Want to have one of the most memorable experiences on your visit to Paris? Then a Paris Seine dinner cruise is probably something you’re looking into! River cruises are one of the most popular activities to do in Paris as they offer breathtaking views of the city from the water.
If you’ve found yourself struggling to choose one of the many options for a Seine dinner cruise in Paris, you’ve come to the right place. The point of this article is not to overwhelm you with choices. I have researched the 3 main river cruise companies in Paris and have pulled out their best cruise options for you here.
I’ve read through reviews, studied the various tours, and compared the experience for each of these companies but ultimately you will need to identify the experience you are looking for. In the article, I break down the main highlights of each tour and what sets them apart from the others helping you to identify which tour is best for you.
As someone who has been to Paris 9 times now, I really want to help you make your experience the most memorable! So let’s take a look at the different dinner cruise options in Paris!
*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for visiting Paris
📍Book things in advance! This is my number one recommendation for anyone traveling to Paris. This includes tours, restaurants, and any attractions you want to see on your trip. Even when I visited Paris in OCTOBER tickets were sold out for attractions such as the Sainte Chapelle and the Musee d’Orsay. If you have a bucket list of experiences for your trip to Paris, don’t wait too long to book your tickets!
Ⓜ️ Look for accommodations near a metro station. When deciding where to stay in Paris, there are SO many options to choose from. I recommend that visitors look for accommodations near a metro station. Paris is so well connected that as long as you are close to the metro, you can get anywhere in the city relatively efficiently!
PRO TIP: You can find some of my accommodation recommendations on my FREE Paris guide!
📆 Visit during shoulder season. Paris is the number one tourist destination in the world, and it has held that title for many years. The peak travel season for Paris is during the summer which is often super crowded and hot. You can still have a memorable experience during the shoulder season! For example, May – June or September still offer pleasant temperatures without being overrun by tourists!
Is a Paris Seine dinner cruise worth it?
In short, it is definitely worth it to take a Seine dinner cruise in my opinion. Is it touristy? Yes. But, is it memorable and worth the money? I also would strongly say yes.
A dinner cruise offers a very romantic setting and is an excellent way to appreciate the city away from the hustle and bustle. Although it’s usually cooler on the water and at night, the boats are glass-covered and still offer amazing views with excellent ambiance.
What do you wear on a Seine dinner cruise in Paris?
The dress code for most dinner cruises in Paris is smart casual. This means sports shoes, sportswear, flip-flops, jeans, or shorts are not allowed. However, it is important to confirm the specific requirements for your Seine dinner cruise in Paris as some are more strict than others.
How much does a dinner cruise cost in Paris?
Generally, you should expect to pay around 100 euros per person for a Paris Seine dinner cruise! The variations in cost depends on a few things:
- Seating: Most tours offer premium seats next to windows or at the front of the boat.
- Menu: Some cruises offer the choice in menu between a 3 or 4-course meal. The 3-course meal offers an appetizer, main, and dessert while the 4-course meal also includes a cheese course. Usually, an aperitif and a drink are also included.
- Ambiance: Some cruises offer live music, some offer dancing and some are more formal.
Best Seine dinner cruises in Paris
My top pick:
✅ Paris: Dinner Cruise on the Seine River at 8:30 PM (by Bateaux Parisiens)
⏰ 2.5 hours
🎤 Live music on board
🍽️ Multiple menu options (vegetarian also available)
💰115-215 euros
📍Departs from Bateaux Parisiens Port (300 Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France)
❤️ Perfect for couples
⭐️ 4.6/5 on GetYourGuide based on +4k reviews
Why is this one my top pick for a Paris Seine dinner cruise? Because I find it offers a little bit of everything! This cruise is a great length for an evening cruise, there are several choices in terms of menu and seating and there’s live music on board. The menu is great and the stops along the way are perfect in my opinion! What’s not to love!? Plus, it has amazing reviews!
