Paris: Seine River Cruise and 3-course Bistro Lunch

Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours for the full experience
• Location: Depart from Port de la Bourdonnais at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
• Highlights: 1-hour Seine cruise with views of Notre Dame, the Louvre, and more
• Dining: 3-course Bistro lunch with options for wine, beer, or soft drinks
• Flexibility: Choose whether to start with the cruise or the meal
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes an audio guide in 11 languages

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A Perfect Blend of Sightseeing and French Cuisine in Paris

This tour offers a 2-hour experience combining a seine river cruise and a delicious 3-course meal at Le Bistro Parisien. Starting at Port de la Bourdonnais, steps from the Eiffel Tower, the experience showcases some of Paris’s most famous sights in a relaxed setting. The cruise lasts 1 hour and provides panoramic views of landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Grand Palais.

The lunch at Le Bistro Parisien features a menu built around fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests select their preferred beverage—wine, beer, or soft drinks—to enjoy alongside their meal. The flexibility of the schedule allows guests to either enjoy the cruise before lunch or vice versa, depending on their preference.

The tour is designed for comfort, with a climate-controlled cabin and large viewing windows. The backdrop of the Eiffel Tower during the meal creates an ideal Parisian setting, making this experience perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring a day in the city.

How the Tour Starts and Where to Meet

The experience begins at 12:00 PM at the Bistro Parisien Restaurant, located at pontoon No. 2, Port de la Bourdonnais. This spot is right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, offering a scenic starting point. Guests must present their booking confirmation to collect tickets for the seine cruise.

The check-in process is straightforward, and the location’s proximity to the cruise boarding point ensures a relaxed start. The meeting point coordinates are 48.86157989501953, 2.296205520629883.

Guests can choose to have lunch first and take the cruise after or board the cruise before dining. The tour recommends showing up at noon for maximum flexibility. The meeting point is accessible for those with wheelchairs, and the activity offers audio guides in 11 languages, including English, French, Spanish, and more.

The Seine River Cruise: Landmarks and Living History

The 1-hour cruise takes you along the Seine River, providing remarkable views of Paris’s most famous sights. As the boat glides past the Eiffel Tower, its towering presence dominates the skyline, offering memorable photo opportunities.

Other highlights include the Notre Dame Cathedral, with its intricate architecture visible from the water, and the Louvre Museum, which you can see from a unique perspective. The Grand Palais and Hôtel de Ville are also part of the route, giving a comprehensive visual tour of Paris’s influential architecture.

The narration available in 11 languages enhances the experience, providing background on the city’s history and landmarks. The climate-controlled cabin ensures comfort regardless of weather, and the large windows make sure every guest gets a good view.

The Culinary Experience at Le Bistro Parisien

After the cruise, guests are treated to a three-course meal at Le Bistro Parisien. The menu features French classics and vegetarian options, with each dish prepared using seasonal ingredients.

The dining setting offers a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower, making the meal feel even more special. Guests can select from a range of beverages—a glass of wine, refreshing beer, or soft drinks—to complement their meal.

The food quality is praised in reviews as delicious and fresh, with many describing the restaurant as lively and welcoming. The staff are noted for being helpful and attentive, contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

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Flexibility and Accessibility of the Tour Schedule

One of the key advantages of this experience is its flexibility. Guests can choose the order of activities, either starting with the cruise or the meal, depending on their preference. The recommended arrival time is noon, making it easy to plan around other activities in Paris.

The activity is wheelchair accessible and includes audio guides in multiple languages, making it suitable for a range of visitors. It’s also cancellable up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind for travelers with changing plans.

Practical Tips for Your Day in Paris

Guests should bring a charged smartphone for any app-based tickets or translations. Large luggage, pets (except assistance dogs), and oversized bags are not allowed, so pack accordingly.

Since lunch is not on the cruise boat itself, the restaurant location is a short walk from the boarding point, simplifying logistics. The tour lasts about 2 hours, with time allocated for each part of the experience, making it suitable for those looking for a relaxed yet comprehensive activity.

The Reviews: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The positive feedback highlights great value for money, stunning views, and knowledgeable guides. Many reviewers emphasize the quality of the food at Le Bistro Parisien, describing it as delicious and fresh.

Several mention the spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower from their table, and the friendly, helpful staff receive praise. Some reviews note that the cruise can be crowded, especially during peak times, and a few mention that the inside seating on the boat may be facing sideways or limited when outdoor seating is full.

The overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 216 reviews indicates a high level of satisfaction, with most guests appreciating the combination of sightseeing and cuisine.

Comparing Similar Experiences

This tour is one among several options in Paris offering seine river cruises with meals. Other experiences include dinner cruises, extra-long sightseeing options, or specialized brunches. The location at the Eiffel Tower and the combination with a 3-course lunch at Le Bistro Parisien makes this experience particularly convenient and value-packed.

Links to similar experiences are available, allowing visitors to explore different menu options, durations, or cuisine styles. However, the well-balanced schedule and easy access make this tour stand out for visitors seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive Parisian experience.

Final Thoughts on the Paris: Seine River Cruise and 3-course Bistro Lunch

This experience offers a satisfying blend of scenic views and fine dining, making it a popular choice for visitors wanting to see landmark sights while enjoying authentic French cuisine. The 1-hour Seine cruise gives a unique perspective of the city’s iconic spots, complemented by a delicious meal just steps from the Eiffel Tower.

Thanks to high praise for the food quality, helpful staff, and flexible scheduling, this tour appeals to couples, families, and celebrating groups. The wheelchair accessibility and multilingual audio guides ensure inclusivity.

While some reviews note crowd levels and interior seating limitations, these are minor compared to the overall quality of the experience. The price point and setting make this tour a worthy addition to any Paris itinerary, especially for those seeking a relaxed, scenic, and culinary highlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I choose to do the cruise or lunch first? Yes, you can decide whether to start with the cruise or the meal, with the recommended time being noon.
• Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
• What languages are available for the audio guide? The audio guide is available in 11 languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian.
• What should I bring? Guests should bring a charged smartphone for tickets and translations.
• Are children under 4 free? Yes, children under 4 enjoy the cruise for free but will be charged €15 if they dine at Le Bistro Parisien.
• How long is the cruise? The Seine cruise lasts approximately 1 hour.
• Can I cancel the booking? Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• What is included in the meal? The 3-course menu features French classics and vegetarian options, with a choice of wine, beer, or soft drink.
• Where exactly is the meeting point? The tour departs from pontoon No. 2, Port de la Bourdonnais, near the Eiffel Tower, at 48.86157989501953, 2.296205520629883.
• Is this tour suitable for couples or groups celebrating special occasions? Absolutely, the scenic setting and fine dining make it ideal for celebrations.

This experience stands out as a well-rounded, enjoyable way to see Paris from the water and enjoy authentic French cuisine with minimal hassle.

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