5 BEST Dinner Cruises in Paris: Prices, Duration, & More
Are you planning a trip to Paris and looking for a romantic evening activity? In my opinion, taking a dinner cruise in Paris is one of the best ways to see the city!
Instead of walking or driving past the sights, you get to enjoy them from the perspective of the Seine river. As you relax on the boat, you’ll see Paris’s most beautiful buildings and bridges glowing with lights, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for a special occasion or a romantic evening.
With all that said, you might be wondering what the best option is for going on a dinner cruise in Paris! In this guide, I’ll cover the top 5 best dinner cruises in Paris, including how much they cost, how long they last, and more!
Plus, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions and touch on other activities you should consider for your Parisian adventure. So, let’s get into this guide on the best dinner cruises in Paris!
Quick Mini Guide to Paris
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Paris to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
– 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th arrondissement
– Hotel Louis II (moderate & clean)
– Hotel des Londres Eiffel (great location)
– Hotel Mayfair Paris (boutique hotel)
When to Visit:
– I recommend shoulder season (Early May or late September)
– Summer (June – August) is peak season
– Winter can be chilly and rainy!
Things to Do:
– Go on a Seine river dinner cruise (duh!)
– Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower
– Stroll through the many gardens
Breakdown of the 5 Best Dinner Cruises in Paris
There’s no shortage of dinner cruises in Paris to choose from. While you’re cruising down the Seine, you’re likely to see plenty of other boats doing the exact same thing as you!
So, how do you choose the best one for you?!
I’ve got you covered! Below, I’ll go over the top 5 recommendations for dinner cruises in Paris, including price, duration, and what’s included in each!
Here’s a quick summary table with each option + pros and cons if you’re short on time.
| Cruise Company | Starting Price | Duration | Departing Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bateaux Mouches | Adults: €128+ Children 4–12: €45 Under 4: Free | 2.25 hrs | Pont de l’Alma | Live music, rooftop access, great views, child-friendly | Less intimate with larger groups |
| Bateaux Parisiens | Adults: €123+ Children: €40 (Etoile only); others full price | 2.5 hrs | Port de la Bourdonnais | Multiple menu options, live music | No rooftop access, pricier for kids |
| Le Diamant Bleu | Adults: €89+ Children 3–8: €49 Under 3: Free | 3 hrs | 2 Rue du Ranelagh | DJ & music, longest duration, dancing encouraged | Drinks not included, noisy at times |
| Le Calife | Adults: €117+ Children under 12: €45 | 2 hrs | Pont des Arts | Small wooden boat, flexible menus, panoramic views | Limited availability, short cruise duration |
| Maxim’s de Paris | Adults: €149+ Children 3–11: Full price Under 3: Free | 2.25 hrs | Port de Solferino | Intimate setting, Belle Epoque vibe, historic branding | No child discount for ages 3–11 |
#1. Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Mouches
First on our list is the Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise in Paris, which I’ve been on twice now! I highly recommend this cruise and think it’s the best one in Paris!
Their standard dinner cruise has two main menu options, the Prestige and the Excellence. The Prestige dinner menu starts at 130€ per person. It includes a glass of champagne, a gourmet three-course meal, with the option to choose from cheese or dessert, plus a bottle of wine with dinner!
The Excellence menu, which starts 165€ per person, includes a glass of champagne and a bottle of wine, more gourmet food options like octopus, plus both cheese and dessert. In addition to more food, booking the Excellence menu also means you’ll get priority seating by the window, which truly elevates the experience.
Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches
- Price: €128-€165 per person
- Departure Time: 8:30pm
- Duration: 2.25 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Glass of champagne, 3 course dinner, bottle of red or white wine
On our first trip with Bateaux Mouches, it was just me and my husband, and we were seated right at the front of the boat with incredible views out of the windows next to us.
The second time, we had a group of 10 and were at the very back of the boat, which was tucked away from the crowds and felt very private! We were also surrounded by windows here, so it was perfect.
Also, children under 4 are free on this cruise, which is a great perk if you are traveling with a little one! The rate for children between 4 and 12 is also significantly reduced, which is a nice perk.
