Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise vs. Lunch: My Honest Review
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When you picture Paris, what comes to mind? A buttery croissant fresh from the boulangerie? Sipping coffee in Place des Vosges? Strolling through Jardin du Luxembourg?
What about a Paris dinner cruise on the Seine – with a glass of red in hand and boeuf bourguignon on your plate – as the Eiffel Tower twinkles in the night sky?
A dinner cruise is one of those quintessential Parisian experiences… But before I booked it, I had a few questions.
Like, is the Paris dinner cruise or lunch cruise better? They're both pretty expensive – are they actually worth it? Or are they too touristy, and will I leave underwhelmed?
I was skeptical (because life’s too short for mediocre meals). But in the end, I booked the Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise, and I’m so glad I did.
Cruising down the Seine, past the Louvre, Notre-Dame, National Library, and the Pont Alexandre III, while listening to live music and enjoying a delicious three-course French meal, was as spectacular as I hoped it would be.
Now, I’m fully convinced: one of the best restaurants in Paris floats.
In this guide, you’ll find a full, honest review of my Paris lunch cruise (the good and the not-so-good), a comparison with the Seine River Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music, and all the must-know tips to help you have the best experience possible. Allez!
My Paris Lunch Cruise Review
Wondering if the Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise is worth it? Here’s my take.
Going in, I was skeptical. Would it be a floating tourist trap with soggy food and warm wine? Or a genuinely lovely lunch with five-star service and dreamy views?
Thankfully, the glowing online reviews were true, and we loved almost every minute…
The Packages
To avoid that potential “ripped-off feeling,” I booked the lowest-price option: the “Service Etoile.” It came with a 3-course gourmet menu, a welcome Kir (white wine and cassis), a so-so bottle of French red, and a table in the center of the boat.
MADDY'S TAKE: Next time, I’d splurge on the Seine River gourmet dinner cruise and the “Service Premier” package for front-of-boat views, Champagne, premium wine (and glassware!), and a cheese course. Now I know – it’s worth it.
The Food
The food exceeded my expectations. My husband and I ordered different dishes for each course, and all six were truly delicious – and beautifully plated, too. The classic French desserts come from Maison Lenôtre, one of Paris’s most iconic patisseries.
I've included full lunch and dinner menus below (read on!), but here's what I ordered:
- Poached egg with celeriac purée, Eryngii mushrooms, and roast potatoes in a red wine sauce
- “Melt-in-the-mouth” beef with glazed vegetables and Camargue rice in a blanquette sauce
- Classic lemon meringue tart
Book your Seine lunch cruise or your Seine dinner cruise here! 🍷🇫🇷
The Wine
With our basic “Etoile” package, the wine was plentiful, but forgettable. We started with a glass Kir, followed by a bottle of 2021 PDO Minervois (Syrah-Carignan) – and didn’t finish either.
If wine matters to you, definitely go for one of the “Premier” packages.
The Route
The views? Magical. We embarked beneath the Eiffel Tower and cruised through Paris, past the Louvre, île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, the National Library, the Statue of Liberty, and more.
The route is a big loop, so you’ll see both banks of the Seine, no matter where you're seated. Magnifique!
The Service
10/10. Our server was friendly but professional, and our courses were perfectly timed. A photographer came around snapping portraits – which, personally, I found a little annoying, but plenty of guests bought their photos as souvenirs.
The Ambiance
The Bateaux Parisiens boat is sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows and live music playing softly in the background. The dress code for lunch is smart casual.
And thankfully, there’s no sightseeing commentary blasting through the speakers… Just food, wine, your loved ones, and Paris.
Click here to book your Seine River Lunch Cruise OR your Seine River Dinner Cruise! 🧀🍷🇫🇷
Lunch vs. Dinner Seine Cruise: Key Differences
All in all, the Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise and lunch cruise experiences are pretty similar – same boat, same route, similar seasonal menus.
Both cruises include a seasonal 3- or 4-course French menu (depending on your package), wine, mineral water, coffee, live music, and unforgettable views along the Seine River.
But there are a few key differences to consider, too. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you choose.
| Seine River Lunch Cruise | Seine River Dinner Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Length | 2 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Departure Time | Midday (usually 12:45 PM) | Evening (usually 8:30 PM) |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed, bright, smart casual | Romantic, candlelit, dressy |
| Menu Style | Brasserie-style French classics | Upscale, fine-dining French cuisine |
| Views | Daytime Paris: monuments, bridges, city life | Paris by night, Eiffel Tower sparkles |
| Crowds | Less crowded, more casual | High demand, sells out early (especially the “Premier” packages) |
| Price | More affordable (starts at roughly $100 USD per person) | More expensive (starts at roughly $150 USD per person) |
| Best For | Daytime sightseeing, groups, families, casual travelers | Couples, anniversaries, honeymoons |
Seine River Cruise Menus: Lunch vs. Dinner
Bateaux Parisiens gourmet menus change seasonally, but here’s a quick glance at lunch and dinner menus so you know what to expect.
Which Seine River Cruise Should You Book?
Go for the Paris dinner cruise if:
- You want the full romantic Paris-at-night experience
- You're celebrating something special
- You don't mind dressing up and paying more
And book the Paris lunch cruise if:
- You want better value and a more laid-back vibe
- You're squeezing it into a day of sightseeing (it pairs perfectly with an Eiffel Tower climb!) or before a flight
- You prefer daylight views for photos
Whichever you choose, you can expect lovely French food, beautiful views, and that dreamy “we’re in Paris” feeling. Book your Seine River lunch cruise or your Seine River dinner cruise here.
MADDY'S TAKE: As I already mentioned, I chose the lunch service because I wasn’t sure if the cruise would be worth the cost at all. In hindsight, it totally was, and I’m so glad we did it! Next time, I’ll book the Seine River Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music instead, for a more romantic vibe. Plus, I’ll splurge on a “Premier” package – especially for a special occasion.
Tips for Your Paris Dinner Cruise or Lunch Cruise
Book your Seine lunch cruise or your Seine dinner cruise here! 🍷🇫🇷
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