Best Dinner Cruise in Paris – Reviews & Cruise Tips

What better thing to do in Paris than to to take the best dinner cruise in Paris on the Seine?

The River Seine is one of those iconic sights that is always associated with Paris.  It winds through the city and its banks are home to many of the top attractions in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and hundreds of other classic Parisian buildings.

A dinner cruise on the Seine is also one of the most romantic things to do in Paris!  Imagine sitting at a cozy table for two, wine glasses in hand, gazing out Seine while enjoying the flickering lights of Paris.   You’ve just enjoyed a delicious classic French meal and feel like Paris must be the centre of the world.

We LOVED our Seine River cruise in Paris.   It was one of the best parts of our first trip to Paris.  After doing an epic amount of research on all the options available to us,  we were so happy with our choice 🙂   It was a perfect evening in Paris and one we won’t soon forget.

In this article, I’m going to provide you with all the options we discovered for taking your own Seine River dinner cruise in Paris.  I’ll tell you which one we took and why we thought it was the best choice.  There are a lot of companies offering Seine River cruises so make sure you choose the best one for you!

TL:DR:  Click here to go directly to our favourite Paris dinner cruise on the Seine

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Best Dinner Cruises in Paris – Quick Guide

Cruise Name	Duration of Cruise	Meal	Good to Know	Price
Paris Dinner Cruise Experience (our favourite)	1.5 hours	3 course meal with starter, main and dessert	wine included, glass-enclosed boat	CHECK
Bateaux Parisens	4 hours	Fine dining, Etoile service, drinks included	live music, dancing, formal dress required	CHECK
Paris en Scène	1.15 hours	3 courses - starter, main and dessert	wine not included, club chair seating	CHECK
Seine River Pizza Dinner Cruise	1.75 hours	7 different types of high quality pizza with appetizers and dessert	drinks not included	CHECK
Sightseeing Cruise + Dinner on Shore	3 hours	2 dishes or all-inclusive menu with champagne	1 hour cruise followed by dinner at Le Bistro Parsien, wheelchair accessible, child friendly	CHECK
Marina de Paris Cruise	4 hours	Saveurs menu with 3 courses	hotel drop off included, individual tables guaranteed	CHECK
Paris Lunch Cruise	2.5 hours	Elegant 3-course meal	wine included, live music	CHECK
Paris Seine River Brunch Cruise	1.5 hours	Delicious French brunch with optional champagne	Lighter meal than the rest	CHECK

Detailed Reviews on Seine River Dinner Cruises Paris

Paris Evening Cruise Experience (our favourite!)

Departure Point

The meeting point for this cruise is at Paris Seine Port de Solférino, 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, which is at the foot of the stairs leading to the Seine River.  Look for the big yellow sign on the river bank “Info Cruise & Visit Paris” on the small buiding.

Pricing

At just € 61 per person, we thought this cruise offered great value.

Highlights of Dinner Cruise in Paris

Based on all of my research, I thought this cruise was the very best experience. It has great reviews and was the perfect duration for us at 1.5-2 hours.

We decided to upgrade our tickets to a window table and we were so glad we did!   The view from our table was perfect and we were able to take photographs directly from the table rather than having to look through or around people.   The seats were comfortable too.

Service on the cruise was quite good.  The wait staff was attentive and friendly, and our food was brought out quickly.

I really liked the ambiance of the cruise boat.  The twinkling lights on the ceiling really added a romantic touch, especially when it got dark.

We thought the meal was quite delicious! We were offered our choice of starters, including a Provencal tart with fresh tomatoes, peppers and pine nuts, scallop flavoured with lime leaf, diced potatoes with seaweed preserve, as well as several others.  There was also a vegetarian option for a starter.

For our mains we had 4 choices:

• Haddock loin with shellfish juice, roast artichokes and carrots
• Braised chicken leg, Mediteerranean flavoured vegetables, celery chips with Parmesan
• Piece of beef, new potatoes, caramelized peppers and onions, green pepper sauce
• Vegetarian option of a medley of seasonal vegetables, crunchy celery, with tarragon vinegar

We both chose the beef and found it tasty, tender and flavourful.

For desserts there several choices as well:

• a tasting plate of cream pastry with apricot medallion, intense chocolate ingot and mixed seasonal fresh fruit
• Chocolate dome with a ring of strawberries and raspberries and fruit coulis

We both chose the dessert tasting plate as we just couldn’t resist having such a variety of sweets!

