Why Dine on the Seine?
An evening cruise along the Seine isn’t just another meal — it’s a front‑row seat to Paris at its most enchanting. As you drift past illuminated monuments like the Eiffel Tower and Notre‑Dame, a multi‑course dinner is served at your table. The ever‑changing views and romantic glow of the city lights have made these sailings one of Paris’s quintessential experiences.
From gourmet indulgences accompanied by live music to relaxed bistro‑style outings, there’s a dinner cruise for every taste and budget. The table below offers a quick comparison to help you choose the evening that suits your mood and your itinerary.
Compare the Best Seine Dinner Cruises
Each cruise below offers a unique blend of food, views and atmosphere. Use this table to quickly see how they differ in duration, cuisine and extras.
| Cruise | Duration | Menu | Live Music | Ideal For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bateaux Parisiens – Dinner with live music | ≈2.5 h | 3‑course meal (à la carte) | Yes – singer | Romance, special occasions | See Cruise |
| Eiffel Croisières – Bistronomic | ≈1.5–2 h | 3‑course bistro cuisine | No | Casual dining & budget friendly | See Cruise |
| Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches – 4‑Course Dinner | ≈2.5 h | 4‑course fine dining (wine included) | Yes – piano & violin | Upscale romance & celebrations | See Cruise |
| Paris en Scène – Panoramic Dinner | ≈1 h 45 min | 3‑course classic (water included) | No | Short trips, families & first‑timers | See Cruise |
| Paris City Vision – Gourmet Choice | 75 min (early) or 2 h (late) | 3‑course gourmet (menu choices) | No | Foodies, flexible timing & small groups | See Cruise |
Dinner Cruise Reviews & Insider Notes
Bateaux Parisiens – Dinner Cruise With Live Music
Departing from the base of the Eiffel Tower, this glass-roofed dinner cruise offers one of the most memorable night experiences in Paris. Glide past the city’s illuminated landmarks aboard a panoramic boat while enjoying a refined 3 course à-la-carte dinner, accompanied by live music throughout the evening.
The route takes you along the Seine with postcard views of Les Invalides, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and even Paris’ own Statue of Liberty — all seen from the comfort of your seat.
There are four service levels to choose from, each offering a different blend of seating, atmosphere, and culinary extras:
- Premier Service: Front-row seating at the bow, Champagne aperitif, full menu with dessert Patience, starter, main course, cheese, and dessert, plus a bottle of both red and white wine for 4 people.
- Privileged Service: Window-side seating, Champagne aperitif, refined dinner with starter, main course, cheese and dessert, and bottles of red and white wine for 4 people.
- Découverte Service: Panoramic seating, Champagne aperitif, dinner with starter, main course, dessert and a bottle of red wine or white wine for 4 people
- Étoile Service: Central seating, Kir-style white wine aperitif, classic dinner with starter, main course, dessert, and a bottle of red or white wine.
Perfect for anniversaries, special celebrations, or simply savoring Paris at a slower pace. Vegetarian options available. Departure and return points vary by option.
Eiffel Croisières – Bistronomic Dinner Cruise
Operated by Eiffel Croisières, this relaxed 1½‑ to 2‑hour dinner boards near the Pont Alexandre III. The experience offers refined French cuisine in a bistronomic style, with a seasonal three-course menu. Staff are attentive and the boat’s open‑air upper deck invites you to capture the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles on the hour.
With its smaller size and convivial atmosphere, this cruise offers great value for couples, groups and families who prefer a laid‑back evening on the water. Note that the boat isn’t wheelchair accessible and seats fill up quickly, so reservations are essential.
Ideal if you’re seeking a romantic evening on a budget or travelling with friends who enjoy friendly service and simple French fare.
Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches – 4‑Course Dinner Cruise
If you’re looking for grand theatre on the water, the Bateaux Mouches four‑course dinner cruise delivers. Boarding near Pont de l’Alma. this elegant cruise welcomes guests with warm hospitality from the moment they arrive. After a brief stroll to the boat, you’ll be personally shown to your table by the maître d’hôtel, where your evening begins with an aperitif as the boat glides into the Seine.
The à la carte dinner is served at a relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy each course while admiring iconic monuments through the boat’s panoramic windows — or stepping out onto the open-air deck for a romantic pause under the Parisian sky. Live piano and violin accompany the experience, creating a joyful and elegant ambiance throughout.
A 4-course dinner is included, along with half a bottle of wine or Champagne per person (depending on the selected option). Vegetarian choices available. A photographer is also on board (photos optional at extra cost).
Good for those seeking a lavish Parisian night with live music.
Paris en Scène – Panoramic Dinner Cruise
Departing from Île aux Cygnes, this 105-minute dinner cruise offers a relaxed yet elegant way to experience the City of Light. Seated in comfortable club-style armchairs facing large panoramic windows, you'll enjoy a traditional three-course French meal (mineral water is included) while drifting past iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Pont Alexandre III, and more — all beautifully lit by night.
The cocotte-style cuisine is served with care and authenticity, highlighting classic flavors without pretense. An open-air terrace allows guests to step outside at any point during the cruise to capture unforgettable photos or simply enjoy the breeze along the Seine.
This dinner cruise is ideal for couples, small groups, and anyone looking to combine breathtaking views with a laid-back dining experience.
Paris City Vision – Gourmet Choice Cruise
Operated by Paris City Vision, this dinner cruise lasts between 75 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the departure time and conditions. Departing from a quay near the Musée d’Orsay, the experience takes place aboard an intimate glass-roofed boat. You’ll enjoy a three-course dinner with your choice of each course. Coffee is included, and optional upgrades let you add wine.
The menu offers a refined selection of French cuisine, with vegetarian options available. Guests value the flexibility to choose each course and the overall quality of the dining experience. The atmosphere is casually elegant.
Perfect for foodies and couples who value flexibility — the early sailing is ideal if you’ve got evening plans elsewhere.
Planning Tips & FAQs
Plan ahead
Dinner cruises sell out quickly, especially on summer weekends. To secure your preferred time and seating it’s wise to reserve a few days — or even weeks — in advance.
What to wear & dietary needs
Dress codes may vary depending on the cruise and its level of formality. While some operators suggest smart casual attire, others—particularly those offering premium experiences—may expect more elegant clothing. To avoid misunderstandings or entry issues, it’s strongly recommended to check each operator’s dress requirements before booking. Most dinner cruises include a vegetarian option, but menus are subject to change and some may require advance notice for special dietary needs. If you follow a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diet, be sure to confirm availability with the operator prior to making your reservation.
Cancellation
Most tickets booked through GetYourGuide include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and many allow you to reserve now and pay later. However, conditions may vary by cruise, so be sure to review the specific cancellation and payment terms before booking.
Be punctual
River cruises in Paris depart on time and boarding often closes several minutes before the scheduled departure. Be sure to arrive early — ideally 20 to 30 minutes in advance — to avoid missing your cruise. Some departure points can be tricky to find, especially at night, so plan extra time if it's your first time navigating the area.
Need more inspiration?
If you’d like to see Paris in daylight or stay along the river, explore our top daytime Seine cruises and our curated list of hotels along the Seine to plan the perfect getaway.
Ready to Plan Your Paris Dinner?
Use the widget below to see live availability, schedules and customer reviews for the most popular Seine River dinner cruises. Simply click on your preferred cruise to view details and secure your spot.
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