians often eat their dinner very late. While you may be used to a dinner time of between 4 and 6 pm, it’s not uncommon for those in Paris to eat as late as 9 or 10. You’ll want to keep this in mind when making reservations, but you should always have a small snack with you just in case you get hungry and it’s still a few hours to dinner.

Tip #4: Avoid Traveling to Paris in August

Most Parisians are used to taking off the entire month of August. This means that while you will most likely be able to find accommodations, many restaurants and attractions will not be open. If you’re traveling to Paris in August , this can be a very quiet time to visit the city. However, if you’re looking forward to seeing the sights, it’s best not to travel to Paris in August.

Tip #5: Dress Appropriately

While those in Paris can still be found wearing sneakers, most dress in a business casual or a simple but chic style. Most attractions and restaurants will frown on those wearing beat up shoes, blue jeans, and other very casual clothes. Some places will even require a more elegant or fancy appearance, such as certain high-end restaurants.

Bringing a set of casual clothes might not be a bad idea but be sure to bring enough clothes you can wear while out and about. If you don’t have much in the way of the chic style that Paris requires, at least you’re in the perfect place to go shopping to stock up on some.

Restaurants & Eating Out

The Ciel de Paris is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It is located in the Montparnasse Tower with beautiful views of the city. You’ll also find a well-stocked champagne bar available to you. The Polidor is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris.

It dates back to 1895 and the interior decor hasn’t changed much since. This is one of those restaurants that only take cash, so have a few euros on you.

In Paris, it’s hard to find a truly casual restaurant. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. If you’re not sure what you could or should wear to a particular establishment, some will list their dress code online or you can always give them a call.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Harry’s New York Bar was actually once located in New York City. The entire bar, just as it was, was moved over to Paris in the early 1900s. This bar is credited with inventing some of the most popular cocktails we know today, including the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar.

Wine and champagne are something most Parisians are very proud of. If you’re looking for an upscale wine bar, you’ll want to try out Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. You’ll be able to try nearly every wine and champagne local to Paris. However, there are wine bars located in nearly every corner of the city.

From backroom speakeasies to modern nightclubs, Paris has a little bit of everything for everybody when it comes to nighttime entertainment.

Getting Around

There’s no shortage of ways to get around in Paris. The most popular, effective, and affordable way is the Metro. You may find it a bit intimidating at first due to the sheer number of lines and routes, but after a few trips to an attraction or restaurant, you’ll be riding the Metro like a pro.

You can purchase single ride tickets or a batch of 10. If you’re going to be in Paris longer there are also ride passes.

While traditional taxis can be quite expensive in the city, Uber offers some fairly inexpensive ways to get around town if traveling by car is best.

Walking between destinations is very doable in Paris but if you’d like to ride a bike instead, there’s plenty of kiosks that rent them. In fact, this can be a great way to tour the city and do some sightseeing on your own.

Accommodations

You’ll find everything from small and inexpensive hostels too large, luxury resorts in Paris. There are even small boutique hotels with spas and other amenities. Where you decide to stay while visiting Paris will largely depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.

If you wish to spoil yourselves, the Le Roch Hotel & Spa is perfectly located between restaurants, the Louvre Museum, and many tourist pick up spots. If you’re looking to meet other tourists, learn more about the city from those who’ve been here several times, and have a quieter stay, one of the many hostels around town are ideal. We recommend The Generator Hostel Paris.

On average, July is the warmest month in Paris. While the weather is much better during the summer months, there are usually more crowds. If you don’t want to have to fight the crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, traveling in late winter or early spring might just give you the blend of comfortable weather and fewer crowds. January is the coldest month, on average, with temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit.

Attractions

Paris is full of attractions. The Louvre Museum is a popular stop for tourists. The Mona Lisa exhibit here can be quite busy, however. Use your limited time at this world-famous museum by taking in the many other exhibits, many of which are quite interesting and just as important to French history.

If you like to visit museums, you might want to try the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine. You might just learn more about how modern medicine came to be. The Museum of Modern Art is a popular stop as well.

Thinking of taking some day trips?

If you enjoy Champagne, then do yourself a favor and take a day trip to Champagne and do some tastings while exploring the countryside.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles, exploring the Paris catacombs , taking a river cruise down the Seine River, and making it to the top of the Eiffel Tower usually top most tourist’s lists of attractions. Remember that traveling to or visiting these places can be much easier if you go as a group on a tour.

You may get priority access, free souvenir photos, and more, just for traveling with a tour group. This is often the most affordable way and makes it easier to plan the days you’re planning to spend in Paris.

Last but not least, while you are in the city of lights be sure to take a walking tour and do a wine tasting tour !

Tour Quality

The Bateaux Parisiens is our top choice for the best Seine River cruise with its combination of dinner, sites seen and quality of the tour.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 7 best paris walking tours [2024 reviews].

Best Dinner Cruise in Paris (Honest Review)

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: August 20, 2023

Categories Food , Paris , Things to Do in Paris , What to eat in Paris

Home » Best Dinner Cruise in Paris (Honest Review)

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Want to do a Seine River Dinner Cruise?

You’re in the right place for information because I just came back from the best Paris dinner cruise .

If you’re planning a visit to Paris, a Seine River dinner cruise is definitely an experience to consider. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the iconic landmarks of the city and it’s the #1 activity I recommend to any of my friends or family planning to visit Paris.

In this article, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive review of my dinner cruise experience. I’ll detail the itinerary, the food, the views, and the overall atmosphere.

I’ll also give you my take on why a dinner cruise can be a more appealing option compared to a standard daytime Seine River cruise, tips to keep in mind before heading out on your cruise, and advice on what to wear on your Paris dinner cruise!

Ready to book your Paris dinner cruise?

I went with Bateaux Parisiens - Seino Vision , and it was excellent. The food, the ambiance, and the service was top notch.

✔️ River Seine cruise

✔️ 3 or 4-course meal (depending on the menu selected)

✔️ Champagne and appetizers

✔️ Live entertainment by a singer

Best Dinner Cruises in Paris

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (3648 reviews) | ⏲️ Tour time: 2.5 hours | ⛵ Book now

So, let me tell you more about my night out on my Parisian dinner cruise. This was my second dinner cruise I’ve taken along the Seine in Paris, and it was honestly even better than the first.

Even though it was my second time, the experience felt fresh. Different travel companions, a change in the menu, and booking a window seat all contributed to a novel experience.

“ A delicious dinner, with amazing views of Paris!! We recommend upgrading to sit alongside the windows- we were so glad we had paid a little extra for that! The service was excellent and we enjoyed meeting the couple next to us, who were also traveling from the U.S. The directions and check-in were easy to follow. “ – Alicia from the United States | See more tour reviews

​ Don’t speak French? Don’t worry! This is one of the best things to do in Paris for English speakers too.

All the staff on this dinner cruise spoke fluent English, so no need to try to test your language skills on this dinner excursion. Unless you want to, bien sûr .

Note:  I was not paid by the tour company to write this review . I paid full-price for   this tour  out of my own pocket, and the opinions I give are in no way influenced by compensation of any kind.  Bateaux Parisiens  didn’t know I planned to write this article after the tour.

Navigating the Menu Options of the Dinner Cruise

A lovely feature of the Bateaux Parisiens – Seino Vision Dinner Cruise is the array of dining options available to you. Not a one-size-fits-all, these options cater to different preferences and price points.

Let’s break down these four, fabulous menu choices:

1. Premier Service

Premier service offers you the best of both worlds – privileged seating right at the front of the boat and a mouthwatering menu.

What’s included in the Premier Service menu:

• Privileged seating at the front of the boat
• Glass of champagne as an aperitif and dessert
• Starter + main course + cheese + dessert of your choice
• Bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine for 4 people

You’ll start with a glass of champagne as an aperitif to whet your appetite. The dinner includes a starter, main course, cheese, and a dessert of your choice, complemented by a bottle of red and white wine for every four guests. The front-row seating offers the most uninterrupted views of the Parisian monuments.

🍴 Best for: It’s perfect for those looking for an ultra-luxe, memorable experience.

2. Privileged Service

For those who love a view with their meal, the Privileged service is an ideal choice. With seats by the window, you’ll have a panoramic view of the City of Lights while you dine.

What’s included in the Privileged Service menu:

• Privileged seating by the windows
• Glass of champagne as an aperitif
• A bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine for 4 people

Just like the Premier service, you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne as an aperitif followed by a starter, main course, cheese, and a dessert of your choice. Each group of four also receives a bottle of red and white wine.

🍴 Best for: This service is an excellent choice for couples or anyone seeking a romantic dinner cruise.

3. Decouvert Service

Decouvert service promises panoramic views and delightful dining.

What’s included in the Decouvert Service menu:

• Panoramic view
• Starter + main course + dessert of your choice
• A bottle of red wine or white wine for 4 people

This service begins with a glass of champagne as an aperitif, followed by a starter, main course, and dessert of your choice. For every four people, a bottle of either red or white wine is provided.

🍴 Best for: If you’re a small group or a family seeking a memorable yet reasonably priced experience, this is your go-to option.

4. Etoile Service

Positioned in the center of the boat, the Etoile service offers a unique vantage point of the surroundings.

What’s included in the Etoile Service menu:

• Seating in the center of the boat
• Kir white wine as an aperitif

The meal begins with Kir white wine as an aperitif, followed by a starter, main course, and dessert of your choice. A bottle of red or white wine is provided for every four guests.

🍴 Best for: The Etoile service is a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience the magic of the dinner cruise on a budget.

💡 Tip: Each service offers a vegetarian menu option upon request, so no one has to miss out on this unique culinary journey through the heart of Paris. Just remember to mention it while making your booking!

Paris Dinner Cruise Itinerary

8:30pm: Meeting Point and Initial Impressions 

As we all know, a journey starts long before we actually hit the road, or in this case, the river. The same was true for our Paris Dinner Cruise.

The anticipation was real as we got closer to our starting point at the Eiffel Tower. I could feel the butterflies fluttering, more from excitement (but a little bit from hunger, I admit).

The check-in process was straightforward, and the folks greeting us onboard were super friendly, which started the night off on the right foot.

9:00pm: Boarding and Start of the Cruise 

After a bit of waiting, it was finally time to board. We got ushered into the boat, and oh boy, it was a sight to behold. Once onboard, I was instantly impressed with how neat and cozy the boat’s interior was.

We snagged the window seats, thanks to our Privileged Service package. Talk about the best seats in the house!

We had a clear view of Paris’s breathtaking sights, from Les Invalides’ shiny golden dome to the striking Louvre Museum and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

We began with a glass of champagne because, well, when in Paris! It was the perfect start to our night.

Dinner Time – What to Expect

Let’s move on to one of my favorite parts, dinner time. A cruise without a delightful meal is like Paris without the Eiffel Tower, incomplete.

The rest of the menu comprised of an à-la-carte 3-course meal that did not disappoint. Expect a delightful variety of French dishes. The vegetarian options were a hit too. With the city’s landmarks floating by, we got treated to some lovely live music.

This wasn’t some over-the-top performance, but just the right volume to create a pleasant ambiance without drowning out our chatter.

Cruise Highlights and Ending

The highlight of our journey, as you can guess, was the radiant Parisian landmarks glowing against the night sky.

We cruised past the grand Les Invalides, the charming Musée d’Orsay, the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, and many more. Each of these sights created picture-perfect moments that were worth every penny.

📸 There is even an option for souvenir photos on this cruise! There’s a professional photographer clicking away on the boat, but you’ll have to shell out some extra bucks if you want a copy.

I decided to opt out this time, but would probably go for that option next time if I come on a family trip or with a significant other.

As the evening came to a close, we docked back at the Eiffel Tower, the starting and ending point of our memorable journey. It felt like a perfect full-circle moment, ending where we began but with hearts (and bellies) so full.

Is A Paris Dinner Cruise Worth It?

Okay, so you’re probably asking: Is a Paris Dinner Cruise worth it? 

In short, absolutely. It’s an unparalleled way to see the City of Lights, providing a feast for the eyes and the stomach. This magical experience mixes delicious food with unique sights, and it’s my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Paris .

Taking a dinner cruise in Paris is not just about the food or the boat ride, it’s about the fusion of the experience that makes it so special. The Seine River becomes a moving stage that presents you the grandeur of Paris while you relish a hearty meal.

Every corner you turn on the river presents a new view, a new building, a new perspective. It’s like seeing the city in a whole new light, literally and figuratively.

Paris Dinner Cruise vs Standard Seine Sightseeing Cruise: Which to Choose?

Compared to a typical dinner in a restaurant, a dinner cruise offers more than just food. It gives you the opportunity to discover the city in a relaxing way, combining the enjoyment of French cuisine with the discovery of Paris at night.

And compared to a standard daytime Seine River cruise, a dinner cruise has a different charm.

While daytime Bateaux Mouche cruises are great for capturing vibrant photos and seeing the city in natural light, dinner cruises showcase Paris’s romantic side. The illuminations of the landmarks against the night sky create an enchanting atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

Plus, nothing quite compares to enjoying a meal while cruising down the iconic Seine.

Who Would Enjoy This Cruise?

✅ Romantic Couples:  This Seine dinner cruise is the epitome of romance. It’s easy to fall in love all over again with the Parisian landscape drifting by – iconic sights like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Assemblée Nationale, and the stunning Grand Palais. The twinkling lights reflecting off the River Seine, live entertainment onboard, and a three-course dinner featuring traditional French cuisine all add to the romantic atmosphere. It’s like Moulin Rouge, but on water.

✅ Families:  Families looking for a memorable night will find this a perfect way to create special memories. It offers an immersive educational experience, too, thanks to the available audio guide. From explaining the historical significance of Île de la Cité and the Left Bank and Right Bank, to pointing out the Hôtel de Ville, it offers a fun, interactive way to learn about Paris.

✅ Solo Travellers:  Solo travelers looking for an unforgettable evening will not be disappointed. Imagine savoring a delicious meal, sipping on a bottle of wine, all while gazing out at the most beautiful Parisian monuments. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.

✅ Foodies:  If you’re a fan of good food and a fan of beautiful views, there’s no better way to combine the two. The three-course dinner, featuring dishes like foie gras, served on the restaurant boats offer a typical atmosphere of Parisian bistros.

Who Should Avoid This Cruise?

❌ Budget Travellers:  While it’s worth every penny, this cruise might not suit those on a tight budget. There are other options like Vedettes du Pont Neuf or the one-hour cruise from different companies which may be more budget-friendly.

❌ Active Sightseers:  For those who prefer active, on-your-feet sightseeing, lunch cruises or walking tours might be a better option. But, this dinner cruise is a great way to rest your feet after a long day of exploring Central Paris.

❌ Time-restricted Travellers:  With a duration of about two and a half hours, those with limited time might opt for a quicker tour. Yet, if you can squeeze it into your schedule, starting your early evening with this cruise is one of the best ways to see Paris. 

What to Wear on a Paris Dinner Cruise

When embarking on a Parisian dinner cruise, it’s crucial to remember there’s a dress code – it is a fancy dinner in the City of Lights after all! So, ditch the sweatpants and flip-flops and aim for a smart-casual look.

Here are a few outfit ideas for both men and women that hit the sweet spot between comfort and chic.

Paris Dinner Outfits for Women:

• Classic Little Black Dress:  You can never go wrong with a little black dress, can you? It’s chic, sophisticated, and perfect for a dinner cruise. I love  this dress for its comfortable fit and elegant design. Pair it with statement jewelry and heels for an elevated look. And if the weather’s a bit chilly, bring along a stylish wrap or shawl.
• Silk Blouse and Slacks:  If you’re not one for dresses, try a silk blouse paired with slacks. This combination exudes elegance without being overly formal. I highly recommend  this silk blouse and  these slacks  for their excellent quality and comfort. Pair this outfit with ballet flats or low heels for a stylish, Parisian look.

Paris Dinner Outfits for Men:

• Collared Shirt and Chinos:  A well-fitted collared shirt paired with chinos is a versatile and stylish choice. You can’t go wrong with  this classic shirt  and  these chinos . They’re comfortable, stylish, and perfect for a dinner cruise or any Parisian dining experience. Complete the look with loafers or dress shoes.
• Knit Sweater and Dark Jeans:  For a more casual, yet still polished look, opt for a knit sweater paired with dark jeans.  This sweater  is a favorite of mine for its comfort and timeless style. Pair it with  these dark jeans  for an effortlessly stylish ensemble. This outfit is perfect for those chillier evenings on the Seine.

In the end, remember that while looking good is important, comfort should not be compromised. You want to enjoy the sights, the food, the music – not be distracted by a tight collar or an itchy fabric.

👗 P.S. Check out my guide on What to Wear in Paris in Summer for more style inspo!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Dinner Cruise Experience in Paris

Planning your dinner cruise can make a big difference to your experience. Here are some personal tips and tricks I learned from my second dinner cruise:

1. Arrive Early:  Get to the meeting point well ahead of time. This not only avoids any last-minute stress but also gives you a chance to snap some great photos before boarding.

2. Choose Your Service Wisely:  If views are your priority, go for the Privileged service, which provides seating by the windows. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge, Premier service is your best bet.

3. Dress Smartly:  Remember, it’s smart casual. You’re in Paris, darling! It’s the perfect excuse to put on that special outfit you’ve been saving.

4. Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Food:  With so many beautiful sights, it’s easy to get carried away and forget about your meal. The food is part of the experience, so savor each bite.

5. Embrace the Moment:  Most importantly, remember to take some time to put the camera down and truly absorb the beauty of Paris at night. It’s a sight you won’t forget.