If you’d like dinner a little earlier:
✅ Paris: Dinner Cruise on the Seine River at 6:15pm (by Bateaux Parisiens)
⏰ 75 minutes
🍽️ 3-course dinner (vegetarian also available)
💰 95-150 euros
📍Departs from Bateaux Parisiens Port (300 Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France)
❤️ Perfect for families
⭐️ 4.5/5 on GetYourGuide based on +100 reviews
This Paris Seine dinner cruise is very similar to the evening cruise however it is a little more accessible for families and those of us who do not want to finish their evenings super late. The main differences between this tour and the one mentioned above are:
- there is no live music
- there are only 3-course menu options
- it’s earlier in the evening
- the tour is shorter in length
It’s for these reasons that this tour is more geared towards families. But keep in mind, since this is an early evening tour, you might not witness the Eiffel Tower sparkle since this happens after sunset. You will, however, start to see the sunset from the water which is absolutely magical!
Check availability and prices here
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If you also want to dance:
✅ Paris: Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Seine River with Live Music (by Le Diamant Bleu)
⏰ 2-2.5 hours
🍽️ 3-course dinner (vegetarian and vegan options available)
💰 89-150 euros
📍Departs from 36, Quai d’Austerlitz 75013 Paris, under the Cité de la Mode et du Design
❤️ Perfect for party people
⭐️ 4.4/5 on GetYourGuide based on +1.5k reviews
This fun Paris Seine dinner cruise gets a little more lively after your meal. The meal on this cruise proudly says they offer seasonal dishes which is amazing in my books. After dining, a dance floor, DJ, and live music are all added to the experience! This is definitely a unique option that can really upgrade your cruise!
Check availability and prices here
If you want something a little more formal:
✅ Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music (by Bateaux Mouches)
⏰ 2h15 minute cruise
🎤 Live music on board
🍽️ 4-course dinner
💰 120-165 euros
📍Departs from Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France
⭐️ +2,000 5-star reviews on Viator
I list this Paris Seine dinner cruise as ‘a little more formal’ because they are the only ones on this list who require a formal dress code. On this cruise, you’ll get a 4-course meal of an appetizer, main, and 2 desserts. The Excellence menu offers a little more selection in menu and champagne! The food sounds delicious and the reviews are fantastic!
Check availability and prices here
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If you want a lunch tour instead:
✅ Paris: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise (by Bateaux Parisiens)
⏰ 2 hours
🍽️ Multiple menu options
💰 75-115 euros
📍Departs from Bateaux Parisiens Port (300 Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France)
⭐️ 4.7/5 on GetYourGuide based on +3k reviews
If you’re looking for a delicious Seine cruise but not necessarily keen on the evening experience, you’ll be happy to know there is a lunch option as well. On this tour, you can enjoy a 3-course meal alongside panoramic views. Since this tour takes place during lunch, the dress code is casual. However, they still mention that shorts and sportswear are not allowed.
Most affordable option: Seine cruise only
✅ Paris: 1-Hour River Seine Cruise with Audio Commentary (by Bateaux Parisiens)
⏰ 1 hour
🚢 All major cruise companies offer this option and all experiences are about the same
💰 ~20 euros
📍Departs from Bateaux Parisiens Port (300 Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France)
❤️ Perfect for those on a budget and short on time
⭐️4.3/5 on GetYourGuide based on +33k reviews
Last but not least, there are of course plenty of Seine river cruises in Paris that are more budget-friendly. A Paris Seine dinner cruise will cost you roughly 100 euros per person but a river cruise that offers the same views of the city can cost you around 20 euros.
The 3 main river cruise companies in Paris are Bateaux Parisiens, Bateau Mouches and Le Diamant Bleu. Each will offer a similar route and tour of the Seine for roughly the same price. Personally, I went with Bateaux Parisiens! These tours are much larger and not as intimate as the dinner cruises but you still get the magical experience of admiring Paris from the water!
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Enjoy your dinner cruise in Paris
Choosing a Paris Seine dinner cruise can be challenging since there are many choices out there. But I hope by now you have enough information to choose the tour thats right for you.
Experiencing Paris from the water is 100% worth it, so if you find yourself contemplating, I say go for it! Not sure what’s the best time on a Seine River Cruise? Whether you want to enjoy the views at night, at sunset, or during the day, Paris is magical any time, all year round! Whichever tour you choose, I hope you have an amazing experience and that its everything you dreamed of!
Did you know? I offer custom travel planning on Thatch! Whether you are in need of a consultation call to talk over your travel itinerary or are in need of a personalized guide or itinerary, I’d love to help you with your France travel planning!