The wine was quite good!  We each had a glass of wine; we were offered the choice of white, red or pink.

Essential Information

There is no smoking anywhere on this cruise.  Pets and luggage or large bags are not permitted.

This cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Click here to book our favourite Paris evening cruise experience

Bateaux Parisens

Departure Point

The meeting point for this cruise for dinner is Pyramides Paris Vision Agency at 2 Rue des Pyramides.

You must arrive at the agency at least 30 minutes before departure time.  Check in ends 10 minutes before departure.  Don’t be late!  You’ll be transported to the cruise boat by air conditioned coach.

Pricing

This is the most spendy of all the cruise options at € 169 per person.  However, with all the extras included in this package, I think it’s worth every penny.

Highlights

This is a really lovely  cruise experience.  You’ll experience a very romantic cruise with live music and the very best dining experience available in a Paris dinner cruise.  Everything is prepared a la carte and drinks are all included.

This luxurious cruise requires formal attire with gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie.  I would suggest cocktail dresses for the ladies.

Essential Information

This is  a 4-hour cruise so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy all the beautiful sights along the Seine riverbank.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users.  Pets and large luggage are not permitted.

Book your Bateaux Parisiens Cruise here.

Paris en Scène

Departure Point

Meet for your  cruise at Île aux Cynes, in the middle of the Bridge of Bir-Hakeim.   The high season departure point may vary.

Pricing

This cruise is a very reasonable € 42 per person.

Highlights

This difference with this cruise is the type of seating available.  All seats are very comfortable club chairs facing the river Seine.  There is also a terrace available on this boat where smoking is permitted.  A vegetarian and vegan menu is also available.

Essential Information

Boarding takes place 15-30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.  Mineral water is included in the and alcoholic beverages are separate.

Book your Paris en Scène cruise here

Seine River Pizza Dinner Cruise

Departure Point

The boat is located close to Pont de Grenelle facing the Statue of Liberty replica on Île aux Cynes.

Pricing

At just € 35 per person, this is quite an affordable option.

Highlights

This 1.75 hour cruise is perfect for pizza lovers!  With seven types of pizza on offer as well as antipastos and a delicious dessert, I think this cruise is perfect for families.

This boat comes complete with a terrace that is perfect for taking those gorgeous photos you know you want to capture.

Essential Information

This cruise is wheelchair accessible.  Drinks are not included in this price.

Book your Seine River Pizza Dinner Cruise here.

Seine Sightseeing Cruise + Dinner on Shore

Departure Point

This sightseeing cruise meets at Port de la Bourdonnais (at the foot of the Eiffel Tower), pontoon number 3.

Pricing

This sightseeing tour plus dinner on shore is just € 59.30 per person.

Highlights

This Seine River tour is a bit different than the rest.  You start off seeing the iconic sights of Paris in a 1-hour cruise along the Seine.  This choice offers a fascinating commentary as you cruise along the Seine, all about about Paris, its history and its architecture.

Following the 1-hour cruise, you’ll go ashore and enjoy a gourmet dinner in a glass-encased restaurant on the banks of the Seine.  With stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and the river, you’ll be entertained by all of the activity on this busy river.

This is a great choice for people with younger children, as there is a special children’s menu.

Essential Information

It is recommended that you book your cruise before dinner if you arrive later than 8pm.   Dinner is served from 6-10:30pm.

This tour and dinner option is wheelchair accessible.

Book your Seine sightseeing cruise plus Bistro dinner on shore here. 

Marina de Paris Cruise

Departure Point

Meet for this Cruise at the Pyramides Paris Vision Agency at 2 Rue des Pyramides.  You will be transported via an air-conditioned coach to the cruise departure point.

Pricing

This luxurious cruise costs € 119 per person for a 4-hour experience.

Highlights

This refined Saveurs Menu includes a choice of appetizers, main courses, desserts and beverages.  Wine is also included.  An individual table is guaranteed on this prestigious tour.

Essential Information

This cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Transportation back to your hotel is included.

Another Option – Lunch Cruises on the Seine

Some of the tour boats in Paris also offer lunch cruises on the Seine.

If you would prefer to see all the highlights of Paris on the Seine during daylight hours these lunch tours would be a great option for you.  Also, families with young children who prefer not to stay up too late will really appreciate having this experience during the day.