The cruise leaves at 8:30pm from the Pont de l’Alma bridge in the 8th arrondissement, just down the road from the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées.
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, which allows you plenty of time to enjoy a multi-course meal while taking in the sights as the sun sets along the Seine River.
Below is the typical route you will take on a Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise, which includes passing by the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and more! But the best part is towards the end of the cruise, where you’ll pass right in front of the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles for the first time at dusk.
You may even get to see it again a second time in total darkness, depending on the time of year. Pair that with the live music on board, and you’ve got pure magic!
My favorite part of the Bateaux Mouches boats is the open-air rooftop, where you are free to go at anytime! We spent the beginning and the end of the cruises on the rooftop, enjoying our champagne and the incredible views of Paris without any glass!
Note: Bateaux Mouches offers a variety of other cruise options, too. In addition to the dinner cruise, they offer lunch cruises, daytime sightseeing cruises, and special event cruises for occasions like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve.
They also offer an “early bird” dinner cruise that leaves the dock at 6pm. However, I do not recommend this one, as it only lasts an 1 hour and 15 minutes. Plus, you miss seeing the City of Lights as the sun goes down, which is half the fun!
Check availability for the best dinner cruise in Paris here! 🇫🇷
#2. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
- Price: €115-€215 per person
- Departure Time: 8:30pm
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Glass of champagne, 3 course dinner, bottle of red or white wine
Next on our list, the Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise in Paris offers a sophisticated and memorable way to see the City while enjoying a gourmet meal and wonderful live music!
The price for a Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise ranges from €115 to €245 per person. Four service types are available: Etoile, Decouverte, Privilege, and Premier. All options include an appetizer, main course, dessert, wine, and coffee.
However, the more expensive options include better seating on the boat, more courses, and more drink options! If you are looking for the best views, I highly recommend splurging on a seat towards the front.
Children 11 and under are discounted to €40 if you are booking the Etoile ticket. However, the other 3 ticket types (the more expensive ones) cost the same amount for children and adults, which can feel pricey.
The Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise departs from Port de la Bourdonnais, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting point for your evening on the Seine.
The route is very similar to the Bateaux Mouches cruise, up and down the Seine river in front of the most iconic sites in Paris. As the arrival and departures are at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, you’re guaranteed incredible views of it sparkling multiple times.
However, unlike Bateaux Mouches, the Bateaux Parisien boats do not have open-air rooftops, which really takes away from the experience in my opinion.
Bateaux Parisiens offers a variety of cruise options in addition to the dinner cruise. Some examples are lunch cruises, sightseeing cruises, and special event cruises for occasions and holidays.
#3 Le Diamant Bleu Cruise with Music + DJ
- Price: €89 per person
- Departure Time: 8:30pm
- Duration: ~3 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: 3 course dinner + bottle of water
If you are looking for more than just a romance cruise, get aboard the Le Diamant Bleu Cruise! This experience offers a blend of gourmet dining, live music, and DJ entertainment, all set against the backdrop of the City of Lights.
Le Diamant Bleu Cruise is a bit cheaper than the other dinner cruises so far on this list, starting at €89 for adults and €49 for children 3 to 8 years old. This is because the base price does not include any alcohol or soft drinks (just water).
However, there is an extensive a la carte drink menu, including wine, liquor, cocktails, and champagne.
In addition, you are also able to pay more for a large window view or be at the front of the boat!
Le Diamant Bleu cruises set sail from 2 Rue du Ranelagh, just west of the Eiffel Tower on the North bank of the Seine.
The cruise typically starts around 8:30 PM, ensuring ample time to soak in the views as the sun sets over Paris. This dinner cruise option is a little longer, lasting around 3 hours as you dine and dance your way along the Seine River.
This extended duration allows for an evening of enjoyment, fun, and relaxation, as the cruise has both a live singer and DJ on board! Dancing is encouraged at the end of the night.
In addition to the Music + DJ dinner cruise, Le Diamant Bleu offers other options such as lunch cruises, catering cruises, family sightseeing cruises, and private sailings as well.
