Comparison of the best dinner cruises in Paris
Treating yourself to a dinner cruise in Paris is a combination of gastronomy, romance, and discovering historical heritage from a new perspective. Imagine yourself seated, savoring a refined meal, while the Seine reveals enchanting panoramas: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Pont Alexandre III… An unforgettable spectacle.
But what is the best dinner cruise in Paris? With a varied offer ranging from gourmet meals to accessible dinners, it can be difficult to choose the best experience.
This article guides you through the best cruises on the Seine, comparing their services, prices, and atmosphere.
👉 Good to know: to discover all our dinner cruises on the Seine, don't wait to check out our complete selection of dinner cruises in Paris.
Otherwise, follow the guide!
Comparative Table of Dinner Cruises in Paris
Here is a table summarizing the main differences between these dinner cruise companies:
| Bateaux Mouches | Bateaux Parisiens | Paris Seine | Capitaine Fracasse | Paris en Scène |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timings | ||||
| Boarding: at 5:30 PM or 8:00 PM Departure: at 6:00 PM or 8:30 PM Return to dock: at 7:15 PM or 10:45 PM |
Boardings: at 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM Departures: at 6:15 PM or 8:30 PM Returns to dock: at 7:45 PM or 11:00 PM |
Boardings: at 6:15 PM or 9:00 PM Departures: 6:45 PM or 9:15 PM Returns to dock: at 8:00 PM or 11:15 PM |
From Sunday to Friday: Departures at 8:45 PM Return to dock at 11:00 PM Saturday: Departures at 6:30 PM or 9:15 PM Returns to dock at 8:15 PM or 11:15 PM |
Every day: Departures at 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 10:15 PM |
| Cruise Duration | ||||
| 1h15 if departure at 6:00 PM 2h15 if departure at 8:30 PM |
1h30 if departure at 6:15 PM 2h30 if departure at 8:30 PM |
1h15 if departure at 6:45 PM 2h00 if departure at 9:15 PM |
1h45 if departure at 6:30 PM 2h15 if departure at 8:45 PM 2h00 if departure at 9:15 PM |
1h15 if departure at 6:00 PM 1h30 if departure at 8:00 PM 1h15 if departure at 10:15 PM |
| Prices | ||||
| From €75 | From €69 | From €60 | From €65 | From €42 |
| Specific Features | ||||
| Window-side tables Panoramic boat Violin and piano entertainment |
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower Live singer orchestra Panoramic boat |
Refined French cuisine Modernized boats Large bay windows |
Gourmet menu Just steps from the Eiffel Tower Family atmosphere |
Panoramic view Access to outdoor terrace Leather armchairs |
| Embarkation Location | ||||
| Pont de l'Alma - Paris 8th | Port de la Bourdonnais - Paris 7th | Port de Solférino - Paris 7th | Ile aux Cygnes - Paris 16th | From November to April: Île aux Cygnes From May to October: Pont Saint-Michel |
| Metro Access | ||||
| Alma Marceau (L9) | Bir Hakeim (L6, RER C) | Assemblée Nationale (L12) Musée d'Orsay (RER C) |
Bir-Hakeim (L6, RER C) | From November to April: Bir-Hakeim (L6, RER C) From May to October: Saint-Michel (L4, RER B, C) |
| Parking | ||||
| Free during the cruise | Parking Quai Branly | Parking du Carrousel du Louvre | Parking Grenelle (Free) | From November to April: Parking Grenelle (Free) From May to October: Parking Saint Michel |
| Child Rates | ||||
| from 3 to 11 years | from 0 to 12 years | from 0 to 10 years | from 4 to 11 years | from 4 to 11 years |
| Wheelchair Access | ||||
| manual and motor | manual | manual | no | no |
| Terrace | ||||
| yes | no | no | yes | yes |
| Smoking | ||||
| yes | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Online Reservation | ||||
| Bateaux Mouches | Bateaux Parisiens | Paris Seine | Capitaine Fracasse | Paris en Scène |
For everyone:
- the boats are heated and air-conditioned, and are equipped with toilets
- dress code: smart casual attire is required
- animals are not allowed
- the dinner cruises are not commented
- all menus include vegetarian dishes, but neither halal nor kosher.
🎻 The festive option with live orchestra: Bateaux Mouches
The Bateaux-Mouches company is the most famous in Paris. The boats are fully glassed, offering a panoramic view of the Parisian landscape. You are comfortably seated by the window, surrounded by the music of a live orchestra. During the day and until 10:30 PM in summer, the Bateaux-Mouches offer sightseeing cruises on the Seine.
✅ Why choose this cruise?
- Live orchestra for an immersive experience.
- Panoramic glass boats, ideal for admiring the city.
- Wide selection of menus and schedules.
❌ Points to consider
- More touristy atmosphere.
- Slightly higher prices than alternatives like Capitaine Fracasse
🌟 The most romantic: Bateaux Parisiens
The Bateaux Parisiens are a wise choice for a carefully staged dinner and attentive servers. The panoramic boats allow you to admire the finest details of the bridges of Paris. The boarding dock is just a few steps from the Eiffel Tower, giving you the opportunity to view it from all angles.
✅ Why choose this cruise?
- Boarding at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for a magical start to the evening.
- Live orchestra and high-end service.
- Refined menus with several gourmet options.
❌ Points to consider
- Higher prices in peak season.
- High attendance, advance reservation essential.
💰 The most affordable option: Paris en Scène
With boarding in the heart of Paris, Paris en Scène offers the most affordable dinner cruises on the Seine, with departures every day. It is in large leather armchairs that you will enjoy your meal inspired by the tradition of our bistros. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to admire the monuments of Paris from one of the three panoramic terraces of the boat.