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to have the best dinner cruise in Paris. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

Book your Paris Dinner Cruise

Faq about paris dinner cruises.

1. How do I book the Dinner Cruise in Paris?

You can book the cruise online, directly from the Bateaux Parisiens – Seino Vision website or any popular travel agency website. Just select your preferred date and time and make a secure payment to confirm your reservation.

2. How much does A Paris Dinner Cruise cost?

The price of the cruise varies based on the service you choose. Etoile service, with seating in the center of the boat, is the most affordable, while Premier service, which provides privileged seating at the front of the boat, is the priciest. Remember, all services include a delightful three or four-course meal.

3. When is the best time to take the dinner cruise in Paris?

Though the dinner cruise is a year-round experience, it’s especially magical in the summer months when the days are longer and Paris is in full bloom. However, there’s a unique charm to seeing the city lights reflected on the Seine on a crisp winter evening too.

4. What should I wear?

The dress code for the dinner cruise is smart casual. So, guys, no need for a tux, but perhaps leave the shorts at the hotel. Ladies, a comfortable dress or nice pants outfit works well. And remember, even in summer, it can get a little breezy on the water, so you might want to bring along a light jacket.

5. Is there a vegetarian menu option?

Absolutely! The cruise caters to various dietary needs. Just make sure to request a vegetarian meal while booking your cruise.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed reading my review of the Paris dinner cruise I took and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiana (@wheretianatravelss)

Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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CROISIERE DU 14 JUILLET

Feu d'artifice vue de la Seine - Menu spécial 14 juillet

New musical cruise

Les Vedettes de la Seine : a temporary shutdown for reopening after the outbreak

Dinner cruises organized for many years for everyone's happiness, for you dear clients, and for us, the organizers, who take pleasure in welcoming you, shaking your hand, kissing you and even making a toast to your successes and joys, must be suspended for the benefit of all.

There is only one solution, the resolution to be responsible and therefore to stop our Events... But when this epidemic will be overcome, the whole team will have the joy to welcome you again and we will then be able to drink a toast together : the festivities will be even more beautiful !

Together, let's be resilient, disciplined, responsible and united for the pleasure of seeing each other again very soon!

CRUISING DINNER FORMULAS

BRUNCH CRUISE

Cruise of about 1:30

Menu : Pastries Plate & Plate of salty flavors  Boissons : Hot drink + Fruit juice

special price  for children under 12 years old.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine's day formula 2024.

Cruise on the Seine about 2 hours 

1 rose offered per couple Menu : Amuse-bouche | Starter | Main course | Dessert Drinks : 1 glass of Bassan bubble per Person + 1 Bottle of wine (75cl) for 2 persons* + 50cl of still or sparkling water per person

CHRISTMAS FORMULA 2023

Cruise of about 2 hours

Menu : Starter | Main Course | Dessert Drinks : A glass of sparkling wine per person + A 75cl bottle of wine * for two + 50cl of still or sparkling water per person + Coffee or Tea

NEW YEAR FORMULA 2023

Menu : Starter | Main | Dessert Drinks : Wine Pairing + 50cl of still or sparkling water per person + Coffee or Tea

Experience a memorable evening aboard the Capitaine Fracasse.

A gourmet and romantic escape on the Seine

Come aboard the Capitaine Fracasse for an enchanting two-hour cruise through the heart of Paris, departing from the Pont Bir-Hakeim, close to the Eiffel Tower. Discover a unique perspective on the jewels of the capital, from the majestic Eiffel Tower to the mysterious Louvre Museum, in an intimate and romantic setting.

A visual and culinary feast

Our dinner cruise on the Seine is an invitation to savor Paris and its architectural wonders, while enjoying refined cuisine. Ideal for a romantic evening or a memorable business dinner, the Capitaine Fracasse promises to transform your evening into an unforgettable experience.

Book your dinner cruise aboard the Capitaine Fracasse and let Paris reveal itself to you, on the waves, in an enchanting setting.

WHY CHOOSE US

A comfortable cruise

Free WiFi on board the boat

Public parking nearby

Fresh food cooked on board

Vue panoramique Panoramic view

OUR CUSTOMERS' REVIEWS

Our customers love us!

We have numerous reviews from customers

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Spend a magical evening aboard the Capitaine Fracasse illuminated by fireworks : 

Fireworks seen from the Seine Special Menu: Amuse-bouche | Starter | Main course | Dessert  (vegan menu on request) Drinks:   1 glass of Champagne | 1 bottle of superior wine (75cl for 2) | 1 bottle of water (50cl per person) | coffee or tea

Sunday 14th of July 2024 Boarding: 7:30pm Departure: 8pm Return: 1am, after the fireworks

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Ducasse sur Seine

Our Dinner cruises

The night reveals another facet of Paris, this time adorned with thousands of lights. .In silence, the boat slips into the city and offers a gentle and ecological way to see the French capital from another angle. For this magical cruise, chef Jean-Philippe Berens imagined a 5-course menu paired with exceptional wines selected by our sommelier. On board, , let yourself carried away on a magical night cruise where you will have the opportunity to savour a gastronomic menu while admiring the most beautiful monuments of the capital. During a romantic dinner or a meal with friends or family, the beauty of the city revealed itself during a journey that ends at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

A 4-course dinner menu including a cold and hot starter, a fish or meat main and a dessert

A 4-course dinner menu including a cold and hot starter, a fish or meat main, a dessert, including wine pairing

A 5-course dinner menu including a hot and cold starter, a fish and a meat main and a dessert

A 5-course dinner menu including a hot and cold starter, a fish and a meat main and a dessert, including wine pairing.

The best views over the Seine river to enjoy a 6-course menu including a glass of Champagne and wine pairing, and a surprise gift to take away.

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Best River Seine cruises

Forget the Metro: Paris’s beautiful river is the best way to see the city’s sights – and beyond

It might be chock-full of tree-lined boulevards and covered by the sprawling Métropolitain network, but no trip to Paris is complete without a relaxing ride along the Seine. Trust us. Whether you want to take in the sights and attractions with a bottle of champagne, or prefer to hop on and off as you please, there’s a cruise out there to suit all tastes and budgets. In fact we’ve lined up the very best of them here. All you have to do is find your sea (okay, river) legs and hop aboard! Setting sail on a River Seine cruise really is one of the best things to do when visiting Paris.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best cruises on the River Seine

1.  champagne tasting on a seine river cruise.

What could be more pleasureable than taking in the delightful Parisian sights while sipping on a bit of bubbly? Few things, we'll wager. On this 60-minute river cruise, you'll sail down the Seine in style, passing major landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Musee d’Orsay.

2.  Bateaux Parisiens Seine River dinner cruise

Let’s face it, cruises aren’t cheap so if you find one that hasn’t got that certain  je ne sais quoi then it’s not worth your money.   Thankfully, this beautifully decked out boat has you floating past all the sights with a glass of champers in hand, and a live band to keep you company while you tuck into a superb three-course à la carte menu. Tres glam, non?

3.  Skip-the-line Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise

Like every world-famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower has become a victim of its own success, and one major frustration when visiting is is the snaking queues to climb up to its viewing galleries. That’s why the savvier visitor to Paris will book this cruise. Once you’ve whizzed up the elegant landmark and snapped a selfie with the Parisian skyline, stroll over to the banks of the Seine river for a close-up of all the sights by boat. 

4.  Seine River hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise

Take in the City of Lights at a leisurely pace via the Seine River sightseeing cruise. This boat ride, which stops at nine points along the river – including Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral – lets you hop on and off as you please. This not only saves on travel spending, but avoids you having to navigate the Metro network too.

5.  Paris illuminations river cruise

Explore the City of Lights in all its dazzling glory via this after-dark cruise, which takes you past floodlit monuments, luminous bridges, not forgetting all those pretty city lights glittering on the water. Oh, and let’s not forget one other pretty major highlight, which is the unbelievably cheap price. Parfait!

6.  Bateaux Parisiens Cruise: quick entry ticket

Spent all your euros on fancy plonk? See the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and more from this glass-topped trimaran, which is affordable and informative – if you opt for the audio guide. There’s a real-life human guide aboard too, to provide additional info. 

7.  Versailles, Paris city tour and Seine River cruise day trip

Kill three birds with one stone on this tour. It begins out of town at the opulent Palace of Versailles, takes you up to the summit of the Eiffel Tower and ends with a relaxing one-hour cruise along the Seine. Perfect for anyone who is only in Paris for a short while, but is determined to do as much in their scant time as possible. 

8.  Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruise and Moulin Rouge show

If a fancy dinner up the Eiffel Tower, a glitzy show at the Moulin Rouge and a calming cruise along the Seine are top of your Paris to-do list – and if they are, more power to you – then this tour is the one for you. Dig out your sparkliest glad rags and hop aboard! 

9.  Seine and Marne river loop cruise

Follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists with this six-hour tranquil cruise on the Seine and Marne rivers (the later being a smaller tributuary that makes its way through the east of the capital). The boat will be laid out for lunch so you can tuck into your baguette surrounded by the scenery that inspired some of France’s greatest artists.

10.  Seine River cruise and Paris canals tour

Explore the city's canalways; sailing beneath old tunnels steeped in character, through locks that date back tot he nineteenth century and under beautiful bridges. The trip lasts two and half hours and sets off in the morning and afternoon, depending on your preference.

11.  Three-in-one: Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Seine cruise tickets

When it comes to your travels, time is precious. So whatever time you save skipping the queues, you can spend enjoying the sights themselves. With this tour, you get to smugly saunter past the chumps waiting in line at the Eiffel Tower AND the Louvre Museum, before chilling on a one-hour cruise of the Seine. Winning! 

12.  Seine River cruise, Paris illuminations and dinner close to the Champs-Elysees

Ramp up the romance – you are in Paris, after all – with a lamp-lit cruise along the Seine before hopping on a coach that will take you on a route around the city. The tour ends with you tucking into a three-course meal and a glass of wine, overlooking the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Élysées.

13.  Paris Seine River Paris Night Bicycle Tour & River Cruise

There’s nothing better conclusion to a day of cycling around the streets of Paris than a boat cruise to rest your aching legs. Oh... and a well-deserved glass of plonk, of course. Combine both on this guided tour and you can contentedly sip your drink as you cruise past sights including the gorgeous Saint-Chapelle on the Ile de la Cité and the Latin Quarter.

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THE CRUISE DETECTIVE

Home  » 5 Best Seine Dinner Cruises in Paris in 2024 (Personally Tested)

5 Best Seine Dinner Cruises in Paris in 2024 (Personally Tested)

Published: Nov 21, 2023 Last updated: Dec 26, 2023

Author: Adam Dimitrov — Owner & Head Cruise Detective

🏆 Editor's #1 Choice

✔️ tested by author

After testing the top five dinner cruises in Paris myself, I concluded that Bateaux Mouches offers the best dinner experience . ‍

Here are the top 5 reasons why:

• Friendliest and Fastest Service (Miles Ahead of the Competition)
• Best Value (You Get the Most Drinks and Food Here)
• Highest Quality Food (Gourmet, Tasty and Sizable Portions)
• Best Ship and Views (Rooftop Deck, Luxurious/Elegant Interior and Large Windows)
• All-in-all, everything is impeccably orchestrated for a memorable and special evening in Paris.

💡 You can also read this article in French , Spanish , Italian , German or Dutch .

The problem with dinner cruises in Paris is that there are too many to choose from !

Each promises a great experience, making the decision difficult.

The stakes are high — no one wants a poor choice to ruin an otherwise unforgettable vacation, especially in a city like Paris, which for many is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fortunately, the Cruise Detective is here to help.

I embarked on a 12-day journey to Paris to find definitive answers by trying out the five most popular dinner cruises and sightseeing cruises.

Each has thousands of glowing reviews, so the most reliable way to rank them was to experience them all . This guide gives you an incredibly detailed rundown of my findings.

Note: I am not sponsored by any of the companies I review. I pay for my cruises with my own money and review anonymously to deliver thorough and unbiased reviews.

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps sustain my work. Cheers!

Summary & Comparison — 5 Best Dinner Cruises in Paris

💡 Reviews are calculated using the weighted average and aggregate review count from GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor, and Viator.   I also include listings that I consider "arbitrary duplicates" of the original ones (e.g. the same cruise during the day vs night).

Paris Dinner Cruise Itinerary

Every dinner cruise in Paris follows the same itinerary , which runs between the Statue of Liberty and Pont de Sully. The route passes nearly 20 landmarks, including:

• The Eiffel Tower
• Pont Alexandre III
• Musée d'Orsay
• Grand Palais
• Petit Palais
• Institut de France
• Île de la Cité
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Hotel de Ville
• Louvre Museum
• Place de la Concorde
• The Statue of Liberty

Video: 5 Best Dinner Cruises in Paris

Is it worth trying a dinner cruise in paris.

Yes, absolutely!

Don’t listen to those who say the food on dinner cruises in Paris is not gourmet enough or that you cannot enjoy the sightseeing while having dinner.

The food is generally excellent, and going on a dinner cruise at least once is a must.

Of course, not all dinner cruises are the same, but you can find the perfect one for you below.

1. 🏆 Best Dinner Cruise Overall (Bateaux Mouches)

✔️ Best Value for Money ✔️ Generous Amounts of Drinks Included (Wine, Water, Coffee or Tea) ✔️ Elegant & Luxurious Atmosphere ✔️ Open-Air Rooftop Deck ✔️ Lightning Fast Service ✔️ Classical Piano & Violin Music Duo ✔️ Exceptionally Friendly Staff ✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food ✔️ Delicious Nibbles (Scones) ✔️ Tasty Starter (Beef Carpaccio) ✔️ Tasty Main Course (Sea Bream) ✔️ Incredible Dessert (Profiteroles) ‍ ‍

❌ Wifi Not Available

Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?

Even though Bateaux Mouches' online presence needs improvement, their dinner cruise does not.

‍ They orchestrated the best dinner cruise in Paris.

‍ I'm not exaggerating. Their attention to detail is impeccable. I truly felt like they wanted to make my night special.

They excel at everything that matters - standout friendly service, fair price, generous drinks package, excellent food, and flawless ship amenities.

I recommend Bateaux Mouches without hesitation if you want to have the best dinner cruise experience in Paris.

Apologies for the hard sell, but they've earned it. The reasons are explained below in detail.

Video Review: Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise

Take a look at this short video I made to get an accurate feel of the cruise:

Detailed Breakdown

Quick overview.

• 3 or 4 Courses
• Free Bottle of Wine
• Free Bottle of Water
• Free Coffee or Tea
• Live Piano & Violin Duet
• Excellent Gourmet Food
• Great Ambiance
• Open-Air Rooftop Deck

• The ship is flawless in every aspect - huge (500-person capacity), elegant, luxurious, spacious, and high-end. I felt excited on this cruise , which is a big thing after trying out four other dinner cruises.
• Note that Bateaux Mouches has 5 dinner cruise boats in its fleet , so you might get a slightly different ship than I did.

• The ship features large windows that offer magnificent views of the Parisian cityscape.

• The interior is tastefully decorated and has a lot of space .

Rooftop Deck

• The ship has a massive rooftop terrace where you can ascend any time you want to enjoy the view and snap some photos.

• Sophisticated, romantic, and high-end — they nailed the perfect energy and feel of the evening.

Live Music 🎵

• There is a live piano and violin duo playing on the boat, which adds to the " Romantic Parisian dinner on the Seine" ambiance without being overwhelming, like on Le Diamant Bleu .

Staff & Service 🧑

• The staff is unusually friendly and chatty , not to mention fast , making you feel like a cherished guest. This is rare in Europe , like a white raven, so when you experience it, it leaves a lasting impression.

Food and Drinks 🍴 🍷

• The freshly made food was delicious and wasn't just gourmet in name but in reality.
• You get 3 or 4 courses depending on your ticket (nibbles, starter, main course, and dessert and/or cheese).
• The ticket includes a generous amount of drinks - a 1L bottle of water (per 2 people), a bottle of wine (per 2 people), and a glass of champagne on the Prestige ticket .
• You get an extra bottle of champagne and a welcome drink on the Excellence ticket .

Tickets & Prices 🎟️

• There are two ticket tiers: Prestige and Excellence.
• Prestige tier (115€): 3 courses, gourmet food and drinks.
• Excellence tier (155€): 4 courses, better quality food, and more/better drinks.
• The price is middle-of-the-road in the dinner cruise category, and you get the most bang for your buck out of all the cruises I tested.

• Seat reservations are not available. In other words, seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis .
• If the ship is not at full capacity, all passengers will receive a window seat (subject to availability).

Dinner Cruise Menu 🍽️

Prestige Menu (115€ Ticket)

💡 Bateaux Mouches has two different menus depending on the ticket tier. The more expensive "Excellence" menu includes an extra cheese course, higher quality dishes, and extra drinks. The menu is subject to change.

Welcome Drink:

• Glass of Castel Mouche (12.5 cl) or Crodino Virgin Spritz (non-alcoholic)

💡 Special diets: Bateaux Mouches offers a vegetarian option that can be made vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, and nut-free. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.

