Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise

Paris: Bateaux Mouches® Dinner Cruise on the Seine River runs through Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches. Rated 4.5 across 4,663 reviews. Runs 2.5 hours. From $128.

Overview

Boarding happens at Port de la Conférence near the Alma Bridge, in the heart of Paris close to the Golden Triangle. Staff welcome guests from 7pm, boarding starts at 7:30pm, and the boat casts off at 8:30pm, returning to the same dock at 10:45pm. The whole experience runs about 2.5 hours, with the dinner itself served while the boat glides along the Seine past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and a string of famous bridges.

Dinner is a full à la carte French meal in three courses on the Harmonie or Prestige menus, or four courses on the Excellence menu. Each tier changes the drinks: a glass of wine or a soft drink per person on Harmonie, a half bottle of wine or two soft drinks on Prestige, and a half bottle of wine, Champagne or soft drinks on Excellence. Water, tea and coffee come with every option, and vegetarian and vegan dishes are available. A pianist and violinist play French and international standards throughout, and the upper deck offers a 360° view for photos.

It suits couples and anyone wanting a dressed-up evening on the water rather than a quick sightseeing loop. Shorts and sandals or flip flops are not allowed on board. Children between 4 and 12 pay reduced rates and under-4s travel free, so families can come too.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at the pierArrive at Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris. Staff welcome guests from 7pm and boarding begins at 7:30pm.
2. DepartureThe boat leaves the dock at 8:30pm for the cruise along the Seine.
3. Central Paris landmarksThe route passes Pont Alexandre III, the Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre and Pont des Arts, all seen from the water.
4. The islands and Ile St.-LouisThe boat continues past Ile St.-Louis, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Conciergerie.
5. Eiffel Tower and returnThe cruise passes the Eiffel Tower and the Paris Statue of Liberty before docking again at 10:45pm.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the evening go smoothly, from the dress code to how drinks work on each menu.

• Dress code. Shorts and sandals or flip flops are not permitted, so plan accordingly. One reviewer also suggested skipping high heels given the cobblestones near the pier.
• Best table. Most tables sit beside the bay windows on the main deck, but not all of them. The listing says choosing the Excellence option gives priority seating and better views.
• The upper deck. A 360° upper deck is open during the cruise and reviewers repeatedly recommend it, especially when the Eiffel Tower lights up. One waiter reportedly tipped guests off about going up before the crowd at 10pm.
• Music and atmosphere. A pianist and violinist play throughout dinner. Several travellers singled out the violinist and the duo as a highlight of the night.
• Food and drinks. Menu choice determines drinks, from a single glass of wine up to a half bottle of Champagne. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on the menus, and water, tea and coffee are included.
• Getting home. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. One reviewer had trouble with a taxi arranged at check-in and suggested booking a ride app from the dock instead.

Common issues. Not every table is beside a window, and the listing is upfront that only the Excellence option guarantees priority for the best views. Some travellers on the booking platform felt the main courses were inconsistent, even while praising the views and service. One reviewer reported a poorly handled taxi booking arranged at check-in, with wrong timing and a price far above a ride app. Hotel transfer is not included in any option.

Before You Book A Tour