#4 Le Calife Dinner Cruise
- Price: €117+ euros per person
- Departure Time: 8:45pm
- Duration: 2 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7/5 stars⭐
- Includes: Varies by price point
If you’re looking for a dinner cruise in Paris with a completely different vibe than the others on this list, look no further than Le Calife!
Unlike the other options listed here, which are on large/long flat boats, Le Calife dinner cruises takes place on a smaller, more authentic, wooden boat.
The Calife boat has several different seating areas to choose from at varying price points. Here are the options:
- The Terrace: Dine on the back of the boat, covered or uncovered rooftop depending on the season and weather, with large windows
- The Veranda: Panoramic seating in the front of the boat, with large glass windows and a glass roof that offers unparalleled views
- The Lounge: Intimate tables in a wooded, interior setting underneath the Terrace with smaller windows
- The Music Room: Inside the boat, right next to the live band, with portholes seeing outside
Seating on the Terrace and the Veranda costs the same, while seating inside the lounge is a bit cheaper.
The exact price depends on which menu option you choose: Calife, Royal, or Prestige.
Starting at €117 for Veranda or Terrace, the Calife menu includes a cocktail, starter, main course, and dessert. The Royal includes all of that plus wine and champagne, water, coffee, and tea for €159. And lastly, the Prestige menu costs €219 and adds in nicer champagne options plus a cheese course.
Children under 12 cost €45 regardless of what menu option the adults choose, but unfortunately babies are the same cost.
One awesome aspect of Le Calife is that the seating costs and menu costs are not tied together like the other options in this list. For example, your entire group will be together at a Veranda table, but some people can choose the Calife menu while others can choose Royal or Prestige!
The cruise departs at 8:45pm from Pont des Arts in front of the Louvre, but boarding times vary depending on which area you’re seated in. For two hours, you’ll cruise along the Seine from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and back!
#5 Maxim’s de Paris Dinner Cruise
- Price: €149 euros per person
- Departure Time: 8:00pm
- Duration: 2.25 hours
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: 3 course dinner + glass of champagne
Finally, to finish off our list of the best Seine River cruises in Paris, climb onboard the Maxim’s Dinner Cruise!
Maxim’s is actually a famous restaurant in Paris, known for its Art Nouveau style. Now, you can experience the intimacy and the Belle Epoque vibes of the restaurant aboard a dinner cruise on Wednesday through Sunday.
The cost of the standard 8pm Maxim dinner cruise starts at €149 per person but may be more expensive during the summer. For the price, you’ll get a little amouse-bouche with a glass of champagne and then a 3-course French meal!
Children ages 3-11 cost the same as adults, while babies under 3 are free.
The pick up location for this cruise is at the Port de Solferino, which is right at the foot of the Musée d’Orsay, across from the Jardin de Tuileries.
The cruise lasts around 2 hours and 15 minutes, with an arrival back at the dock around 10:15pm! This will still give you time to watch the sunset along the Seine.
Or, you can choose to book the early-bird dinner cruise, which leaves at 6:00pm and only lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. While the cost is a bit less (€119), like I mentioned previously, this isn’t worth it in my opinion!
Other Things to Do in Paris
While taking a dinner cruise on the Seine River is absolutely incredible, there are dozens more things to do in Paris! Whether you are spending 3 days in Paris or an entire week, there is plenty to fill your itinerary. Here’s a quick list of other activities to check out!
Picnic Under the Eiffel Tower: Experience the Parisian pastime of having a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower! Pack a basket with French bread, cheese, pastries, and wine, and find a spot on the Champ de Mars. Enjoy the views of the tower as you relax and indulge in delicious French fare!
Museum Hopping Around the City: Paris is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums. Start with the Louvre, where you can see the Mona Lisa and countless other masterpieces. Then, head to the Musée d’Orsay, which houses a collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. For more museums, make sure to check out my list of hidden gems in Paris!
Day Trip to Versailles: Taking a day trip from Paris to Versailles is just a quick train ride away! Explore the palace, including the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartments, and the Queen’s Hamlet, and then walk the gardens, which are especially beautiful in the spring and summer. Don’t forget to visit the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estate for a complete experience.