• Prawn tartare with sesame sauce, cucumbers, mesclun, and pineapple
• Smoked beef carpaccio, cream of gorgonzola, lamb's lettuce, argan oil
• Beet hummus, raw vegetables, crunchy vegetables, citrusy tofu

• Canon of lamb, herb crust, vegetable millefeuille, fondant berry sauce
• Fillet of veal, beetroot and bigarade mousse, crunchy vegetables
• Fillet of sea bream, sweet potato with parmesan, chickpeas falafels, pepper ratatouille, basil jus

Cheese or Dessert(s)

• Assorted seasonal PDO Cheeses
• Chocolate and raspberry delight
• Lemon millefeuille and praline creme
• Chou pastry profiterole
• Mouton Cadet (white wine) or Bordeaux Agneau (red wine) 1 bottle per 2 persons or 1 soft drink (25/33 cl) for 1 person
• 1 bottle of Evian water (1L) for 2 persons
• Tea or coffee

Children’s Menu

• Sweet potato soup
• Supreme of chicken, potatoes in all their forms
• Royal chocolate with praline

Excellence Menu (155€ Ticket)

• Glass of Champagne (12.5 cl) or Crodino Virgin Spritz
• Amuse-Bouches
• Whole duck foie gras, mango and Espelette pepper chutney
• Heart of semi-smoked salmon in a Nori crust, creamy horseradish and pickles
• Snail fricassee with mushrooms
• Butternut squash soup with hazelnuts and a perfect organic soft-boiled egg *
• Châteaubriand steak with morels, Élysée potatoes
• Supreme of chicken with truffle
• Back of line-caught cod, duo of carrots, vegetable sauce vierge
• Roasted leek with baby vegetables, cream of carrot soup with cumin *
• Comté aged 24 months, quince jelly
• Chocolate tartlet, praline crisp
• Verbena and stewed lemon dessert
• Coffee cream in a chocolate shell, vanilla mascarpone
• Meringue cloud, pear and tonka bean sorbet
• Champagne Moët & Chandon
• AOP Crozes Hermitage, Chablis La Sereine, or La Chablisienne (1/2 bottle per person) or 1 soft drink (25/33 cl) for 1 person
• A bottle of Evian water (1L) for 2 people

Quick Facts

• 📅 Schedule: Every day at 20:30
• 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
• 🧥 Dress code: Formal
• 🌐 Wifi: Not available ❌
• 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
• ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
• 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
• 🚬 Smoking: Not allowed ❌
• ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Accessible ✔️
• 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible (️infant seats also available) ✔️
• % Children discounts: free for infants age 0-3 (no food served, but children's menu is available), 34€ ticket (age 4-12) ✔️ ‍
• 🚗 Parking: Free parking is available during the cruise ✔️

Meeting Point

• 🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France

2. 🥈 Runner-Up Dinner Cruise (Bateaux Parisiens)

✔️ Elegant/High-end Ambiance ✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food ✔️ Tasty Nibbles ✔️ Tasty Starter (Fish Scallops) ✔️ Tasty Dessert (Chocolate Tart) ✔️ Good Amount of Drinks ✔️ Great Boat and Interior ✔️ Open-Air Section (Small)

❌ Singer/Music Not Memorable ❌ Slow Service ❌ No Rooftop Deck ❌ Not Ideal for Sightseeing ❌ Tasteless Main Course (Duckling Fillet)

Bateaux Parisien's dinner cruise is the cruise the everyone recommends in Paris - so I've put the name to the test!

Verdict? Second best to Bateaux Mouches. Here's why:

• Price:  Bateaux Mouches' most expensive 4-course ticket costs 155€, while Bateaux Parisiens' middle tier tickets cost 139€ and 179€, while the highest tier ticket is 215€.
• Value: Bateaux Mouches' highest tier ticket offers more value, including a 4-course meal, a bottle of champagne (per 2 person), and a bottle of wine (per 2 person). Bateaux Parisiens' top-tier ticket (215€) offers a 4-course meal, a glass of champagne and a bottle of wine per 3-4 people. The 4th course consists of cheese on both cruises.
• Open-air areas: Bateaux Mouches' boat has an entire open-air rooftop deck, while Bateaux Parisiens' boat only has a small terrace at the rear end of the ship.
• Ship / Atmosphere / Staff:  Bateaux Mouches' boat is more spacious, and the atmosphere is more elegant. Additionally, the staff is way friendlier and more accommodating than Bateaux Parisiens'.
• Food: The food at Bateaux Mouches is better and more unique, but you get the same amount of courses. There are 3-course and 4-course options on both ships.

Verdict - Bateaux Mouches or Bateaux Parisiens?

Now, this may sound one-sided. Am I saying you shouldn't book a Bateux Parisiens cruise?

They offer excellent cruises in both the sightseeing and dinner categories. They have the most reviews, too.

But as good as it is, I strongly felt that Bateaux Mouches to be better. I may be the only person in the world who has been a guest on all 5 major dinner cruises in Paris, so that's my credibility. And I'm in the business of ranking cruises, after all.

Even by objective standards (price, value, staff, ship, food), it's easy to see that you simply get more and better quality at Bateaux Mouches .

But I understand that not everything is so black and white, and you may have your own preferences and criteria. You will find everything here to help you make your choice.

Overall, Bateaux Parisiens secures a solid second place on my list.

Video Review: Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise

• Okay Live Music
• Gourmet Food
• Small Open-Air Section

• Sophisticated, modern decor captures the essence of a chic Parisian dinner cruise. Intimate two-person window tables and spacious group seating are available (with both center and window seating).
• There are clean, large restrooms on the lower deck and an open-air section in the rear.
• Note that Bateaux Parisiens also has several dinner cruise boats in their fleet, so you might get a slightly different ship than I did.

• The cruise ship is not the best option for sightseeing (due to the lack of a rooftop deck) , but there is a small open-air section at the back of the boat for photo shoots (for perfect shots of the Eiffel Tower).
• The windows provide a decent view of the city but can fog up, especially in colder seasons.

• The cruise offers a film-worthy experience: a fusion of elegance, romance, and culture , accentuated by a stylish crowd and a tastefully decorated interior . A more outstanding musical performance could have made it even more memorable.

• While there was a live singer , the music barely registered and faded into the background . Paris City Vision offered the best musical experience among all the dinner cruises I've tried.
• On the positive side, if loud music disturbs you and you prefer to talk and be able to hear each other, this cruise will be to your liking.

• The staff was cordial, polite, and helpful. However, I experienced some service delays (e.g., slow to take orders ), and they almost forgot my dessert .
• However, these are common potential issues on all dinner cruises (which go along with servicing hundreds of guests in such a short time) and vary from server to server.
• The quality of the food here is generally high. While the starter and dessert (scallops, tart) were excellent, my main (duckling fillet) was underwhelming (bland). You also get a nibble (1 x scone). ‍
• A la carte menu for drinks: glasses range from 8-15 euros, and bottles can go up to 40 euros, but the ticket already includes enough drinks, in my opinion.
• 3-course dinner, a bottle of water, a glass of champagne and wine, and coffee are included, even in the least expensive  etoile service ticket .
• The  privilege and premium tickets  include a 4-course meal, complete with a cheese course.

• Etoile and Decouverte: Center seats (you may still get window seats with etoile service like I did).
• Privilege: Window seats guaranteed.
• Premium (best place): Mostly window seats at the front of the ship.

💡 Bateaux Parisiens food and drinks menu available in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Chinese . Dishes are freshly prepared aboard the ship's kitchen. The food is gourmet.

• Scallops, citrus gremolata, leeks, Chardonnay sauce
• French duck foie gras, mild-spiced pear chutney
• Thin-crust snail tart, spinach and mushroom fondue, Bordelaise sauce, sweet garlic emulsion
• Beluga lentils and tofu, beetroot condiment, red onion pickles (vegetarian)

Main course:

💡 Special diets: Bateaux Parisiens offers vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, residue-free, fibre-free and diabetic options. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.

• Pan-fried veal and foie gras, mashed potatoes, Périgueux sauce
• Pan-fried sea bass, fondant einkorn, butternut squash and celery, shellfish coulis with tarragon
• Spiced duckling fillet, a variation on carrots, citrus sauces
• Toasted buckwheat, confit seasonal vegetables and spiced bouillon (vegetarian)

• Iced pear and almond dessert, pear coulis (vegetarian)
• Chocolate tart, crisp and creamy
• Honey-roasted pineapple, soft Valencia almond biscuit, vanilla whipped cream
• Coffee with a twist, coffee-soaked brioche and a light mousse
• Etoile and Découverte Service: Get a cheese instead of dessert (or pay €8)

• All tickets include a generous amount of non-alcoholic (bottle of water, coffee) and alcoholic drinks (glass of champagne and wine per person), so you won't need to order. The exact amounts depend on the ticket.
• 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual (cloakroom available)
• 🌐 Wifi: Available ✔️
• ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible ❌
• % Children discounts: 66% off Etoile service ticket (children age 0-11) ✔️
• 🚗 Parking: Free parking available near meeting point for guests ✔️
• 🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France

3. 🎵 Dinner Cruise With Best Live Music (Paris City Vision)

✔️ Best Live Music of All Cruises ✔️ Quintessential Parisian Vibes ✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food ✔️ Tasty Main Course (Bass Fillet) ✔️ Incredible Dessert (Flan) ✔️ Elegant & Luxurious Atmosphere

❌ Lack of Open-Air Section ❌ Slow Service ❌ Not Ideal for Sightseeing ❌ Low Amount of Drinks Included (Only Water, No Alcholol) ❌ Merely Passable Starter (Foie Gras) ‍

Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect? 📝

Paris City Vision's cruise is in the same pay grade as Bateux Mouches and Parisiens - but does it stack up against them head by head?

‍ It's not a bad cruise by any means, but the previous two choices are objectively better. The food is excellent, and the live music is the best I have experienced, but it packs less value for the price, and the absence of open-air sections is a serious downside.

Video Review: Paris City Vision Dinner Cruise

• 3 Courses Dinner
• Alcohol Not Included
• Exceptional Singer & Music
• Good, but Not Mind-Blowing Food
• No Open-Air Section

• Modern and elegant interior fitting the smart casual-elegant Parisian dinner cruise vibe.
• Medium-sized and on par with our two top cruises look-and-feel-wise.

• An experience straight out of the movies — elegant, cultured, and giving off high society vibes. Quintessential French background music sets the mood, punctuated by live performances.

• The situation isn't rosy in this area. The otherwise great big windows were prone to fogging up , and there was no open-air area or rooftop deck available, which made taking a great selfie or photo of the Eiffel Tower impossible.

• Their female singer was a shining diamond. She had an  outstanding stage presence, charisma, and  voice. She frequently delivered classics such as Besame Mucho and other romantic Parisian vibes-inducing music.
• She  often included the audience  in her acts. In between her performances, tasteful French background music was playing.  They nailed this live music and vibe aspect the best of all cruises, I got to give it to them.

• The service was  polite and helpful but could have been warmer and friendlier . They were helpful in answering my menu questions. 
• They took my order quite late, which was the norm with most cruises except Bateaux Mouches.

• For starters, I chose foie gras. It was impeccably prepared, but it was a strange mix with a sweet pastry, and I wasn't a big fan. But I had to try it.
• The main course was a bass fillet, which I found tasty but anything to write home about.
• Finally, I had flan for dessert . I found this to be incredible. The French are truly masters of desserts - it's always mind-blowingly good.
• A la carte menu for drinks: glasses range from 8-15 euros and bottles can go up to 40 euros.
• The basic ticket (100€) doesn't quite pack much value - 3 courses, tea or coffee, but no drinks . I had to order a bottle of water and cocktail separately for 6 and 12 euros.
• Their highest tier ticket (155€) ticket includes a bottle of champagne per 2 people, but it doesn't come close to what the latter two companies offer in value for the same price.

• There were two-person tables with window views available.
• Groups were seated in the center at larger tables and near the windows in the back of the ship.
• Tickets with guaranteed window seats are available.

Dinner Cruise Menu 📋

💡 Paris City Vision menu is available in different languages on GetYourGuide et al. Access it by switching the Getyourguide language switcher to your desired language. The menu is subject to change. Note: The food is freshly made in the ship's kitchen.

• Mozzarella di Buffala, tartar, focaccia with Italian flavours
• Lightly cooked foie gras, red fruit financier with honey from our beehives
• Gazpacho prima verde with tomato brunoise (vegetarian)

💡 Special diets: Paris City Vision caters to guests with special diet requirements. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.

• Bass fillet, creamy risotto with green asparagus, squid ink tuile
• Yellow poultry fillet, courgette flan, feta cheese, thyme sauce
• Grilled beef, potato soufflé, yellow carrot mousseline (+9€)
• Casserole of sunny vegetables with Provençal herbs (vegetarian)

• Crème brulee tart, caramel sauce
• Our Eiffel Tower all chocolate, red fruit nectar
• Strawberry soup, pistachio crumble (vegetarian)
• Cheese platter (for 8€ extra)
• Coffee or black/green tea included
• "A la carte" drinks, cocktails, wines, beers, soft drinks available for purchase (8-15€)

Children's menu:

• Starter: Salmon mille-feuille with leek compote
• Main Course: Suprême of poultry, mashed potatoes
• Dessert: Chocolate finger cake ‍
• 📅 Schedule: Every day at 21:15 (shorter & cheaper cruise also available at 18:45)
• 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual
• 💨 Open air section: Not available ❌
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible Accessible (️infant seats also available) ✔️
• % Children discounts: free for infants age 0-2 (no food served, but children's menu is available), 40€ ticket (age 4-12) ✔️
• ‍ 🚗 Parking: Paid parking options available nearby. ✔️
• 🗺️ Meeting point: Port Solferino, 75007 Paris, France
• Note that the nearby Jardin de Tuileries is closed at night by the start of the 9:15 pm cruise, so you have to go around it.

4. 🔭 Best Budget Dinner Cruise With Panoramic Views  (Paris En Scene)

✔️ Most Affordable Dinner Cruise ✔️ Most Panoramic ✔️ Tasty Starter (Pumpkin Soup) ✔️ Tasty Dessert (Mousse) ✔️ Rooftop Deck ✔️ 0.5L Water Included

❌ Catered/Not Freshly Prepared ❌ Average Service ❌ Bland Main Course (Guinea Fowl) ❌ Generic Background Music ❌ Alcoholic Drinks Not Included

If you're looking for an affordable and panoramic dinner cruise, Paris en Scène is the perfect choice.

However, if you're looking for a fancy fine dining experience, you may want to look elsewhere. Their main course meals are a bit bland (not the soup and the dessert, though!), and the cruise has a more budget cruise vibe, but it's still a great value and offers a unique, enjoyable experience.

Video Review: Paris En Scene Dinner Cruise

• 3-Course Dinner
• Budget Friendly
• Panoramic Seating
• Excellent Views
• Loudspeaker Music (Contemporary/Generic)
• High Quality and Tasty Food

• Spacious, cozy and large, although it may not be as elegant as previous options on our list. Also features a rooftop deck.

• During the cruise, you can access to a top-notch rooftop deck with stunning views.

Panoramic Views 🔭

• The views are the strongest feature of this cruise. You can enjoy a delicious dinner while facing the windows and enjoying the stunning scenery.
• There is a small open-air terrace available at the front of the ship, as well as an entire rooftop deck at your disposal.

• Although not as high-end as our top 3 contenders, the boat offers a decent atmosphere for a busy dinner night with seats oriented to the sides, providing splendid views.
• There's generic background music playing in the background. The guests usually crowded it out.

• Like on most dinner cruises, the service was so-so .
• The staff were polite and helpful , but they were not very warm or friendly . It took them quite some time to take my order, and the waiting time for my food was long. The food is catered and not prepared fresh on board.

• The pumpkin soup was delicious . The guinea fowl was bland, but the portion was good. The same goes for the fish fillet option, so the main courses aren't award winners . Finally, the mousse (dessert) was delicious .
• Alcoholic drinks are between 8-15 euros (bottles are up to 40€).
• For 59€ , you can enjoy a 3-course meal including soup, main course, and dessert alongside a bottle of water.
• ‍ Alcoholic drinks are available to order separately. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food and service.
• Only one ticket tier is available , but you can choose between two starting times: 7:15 pm and 9:45 pm.

• On this ship, there are pairs of comfortable tub chairs with foldable mini tables attached. These chairs face the windows , providing a panoramic view. For groups of four, regular tables with standard orientation are available in the center and front.

Dinner Cruise Menu 🍽️ ‍ ‍

• Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Hazelnut Pieces and Parsley Oil

• Guinea Fowl with Cider Cream, Spelt and Apples, Dill Oil
• Sebastes Bream Fillet with Artichoke Barigoule, Fennel with Aioli Sauce and Flat-leaf Parsley

• Harlequin Chocolate Mousse with Sweet Almond Cream
• Stewed Plums with Rosemary Creamy and with Cottage Cheese

Plant-Based Menu

Available on reservation only. Suitable for those who do not eat meat, fish, or animal products.

• Pumpkin Cream Soup with Hazelnut Pieces and Parsley Oil
• Vegetable Lasagna with Coconut Milk
• Stewed Plums with Rosemary
• 📅 Schedule: Every day at 19:15 and 21:45
• 🧥 Dress code: None
• 🌐 Wifi: ???
• 🚬 Smoking: Allowed at designated smoking area ✔️
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible ✔️
• % Children discounts: 28€ ticket (age 4-12) ✔️
• ‍ 🚗 Parking: ???
• 🗺️ Meeting point: L'île aux Cygnes, Escale de, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris, France

5. 😞 An Okay, but Not Extraordinary Dinner Cruise (Le Diamant Bleu)

✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food ✔️ Tasty Main Course (Veal) ✔️ Excellent Dessert (Rhubarb Pavlova) ✔️ Rooftop Deck ✔️ Friendly Waiter

❌ No Nibbles ❌ Slow Service ❌ Unfriendly Welcome ❌ Passable Starter (Scallops) ❌ Not Good Value for Money ❌ Gloomy Live Music ❌ Decor Feels Cheap ❌ Wobbly Tables ❌ Lack of Energy ❌ Sketchy Meeting Point Area

In the final place, we have Le Diamant Blue. 

