Paris is a city that takes its food seriously — and rightly so. From savoring elegant river lunch cruises with stunning views to rolling up your sleeves in a cooking class with a local chef, Paris offers a lunch experience for every taste and style. We especially love the 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise, which combines sightseeing and a delicious three-course meal aboard a glass-enclosed boat, giving you a perfect taste of Paris from the water. Or maybe the Cooking Class and Lunch with Wine appeals if you want a hands-on culinary adventure. Whatever your mood, this list covers the most memorable, authentic, and fun lunch options in the City of Light.
Below, you’ll find a variety of tours — from luxury cruises and intimate cooking classes to day trips in the Champagne and Versailles regions. Each offers a different way to experience Paris’s legendary cuisine and culture. Whether you’re after a quick 1.5-hour lunch high above the Eiffel Tower or a full-day exploration of France’s bubbly and royal splendors, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Paris: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise with 3-course-menu
For around $92, the Paris: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise offers one of the most popular ways to combine sightseeing with a gourmet meal. You’ll glide along the Seine on a luxury glass canopy boat, with panoramic views of Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and other iconic monuments. The all-inclusive 3-course à-la-carte menu includes beverages, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs while soaking in the Parisian scenery. This cruise is rated 4.7/5 by over 4,500 reviewers, many praising the pleasant atmosphere and breathtaking views. The cruise has five starting points and five drop-off options along the river, making it flexible for your schedule. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and delicious way to experience Paris, this cruise hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a hassle-free, all-in-one way to enjoy iconic sights and good food from the water.
2. Paris Cooking Class and Lunch with Wine plus Market Visit Option
If you’re craving a real taste of French life, the Cooking Class and Lunch with Wine is a fantastic choice. Priced at about $230, this 6-hour experience includes hands-on cooking in a small group of just 11 people. You’ll visit a Parisian market (if you choose the optional market visit), learn about ingredient quality and cheese making, then prepare a 3-course meal guided by an expert chef. French wine is included, and the focus on techniques and ingredient quality makes this a meaningful culinary deep dive. Reviewers love how Frederic or Paolo share their passion, and many mention how much they learned about French cheeses, plating, and wine pairing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for food lovers who want to craft their own gourmet meal and learn about French wine and cheese in an intimate setting.
3. From Paris: Day Trip to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch
For around $380, the Day Trip to Champagne offers an immersive experience in France’s most famous sparkling wine region. This 10-11 hour tour includes visits to a prestigious champagne house and family-owned winery, with guided tours and 8 tastings throughout the day. You’ll also enjoy a traditional French lunch paired with champagne, and the trip includes transportation from Paris. The tour boasts a 4.8/5 rating, with reviewers mentioning the delicious lunch, knowledgeable guides, and chance to learn about champagne production firsthand. If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply want a luxurious day away from Paris, this trip blends history, gastronomy, and fine bubbles beautifully.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to combine luxury transport, champagne tasting, and local cuisine on a full-day adventure.
4. Paris: Wine and Cheese Lunch
At just $99, the Paris: Wine and Cheese Lunch is a quick, delightful way to indulge. In just two hours, you’ll sample a champagne and four different wines from five regions, paired with five exquisite French cheeses. Located near the Louvre, this experience is led by an expert sommelier who explains how to identify wine varieties and pair wines with cheese. The cozy atmosphere and focused tasting make it perfect for a relaxed, educational break in the city. Reviewers love the informative guides and the quality of cheeses and wines offered.
Bottom Line: Great for an afternoon of tasting, learning, and enjoying excellent French cheeses in an intimate, friendly setting.
5. Paris: Normandy D-Day Sites Guided Day Trip with Lunch
For history fans willing to spend a full 14 hours, the Normandy D-Day Sites tour is a profound experience. It includes visits to Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery, with a Norman-style lunch included. The guide shares insights into WWII history, and the tour offers a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made. Rated 4.7/5 with many calling it a “powerful” and “well-organized” day, it’s suited for those with an interest in history and a willingness to travel a bit outside the city.