Paris Lunch Cruise on the Seine

Departure Point

This lunch cruise departs from Port de la Conférence.

Pricing

The price for this delicious 2.5 hour lunch cruise is just € 68 per person.

Highlights

This elegant 3-course lunch comes complete with wine.  Made from locally sourced ingredients, expect Parisian favourites such as duck foie gras, pumpkin soup, French cheeses, vegetable salads and delicious desserts.  A bottle of French wine is included, shared between each couple.

This lunch cruise also includes traditional live French music.

Essential Information

Reviewers of this lunch cruise speak highly about the quality of the food served and the high level of service provided.

Book your Paris Lunch Cruise on the Seine

Paris Seine River Brunch Cruise – Capitaine Fracasse

Departure Point

This lovely brunch cruise departs and returns to Allée des Cygnes on Ile de la Cité (during winters near the Eiffel Tower)

Pricing

At just € 53 per person, I think this brunch cruise is a reasonable price.

Highlights

This 90 minute cruise includes a sweet and savory brunch menu including orange juice and unlimited tea and coffee.  Expect to enjoy French pastries, vegetable croquants, crab profiteroles, fruit salad and cakes.  You also have the option to upgrade to enjoy a half-bottle of champagne per couple.

Essential Information 

This is a great choice for you if you want a lighter than usual meal.  Reviews of this brunch cruise are very positive.

Book your tickets for a brunch cruise on the Seine aboard Capitaine Fracasse

Dinner Cruise Paris – What Will You See?

We weren’t sure what we would see on our Paris Seine boat tour.   We hadn’t seen a lot of Paris at that point but were eager to see more and excited by the prospect of a delicious dinner and sightseeing on the Seine.

Pont Neuf and Other Bridges

There are a total of 37 bridges crossing the Seine, with five of them pedestrianized and two used as rail bridges.  Ten of the bridges connect the Left and Right Banks via the Île de la Cité.

Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge across the Seine in Paris (built in 1607!).  Pont Neuf is at the western point of the Île de la Cité, the island in the middle of the river that is the birthplace of Paris.  It was also the heart of the city during Medieval Times.  Île de la Cité is also home to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.

Passing under Pont Neuf was exciting for me because it has so much history and beauty and I wanted to see the famous stone masks, the mascarons, that decorate the sides of the bridge.

You’ll see a lot of other beautiful bridges on your Seine night cruise including Pont des Arts, Pont Alexandre III (connecting Les Invalides and Petit Palais – simply gorgeous) and Pont de la Tournelle.

Notre-Dame Cathedral & Ile de la Cité

Your French river cruise will pass right by Notre-Dame de Paris, the stunning medieval Catholic cathedral.  It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture with its pioneering use of the rib vault and flying buttresses.  It boggles my mind that this spectacular building was completed by 1260!

The world was shocked and saddened when the cathedral caught fire on April 15, 2019, sustaining serious damage.  Reconstruction of the cathedral began almost immediately.

The French government has mandated that the cathedral be restored to its original glory.  Reconstruction is expected to continue for at least five years and it is not open to the public during this time.

We were able to see Notre-Dame from our cruise, covered in scaffolding.   Sadly, I haven’t seen Notre-Dame in all it’s original glory but I hope to be able to do so as soon as work is complete.

Ile de la Cité, the medieval heart of Paris, is also home to the Conciergerie.  From the 10th to the 14th century, this was the home of the Kings of France before they moved across the river to the Louvre.

It also has a grisly past.   The Conciergerie was used as a prison beginning in the late 14th century.  During the Reign of Terror from 1793 to 1794, thousands of people were executed via guillotine at the Conciergerie.  Marie Antoinette was held there.

The Conciergerie was de-commissioned in 1914 and has since been designated as a national historic monument, although parts are still used as law courts.

Swans

The Île aux Cynes is a small, man-made island in the middle of Seine, and it’s literally named after the swans that make it their home.

Île aux Cynes is a lovely place to walk, jog and enjoy nature, away from tour-group crowds in Paris.   The island is only 850 metres long and 11 metres wide.  It can be reached from the pedestrian level of the Pont de Bir Hakeim (near the Eiffel Tower) or the Pont de Grenelle.

We saw this beautiful collection of swans just swimming along like they owned the river ;-).

Speaking of Île aux Cynes, we also saw something quite unexpected…

Statue of Liberty Replica

I was quite stunned when we saw this quarter-sized replica on our  cruise in Paris!  I’ve seen the original in New York City harbour so it was surprising to see another at such a close distance.