Unfortunately, their place here is a formality since their dinner cruise is below average . The reasons are explained below in detail.

In short, all other cruises in the same weight-class are better , so there's no reason to choose this cruise.

It's a pity, as I always try to find something unique in each cruise, but unfortunately, I could not find anything noteworthy about this one.

If Le Diamant Bleu wants to remain competitive, they need to improve their services and address certain issues outlined below.

Video Review: Le Diamant Bleu Dinner Cruise

• 3 Course Dinner
• Free Bottle of Water (Alcohol No Included)
• Live Music (Low Energy/Gloomy/Contemporary)
• Great Gourmet Food
• Low Energy Ambiance

• It was massive, wide, and spacious , with great lighting and audio technology.
• The windows are tall and wide and offer splendid views . However, the decor , including the chairs, tables, and tablecloths, felt cheap and low-quality , giving a faux luxurious feel . It was not up to the standard of the elegant high-end decor of most other dinner cruises.

• The ship also had a flawless open-air rooftop deck . In theory, they only allowed you to go up once you had finished your main course . In practice, people did sneak up. They said they don't want you to complain if the food goes cold. I found this patronizing as if adults couldn't decide whether to go up or not and return in time for their meal. 

• Even though the ship looks amazing in the pictures, the vibe was a bit dull. The meals arrived too slowly , the music wasn't uplifting , and the atmosphere lacked energy . All in all, the night ended with a dud instead of a blaze of glory.

• Our singer was a talented guitarist , but his vocals were too loud and did not fit the vibe. The tunes were gloomy , which didn't give off the quintessential romantic French vibe that many people were expecting. The low energy of the cruise wasn't solely due to the music, but the singer didn't quite hit the mark , and the night wasn't memorable as a result.

• Upon my arrival, I wasn't greeted with a particularly warm welcome . It was awkward as I had to wait until someone finally acknowledged me and led me to my table. However, despite the shaky start, my waiter was above and beyond attentive and friendly.

• The guests didn't get any nibbles , which would have been nice since the service was a bit slow, and we had to wait a long time for our otherwise freshly prepared food to arrive. The starter scallops, which were combined with pomegranate, had a strange taste. Although it was acceptable, it wasn't a crowd-pleaser. I recommend choosing the soup instead.
• I enjoyed the main course of veal, which was impeccably prepared , delicious, and served in a decent portion size.
• The dessert was amazing and truly stood out. As I always say, the French are experts in dessert-making.
• There are 2 ticket tiers , and both are available with guaranteed window seating ("VIP").
• Although their pricing is in the low-to-middle range (89-144€), the cheaper ticket only includes three courses and a bottle of water.
• The higher-priced ticket includes alcoholic drinks (one bottle of champagne per two people), which makes them okay but still not great value  for money compared to other cruises.

• The dinner event took place in a vast and continuous main area , which had around a hundred tables arranged in four long rows.
• There was a gap in the center where a live singer performed, and some tables were located in the VIP area at the front of the ship . Two of the four rows were adjacent to the windows , while the rest were in the center .
• Guaranteed window seats are available.
• Meeting point in dodgy area:  The cruise is far from the Eiffel Tower, which may be fine depending on where you're staying. However, before I arrived, I had to pass through a very sketchy area along the Seine River. Passing by dozens of homeless people in tents and areas with minimal lighting left a bad impression on me.
• Wobbly tables: My small two-person table was wobbly . Most two-person tables may have this issue. The window tables appeared to be more stable.

💡 Special diets: Le Diamant Bleu caters to guests with special diet requirements. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.

💡 Mismatch between menu vs. photos: Like on all cruises, the menu is subject to change. The menu below is what I found online, but I had a different menu on the boat,ests with special diet requirements. You can inform them of your requirem which I unfortunately didn't photograph.

• Pumpkin soup with hazelnuts, forest mix and ceps, tortellini, bread tuile, chestnut shavings
• Egg parfait and its vegetable garden with artichoke puree, carrots, radishes, chioggia beetroot, truffle carpaccio

• Candied lamb shoulder with caramelized onions, baby carrots, and roasted baby beans, oriental flavour, spicy juice
• Fillet of cod with fennel sauce, lightly spiced pepper coulis, herb salad with basil, bergamot, sumac, and mashed potatoes

• Chocolate tart with a warm flowing heart
• Italian-style Chiboust
• 📅 Schedule:
• 🚬 Smoking: ???
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible Accessible (️infant seats NOT available) ✔️
• % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-2), but no food served (children's menu is NOT available)
• 🚗 Parking : Paid parking available near meeting point ✔️
• 🗺️ Meeting point: 36 Quai d'Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France

FAQ: Photo Service 📷

• Every cruise offers a professional photography service to capture the evening. Pricy, but could be worth it for high-quality family or couple photos as souvenirs. You can always inspect both the digital and physical photos before deciding to buy.
• The photo service is most affordable at 15€ per photo on Bateaux Mouches compared to other cruises, which charge 20-25€ per photo.

FAQ: Birthday Celebrations 🎂

• Every cruise I have tried has been accommodating for birthday celebrations . These take place by the end of the cruise, with a birthday musical cue, clapping, and a piece(s) of cake/dessert with firework candles.
• Marriage proposals are also possible  on certain cruises, just ask the company if they offer them.

TheCruiseDetective.com is your free guide to help choose the best river cruises around the world. We test, evaluate and review river cruises in the various cities around the world for your benefit.

Discover our gift vouchers for a lunch or dinner cruise    

Cruise on the Seine with Bateaux Mouches

Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches® invites you on a cruise to explore Paris from its best avenue: the Seine. Book online for brunch or lunch in a quirky restaurant, a romantic dinner on the water or simply a guided tour for an original way to visit Paris’ most beautiful monuments, from one of our boats.

Explore Paris differently

Climb on board one of our boats and explore Paris from a different viewpoint, from the Seine. Sail past the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris, the Conciergerie, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay ...

Quirky restaurant and romantic cruise

Explore Paris over a delicious meal!

All our dishes are cooked by our own chefs using seasonal products in our boats’ modern kitchens.

Our à la carte menus include aperitif, starters, main courses, cheeses and desserts as well as a selection of wines matched to the dishes served, mineral water, non-alcoholic drinks and to finish, traditional teas and coffees accompanied by an after-dinner liqueur.

A romantic moment in one of the most unique restaurants in Paris

Rental and Privately Hiring a boat on the Seine

All year round Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches is available to host private and professional events by offering its boats for rent or private hire for daytime or evening. You will be assigned a dedicated team to assist you with organising your personal event, helping you hand-pick the services you require: from the wide choice of menus to various types of entertainment, and not forgetting personal decor.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Best Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris

Last updated: June 30, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 5 Comments

We have visited Paris many times, and one of the activities we always recommend folks do when visiting the city for the first time is to take a Seine River Cruise . They offer a unique perspective on the city and let you see many of the highlights of Paris as you relax onboard.

You actually have some options when it comes to taking one of these cruises. You can either do a sightseeing cruise, or you can take a cruise which includes a meal, either lunch during the day or dinner in the evening.

We have taken several Seine River Cruises in Paris over the years, including sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises. In this guide, we’re going to share our thoughts specifically on taking a Seine River dinner cruise when you visit Paris.

We’ll cover our favourite dinner cruise options, share our experiences taking dinner cruises, and also offer our advice on what to look for when deciding between cruise options.

If you’d prefer to take a sightseeing cruise instead, which is more focused on seeing the sights and often comes with narration, we also have a detailed guide to the best Seine River Cruises , which covers sightseeing cruises in detail.

We have taken a number of dinner cruises in Paris, and this guide is based on our personal experiences. We’ve also written a number of other guides you might find useful in Paris, including suggested itineraries for 2 days in Paris and 3 days in Paris , tips for how to get around Paris , as well as a review of the Paris Pass . We share all these resources at the end of this post.

Now, let’s look at our favourite Seine River dinner cruises in Paris!

Best Seine River Dinner Cruises

This guide lists what we think are the best options for a dinner cruise in Paris. If you’d prefer a lunch cruise, most of these companies also offer that as an option.

These are listed in no particular order. Pricing is correct as of June 2023; however, do always check the latest prices as they can vary. All prices are listed in euros.

Bateaux Mouches

Bateaux Mouches is one of the most well-known and popular sight-seeing cruise companies operating on the Seine River. They have a range of cruises offering dinner, with a convenient departure location by the Eiffel Tower. You can book these cruises here .

Cruises run every day, with an early-bird special at 6pm offering a shorter, value option. Most cruises last for 2 hours and 15 minutes approximately, with the exception of the early-bird cruise which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Pricing and Tickets

Bateaux Mouches currently offers two dinner cruise departure times. These all include live musical accompaniment and there’s also a dancefloor which is open to guests to enjoy.

The two main cruise departures are:

• A 2.5 hour “Prestige” cruise which costs 115 euros per adult (39 euros for children). This includes an aperitif, three course meal, as well as wine, soft drinks, tea or coffee, and water. This can also be upgraded to a four-course menu (“Excellence”) and additional drinks, which costs 155 euros per adult. This cruise departs at 8:30pm.
• A 1 hour 15-minute early bird cruise which costs 85 euros per adult (39 euros for children). This includes a three-course meal as well as wine, soft drinks, tea or coffee and water. This cruise departs at 6:00pm.

Whilst the price of the early-bird cruise is attractive, we’d recommend taking one of the longer cruises as otherwise it might feel like a bit of a rushed experience. However, if you are looking for a dinner cruise in Paris to do with children, this early departure can be a good option for those wanting an earlier, shorter, and more budget-friendly cruise.

Vegetarian options are available for all the above.

If you upgrade from the Prestige menu to the Excellence menu on the 2.5 hour cruise you will be able to board the ship earlier as well have a slightly elevated menu with an extra course and a wider complimentary drinks selection.

So you will have to decide if this menu upgrade is worth the price difference for you. The actual cruise experience is the same as it’s the same boat, you just get a different menu.

Menu Upgrades and Special Diet Options

On the early-bird cruise only one menu is offered. On the longer cruise, you can choose between a three-course menu and an upgraded four course menu.

According to their website Bateaux Mouches can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free and nut-free dishes.

Departure Points

The boat departs at Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France.

Accessibility

Bateaux Mouches boats are wheelchair accessible. Access to toilets on board the boats requires navigating stairs, but there are wheelchair-accessible toilets available near the docking area. Priority access for disabled guests is available.

For dinner cruises, a smart dress code is applied. This means no sportswear, flipflops, shorts, or baseball caps.

Bateaux Parisiens

Another of the major operators in Paris is Bateaux Parisiens. We have taken the standard Bateaux Parisiens sightseeing cruises a number of times in Paris as they are so conveniently located by the Eiffel Tower, and their sightseeing cruise is included on the Paris Pass which we regularly use.

Naturally, they also offer evening dinner cruises. These are a shorter 1 hour and 15 minute cruise or a longer 2.5 hour cruise. The latter would be our suggested option. You can book these cruises here .

Bateaux Parisiens currently offer two dinner cruise departures with different durations.

The longer cruise includes live musical accompaniment and there’s also usually a dance floor which is open to guests to enjoy.

The two main cruise departure times are:

• A 2.5 hour cruise which starts at 109 euros per person (34 euros for children). This includes a three-course meal. Drinks are not included in this package but can be purchased on board. We would recommend considering upgrading to either the Decouverte Service (139 euros) or Privilege Service (179 euros) option though. These include drinks and, more importantly, an improved view. This cruise departs at 8:30pm.
• A 1 hour 15 minute cruise which starts at 89 euros per person (34 euros for children). This includes a three-course meal and an aperitif. Other drinks can be purchased on board. Consider upgrading to the Privilege Service (119 euros) option for a window table.

There are three main menus which you can upgrade between. The standard “Etoile” menu is a three-course meal. The “Privilege” service adds a cheese course. The Premier Service adds a cheese course and an appetiser. Additional drinks are also included as you upgrade between menus.

According to their website Bateaux Parisiens can provide vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, residue-free, fibre-free and diabetic meals.

Leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower, on the left bank) in the 7th arrondissement.

Bateaux Parisiens boats are wheelchair accessible. Access to toilets on board the boats requires navigating stairs, but there are wheelchair-accessible toilets available at Le Bistro Parisien, the company’s restaurant near their Eiffel Tower dock.

For dinner cruises, a smart dress code is applied. This means no sportswear, flipflops, or shorts.

La Marina de Paris

The first dinner cruise we took in Paris was with Marina de Paris and we really enjoyed the experience. They offer a couple of different dinner sailings, including a shorter early departure and a longer later departure.

What is nice about the later cruise is that it is timed to sail past the Eiffel Tower as the twinkling lights come on, which is a very special sight to see. You can book their cruises here .

There are two main options, as follows:

• A 2 hour “Flavours” dinner cruise which costs 100 euros per adult (40 euros per child). This includes a 3-course meal. Wine and drinks are optional extras. 9:15pm departure.
• A 1 hour 15 minute “Discovery” dinner cruise which costs 85 euros per adult (40 euros per child). This includes a 3-course meal. Wine and drinks are optional extras. 6:45pm departure.

We’d generally recommend the Flavours dinner cruise, which can be upgraded to include drinks if you prefer.

We are not aware of any menu upgrades for the food.

According to their website a vegetarian option is available.  If you have other dietary requirements, we would recommend contacting them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

This cruise departs from Port de Solferino, 75007 Paris. It’s by the Musee d’Orsay.

Due to the steps required to access the boat this tour is not recommended for those with access requirements.

A dress code is not mentioned, we would recommend smart casual as a minimum.

Captaine Fracasse

One of our favourite Paris dinner cruises we have done was on the Capitane Fracasse, which was recommended to us by a couple living in Paris.

They are a smaller company which only operate one vessel as far as we know, and we found the service on board to be top notch. The food is also cooked on board. You can book their cruises here .

Capitaine Fracasse has different options depending on which day of the week you are cruising with them.

All the options include a 3-course menu. Drinks, including soft drinks, are not included in the standard ticket but are available to purchase on board.

• On Saturdays, there’s a 1 hour 45 minute cruise which departs at 6pm and which costs 69 euros (35 euros for children), and a 2 hour 15 minute cruise which departs at 9:30pm and costs 79 euros (35 euros for children).
• On every other day of the week there is one 2 hour 30 minute cruise which departs at 8:45pm and costs 79 euros (35 euros for children). We’d normally recommend this cruise if possible as it is slightly longer.

You can see all the information about their cruises on their official website here .

According to their website a plant-based option is available. For other requirements they recommend you contact them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

The departure point is L’île aux Cygnes, Escale de Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris. This is just a little walk south of the Eiffel Tower.

The departure point is actually on a small artificial island (the Isle of Swans) in the middle of the Seine River, accessed from the Bir-Hakeim bridge. Be sure to arrive early as there are lovely views up and down the Seine from this bridge.

Paris en Scene

Paris en Scene are one of the smaller dinner cruise operators, offering meals which are prepared on-board. They also have very competitive pricing. If you are looking for the best value Seine River dinner cruise, then Paris en Scene is definitely worth considering. You can book their cruises here .

Paris en Scene offers two dinner cruise departure times. The experience and duration is the same, the only difference is the departure time.

• A 1 hour 45 minute cruise which costs from 55 euros per person. Includes a three-course meal as well as water. Upgrades are available to include wine and champagne as well as a window seat.  This cruise departs at either 7:15pm or 9:45pm.

According to their website a vegan option is available. For other requirements they recommend you contact them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

Diamant Bleu

Diamant Blue is another of the smaller operators on the River Seine. They have two boats, the Diamant Bleu and the smaller Theo.

Meals are all prepared on board, and they have two options, a standard cruise which features French cuisine and live musical entertainment, as well as an Italian dining cruise on board the smaller Theo.

We think the Diamant Bleu offers great value for money and is definitely worth considering when comparing Seine River dinner cruises.

Diamant Blue have a number of departure times, depending on which boat you use. These are as follows.

• A 2.5 hour cruise on board the Diamant Blue with a 3-course meal including water for 89 euros (same price for adults and children). Live music is provided. This can be upgraded to include window seating and champagne. This cruise departs at 8.30pm.
• A 1 hour 45 minute cruise on-board the Theo with a 3 course Italian meal which costs 55 euros per adult (39 euros for children, infants not allowed). Drinks can be purchased on board. This cruise departs at 6pm.
• A 2 hour cruise on-board the Theo with a 3 course Italian meal which costs 59 euros per adult (39 euros for children, infants not allowed). Drinks can be purchased on board. This cruise departs at 9pm.

For other requirements we recommend you contact them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

The departure point can vary by boat and departure so do check your booking. Normally it is as follows:

For the Diamant Bleu, the departure point is: 36 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris. This is near Gare Austerlitz.

For Theo, the departure point is: Escale de Beaugrenelle, situated at Port de Javel Haut, 75015 Paris

The Diamant Bleu is listed as being wheelchair accessible, however the Theo cruise is not.

Sandals, flip flops, and shorts are not permitted.

Seine River Dinner Cruises Summary & Where to Book

To help you out, we’ll summarise the best Seine River dinner cruise options here to show what’s included, pricing, duration and also where you can book each cruise.