✅ Why choose this cruise?
- Package starting at €75, unbeatable on price.
- Modern and cozy boats with comfortable leather armchairs.
- Simple and unpretentious experience, ideal for a first cruise.
❌ Points to consider
- More basic menu than other options.
- Less prestige, but a nice introduction to Seine cruises.
🍽️ The ultimate gastronomic experience: The Blue Diamond
The Blue Diamond dinner cruise in Paris is a unique culinary experience that allows you to discover the City of Light from a different perspective. On board this exceptional boat, you can enjoy a high-quality gourmet dinner while admiring the most beautiful illuminated monuments of Paris.
On the menu, you can savor refined dishes crafted by the chef of the Blue Diamond, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The dishes are accompanied by a selection of quality wines that perfectly complement the various flavors offered.
The Blue Diamond is also equipped with a panoramic terrace that allows you to enjoy exceptional views of the Seine quays and iconic Parisian monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre.
✅ Why choose this cruise?
- High-end gourmet menu, designed by a renowned chef.
- Elegant and refined atmosphere with ambient music.
- Outdoor terrace to fully enjoy the illuminated monuments.
❌ Points to consider
- Higher price, targeting a premium clientele.
- More formal experience, less suitable for families with young children.
🏆 The best value for money: Captain Fracasse
Captain Fracasse offers a cruise departing from the Bir-Hakeim bridge, on the Île aux Cygnes, which notably hosts a replica of the Statue of Liberty at its tip. The cuisine is freshly prepared on board while the terrace allows smokers or other spectators to scrutinize the least-known corners of Paris from the Seine.
✅ Why choose this cruise?
- Refined menu prepared on board with fresh products.
- Outdoor terrace offering a panoramic view of Paris.
- Excellent value for money with several options suitable for all budgets.
❌ Points to consider
- Rather relaxed atmosphere, without live orchestra.
- Departure from the Île aux Cygnes, a bit far from the tourist docks.
🍷 The most friendly: The Marina of Paris
Since the end of 2019, the Marina of Paris has become Paris Seine. The boat company offers quality dinner cruises on the Seine. The glassed-in barges provide an optimal view of the Parisian monuments. The circuit begins at the Port de Solférino, at the foot of the Musée d'Orsay. You will have the opportunity to watch the famous Notre-Dame and Musée du Louvre pass by. After passing along the Île Saint-Louis and the Île de la Cité, the tour continues under the Pont Alexandre III. You will have a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower before turning back at the Maison Radio France.
✅ Why choose this cruise?
- Warm atmosphere and ideal for groups and couples.
- Delicious bistronomic menus with a selection of French wines.
- Boats equipped with large bay windows for stunning views.
❌ Points to consider
- No live orchestra, more discreet atmosphere.
- Departure from Port de Solférino, slightly away from other companies.
What criteria to choose the best dinner cruise?
With so many options available, it is essential to know how to evaluate a dinner cruise on the Seine. Here are the main criteria to consider before booking:
🍽️ The Quality of the meal and type of cuisine
Companies offer varied menus:
- Gastronomic, prepared by top chefs with exceptional products.
- Bistronomic, a clever mix of fine dining and friendliness.
- Classic, for a more accessible but still tasty experience.
🌆 The panoramic view and comfort of the boat
A good dinner cruise should offer a stunning view of Paris. Some boats are fully glazed, while others have an outdoor terrace for an even more immersive experience.
🎶 The Atmosphere and entertainment
Depending on your desires, you can choose:
- A cruise with live orchestra or a subdued musical atmosphere.
- A dinner in complete intimacy, without distractions.
- A festive cruise, with entertainment and shows.
💰 The Value for money
Some dinner cruises offer an excellent value for money, while others position themselves on luxury and the exceptional. It is crucial to choose based on your budget and expectations.
⭐ Customer Reviews and reputation
Online reviews are an excellent indication of service quality. A well-rated cruise generally ensures a flawless experience.
If you want to compare all river cruise options outside of dinner cruises, discover without further delay our cruises on the Seine to refine your choice.
Which dinner cruise to choose based on your profile?
Still unsure? Here are our recommendations based on your situation:
💑 For a romantic evening → Bateaux Parisiens or Le Diamant Bleu.
👨👩👧 For a family outing → Capitaine Fracasse for its friendliness.
🍷 For a gastronomic experience → Le Diamant Bleu, the exceptional cruise.
🎉 For a festive atmosphere → Bateaux Mouches, with live orchestra.
💰 For a tight budget → Paris en Scène, unbeatable on price.
If you are interested in a day cruise, you can also discover our selection of lunch cruises on the Seine to enjoy Paris from another angle.
For groups of more than 10 people, we offer preferential rates. Please send us your request.
Conclusion: What is really the best dinner cruise in Paris?
So, what is the best dinner cruise in Paris? The answer mainly depends on your budget and expectations:
- For a romantic and elegant dinner 💕 → Bateaux Parisiens or Le Diamant Bleu.
- For an excellent value for money ⚖️ → Capitaine Fracasse.
- For a high-end experience 🍷 → Le Diamant Bleu.
- For a festive atmosphere with live music 🎻 → Bateaux Mouches.
- For an affordable and accessible experience 💰 → Paris en Scène.
Whatever your choice, a cruise on the Seine is always a memorable experience!
Feel free to reach out to us to know all the options and book your dinner cruise now for an unforgettable evening in Paris!