Early evening Dinner Cruise with drinks by Bateaux Parisiens

Discover the Early Evening Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens in Paris

The Early evening Dinner Cruise with drinks by Bateaux Parisiens offers a captivating way to see Paris’s iconic skyline while enjoying a 3-course French meal with wine. Priced at $130.80 per person, this approximately 75-minute cruise departs from the Port de la Bourdonnais, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

This experience is best suited for those wanting a relaxed, scenic introduction to Paris’s monuments without the rush of daytime sightseeing. The glass-canopy boat ensures you get unobstructed views of landmarks like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Musée d’Orsay. The tour maintains a stellar rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 59 reviews, highlighting the quality of food, views, and service, although some note the portion sizes are small and that service can sometimes feel rushed.

Key Points

• Duration: About 1 hour 15 minutes with a 3-course dinner.
• Price: $130.80 per person, including drinks.
• Departure Point: Port de la Bourdonnais, at the Eiffel Tower.
• Highlights: Spectacular views of Paris’s monuments from a glass canopy boat at sunset, with French cuisine and wine included.
• Group Size: Limited to 100 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.
• Booking: Most travelers book 49 days in advance, so plan early.

The Departure and Meeting Experience at Port de la Bourdonnais

The tour starts at Port de la Bourdonnais, located just beneath the Eiffel Tower. The check-in process is simple, with easy access to public transportation nearby. When arriving, you’ll find a group-friendly environment that makes meeting your guide straightforward. The departure time is at 6:15 pm, positioning you perfectly to catch the golden hour and watch Paris transition into its illuminated nightscape.

The port’s location offers a great photo opportunity before or after the cruise with Eiffel Tower views. The port area gives a sense of excitement as you prepare to drift along the Seine and see Paris’s most beloved sights from the water.

The Elegant Glass-Canopy Boat Experience

The cruise takes place on a sleek, fully glass-enclosed boat with a canopy that allows continuous panoramic views. This setup is especially appreciated during sunset as the city’s landmarks glow in the fading light. The boat’s smooth ride combined with climate control makes it comfortable regardless of weather.

Travelers can expect to see landmarks such as the Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III, Notre-Dame, Ile Saint Louis, the Marais, the Louvre, and the Grand Palais. Passing under Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in the city, adds to the historically rich scenery. The Egyptian obelisk in Place de la Concorde and the Conciergerie where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were imprisoned are also visible from the water.

The Itinerary and Notable Stops Along the Seine

The cruise begins at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, providing a perfect backdrop for your evening. The dining experience includes a 3-course menu prepared onboard, with vegetarian options available, and a selection of drinks such as wine, champagne or kir, bottled water, and coffee or tea.

As the boat approaches Pont Alexandre III, travelers see the Dome des Invalides, home to Napoleon’s tomb, on the right side. The fully glass-enclosed boat allows passengers to pass under the ornate bridge, enjoying views of its sculptures and architecture. The French parliament building and the Musée d’Orsay stand out as architectural wonders along the route.

Cruising past Ile Saint Louis, the heart of historic Paris, you get a close-up view of the typical Parisian architecture. Passing Pont Marie is said to be a moment to make a wish—a local legend believed to come true before the next year.

Further along, the Louvre’s impressive 700-meter facade dominates the water. The Place de la Concorde, with its obelisk and historic guillotine site, offers a glimpse into France’s revolutionary past. The Conciergerie, where royalty and revolutionaries were held, is also visible from the boat.

The French Cuisine and Complimentary Drinks

The dinner is a three-course meal, featuring starter, main dish, and dessert. The onboard Chef prepares the dishes, which can include vegetarian choices. Wine and champagne or kir are served throughout, along with bottled water and coffee or tea after the meal.

Guests often praise the quality of the food and the professional service. Multiple reviewers mention the excellent wait staff and the atmosphere created by the lighted cityscape and scenic views.

The Views of Paris at Sunset and Night

The timing of the cruise at 6:15 pm means guests enjoy golden hour lighting, with the city’s landmarks bathed in warm light. As the cruise progresses, the lights of Paris come alive, with the Eiffel Tower sparkling and the monuments glowing against the night sky.

Many reviews highlight the spectacular views, especially of the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. The scenic backdrop makes for great photo opportunities, especially with charged cameras. Travelers often find the combination of food, drinks, and scenery to be a memorable experience.

Service and Atmosphere During the Cruise

The service onboard is frequently praised for being attentive and efficient. Waiters often provide descriptions of the sights when asked, enhancing the experience despite some noting that no formal commentary is given during the cruise.

Several reviews mention that service can sometimes feel rushed, as the courses are brought out quickly. Seating is cramped for some, with limited options to move around or access the deck for a more up-close view.

Value and Overall Satisfaction

At $130.80, this cruise offers a high-quality experience with good value, especially considering the included drinks, scenic views, and prime location. Tourists appreciate the early dinner timing, which leaves the rest of the night free to explore Paris further.

While some mention small portion sizes and costly photo options, these are outweighed by the overall ambiance, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery. The flexibility of the free cancellation policy adds peace of mind for those planning ahead.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Experience?

This dinner cruise appeals most to first-time visitors wanting a romantic, scenic introduction to Paris. It suits those who appreciate good food and wine and want to see the city’s major landmarks from the water. The timing and location make it ideal for capturing pictures at sunset and the illuminated city at night.

However, travelers seeking a more extensive sightseeing commentary or larger portion sizes may find the rushed service and limited narration less satisfying. It’s a relaxing and visual-focused experience overall, perfect as a special evening in Paris.

The Sum Up: A Scenic and Elegant Dinner on the Seine

The Early evening Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens offers a stylish way to enjoy Paris’s beauty from the water with delicious French cuisine and complimentary drinks. The glass-canopy boat provides spectacular views of the monuments, particularly during sunset and nightfall.

While the portion sizes and pace may not suit everyone, the overall experience is highly praised for its scenic charm, quality of service, and convenient timing. This cruise is especially ideal for couples and first-time visitors looking for a romantic introduction to Paris’s illuminated skyline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the dinner cruise suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options, and the Chef prepares dishes onboard to accommodate dietary preferences.

What is included in the price?
The $130.80 fee covers the 1 hour 15-minute sightseeing cruise, 3-course dinner, wine or champagne, bottled water, and coffee or tea.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than that are not refundable.

Is there any commentary on the sights during the cruise?
There is no official commentary during the cruise, but QR codes at the table provide additional information, and wait staff are happy to describe key landmarks.

Would this tour be good during winter?
Yes, the fully glass-enclosed boat ensures comfort in colder weather, making it a suitable year-round option for enjoying Paris’s night scenery.