• Bateaux Mouches . Recommended cruises start at 115 euros per person and include a 3-course meal, wine, tea/coffee, soft drinks, and live music. Cruises are normally 2 hours 15 minutes with an 8:30pm departure. Book online here .
• Bateaux Parisiens. Recommended cruises start at 109 euros per adult and include a three-course meal and live music. It can also be upgraded to include drinks and a window seat. Cruises are normally 2 hours 30 minutes with an 8:30pm departure. Book online here .
• Marina de Paris. Recommended cruises start at 100 euros per adult and include a 3-course meal. Drinks can be purchased on board. The cruise is 2 hours in length with a 9:15pm departure. Book online here .
• Capitaine Fricasse . Recommended cruises start at 79 euros per adult and include a 3-course meal. Drinks can be purchased on board. Cruises are normally 2 hours 30 minutes with an 8:45pm departure (except on Saturdays). Book online here .
• Paris en Scene . Recommended cruises start at 55 euros per person and include a 3-course meal as well as water. Cruises are normally 1 hour 45 minutes with departures at either 7:15pm or 9:45pm. This is a great value dinner cruise option. Book online here .
• Diamant Bleu . Recommended cruises start at 89 euros per person and include a 3-course meal with water. Live entertainment is provided. Cruises are normally 2 hours 30 minutes in duration and depart at 8:30pm. Book online here .

What to Consider When Booking a Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris

As you have seen, there are quite a few choices when it comes to dinner cruises in Paris. So you might be wondering how to narrow your selection down a bit.

Well, to help you out we wanted to go through some of the key things to think about when comparing cruises, so you can decide on the right one for you.

Departure & Return Location

Seine River dinner cruises depart from various locations along the river, so you might want to consider this when booking your cruise.

Booking a cruise that starts and finishes closer to your accommodation will make getting back when it finishes easier.

Cruise Time

Dinner cruises depart at different times of the evening, from around 6pm through to around 9.30pm. Depending on the time of year you visit Paris you might prefer to take an earlier or later cruise to experience different lighting. This decision will depend on the sort of experience you want to have.

We have taken a cruise which went through sunset and into the night, as well as a cruise that took place entirely in daylight.

In the summer in Paris it doesn’t get dark until quite late, so if you want to have a nighttime experience on one of these cruises you’ll need to book one with a later departure time. Conversely over winter it gets darker much earlier so you might not have as much choice over whether you cruise in the daylight or not.

There are pros and cons to daytime, sunset and nighttime cruises.

During daylight hours, you will generally get a better view of Paris and it will be easier to take photos. However, it might not feel quite as romantic.

When it’s dark, you get to see the city when it is lit up. This can be very beautiful, and the Eiffel Tower in particular at night is gorgeous. This is definitely a more romantic experience.

However, it’s worth noting that photography can be pretty challenging at night. Reflections from the interior lights on the glass combined with the lack of light combines to make photography much more challenging.

Price is of course going to be a major factor when considering which Paris dinner river cruise to book.

Prices range from around 55 euros up to 150 euros and up.

When comparing price, it’s really important to look beyond the price and see what exactly is included. Some cruises include things like live entertainment for example. Others might have a better menu, a more intimate seating environment or more inclusions like water and drinks.

Choice of Seating

One of the reasons to take a Seine River dinner cruise is of course the view. Whilst the food on board most cruises (in our experience) is generally good, what you are really paying for is the experience and the views.

Most boats have a range of seating options, from central seating with limited views through to window seating along the sides. Some also offer more premium panorama seating near the front of the boat.

We’d usually recommend trying to get a window seat if it’s possible to specify this as you will generally have a better view of Paris. Just note that this is often a paid upgrade.

Duration of Dinner Cruise

When choosing a Seine River dinner cruise, you will need to decide what sort of duration of cruise you want to take. Cruises are offered ranging from around 1 hour 15 minutes up to 2 hours 30 minutes.

It’s worth noting that these times are the time that the boat is actually spent cruising on the water from departure to docking. Most cruises require you to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier so everyone can be seated in time for departure.

Our suggestion is to take a cruise that lasts at least 90 minutes – 2 hours as this way you will be able to enjoy your meal and not feel rushed.

Of course, you can save money by taking a shorter cruise if you prefer. Just be aware that the cruise will cover less ground, and you’re going to have less time for capturing all your favorite moments!

This being a river cruise, there is not a huge amount of choice that the boats have when it comes to the route.

Most vessels in our experience have a route which stretches from the Eiffel Tower area to the Notre Dame area. This route covers most of the sightseeing highlights of central Paris that you can see from the river.

Of course, the duration of the cruise can affect this route. Cruises that last for less time might see less, whilst cruises which last for longer will probably cover more ground.

Meal options

All the Paris dinner cruises we are aware of offer a fixed menu, usually consisting of 3 or 4 courses. There are usually at least 2-3 main course options, and there are also normally 2-3 starters and desserts to choose from.

Meals are normally included in the price of the cruise, however there will sometimes be a premium menu item such as steak which comes with an additional charge.

The majority of the cruises offer French food. You should be able to check the menu online prior to booking your cruise, which we recommend doing to be sure there will be an option to your liking.

Children’s Pricing, Age Policy, and Menu

The majority of Seine River Dinner cruises welcome children on board. If you are travelling with children and want to take them on a cruise, then this can definitely be a fun experience as a family.

There are a few things you will want to check before you book. First, what age the company defines as a “child”, as it varies from under 12 to under 13. Often (but not always) those defined as children will pay a lower rate, so this is definitely worth checking.

Many cruises also offer a children’s menu, so you will want to be sure that it is something your child will enjoy.

Drink options

Depending on the dinner cruise you choose, different drinks options will likely be available. Some packages include drinks, whilst others do not include any drinks at all. However, you can always purchase drinks, including alcoholic and soft drinks on board.

So obviously you can decide in advance if you would prefer to include drinks with your package or just pay as you consume.

It’s also worth noting that in our experience, tap water is not available on any of the boats, so if drinking water is not included in your meal package you would need to buy it on board.

Special Diet Needs or Preferences

If you have a food allergy or intolerance, then you will definitely need to check that the cruise you are thinking of taking is able to accommodate them. For most allergies, I would contact the cruise company directly to check if they can accommodate your needs.

For most special diets, unless they have a specific menu you can book directly (e.g., a lot of companies offer a “regular” and vegetarian menu), it is wise to contact the company in advance about your dietary needs or preferences.

Most companies require that you tell them in advance if you would like to choose a special menu option such as a vegan menu, dairy-free, or a gluten-free one.

Entertainment

Some cruises provide entertainment, normally in the form of live music. If this is something that you would like, then you would need to choose a cruise which includes this as an option.

Note that none of the dinner cruises we are aware of include any kind of sightseeing commentary as you travel up and down the river, as this would interrupt the ambience of the cruise. You can always ask a member of staff to identify sights of interest if you see something you are not sure about.

However, if you would prefer a cruise with commentary then you might consider taking a Seine River sightseeing cruise . We think that the two types of cruises are complimentary to one another so you could do a sightseeing cruise during one day of your trip and then do an evening dinner cruise another day of your trip.

But if you are choosing one or the other and want commentary, then we’d recommend a daytime sightseeing cruise instead.

Professional Photography

Most crusies have professional photographers on board who take photos. They will generally ask to take your photo and offer you photos to purchase if you wish towards the end of the cruise. This is optional and not something you need to do, but it can make for a great souvenir.

If you have accessibility requirements, you will obviously need to check what the cruise is able to accommodate.

For example, some of the dinner cruise options are accessible to those with reduced mobility issues and those in wheelchairs, particularly those which depart from near the Eiffel Tower as the dock can be accessed without steps.

However, other departure points require navigating many steps and so would be an issue.

If you have specific accessibility needs then we highly recommend reaching out to the company in advance of your tour to discuss your requirements.

Depending on the cruise you take, a dress code might apply, so it is important to check this beforehand. Even if a dress code is not mentioned, our experience is that most people tend to dress up a bit, so we would recommend smart casual as a minimum. Generally if you avoid shorts, flip-flops, sportswear, and very casual wear, you’ll be fine.

In our experience, people are generally a bit more casually dressed on the early evening dinner cruises and a bit more formally dressed on the later dinner cruises.

You can of course be as dressed up as you like, we’ve seen some very smartly dressed folks on the dinner cruises we’ve taken in Paris. We think it adds to the experience to put a bit of effort into dressing up at least a little for the cruise.

Our Experience Taking a Seine River Dinner Cruise?

We have actually taken a number of Seine River dinner boat cruises in Paris. We wanted to share our experiences of doing so to give you an idea of what to expect (and what not to expect!).

I’ll cover two cruises we have done in this section. One was in late summer, so whilst it was light when we departed (at around 9:00pm) it was fully dark by the time we returned at around 11.15pm.

For the second one we cruised in early summer with a 6.30pm departure and as a result it was light pretty much throughout the whole cruise until our return at just after 8:00pm.

The overall experience was similar. For both cruises we arrived around 45 minutes before the actual departure. Most cruises let you board at least 30 minutes before departure, and we definitely recommend arriving early so you can locate the boarding point and have time to check in. Sometimes being early can also mean you might get a better table.

On boarding, we gave our names and were shown to our table. In both cases we were allocated a window table.

After sitting down we were presented with a menu. We had already selected a drinks package on the cruises so water was waiting for us on the table, and we were offered a choice of wine which was brought and poured.

On most cruises you’ll get a set menu which will generally at least have a choice of mains. Sometimes you might also have a choice of appetizers and/or desserts but these are often set. So it is definitely important to have an idea of the menu before you choose your cruise.

Some menus also give you the option to pay extra for an upgrade (e.g., to have a special menu item like caviar, steak, lobster, etc.). So be careful about this if you don’t want to pay extra. It should be clearly marked on the menu.

We had time to take a quick look around the vessels and take a few photos, and then we ordered.

In both cases most of this happened while the vessel was still docked. We then got underway, where we enjoyed our wine before our meals arrived.

For our cruise which departed later, this was when we watched the sunset, over our aperitifs. For our cruise which departed earlier, it remained light throughout the whole experience.

On both cruises the food was good. First courses and desserts were generally chilled, whilst the main course was served hot. We also had a drinks package included on both cruises, which gave us more than enough to drink between us. On both cruises it included wine, water, and coffee/tea.

Service was efficient and friendly, and the service staff also answered any questions. There was also a professional photographer on board both cruises who took photos of everyone if they wished and then offered photo prints to purchase at the end of the cruise.

On the later cruise when it got dark it was lovely to see the Eiffel Tower lit up. However as it was dark it was quite difficult to take photos! This cruise also had a dance floor which quite a few people enjoyed towards the end, although there wasn’t live music.

Overall we enjoyed both our cruises a great deal. The views were lovely, the food was good and the service was excellent.

Is a Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris worth it?

We would say that yes, a Seine River dinner cruise in Paris is definitely worth it. It’s a lovely way to spend an evening, the food is normally good and the sights of Paris are always wonderful to see.

The meals we had were both good but you shouldn’t expect a Michelin-starred meal. This is due to the constraints of being on a boat and serving multiple people at the same time. If you want a really nice meal in Paris, we would recommend booking a high-end restaurant. A lot of the cost of the cruise is for the cruise itself, rather than the meal.

You should also not expect this to be a narrated sightseeing cruise as the dinner cruises rarely include any type of narration. After dark, some of the attractions can be difficult to see although you get the chance to see the lights come on at night across central Paris. Many people love the experience of seeing the Eiffel Tower lights sparkle at night from the boat.

If you want a sightseeing cruise, we’d recommend booking a Seine sightseeing cruise as these give you a very different experience. But a dinner cruise is still a special way to see Paris at night.

So we’d recommend booking this for the experience of having a nice evening out with a good meal aboard a ship with nice views of Paris along the way.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Seine River dinner cruise, based on our experiences.

• Do some research and book your dinner cruise in advance – compare factors such as what food/drinks are included, price, departure time and duration
• Be sure to take into account the time of year in Paris in terms of how dark (or not) it will be during your cruise. For example, if you want to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night you need to book a cruise that will be cruising at night. You can see sunrise and sunset times in Paris at different times of year here .
• Arrive in plenty of time. It’s important to arrive in plenty of time so you can find your boat and be boarded in plenty of time. Some of the departure locations have multiple companies, so you want to be sure you arrive in time to find your vessel.
• Bring a camera. You will absolutely want to document the experience, so we recommend bring a camera. A smartphone will of course do, but if you’re looking to elevate your photos you might consider picking up a good camera for travel .
• Dress up a bit. First you’ll want to check to see if your cruise has a specific dress code or not. Whilst many of the cruises don’t have a dress code, we suggest dressing up a bit anyway. It’s a special way to spend an evening, and many people will certainly be quite dressed up.
• Ask the crew to take a photo of you. Whilst a selfie is all well and good, you will nearly always get a better result if you ask a member of the crew to take your photo. Depending on the cruise you book there may also be a shipboard photographer who will offer to take your photo and then sell them to you. These can make for a lovely souvenir of your trip.
• Enjoy and make the most of your evening cruise in Paris!

Further Reading for your visit to Paris

We have been lucky enough to visit Paris many times, and based on our experiences we’ve put together a number of guides to help you plan your trip here. We also have some suggested third-party resources that we think you might find helpful.

• To help you make the most of your time in Paris, we have a series of itineraries. These cover spending  a day in Paris ,  2 Days in Paris  and  3 Days in Paris
• If you’re looking for good photos, we have a guide to the  best photography locations in Paris
• We have detailed guides to the best Seine river cruise ,  buying Paris opera tickets ,  attending a fashion show in Paris  and  saving money on Michelin starred restaurants in Paris
• We have a detailed  review of the Paris Pass and the Paris Museum Pass to help you decide if these might save you money
• If you’re wondering how best to get around, see our guide to how to get around Paris for lots of tips
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the  best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous  Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• Are you coming to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the  best way to get from London to Paris  to help you plan
• For walking tours in Paris, we can recommend both  Context Tours  (link gives 10% off) and   Take Walks  who both offer tours in Paris.
• If you want a guide book to Paris, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the  Rick Steves Paris  edition. We also recommend the Lonely Planet guides, and they have a  guidebook on Paris .

And that’s it! As always, if you have any questions or comments about this guide to our favourite Seine River dinner cruises in Paris, just let us know in the comments below. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

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Gerald & Teresa says

20th September 2023 at 4:31 am

My partner and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Paris and I just wanted to say thank you for your many helpful posts from you and your wife’s blogs. You made our trip much easier and one of the many highlights was our Seine cruise for dinner, we had a lovely meal, good weather, and loved seeing the eiffel tower and many other interesting historical buildings from the water.

As reference we did one of the recommended ones (Paris Marina I think, it was specifically this one ) and we booked the late dinner with 1/2 bottle of Champagne and window seat option.

For anyone on teh fence, I’d say definitely do a cruise! If you have a small budget, enjoy a daytime regular cruise but if you have a bit of a bigger budget we did really love our dinner cruise at sunset. It was very special for us and an unforgettable experience.

Merci beaucoup! G&T

Laurence Norah says

20th September 2023 at 8:03 am

Hi G&T,

Thanks for taking the time to pop by and leave your feedback and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time in Paris and the dinner cruise in particular. Thank you also for letting us know that our content helped with your trip, that means a lot! We think a dinner cruise is very much worth it and are so happy you enjoyed yours 🙂

All the best and safe travels

Laurence & Jess

Leona Ramsey says

28th July 2023 at 8:09 pm

Hi Laurence!

What a great guide you have here to all the seine boat cruises–so helpful!!!

I am wondering if you could help us to find at least one option for a party of 6 (5 adults, 1 child age 14) for a dinner cruise in Paris between August 12-14. Any time OK. No special dietary requirements. I have been struggling to find one but may be my Internet connection or doing something wrong. Prefer booking on GYG (if price same) if possible rather than on the french company websites as they tend to be very clunky. I am older and not as easy for me to navigate online.

Also, a quick question, I have been trying to book window seats but I think based on my limited experience with this that this isn’t possible on most boats with a party of 6. Can you confirm that most of the window tables seem to be for parties of 2, 3, or 4? We prefer to sit all together so a middle table is fine as long as still have view but window table would be a bonus.

Thanks! Leona

29th July 2023 at 2:07 pm

Thanks very much! So you are correct, for the most part the tables for larger parties tend not to be near the windows as it is easier from a layout perspective to put smaller tables around the windows and larger tables in the middle. However, there are some options.

The Bateaux Parisiens Premier Service has seating at the front of the boat and offers good views. However they are rather pricey.

I’d perhaps instead suggest the Bateaux Parisien Decouverte Service for a group. They’re one row back from the window but as most of the Bateaux Mouches windows extend into the roof section of the boat, the view is still usually good. You can book those both on GetYourGuide.

Another option to consider would be the Bateaux Mouches Excellence menu, which if you book on Viator states that you wil have priority on the seats next to the windows. Again, on these boats normally the windows extend into the roof of the boat so the views are normally good, but like all the companies with multiple vessels there are a few different designs. You can book the Excellence menu on Viator here where it talks about the window seating.

The links I have put in should take you directly to the booking pages on either GetYourGuide or Viator. For the GetYourGuide link, it’s the same link, once you select your party size and date you can choose between the service level. There’s also quite a helpful boat layout map on the Bateaux Parisiens website here so you can see where you are going to be sitting for each price point.

They currently have availability for the dates you are looking for and your party size as well.

