Paris Christmas Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches

Savor a Gourmet Christmas Lunch with Stunning Seine River Views in Paris

The Paris Christmas Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches offers a delightful way to celebrate the holiday in the City of Lights. Priced at $143.30 per person, this 2 hour 30 minute cruise takes place along the Seine River, starting from Port de la Conférence. It’s ideal for those seeking a festive, elegant dining experience paired with iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.

This experience features a gourmet three-course meal, including a homemade French Yule log, bubbles or wine, and cheese and hors d’oeuvres. The atmosphere is enhanced by live music, creating a warm, holiday spirit. Booking in advance is recommended, with most reservations made around 68 days prior. It’s suited for most travelers, with a smart casual dress code and a maximum group size of 100 guests.

Key Points

• Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine River with panoramic views of Paris
• Gourmet three-course lunch featuring French delicacies, wine for two, and a homemade Yule log
• Live music adds a festive touch to the dining experience
• Departure at 12:30 pm from Port de la Conférence in 75008 Paris
• No hotel transfer included; meeting point is centrally located and near public transport
• Dress smart casual; vegetarian options available if requested at booking

The Festive Vibe on the Bateaux Mouches in Paris

This Christmas lunch cruise captures the essence of Paris during the holidays, with beautiful decorations and a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. Guests are greeted warmly by the staff and led to their allocated tables, with priority given to those selecting the Excellence menu in front of the windows for optimal views.

The main deck is covered, providing protection from weather changes, and an upper deck is available to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. The cruise offers a perfect balance of sightseeing and gourmet dining, making it especially suitable for those celebrating Christmas in Paris.

Iconic Parisian Sights from the Water

As the boat glides along the Seine River, you’ll see some of Paris’s most famous landmarks from a unique vantage point. The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral are particularly striking when viewed from the water, illuminated against the winter sky. The slow pace of the cruise allows ample time to admire these sights, making it a memorable part of the holiday.

Many reviews highlight how the scenic views made the experience stand out, especially with the twinkling Christmas decorations adding to the magic. The gentle sound of live music enhances the mood, creating a festive ambiance that complements the gourmet meal.

Inside the Gourmet Three-Course Meal

The lunch menu features French cuisine, with home-made dishes like the seasonal Yule log. The three courses are served with bottled water, one bottle of wine per two guests, and coffee or tea. Guests also enjoy cheese and hors d’oeuvres, adding touches of French culinary tradition.

The quality of the food is frequently praised, with many reviews describing it as excellent. The inclusion of sparkling wine and still wine adds to the celebratory feel, making the meal a highlight of the cruise.

Live Music and Festive Entertainment

Throughout the cruise, a live band plays, elevating the holiday atmosphere. The music selection is designed to evoke Christmas cheer, with some reviews mentioning a piano performance that adds a magical touch to the experience. The musical entertainment is considered one of the most enjoyable aspects by many guests.

While the music is generally well-received, some mention that it could be more Christmas-themed. Still, it provides a relaxing background as guests savor their meal and take in the views.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The meeting point for this cruise is at Port de la Conférence in 75008 Paris. The activity starts promptly at 12:30 pm, and guests are advised to arrive on time to avoid missing the experience. The group is limited to 100 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate atmosphere.

Reservations are limited to 14 people per booking, but larger groups can be accommodated through multiple reservations and advance notice. The cruise does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so travelers should plan their own transportation to the meeting point.

Accessibility and Additional Information

All boats have a covered main deck to shield from possible rain or cold weather, while the upper deck offers an open-air experience. Smokers are permitted to light up only on the upper deck, and highchairs are available upon request for families with babies.

This experience is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking. Vegetarians can request special dietary options when booking, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.

Honest Review of the Experience

The major strength of this cruise is its combination of scenic views and gourmet dining, which many guests find to be truly memorable. The quality of the food and wine often exceeds expectations, offering a delicious taste of France. The live music adds a warm, festive touch that enhances the holiday spirit.

However, some reviews mention discomfort caused by cabin heat — with the heater turned on despite outside temperatures of around +10°C, making the interior uncomfortably hot for some diners. This issue has been noted by multiple guests and could impact the overall enjoyment if not addressed.

This Christmas lunch cruise provides a relaxing, scenic, and celebratory way to spend Christmas in Paris, especially for those who appreciate good food, beautiful views, and a festive atmosphere. It is most suited for travelers looking for an elegant, daytime experience without the need for extensive sightseeing.

The Sum Up: A Festive Feast on the Seine

The Paris Christmas Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches stands out as a fine choice for celebrating the holiday amid Paris’s iconic landmarks. Its gourmet three-course meal, live music, and breathtaking river views make it an appealing option for those seeking a special Christmas experience.

While the heating issue has been noted by some, the overall atmosphere, quality of food, and stunning scenery generally create a warm, joyful environment. This cruise is particularly well-suited for holiday celebrations, romantic outings, or festive family gatherings.

Booking in advance is recommended, given the popularity of the experience, and travelers should be prepared for a smart casual dress code. Overall, it offers a delightful way to enjoy Christmas Day in Paris with memorable sights, delicious cuisine, and a lively, festive ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free seating on the boat?
No. Upon arrival, a Maître d’Hôtel escorts guests to their allocated table. Guests who reserve the Excellence menu get priority seating in front of the windows.

Can I seat a larger group together?
Yes. It’s recommended to call or write at least 24 hours in advance to request seating at the same table if booking multiple reservations.

Is the boat covered?
Yes, all boats have a covered main deck for protection, with an upper deck available for open-air views.

Can I smoke on the boat?
Smoking is permitted only on the upper deck.

Are highchairs available for babies?
Yes, highchairs are provided free of charge on request, but the cruise does not cater to babies for meals — bring their own if needed.

What about dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian options are available; please advise at the time of booking.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this activity does not include hotel transportation; guests must make their own way to the meeting point.

What if I miss the cruise due to late arrival?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled if missed due to late arrival.

Can I purchase souvenir photos?
Yes, souvenir photos are available for purchase but are not included in the package.

What should I wear?
A smart casual dress code is recommended, suitable for a refined dining experience on the river.

Is the timing flexible?
The cruise starts at 12:30 pm; arrivals later than this may not be accommodated, and refunds are not issued for missed departures.