➡️ Read Next: Make sure to check out my detailed guide on other amazing Day Trips from Paris by Train!
Explore Montmartre: Explore the neighborhood of Montmartre, known for its bohemian history and artistic heritage. Wander through its narrow streets, visit the Place du Tertre, where artists display their work, and climb up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic views of the city. Be sure to stop by the famous cafe, Le Consulat, for an afternoon coffee or espresso. Or, hang around later for some of the best nightlife in the city!
Discover the Latin Quarter: The Latin Quarter is known for its lively atmosphere, architecture, and academic institutions like the Sorbonne. Explore its narrow streets, visit the bookshops, and dine in traditional bistros. Don’t miss the Pantheon, where many of France’s notable figures are buried, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. In addition, bar hopping in the Latin Quarter is one of the best things to do in Paris at night!
Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: Walk along the famous Champs-Élysées, lined with shops, theaters, and cafés. At the western end of this avenue stands the Arc de Triomphe, a monument honoring those who fought and died for France. Climb to the top for another breathtaking view of Paris from above!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dinner Cruises in Paris
Is a dinner cruise in Paris worth it?
Yes, a dinner cruise in Paris is absolutely worth it, especially for those looking to combine sightseeing with a fine dining experience! The scenic views, the quality of the food, and the peacefulness of dining on the Seine make it a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone visiting the city.
How long is a dinner cruise in Paris?
Dinner cruises in Paris typically last 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the kind of cruise you book. This allows enough time to enjoy a full meal while taking in the sights along the Seine River, plus extra time for some great photo opportunities.
How much is A Seine River cruise in Paris?
The cost of a Seine River dinner cruise in Paris varies depending on the package and the level of service you choose. Prices generally range from €75 to €250 per person. Factors influencing the price include the menu, boat type, departure time, and additional features such as live music, window seating, or extra champagne and wine.
What is the dress code for the Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise?
The dress code for the Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise (and most other dinner cruises) is smart casual. While it’s not overly formal, you are encouraged to dress elegantly. Men might opt for slacks and long-sleeve button down with an optional jacket. Women might choose a dress or smart separates. You should avoid casual attire like shorts and flip-flops. For more tips on what to pack for Paris, make sure to check out my Perfect Paris Packing List!
Why do the Paris dinner cruises leave so late?
If you’ve started researching Paris dinner cruises, you might be wondering why the heck they leave so late (like after 8pm for us early birds). This is because during the summer months, the sunset in Paris can be as late at 10pm! In order to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at dusk, you’ll need to wait until later in the evening, which is why the dinner cruises don’t depart until around 8pm.
What do you see on a Paris dinner cruise?
Great question! Most Paris dinner cruises follow the same general route along the Seine, depending on which dock you leave from. You can expect to see the Louvre, the Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Museum d’Orsay, and other famous landmarks! There are some maps included later in this post that show the route.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best Seine dinner cruises in Paris combine great food, a romantic atmosphere, and incredible views of the city!
Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want a memorable night out, a dinner cruise on the Seine River is a fantastic choice for your evening in Paris. There’s no doubt these cruises offer a magical experience that showcase the beauty of Paris, and it’s not something you want to miss out on!
I hope this guide has inspired you to book a dinner cruise in Paris! If you need more help planning, make sure to check out my 4 Day Paris itinerary!
Or, check out my other Paris blog posts below! ⬇️ 🇫🇷
Visiting Paris For The First Time: 10 Things To Know!
Where To Stay In Paris For First Time Visitors: Detailed Guide
3 Days In Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary
Day Trip From Paris To Versailles: A Complete Guide
19 AMAZING Things To Do In Paris At Night!
5 BEST Dinner Cruises In Paris: Prices, Duration, & More
The 7 Best Day Trips From Paris By Train: A Complete Guide
How To Spend 4 Days In Paris: The Ultimate 4 Day Paris Itinerary
A Perfect Packing List For Paris For Every Season!
15 Hidden Gems In Paris You HAVE To Visit!
How To Have A PERFECT Picnic At The Eiffel Tower In Paris
London Vs Paris: Which European City Should YOU Visit?
The BEST 7 Day London And Paris Itinerary!
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