Do let me know if I can offer any further assistance! Otherwise have a great time in Paris and enjoy your dinner! I’d love to hear your feedback on the experience as well 🙂

30th July 2023 at 3:37 am

Thanks Laurence, this is what I needed and you’ve saved me a lot of time, will book the one from Bateaux Parisiens!!!!!!!! Merci beaucoup 😉

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A dinner cruise is our number-one recommendation for visitors who want to see the city in a different way. How can you beat sipping champagne while being served a classic French meal while cruising the river in the City of Light. Outside the bateau's window are the iconic monuments lit up for your viewing pleasure. You'll look back and remember this Seine dinner cruise as the highlight of your time in Paris. Bienvenue à bord! — welcome aboard!

Our Top-Rated Seine River Cruises

1. VIP Dinner Cruise with Champagne & Live Music… Our top-rated nighttime activity

2. Champagne Cruise Along the Seine… Get on board the boat with the bubbly

3. Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris… Celebrating the Belle Époque bistro

3. Parisian Picnic Cruise with Wine & Champagne… Now that's cruising in style!

4. Seine River Lunch Cruise… With spectacular views outside your window

1. VIP Dinner Cruise with Champagne & Live Music…

2. Champagne Cruise Along the Seine…

3. Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris…

3. Parisian Picnic Cruise with Wine & Champagne…

4. Seine River Lunch Cruise…

#1. VIP Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise

This is our top choice for a romantic dinner cruise over the course of a wonder-filled evening. This two-and-a-half-hour, slow cruise along the world's most beautiful river route is offered by Bateaux Parisiens , the most prestigious dinner cruise company in Paris. Marvel in the light show that is Paris in the evening, when all of the most famous monuments are lit up and visible from your boat on the river.

The evening starts on the banks of the Seine at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Be sure to choose the Service Premier option. You will be rewarded with front-of-the-line entry as well as VIP seating at the front of the boat for the best views and the best service. Did we mention the champagne?

The four-course dress-up dinner includes a variety of wines, coffee and liqueur. There is champagne served both at the beginning and the end of the dinner. The view and the leisurely pace are fantastic. There's nothing to do but to take in the many aspects of this beautiful city as the sun sets and the buildings light up. Did we mention the champagne?

#2. Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris

We think you're going to love this dinnertime cruise that joins the Seine River with Maxim's of Paris , the Belle Époque bistro that debuted at the 1900 Paris Exposition. On this evening cruise you'll dine on specialties made famous at the historic bistro as you admire the lights of the city. With VIP treatment, including guaranteed window seating for the best views, you'll be immersed in an unforgettable romantic atmosphere. Travelers are are raving about the delicious meal, live jazz and friendly service.

#3. Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise with Live Music

A Seine river cruise is an essential activity, so why not combine it with a leisurely dinner? This highly-rated Seine river cruise is conducted by Bateaux Mouches, a Paris river boat company that sails from a dock on the Right Bank. You'll relax in the glass-walled boat while a classic French dinner is served. Outside your window are spectacular views of the City of Light.

For the best experience, book the Dinner-Cruise Excellence option for a priority window table and a bottle of wine or champagne. Travelers are loving the experience: "Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up was absolutely breathtaking."

#4. Early Evening Dinner Cruise – NEW!

This sunset dinner has the advantage of showing you the best of Paris as day turns to night. Travelers rave about the scenery at sunset and the delicious French food. We insist you choose the Romance Package , with a guaranteed window seat, rose petals on your table, a bottle of chilled champagne, and a special heart-shaped chocolate fondant dessert. Aprés dîner there's time to stroll along the banks of the Seine. Romance will be in the air.

#5. Le Diamant Bleu – Dining, Music & Dancing

If you still have some pep in your step , consider this fun dinner cruise offered by our friends at Le Diamant Bleu river cruise line. This bateau is more casual than others and adds live music, a DJ, and a dance floor. But when it comes to dining, the multi-course meal is all business with classic French ingredients like truffles, long-simmered lamb, roasted vegetables, and desserts including a caramelized pear with vanilla crunch. The VIP option (our recommendation) is limited so book now.

The Highest-Rated Paris Activities

Should i choose an upgrade for my dinner cruise.

In a word, yes. You may notice that we gently urge you to choose options such as Service Premier , Excellence , or the Romance package. Upgrades are well worth the investment when you consider that they include extras like champagne, more champagne, a better menu, seating at the front of the boat, and a few culinary surprises.

Best of all, you'll have the most desirable seats in the house… we mean, cabin! Who doesn't love being at a premier table close to a window, with privacy and a view onto the most spectacular sights of Paris? To our way of thinking, you're in Paris to feel like you're special and to get VIP treatment whenever possible.

What You Can Expect When You Dine on the Seine

We've observed that the French consider good food essential to their culture. And so, on a Seine River dinner cruise, you can expect a fabulous multi-course meal with champagne & wine. Although the menus change with the seasons here's an idea of the type of menu you are likely to find on one of these dinner cruise along the city's beautiful river. All cruises offer vegetarian menus as well.

Entrée (first course)

• Marinated Scottish salmon over baby greens, or • Foie gras with truffle shavings, or • Chilled prawns, herb vinaigrette & baby vegetables, or • Lobster chaud-froid cream sauce & a vegetable melange

Plat (main course)

• Beef filet with morel mushroom cream sauce & fresh pasta, or • Duck breast with fig sauce & baby potatoes, or • Grilled Veal with pomegranate sauce, chanterelles & rice pilaf, or • Sea bass filet with grilled zucchini, olives & basil

• Chocolate entremets — classic chocolate dessert selection, or • Raspberry schuss — a vanilla and raspberry cake, or • Raspberry macaron , or • Vanilla and strawberry vacherin — a meringue-filled with cream and fruit

In France, it's common to have an aperitif before dinner. Popular choices include kir ( creme de cassis & white wine), a glass of champagne, or even a glass of fruit juice — we prefer a glass of rosé champagne. With the meal, wine is always the right choice! There will be a sommelier on board who can help with your selection.

It's also common in France to pay a little extra (called a supplement ) for some of the special items on a menu. This might mean a supplement is added for the cheese course, or if you select higher priced-items like lobster or foie gras. In general, the standard (lowest) price is offered on the menu and the high rollers can tailor their menu with extra supplements. And of course, vegetarian options are almost always available.

What to Wear on a Paris Dinner Cruise

The dress code for the cruise is smart casual , meaning a blazer for men and elegant attire for women. It may sound obvious, but sportswear — including running shoes, baseball caps, flip-flops, crop-tops — are interdit (not allowed). This is a night to dress up! Here's your chance to wear your best dress, your best suit, your coolest shows, to be your best. It's a time to celebrate your evening in Paris in style.

The Boat Stops Here

Your travel e-documents will indicate where along the Seine you board your bateau . Check-in usually ends 15 minutes before departure time, so get there twenty to thirty minutes in advance. Better early than late. Here are the ports and quais where the various dinner cruise boats dock.

1. Port de la Bourdonnais

Located on the river across from Musée du Quai Branly , boats docking at Port de la Bourdonnais board at either Pontoon No. 5 or No. 7. Easy access from the Eiffel Tower. • Metro – Trocadero, Bir-Hakeim

2. Port de Solférino

Sitting on the banks of the Seine in front of Musée d'Orsay , Port de Solférino is easy to find and easy to access at the base of the pedestrian bridge, Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor . • Metro – Assemblé Nationale, Solferino

3. Quai Anatole France

Along Quai Anatole France, which runs downriver from Port de Solférino, is another bateau docking point. This quai , now closed to automobile traffic, has become a favorite destination for walkers. • Metro – Assemblé Nationale, Solferino

4. Port de la Conférence

Head to the Right Bank, between Pont l'Alma and Pont des Invalides for the dock at Port de la Conférence. There's a staircase off of Cour Albert 1er (which is itself next to Voie Georges Pompidou) that takes you directly to the dock. • Metro – Alma-Marceau

5. Quai d'Austerlitz

Quai d'Austerlitz is upriver, beyond Jardin des Plantes and Gare d'Austerlitz on the Left Bank in the 13th Arrondissement, yet it's easy to get to using the Metro. In fact, there's a lovely walk along the river from the Metro station to the dock. • Metro – Quai de la Gare

Discover What's On When You're Here...

Discover what's on when you're here, scenes on the seine.

Viewing Paris from a dinner boat on the river you quickly realize just how many of the city's sights are found along the banks of the Seine. Iconic landmarks are strung along the river like pearls.

A typical Paris dinner cruise sails the boat below Notre Dame Cathedral, passing the Louvre, the Hotel de Ville, and the Conciergerie. Most boats turns around at the Institut du Monde Arabe and heads towards Île de la Cité for another, closer view of Notre Dame, before cruising past Musée d’Orsay towards the Eiffel Tower. You may even head downstream a bit to view the Statue of Liberty on L'île aux Cygnes. Here are some of the celebrated sights the boats pass.

• Pont Alexandre III
• Les Invalides
• Grand Palais
• Petit Palais
• Pont des Arts
• Institut du France
• Île de la Cité
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Hotel de Ville
• Louvre Museum
• Place de la Concorde
• The Statue of Liberty

Three Dinner Cruise Companies

1. Bateaux Parisiens – Savoir-Faire Since 1956

Bateaux Parisiens was founded in 1956, and has become one of the leading river boat companies in Paris. With a fleet of a dozen boats, their Seine river dinner cruises pass beneath twenty-five bridges, and sail past just as many monuments. For the past few years, Bateaux Parisiens has been upgrading their fleet with innovation and sustainably in mind. The cruise cuisine emphasizes freshly-prepared meals made on board by a French chef and team. Bateaux Parisiens board at Port de La Bourdonnais in the 7th Arrondissement.

2. Bateaux Mouches – Elegance Beginning in 1949

Founder Jean Bruel began Bateaux Mouches in 1949 with a single steamboat salvaged from the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1900 . His novel idea was to offer guided tours on the Seine River. Today, the cruise company has a fleet of fifteen boats that host more than two million Parisians and travelers each year, making Bateaux Mouches the fourth-most-visited attraction in Paris, after the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Pompidou Centre.

All the boats feature open-air top decks and all dining tables are next to windows, providing amazing views of the Seine. A team of professional chefs prepare the dishes on board with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Bateaux Mouches dock is found near Pont de l'Alma on Port de la Conférence.

3. Le Diamant Bleu – Build It And They Will Come

Designed by restaurateur Alain Daien, whose dream was to build a yacht that could accommodate dinner cruises on the Seine, Le Diamant Bleu launched in 2015 — an innovative, modern high-tech concept by launching jewel, with two levels, including an expansive rooftop deck. Le Diamant Bleu offers comfort, clean lines, and panoramic windows for exceptional views. Board Le Diamant Bleu at 36 Quai d'Austerlitz in the 13th, under Cité de la Mode's green facade.

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CRUISE ON THE SEINE

The ultimate guide to seine river cruises in paris.

Cruises on the Seine » Blog » 5 Best Seine Cruises in Paris you don’t want to miss!

5 Best Seine Cruises in Paris you don’t want to miss!

Looking for cruise on the Seine River in Paris? Here are 5 top-selling cruises that are considered the most popular cruises among Paris travelers.

• By: David Wellington

Gliding along the Seine River, the lifeline of Paris, offers a unique vantage point to soak up the romantic city’s iconic sights. From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame Cathedral, the River Seine winds its way through the heart of the French capital, reflecting its grand monuments.

Whether you opt for a shorter sightseeing cruise or a dining experience, these 5 boat tours consider top-sellers in Paris offer memorable and varied ways to discover Paris’s magic from the Seine. Keep reading to uncover the best Seine River cruises for stunning views, gourmet bites, and overall unforgettable experiences.

70 minutes Seine River Cruise by Bateaux Mouches

This next cruise which operate by Bateaux Mouches , is one of the most popular cruises in Paris and a great ways to see the sights of Paris while floating along the Seine River. The glass-roofed boats depart from the Pont de l’Alma dock near the Eiffel Tower.

This cruise lasts around 1 hour+ and travels between the Eiffel Tower and Pont Neuf, passing by landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Musée d’Orsay along the way. Tickets starting at €15 for adults and €7 for children ages 4-11. The cruises run daily, with departure times starting at 10am and continuing until 10pm during the summer months. Frequency of departures varies by season. The full cruise with audio guide takes approximately 70 minutes.

The Bateaux Mouches boats feature a glass roof for optimal sightseeing along the route. Audio guides are available in 8 languages to learn about the various landmarks during the cruise. There is a bar on board where you can purchase drinks and snacks as well.

Reviews of the Bateaux Mouches cruise experience are generally quite positive, with travelers highlighting the good views, relaxing boat ride, and informative audio guide. Some reviewers note that lines at the dock can get long, so the Tiqets e-tickets help save time by allowing you to skip the ticket line.

60 minuets Sightseeing Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Parisiens

Another top-sellers Seine cruise, is this 1-hour sightseeing cruise along the River Seine in Paris. It is offered by the company Bateaux Parisiens , which operates river cruises in Paris. This particular cruise boards at Port de la Bourdonnais near the Eiffel Tower and takes passengers on a journey past top Paris attractions including the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, and Pont Alexandre III.

The cruise offers an audio guide available in 14 languages that provides commentary about the sites along the river. The boats feature panoramic windows, open upper decks, and interior salons so passengers can choose how they want to take in the views. Bars and restrooms are available on board.

As per Tiqets, the Bateaux Parisiens cruise costs €16 for adults and €7 for children ages 4-11. Boarding starts at 9:45 AM daily and the cruise lasts about 60 minutes. The cruise runs year-round, with 1-4 departures per hour depending on the season.

The cruise has very positive reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews mention the excellent views, multi-language commentary, and smooth ride. Negative reviews are mostly related to long lines during peak times.

 Tickets should be booked in advance online to guarantee availability, especially during busy tourist seasons. The cruise port is located just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower metro station.

Guided Cruise on the Seine by Vedettes de Paris

Many travelers looking for guided cruise on the Seine. If you are one of them, this guided cruise , running by Vedettes de Paris , is the best-seller guided cruise in Paris. The Vedettes de Paris Seine Cruise is a 1-hour guided sightseeing cruise along the River Seine in Paris and can be booked for €13 per adult.

The cruise begins and ends at Port de la Bourdonnais, near the Eiffel Tower. You’ll board one of Vedettes de Paris’s boats and be treated to live commentary (available in English and French) about Paris’s history, architecture, and landmarks as you glide past them.

Some of the famous sights you’ll see along the route include the Eiffel Tower, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, and Pont Neuf. The cruise passes under 18 bridges as it winds through the heart of Paris.

For an additional fee, you can upgrade your ticket to include a glass of champagne (€6 extra) or a snack plate (€7.50 extra). You can also download the Vedettes de Paris app to access audio commentaries in 8 languages.

The cruises run daily, with departures every 30 minutes from 10am to 10pm in summer (until 7pm in winter). The boarding gate closes 10 minutes before departure. The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour.

Reviews of the Vedettes de Paris cruise are overwhelmingly positive, with travelers raving about the views, guided commentary, and overall experience. Many say it’s a convenient and relaxing way to see Paris’s top sights. Based on feedback, an open-top seat is highly recommended for the best photo opportunities.

The Vedettes de Paris Seine Cruise is a convenient, informative, and scenic way to marvel at Paris’s top riverside landmarks. With commentary bringing the sights to life, it makes for an unforgettable Paris experience.

Seine Dinner Cruise with live music by Bateaux Mouches

This Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise is one of the most popular activity for visitors to Paris looking to experience a romantic evening on the River Seine. Offered by the well-known Bateaux Mouches boat company, this 2.5 hour cruise includes a gourmet 3-course dinner while taking in views of Paris’ top landmarks illuminated at night.

The cruise boards at Pont de l’Alma and travels east along the Seine past sites like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, and more. The meal consists of an aperitif, starter, main course, cheese plate, and dessert. Options include beef, fish, and vegetarian dishes. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are also included.

The cruise runs daily with boarding times at 8pm in the summer and 7pm in the winter. Tickets cost 115 euros for adults and 39 euros for children ages 4-12. The experience is very popular, with 5-star average rating on the web.

Customers recommend booking in advance online since the cruises often sell out, especially during peak seasons. The dinner attire is smart casual, with jeans allowed but no shorts or sneakers. The main dining room is enclosed and temperature controlled, so the cruises run rain or shine. Boarding starts 30 minutes prior to departure and guests are assigned to tables at that time.

Aperitif Cruise on the Seine by Vedettes de Paris

And the last one for today, is the Aperitif Cruise operated by Vedettes de Paris .  The cruise allows you to admire famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, and Pont Alexandre III bridge while listening to a soundtrack of French pop, rock, jazz, disco, 80s, and 90s music.

Each ticket includes: 1-hour river cruise, drink of your choice – Champagne, wine, beer or soft drink and downloadable audio guide available on the Vedettes de Paris app. Food and extra drinks are not included. tickets can be purchased for €13 per person.

The cruise boards at Port Debilly, boarding ramp 2. Tickets can be scanned directly from your smartphone. Cancellations and rescheduling are possible up to 23:59 the day before your scheduled cruise.

The cruise has excellent reviews, with passengers praising the relaxing atmosphere, live music, and amazing views. It runs daily with boarding times starting from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM, allowing you to experience the sights at different times of day.

Overall, it’s a great way to casually explore Paris while sipping on a drink and listening to good music with fantastic scenery. The free audio guide provides context on the monuments too.