At 22 metres stall it has quite an impressive presence in the middle of the Seine, although of course it’s nowhere near the size of the original in New York City harbour.  It was installed on Île aux Cynes in 1889 as a gift from the United States expatriate community in Paris to mark the 100 year anniversary of the French Revolution.

Seine Riverbank

There were so many interesting things to see on our  cruise along the Seine riverbank.

There were quite a few floating restaurants, nightclubs and cafes that were humming with activity.  We saw many locals and visitors sitting on benches eating bread and cheese, the French way.

There were houseboats near the Orangerie as well.  We also saw people riding electric scooters along the river walk.

I was fascinated by the giant iron rings attached all along the brickwork on the walls of the Seine.  They used to tie river barges to the docks.  I also saw iron grates that apparently lead to underground passes and an ancient sewer system.

There are also Paris Metro portals and some claim there may also be undiscovered catacombs as well!

The stone embankments on the Seine are protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Eiffel Tower

Is there a more iconic monument that represents Paris more than the Eiffel Tower?

Seeing the beautiful 324 metre tower from the Seine is really special.  You’ll be able to see the tower at its most magnificent after sunset when the thousands of lights outline the giant metal structure.  You won’t be able to miss the huge beacon on top!    You’ll also be able to see the lights sparkle, as they do for five minutes every hour on the hour.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower from the Seine really gives you the opportunity to put the tower into perspective.  I’ll never forget seeing the Eiffel Tower coming into view as we motored toward the Pont d’Iéna.  There was absolutely nothing in the way of our view and it was absolutely stunning.

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower weighs more than 10,100 tons?  Don’t miss going to the top of the Eiffel Tower during your trip.

Eiffel Tower trivia:  In 2016 an apartment was created on the first level of the tower to accommodate the four competition winners during the UEFA Euro 2016 Football tournament.  The apartment has a kitchen, two bedrooms, a lounge and amazing views of great landmarks of Paris.

Seine River Dinner Cruise – Important Tips

Window Table vs. Middle Table

The Seine River boats usually have seating in 3 or 4 rows down the centre of the boat.  One or two of the rows will be inside seating and the others will be window seating.

We chose a window table for our cruise and I really recommend it.  It’s the best way to really enjoy all the stunning scenery without having to look at it around around patrons.

We also were able to easily take some beautiful photographs without asking people to move or even getting up from our table.

Ross had to pay a few Euros more for the window table but I didn’t regret it at all.

We were asked when we were boarding if we preferred a window or inside table.

Arrive Early

You will receive instructions with your tickets about what time to arrive, and the instructions will include a request to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time.

We arrived 40 minutes before departure time and were surprised to find the boat half full already!

To get the best selection of seats, I recommend you arrive at the appointed location no later than 30 minutes before departure time and up to 60 minutes before if you want to get the best selection of seats.

How to Make the Most of the Experience

You’ll be enjoying one of the most scenic river cruises in the world – make sure you take it all in!  Enjoy the lights, the ambience and all of that amazing architecture.

There may be a strolling photographer on-board to take your photo.  We really treasure the photo we got from this experience and the price was reasonable.

Accessibility

Some cruises are accessible to wheelchair users but some are not.  Check with the tour provider before booking.

Menu Options

Most of the river cruise companies provide options for vegetarians and vegans.  Make sure to read the fine print to ensure your needs can be accommodated.

Halal and Kosher options are less commonly available.  Check with the tour provider ahead of time.

You should expect have an authentic French dinner on every cruise (except for one where Pizza is served!)

Best Tips

There will always be toilet facilities available.

Most meal cruises on the Seine do not permit smoking anywhere on the vessel.

Dress code for dinner night cruises is normally smart casual, except where specified.

Seine River boats are heated in cold weather and air conditioned in warmer weather.

Animals and large luggage are not permitted on cruises on the Seine.

Last Word

I highly recommend one of these tours for everyone visiting Paris.  Not only is it a great romantic evening out with your partner, it’s such a unique way to see the sights of Paris.  We were able to get a really good overview of some of the important sights and gained a great understanding of what we wanted to see more of.

Even if you only have one day to spend in Paris, ending it with a great river cruise on the Seine is an excellent idea :-).

Have you been on a Seine River dinner tour?  What did you like most about it?

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