Bottom Line: An emotional, educational day trip for history buffs or anyone wanting to understand the Normandy landings better.
6. Paris Wine Tasting plus Cheese Lunch with an Expert Sommelier
Rated 5.0/5, the Wine Tasting plus Cheese Lunch offers a well-rounded, two-hour experience. It takes place in a cozy Paris wine bar, where you’ll sample five wines from across France, paired with cheeses. The sommelier shares tips on tasting techniques and food pairing — perfect for those interested in expanding their wine knowledge. The small group size ensures a personal experience, and reviews highlight the friendly, informative guide and excellent wine-cheese pairing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting an intimate, educational experience with top-quality French cheeses.
7. Paris: 3-Course Lunch at Eiffel Tower’s Madame Brasserie
For about $118, the 3-Course Lunch at Madame Brasserie offers the rare chance to dine above Paris inside the Eiffel Tower. The menu is seasonal, featuring dishes inspired by Chef Thierry Marx. The restaurant’s interior beautifully complements the panoramic views of the city, providing a memorable setting. The 4.3/5 reviews praise the delicious food and spectacular location. This experience is ideal for travelers celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a luxurious lunch in one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a luxury meal with a view and a taste of Parisian elegance.
8. Paris: Eiffel Tower’s Madame Brasserie 3-course lunch 12:00
If you prefer a midday meal at a slightly lower price point, this 12:00 lunchtime option offers a similar experience for about $83. It features Chef Thierry Marx’s cuisine, with stunning views over the City of Lights. The 4.4/5 reviews note the delicious three courses and the vibrant atmosphere. This is a good choice for travelers who want Eiffel Tower dining without the premium price.
Bottom Line: A practical, high-quality option for a midday Eiffel Tower lunch with great views.
9. Paris: Bustronome Gourmet Lunch Tour
Travel in style with the Bustronome Gourmet Lunch, a luxury dining experience on a glass-roofed double-decker bus. For about 2 hours, you’ll enjoy a four-course menu with starters, fish, meat, and desserts, all while cruising past Paris’s top sights. The panoramic terrace provides spectacular views, and the friendly service makes this a memorable way to see the city. The 4.7/5 score reflects its unique combination of sightseeing and fine dining. It’s perfect for those who want an interactive, mobile experience combining food and city views.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers craving a luxury, multi-sensory experience that blends scenery and haute cuisine.
10. Giverny and Versailles Small Group Day Trip from Paris with Lunch
At about $378, this Giverny & Versailles tour spans a full day. It combines Monet’s water lily gardens, the Palace of Versailles, and a gourmet lunch at Moulin de Fourges. The tour includes admission tickets, transportation, and a small group that ensures personal attention. Reviewers appreciate the balance of art, history, and cuisine, making it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day outside Paris.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a rich cultural and culinary experience in one memorable day trip.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience
When selecting your ideal Paris lunch tour, consider your budget, time, interests, and fitness level. For a scenic water-based experience, the Seine river cruise offers relaxation and views. If you’re passionate about cooking and food, the cooking class provides hands-on preparation with expert guidance. For those interested in champagne or wine, the region tours (Champagne Day Trip, Small-Group Champagne) excel at combining tastings and regional insights. Dining at the Eiffel Tower (Madame Brasserie) is perfect for a luxurious splurge or special occasion.
Booking early is recommended for popular experiences, especially those with limited slots like the cooking classes or region day trips. Think about your pace and preference—do you want a quick, scenic lunch or a full-day adventure? There’s no shortage of delicious options in Paris.
Final Thoughts
From cruising the Seine with gourmet cuisine to sampling champagne in Champagne’s vineyards, Paris offers a remarkable variety of lunch experiences. For a quick but memorable treat, the Eiffel Tower lunch hits the sweet spot. For a culinary immersion, the cooking class is hard to beat. And if you’re after a full-day cultural and gastronomic escape, a trip to Normandy or Champagne might be just the ticket. No matter what you choose, booking ahead will ensure you secure a spot at these popular tables.