Insider tips before tickets to Seine cruise in Paris

• Book early, especially if you’re traveling in peak season (summer). Cruises can sell out quickly.
• Look for lunch, brunch or evening cruise options – these are often less crowded and cheaper than daytime cruises.
• Check the cruise company’s website directly for deals and discounts. Buying direct often has better pricing.
• Consider a Pass Paris transport and attractions pass, some include a Seine cruise option. This can save money if you’re doing a lot of sightseeing.
• For the best views, look for cruises that sail west from the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty replica and back. Eastwards has less landmarks.
• Avoid buying tickets from third party resellers. They often overcharge.
• Look for small boat cruises if you want something more intimate and tour-like over a big commercial boat.
• Check the forecast and dress appropriately. It may be cooler on the water. Layer up if needed.
• Buy tickets that let you disembark at stops like the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame to explore on your own schedule.
• For a romantic cruise, aim for a sunset timing when the monuments are lit up along the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Seine River cruises last?

Seine River cruises can range from 1 hour to over 2 hours in length. Most daytime cruises are around 1.5 hours. Evening dinner cruises may be 2-3 hours. Check the duration before booking.

What time of day is best for a Seine cruise?

Day cruises give you views of the monuments in natural light. Evening cruises let you see the sights lit up after dark. There are also lunch & dinner options. It depends on your preferences.

What’s included in the cruise ticket price?

Most cruises include just the boat ride. Drinks, meals, guides etc may cost extra. Check what’s included before you book so there are no surprises.

Where do most Seine River cruises depart from?

Popular embarkation points are near the Eiffel Tower, behind Notre Dame Cathedral, and at the Port de la Bourdonnais near the Musee d’Orsay. Verify the departure point when booking.

Can you get off and reboard the boat?

Some cruises allow you to disembark at stops like the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame and explore before reboarding later. Check if your ticket allows this flexibility.

What should I wear or bring?

In summer, light clothing and sunscreen. In other seasons, layer warm clothes. Bring a raincoat or jacket in case of inclement weather. Binoculars can also enhance sightseeing.

Are Seine cruises wheelchair accessible?

Some boats may accommodate wheelchairs. When booking, inquire about accessibility and any assistance provided for disabled passengers.

More useful information about Seine River Cruise in Paris

• What is Seine Cruise Tickets Prices ?– The best Guide!
• Come check all the Best Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris!
•  Going to Paris with kids? here are the best Seine River Cruises with Kids !
• Having a Low-Budget? Here are some Cheap Seine River Cruises with deals and discounts!
• Paris hop-on hop-off river cruise – The best way to travel in Paris!

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We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Paris. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising on the Seine River in Paris. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Seine River cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more. Bon voyage!

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10 Best Dinner Cruises To Experience In Paris

Dating back to about 259 BC, Paris is a romantic city known for being one of the world's top culinary capitals. Adventuring in this city will definitely be fun for foodies, who will enjoy incredible gastronomic experiences. Booking a dinner cruise allows guests to have some of the most delicious French dishes as they take in unobstructed views of the City of Light's most iconic attractions.

Some of these cruises even come with top French desserts in Paris that will satisfy one’s sweet tooth . Here are the best Seine dinner cruises in Paris to experience.

Related: 10 Cheapest Hostels In Paris That Offer A Comfortable Stay

Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise With Live Music

Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches is an incredible dinner cruise that takes tourists through some of Paris' most iconic sights. What could be more fun than cruising down the Seine while having a sumptuous four-course dinner and marveling at the breathtaking views of Paris' famous landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral (which is closed but set to reopen in 2024) , the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower?

For the most memorable dining experience, book the Dinner-Cruise Excellence option, which charges a little extra cost but comes with the best meal and a better chance to capture the most impressive views of the city.

• Departure: 8:30pm
• Duration: 2hrs 15mins

Bateaux-Mouches Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise

Bateaux-Mouches' Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise offers a fantastic Valentine's Day experience for couples who get to enjoy magnificent views of the fantastic River Seine. Guests will take a four-course dinner, which includes delicious delights, including foie gras and sea bass, with dessert and champagne or wine.

Vegetarians will have a good number of options to choose from. This dinner cruise is definitely one of the best, as it allows travelers to dine by the scenic River Seine while taking in the views of the city's best attractions.

• Price: $131
• Departure: 6:00pm
• Duration: 2hrs 45mins

This tour is wheelchair accessible.

Related: City Of Love Is Calling You: 10 Underrated Places To Visit In Paris

Bastille Day River Cruise By Bateaux-Mouches

Offered along the River Seine, Bastille Day River Cruise by Bateaux Mouches is a sightseeing cruise offering an incredible four-course dinner and an unforgettable experience for Bastille Day (France's National Day) celebration.

This dinner cruise allows tourists to see some of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, such as The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. The tour comes with a glass of Champaign and beverages.

• Price: $107
• Departure: 8:45pm
• Duration: 2hrs 30mins

Vacationers will have to arrange hotel pickups and drop-offs, photography, and admission to the iconic Seine River, as they are not included in the dinner cruise.

Bateaux Parisiens Bastille Day Cruise 6-Course Gourmet Dinner And Live Music

Want to experience the best dinner cruises in Paris? Trying Bateaux Parisiens Bastille Day Cruise 6-Course Gourmet Dinner and Live Music by Bateauc Parisiens should not miss on the bucket list. Travel back in time to the earliest day of the French Revolution by joining the Bastille Day festivities.

The dinner cruise comes with a six-course dinner, wine, and Champagne - and takes travelers through the City of Love's illuminated landmarks, including the Louvre, Grand Palais, and Ile de la Cite. One will also enjoy marveling at the incredible display of fireworks over the world-famous Eiffel Tower.

• Price: $184
• Departure: 8:00pm
• Duration: 4hrs

Paris En Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise

Paris en Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise by Compagnie de la Seine offers one of the most impressive dinner cruises in the City of Light. The bistro-style cruise is perfect for vacationers looking for a more relaxing option. It comes with a comfy armchair and some of the most spectacular views of Paris' most beautiful attractions, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Place de la Concorde.

One can upgrade their payment to enjoy drinking wine or Champagne as they have their delicious dinner. This package includes an information booklet, a window-facing table, and bottled water. However, tourists will organize their own transport to and from the cruise and audio commentary.

Want to explore some of the best things to do in Paris ? Book this incredible dinner cruise for the most memorable experience in Paris.

• Departure: Depends on availability
• Duration: 1hr 45mins

Eiffel Tower Access With Seine River Dinner Cruise And Moulin Rouge Show

Eiffel Tower Access with Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show is among the most incredible River Seine dinner cruises in Paris. With fine dining, stunning views, and a flamboyant cancan show, this is one of the dining experiences to have at least once in a lifetime.

This cruise takes vacationers to the iconic Eiffel Tower and an amazing dinner cruise along the Seine. Tourists can complete their evening by drinking some Champaign and watching a show at the Moulin Rouge. Apart from the Eiffel Tower and Seine River, other stops to make along the cruise include Musee d'Orsay, Assemblee Nationale, Ile de la Cite, and Louvre Museum.

• Price: $330.41
• Departure: 6:30pm
• Duration: 7hrs

Dinner Cruise Seine & Canal St Martin From Bassin De La Villette: Guinguette

Planning a romantic trip to the City of Light? Don't miss Paris Canal's Dinner Cruise Seine and Canal Saint Martin from Bassin de la Villette . This dinner cruise not only guarantees a perfect evening dining experience but also offers plenty of magnificent views of Paris.

This is one of the most unforgettable romantic dining experiences in the city. The cruise offers a three-course dinner and a fantastic dessert along the scenic Seine and Canal Saint-Martin. During the cruise, visitors will enjoy being educated through a live commentary, which takes place as the guests cruise down the Seine.

• Departure: 7:15pm
• Duration: 3 hours

Related: City Of Lights: 10 Tips & Things To Know Before Traveling To Paris

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise is one of the top dinner cruises in Paris. The cruise's floor-to-ceiling windows offer gorgeous views of the city and stop by some of Paris' most iconic monuments. This cruise is one of the top ways to take in the most spectacular sunsets in the city.

Tourists will definitely have an unforgettable evening in Paris, complete with a sumptuous dinner cruise along the Seine. They get to cruise past the city's famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Ile de la Cité, and Louvre Museum. Travelers also get to enjoy live entertainment along the way. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise is one of the must-have experiences in Paris for first-timers .

• Price: $129

Romantic Seine River Cruise, Dinner, & Illuminations Tour

Romantic Seine River Cruise, Dinner, and Illuminations Tour by Meeting the French allows vacationers to have a memorable dining experience in one of the world's most romantic cities. This is among the top-rated dinner cruises in Paris and comes with an incredible blend of a delicious meal, a Seine River cruise, and a night city tour of the City of Light.

The cruise offers champagne that vacationers can drink as they cruise down the Seine while passing by some of Paris' most gorgeous attractions, including the Pantheon, Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.

• Price: $706
• Duration: 5hrs 30mins

Seine River Christmas Cruise With 5-Course Dinner Or Lunch By Bateaux Parisiens

The Seine River Christmas Cruise with a 5-Course Dinner or Lunch by Bateaux Parisiens is one of the most incredible dinner cruises to experience in Paris. It offers a dining experience on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day while cruising along the scenic River Seine. One can choose to go on this dinner cruise with family or friends.

It is a holiday sightseeing cruise that stops along the oldest buildings in Paris and its most beautiful landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. The Seine River Christmas Cruise with a 5-Course Dinner or Lunch by Bateaux Parisiens is one of the ways Paris truly shows off for Christmas .

• Price: $125

The Best Dinner Cruise in Paris (Honest Review)

Want to do a Seine River Dinner Cruise?

You’re in the right place for information because I just came back from the  best Paris dinner cruise .

If you’re planning a visit to Paris, a Seine River dinner cruise is definitely an experience to consider. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the iconic landmarks of the city and it’s the #1 activity I recommend to any of my friends or family planning to visit Paris.

In this article, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive review of my dinner cruise experience. I’ll detail the itinerary, the food, the views, and the overall atmosphere.

I’ll also give you my take on why a dinner cruise can be a more appealing option compared to a standard daytime Seine River cruise, tips to keep in mind before heading out on your cruise, and advice on what to wear on your Paris dinner cruise!

Ready to book your Paris dinner cruise?

I went with  Bateaux Parisiens - Seino Vision , and it was excellent. The food, the ambiance, and the service was top notch.

✔️ River Seine cruise

✔️ 3 or 4-course meal (depending on the menu selected)

✔️ Champagne and appetizers

✔️ Live entertainment by a singer

Best Dinner Cruises in Paris

⭐  Rating:  4.6/5 (3648 reviews)  |  ⏲️  Tour time:  2.5 hours  | ⛵   Book now

So, let me tell you more about my night out on  my Parisian dinner cruise.  This was my second dinner cruise I’ve taken along the Seine in Paris, and it was honestly even better than the first.

Even though it was my second time, the experience felt fresh. Different travel companions, a change in the menu, and booking a window seat all contributed to a novel experience.

“ A delicious dinner, with amazing views of Paris!! We recommend upgrading to sit alongside the windows- we were so glad we had paid a little extra for that! The service was excellent and we enjoyed meeting the couple next to us, who were also traveling from the U.S. The directions and check-in were easy to follow. “– Alicia from the United States |  See more tour reviews

​ Don’t speak French? Don’t worry! This is one of the best things to do in Paris for English speakers too.

All the staff on this dinner cruise spoke fluent English, so no need to try to test your language skills on this dinner excursion. Unless you want to,  bien sûr .

Note:  I was not paid by the tour company to write this review . I paid full-price for   this tour  out of my own pocket, and the opinions I give are in no way influenced by compensation of any kind.  Bateaux Parisiens  didn’t know I planned to write this article after the tour.

A Look at the Menu Options of the Dinner Cruise

A lovely feature of the Bateaux Parisiens – Seino Vision Dinner Cruise is the array of dining options available to you. Not a one-size-fits-all, these options cater to different preferences and price points.

Let’s break down these four, fabulous menu choices:

1. Premier Service

Premier service offers you the best of both worlds – privileged seating right at the front of the boat and a mouthwatering menu.

What’s included in the Premier Service menu:

• Privileged seating at the front of the boat
• Glass of champagne as an aperitif and dessert
• Starter + main course + cheese + dessert of your choice
• Bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine for 4 people

You’ll start with a glass of champagne as an aperitif to whet your appetite. The dinner includes a starter, main course, cheese, and a dessert of your choice, complemented by a bottle of red and white wine for every four guests. The front-row seating offers the most uninterrupted views of the Parisian monuments.

🍴  Best for:  It’s perfect for those looking for an ultra-luxe, memorable experience.

2. Privileged Service

For those who love a view with their meal, the Privileged service is an ideal choice. With seats by the window, you’ll have a panoramic view of the City of Lights while you dine.

What’s included in the Privileged Service menu:

• Privileged seating by the windows
• Glass of champagne as an aperitif
• A bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine for 4 people

Just like the Premier service, you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne as an aperitif followed by a starter, main course, cheese, and a dessert of your choice. Each group of four also receives a bottle of red and white wine.

🍴  Best for:  This service is an excellent choice for couples or anyone seeking a romantic dinner cruise.

3. Decouvert Service

Decouvert service promises panoramic views and delightful dining.

What’s included in the Decouvert Service menu:

• Panoramic view
• Starter + main course + dessert of your choice
• A bottle of red wine or white wine for 4 people

This service begins with a glass of champagne as an aperitif, followed by a starter, main course, and dessert of your choice. For every four people, a bottle of either red or white wine is provided.

🍴  Best for:  If you’re a small group or a family seeking a memorable yet reasonably priced experience, this is your go-to option.

4. Etoile Service

Positioned in the center of the boat, the Etoile service offers a unique vantage point of the surroundings.

What’s included in the Etoile Service menu:

• Seating in the center of the boat
• Kir white wine as an aperitif

The meal begins with Kir white wine as an aperitif, followed by a starter, main course, and dessert of your choice. A bottle of red or white wine is provided for every four guests.

🍴  Best for:  The Etoile service is a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience the magic of the dinner cruise on a budget.

💡  Tip:  Each service offers a vegetarian menu option upon request, so no one has to miss out on this unique culinary journey through the heart of Paris. Just remember to mention it while making your booking!

Paris Dinner Cruise Itinerary

8:30pm: Meeting Point and Initial Impressions 

As we all know, a journey starts long before we actually hit the road, or in this case, the river. The same was true for our Paris Dinner Cruise.

The anticipation was real as we got closer to our starting point at the Eiffel Tower. I could feel the butterflies fluttering, more from excitement (but a little bit from hunger, I admit).

The check-in process was straightforward, and the folks greeting us onboard were super friendly, which started the night off on the right foot.

9:00pm: Boarding and Start of the Cruise 

After a bit of waiting, it was finally time to board. We got ushered into the boat, and oh boy, it was a sight to behold. Once onboard, I was instantly impressed with how neat and cozy the boat’s interior was.

We snagged the window seats, thanks to our Privileged Service package. Talk about the best seats in the house!

We had a clear view of Paris’s breathtaking sights, from Les Invalides’ shiny golden dome to the striking Louvre Museum and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

We began with a glass of champagne because, well, when in Paris! It was the perfect start to our night.

Dinner Time – What to Expect

Let’s move on to one of my favorite parts, dinner time. A cruise without a delightful meal is like Paris without the Eiffel Tower, incomplete.

The rest of the menu comprised of an à-la-carte 3-course meal that did not disappoint. Expect a delightful variety of French dishes. The vegetarian options were a hit too. With the city’s landmarks floating by, we got treated to some lovely live music.

This wasn’t some over-the-top performance, but just the right volume to create a pleasant ambiance without drowning out our chatter.

Cruise Highlights and Ending

The highlight of our journey, as you can guess, was the radiant Parisian landmarks glowing against the night sky.

We cruised past the grand Les Invalides, the charming Musée d’Orsay, the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, and many more. Each of these sights created picture-perfect moments that were worth every penny.

📸 There is even an option for souvenir photos on this cruise! There’s a professional photographer clicking away on the boat, but you’ll have to shell out some extra bucks if you want a copy.

I decided to opt out this time, but would probably go for that option next time if I come on a family trip or with a significant other.

As the evening came to a close, we docked back at the Eiffel Tower, the starting and ending point of our memorable journey. It felt like a perfect full-circle moment, ending where we began but with hearts (and bellies) so full.

Is A Paris Dinner Cruise Worth It?

Okay, so you’re probably asking:  Is a Paris Dinner Cruise worth it? 

In short, absolutely. It’s an unparalleled way to see the City of Lights, providing a feast for the eyes and the stomach. This magical experience mixes delicious food with unique sights, and it’s  my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Paris .

Taking a dinner cruise in Paris is not just about the food or the boat ride, it’s about the fusion of the experience that makes it so special. The Seine River becomes a moving stage that presents you the grandeur of Paris while you relish a hearty meal.

Every corner you turn on the river presents a new view, a new building, a new perspective. It’s like seeing the city in a whole new light, literally and figuratively.

Paris Dinner Cruise vs Standard Seine Sightseeing Cruise: Which to Choose?

Compared to a typical dinner in a restaurant, a dinner cruise offers more than just food. It gives you the opportunity to discover the city in a relaxing way, combining the enjoyment of French cuisine with the discovery of Paris at night.

And compared to a standard daytime Seine River cruise, a dinner cruise has a different charm.

While  daytime Bateaux Mouche cruises  are great for capturing vibrant photos and seeing the city in natural light, dinner cruises showcase Paris’s romantic side. The illuminations of the landmarks against the night sky create an enchanting atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

Plus, nothing quite compares to enjoying a meal while cruising down the iconic Seine.

Who Would Enjoy This Cruise?

✅  Romantic Couples:  This Seine dinner cruise is the epitome of romance. It’s easy to fall in love all over again with the Parisian landscape drifting by – iconic sights like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Assemblée Nationale, and the stunning Grand Palais. The twinkling lights reflecting off the River Seine, live entertainment onboard, and a three-course dinner featuring traditional French cuisine all add to the romantic atmosphere. It’s like Moulin Rouge, but on water.

✅  Families:  Families looking for a memorable night will find this a perfect way to create special memories. It offers an immersive educational experience, too, thanks to the available audio guide. From explaining the historical significance of Île de la Cité and the Left Bank and Right Bank, to pointing out the Hôtel de Ville, it offers a fun, interactive way to learn about Paris.

✅  Solo Travellers:  Solo travelers looking for an unforgettable evening will not be disappointed. Imagine savoring a delicious meal, sipping on a bottle of wine, all while gazing out at the most beautiful Parisian monuments. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.

✅  Foodies:  If you’re a fan of good food and a fan of beautiful views, there’s no better way to combine the two. The three-course dinner, featuring dishes like foie gras, served on the restaurant boats offer a typical atmosphere of Parisian bistros.

Who Should Avoid This Cruise?

❌  Budget Travellers:  While it’s worth every penny, this cruise might not suit those on a tight budget. There are other options like Vedettes du Pont Neuf or the one-hour cruise from different companies which may be more budget-friendly.

❌  Active Sightseers:  For those who prefer active, on-your-feet sightseeing, lunch cruises or walking tours might be a better option. But, this dinner cruise is a great way to rest your feet after a long day of exploring Central Paris.

❌  Time-restricted Travellers:  With a duration of about two and a half hours, those with limited time might opt for a quicker tour. Yet, if you can squeeze it into your schedule, starting your early evening with this cruise is one of the best ways to see Paris. 

What to Wear on a Paris Dinner Cruise

When embarking on a Parisian dinner cruise, it’s crucial to remember there’s a dress code – it is a fancy dinner in the City of Lights after all! So, ditch the sweatpants and flip-flops and aim for a smart-casual look.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiana (@wheretianatravelss)

Here are a few outfit ideas for both men and women that hit the sweet spot between comfort and chic.

Paris Dinner Outfits for Women:

• Classic Little Black Dress:  You can never go wrong with a little black dress, can you? It’s chic, sophisticated, and perfect for a dinner cruise. I love  this dress  for its comfortable fit and elegant design. Pair it with statement jewelry and heels for an elevated look. And if the weather’s a bit chilly, bring along a stylish wrap or shawl.
• Silk Blouse and Slacks:  If you’re not one for dresses, try a silk blouse paired with slacks. This combination exudes elegance without being overly formal. I highly recommend  this silk blouse  and  these slacks  for their excellent quality and comfort. Pair this outfit with ballet flats or low heels for a stylish, Parisian look.

Paris Dinner Outfits for Men:

• Collared Shirt and Chinos:  A well-fitted collared shirt paired with chinos is a versatile and stylish choice. You can’t go wrong with  this classic shirt  and  these chinos . They’re comfortable, stylish, and perfect for a dinner cruise or any Parisian dining experience. Complete the look with loafers or dress shoes.
• Knit Sweater and Dark Jeans:  For a more casual, yet still polished look, opt for a knit sweater paired with dark jeans.  This sweater  is a favorite of mine for its comfort and timeless style. Pair it with  these dark jeans  for an effortlessly stylish ensemble. This outfit is perfect for those chillier evenings on the Seine.

In the end, remember that while looking good is important, comfort should not be compromised. You want to enjoy the sights, the food, the music – not be distracted by a tight collar or an itchy fabric.

👗  P.S.  Check out  my guide on What to Wear in Paris in Summer  for more style inspo!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Dinner Cruise Experience in Paris

Planning your dinner cruise can make a big difference to your experience. Here are some personal tips and tricks I learned from my second dinner cruise:

1. Arrive Early:  Get to the meeting point well ahead of time. This not only avoids any last-minute stress but also gives you a chance to snap some great photos before boarding.

2. Choose Your Service Wisely:  If views are your priority, go for the Privileged service, which provides seating by the windows. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge, Premier service is your best bet.

3. Dress Smartly:  Remember, it’s smart casual. You’re in Paris, darling! It’s the perfect excuse to put on that special outfit you’ve been saving.

4. Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Food:  With so many beautiful sights, it’s easy to get carried away and forget about your meal. The food is part of the experience, so savor each bite.

5. Embrace the Moment:  Most importantly, remember to take some time to put the camera down and truly absorb the beauty of Paris at night. It’s a sight you won’t forget.

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to have the best dinner cruise in Paris. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

Book your Paris Dinner Cruise

Faq about paris dinner cruises.

1. How do I book the Dinner Cruise in Paris?

You can book the cruise online, directly from the Bateaux Parisiens – Seino Vision website or any popular travel agency website. Just select your preferred date and time and make a secure payment to confirm your reservation.

2. How much does A Paris Dinner Cruise cost?

The price of the cruise varies based on the service you choose. Etoile service, with seating in the center of the boat, is the most affordable, while Premier service, which provides privileged seating at the front of the boat, is the priciest. Remember, all services include a delightful three or four-course meal.

3. When is the best time to take the dinner cruise in Paris?

Though the dinner cruise is a year-round experience, it’s especially magical in the summer months when the days are longer and Paris is in full bloom. However, there’s a unique charm to seeing the city lights reflected on the Seine on a crisp winter evening too.

4. What should I wear?

The dress code for the dinner cruise is smart casual. So, guys, no need for a tux, but perhaps leave the shorts at the hotel. Ladies, a comfortable dress or nice pants outfit works well. And remember, even in summer, it can get a little breezy on the water, so you might want to bring along a light jacket.

5. Is there a vegetarian menu option?

Absolutely! The cruise caters to various dietary needs. Just make sure to request a vegetarian meal while booking your cruise.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed reading my review of the Paris dinner cruise I took and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

This 10-page Paris travel guide includes:

• Practical tips for visiting Paris
• The best foods to eat in Paris
• The best restaurants in Paris (my top picks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• The top things to do and see in Paris (including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more)
• The best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area

All links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!

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How to Spend 3 Days in Paris — Luxury Hotels, Natural Wine Spots, and Under-the-radar Museums Included

From picturesque walks to souvenir shopping, a longtime Francophile shares her ideal three-day Paris itinerary.

Paris in One Day

Paris in one week.

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

On a recent layover in Paris, I spent 15 minutes weeping outside a boulangerie, hands clutching my croissant like a stress ball as I spiraled into decision-paralysis mode. How do I make the most of 24 hours here? I asked myself, my mind racing over how to fit a week’s worth of explorations into one day. The answer ended up being: Stop stressing. Walk around. Eat the crushed croissant, and drink a glass of wine with lunch. 

Paris provides endless temptations: art and architecture, Michelin-star restaurants, unrivaled vintage shopping, fantastic hotels, and four-euro wine. There’s no way to do it all, so allowing yourself some grace to wander aimlessly — the French call it flânerie — is key to making the most of your trip. To that end, I suggest basing yourself around the incredibly walkable Marais, which marries classic Parisian architecture with hip restaurants and shops. I’d spring for the new cool-kid hideaway, Le Grand Mazarin , a maximalist hotel that boasts an indoor pool and hammam to revive you after a long day. 

Here, I’ve curated a jam-packed three-day itinerary for a quick trip to Paris, in a bid to prevent myself and everyone else from ever ruining a perfectly good croissant out of choice-anxiety again. Pick what works for you, skip what doesn’t (but not Musée Bourdelle ). Keep in mind that many of the city’s attractions and restaurants close on Sunday and/or Monday, so be sure to check their hours in advance. Whatever you do, I hope you people-watch at a cafe somewhere, lingering long enough to convince yourself you might be picking up French by osmosis. I hope you notice how the limestone avenues absorb the light, and maybe a little piece of you, too. 

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

After an overnight flight, I always start my day with my favorite French comfort food: a galette complète from Breizh Café , which has several outposts around the city that whip up some of the best buckwheat crepes in Paris. Tucking into their famous complète oignons — layers of ham and Comté cheese topped with a sunny-side up egg and onions decadently caramelized in cider from Brittany — is the warmest welcome you’ll find in the French capital.   

Walk off your breakfast with a stroll through the Marais , making your way toward beloved concept store Merci to satisfy all your souvenir needs, from stationery to expertly curated home goods, clothing, and beyond. If jet lag is setting in, grab a coffee at their Used Book Café , or down the road at the oft-Instagrammed Boot Café . 

Mosey over to Place des Vosges, the oldest square in the city. In the warmer months, it’s a lively picnic destination for locals and tourists alike. The manicured trees, stone fountains, and red brick archways surrounding the leafy square are stunning from any angle, but if you’re looking to experience the square’s royal history from a whole new perspective, consider splurging on a room at Cour des Vosges . The refined five-star hotel offers luxuriously intimate accommodations without fuss or ostentation — plus, exclusive views onto the square from the comfort of your bed. 

Hidden just beyond the square are the courtyard and gardens of the Hôtel de Sully, a quieter green space offering a wonderful respite from the bustling Rue Saint-Antoine. From there, walk down to the Seine and cross over to Île Saint-Louis, a jewel-sized island where you can admire the elegant 17th-century architecture and stop by L’Étiquette , a beloved natural wine spot that offers takeaway bottles and wine tastings with the owner, Hervé. 

While the Notre-Dame cathedral is still under renovation (it’s set to reopen in December 2024 ), you can still admire its striking Gothic facade before walking to nearby Shakespeare and Company , the city’s famous English-language bookstore. 

Post up at the counter of L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre for a light lunch of Basque-style tapas (don’t skip the seared foie gras) and, oui , more wine. Afterward, wander around the chic side streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, home to Paris institutions like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, plus a bevy of art galleries and upscale shops that are better to visit here than on the over-crowded Champs-Élysées; some favorites for window shopping include Le Bon Marché (the Left Bank’s grand dame department store), the fabulously decorated Hermès store, and Officine Universelle Buly , which crafts spectacular candles that make for ultra-chic souvenirs. If you’re up for it, pause to people-watch at the always-bustling Bar du Marché before heading back to your hotel to rest up before dinner.

To finish the day, book a table in the bustling 11th arrondissement at Le Bistrot Paul Bert , which serves elevated comfort food — think steak frites, seafood, and epic desserts — that’s earned a devout fan base. 

Today’s the day to pack in your museum visits and sightseeing. Wake up early and grab breakfast at your hotel, or treat yourself to a top-notch coffee and croissant at a cafe.

Walk over to the Louvre, where you should arrive 30 minutes before opening if you’re hoping to snap a selfie with the Mona Lisa. Frankly, if you only have three days, I’d skip it in favor of visiting some of the city’s other world-class museums — but be sure to at least stroll around the iconic I. M. Pei-designed glass pyramid and the historic courtyard. While you could head straight to the Tuileries Garden from here, I love to detour to the Palais-Royal Garden first, an oasis that’s home to a picture-perfect fountain rimmed by those iconic green Sénat chairs. 

Pass through the palace’s inner courtyard on your way there, where you can scramble around Daniel Buren’s famous black-and-white Colonnes de Buren installation. Just beyond the garden is Galerie Vivienne, a breathtaking 19th-century covered passage with mosaic floors, antique glass ceilings, and a delightful bookshop. When I think about some of the places that first sparked my love of Paris more than a decade ago, these are what come to mind.

Make your way back to the Tuileries Garden and on to your next museum. Impressionist lovers who are short on time should prioritize the Musée de l'Orangerie to bask in the beauty of Monet’s "Water Lilies," or plan to linger a little longer across the river at the expansive Musée d'Orsay , which is housed in a former Beaux-Arts train station.

Sculpture fans should check out the nearby Musée Rodin , or consider the worthwhile trek into Montparnasse to be blown away by the works and former studio of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle at the lesser-known Musée Bourdelle . Whichever museums you choose to visit, be sure to book your ticket in advance to avoid massive lines. 

For lunch, book the three-course tasting menu at Substance , a sleek and modern Michelin-starred restaurant in the 16th arrondissement that boasts one of the finest Champagne lists in all of Paris. It’s right around the corner from Place du Trocadéro, an elevated (but typically tourist-swarmed) plaza that offers sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower.

From there, hop on the metro line 6 (or in a taxi, if you prefer) to the Arc de Triomphe. The panoramic view from the top is both fantastic and incredibly crowded; I’d rather enjoy the cityscape later on with a drink in hand at Bonnie , SO/Paris hotel’s trendy terrace restaurant that’s back over in the fourth arrondissement. But first, take your time wandering the iconic Champs-Élysées, making your way toward the storied Place de la Concorde — the famous site of Marie Antoinette’s beheading by guillotine. Chances are, you might need a drink after that; duck into Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, to check out the opulent Bar Les Ambassadeurs . (Pro tip: Be sure to snap a selfie in the marble bathroom.) 

Stick around the area for dinner. Try to nab a table at the ultra-trendy Hotel Costes — reservations are hard to come by, but the red-lit atmosphere is glamorous, and the legendary DJ sets continue late into the night.

For a new perspective on the city, take yourself up the steep steps of Montmartre , Paris’ longtime artist haven. You’ll beat the crowds if you arrive early in the morning, and the best place to start is Place Dalida, where you’ll be rewarded with a bucolic view of Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Climbing the cobbled slope of Rue de l’Abreuvoir is a chance to travel back in time, bearing witness to a nostalgic snapshot of what this neighborhood used to feel like. Whatever the season, this street is utterly charming — bursting with wisteria in summer and framed by red and golden leaves in autumn. Pass by the pink facade of La Maison Rose to snap some classic shots on your way up to Le Clos Montmartre, Paris’ only vineyard. (It’s privately owned, but guided tours are organized a few times per year.)

This part of the city feels like walking through a film set — it’s all steep stone steps framed by vintage street lamps, with a sprinkling of bistros thrown in. To that end, peek around Place du Tertre, a definitively touristy but still-charming square (if you get there ahead of the crowds, that is), which is filled with artists who will ask to paint your portrait. (Note: This area is known for pickpocketing, so keep your belongings secure.) Next, ogle the majesty of Sacré-Coeur, which offers one of the most spectacular views of Paris spread out below. 

If it’s still early enough, head over to the Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of Romantic Life) for a coffee and pastry at the Rose Bakery tearoom, tucked into their unsurprisingly romantic courtyard and greenhouse. But don’t spoil your appetite — you won’t want to miss the inventive small plates and next-level wine list at Mokonuts , an intimate lunch spot run by a Japanese-Lebanese couple serving up what has consistently ranked among my favorite meals in Paris. The food is fantastic, the 11th arrondissement space is unfussy, and the reservations are hard to come by (call and hope for a cancellation — it happens more often than you’d think). Order the entire menu (it’s small), including at least two desserts. Trust me. 

If it’s warm out, go lounge along Canal Saint-Martin or the banks of the Seine, where locals picnic, read, smoke, and smooch — take your pick. On colder days, round off your museum visits with a trip to the Centre Pompidou for modern art or Musée Carnavalet (housed in two fabulous mansions) to delve into the history of Paris. 

For dinner, few restaurants charm so instantly as Le Clown Bar — famous for their veal brains and sweetbreads, I choose to go for the delightfully kitschy Belle Époque clown decor. On a recent trip, I skipped the brains and went for the Japanese-inspired beef tartare — few days have passed that I haven’t thought about it. There’s an abundance of natural wine that will appeal to a range of palates, including those who think natural wine is “too funky.”  

If you’re looking for a nightcap (it’s your last night in Paris!), Little Red Door serves up exceptional and inventive cocktails around the corner.  

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If you’ve only got one day in Paris — perhaps you’re on a long layover — you’ll need to remind yourself from the beginning: You can’t do it all. I’ve nearly ruined several brief trips by thinking about all the things I should have packed in, rather than feeling present in the few that I was able to manage. 

If it’s your first time, I’d combine the itineraries for days one and two. Base yourself a bit more central to the main attractions — for a night of absolute pampering, treat yourself to a stay at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, or Le Meurice — two luxury properties just off the Tuileries Garden. Wake up early and indulge in room service or grab a fresh croissant from a boulangerie near your hotel, and savor every second of that interaction — the greasy bag, the warm dough, the flaky mess of it all. Start at the Palais-Royal Garden and Galerie Vivienne before ducking over to see Notre-Dame. 

Unless you’re a serious art history buff, I’d avoid spending your one day inside a museum, but you should still wander around the Louvre courtyard and Tuileries Garden — Le Cafe Marly is a pricey lunch, but offers classic French dishes served with iconic views of the pyramid. 

Grab the metro over to Place du Trocadero for some Eiffel Tower time, wander the Champs-Élysées, then stop back at the hotel to freshen up before taking yourself a bit further afield for dinner — go for Bistrot des Tournelles , another excellent spot for homemade pork terrine, steak frites, chocolate mousse, and other French comforts. 

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La chance! (What luck!) You can take your days a bit easier than the itinerary suggested here, lingering a little longer at cafes perhaps and spreading out more museum visits (you really shouldn’t miss Musée Bourdelle in this case). While you could easily spend the whole week in Paris, you might want to plan an overnight to Versailles, where you should book a royally exceptional stay at the opulent Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle , the only hotel on the palace grounds. 

If you’re visiting Paris in winter , you’ll want to make time for the festive holiday markets, while in summer, the Seine beckons with its faux beach. Whatever the season, the best thing you can do with your extra time is allow yourself to wander aimlessly, letting the city reveal its magic to you. 

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