Paris Christmas Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches

If you’re considering celebrating Christmas in the City of Lights with a special meal on the water, the Paris Christmas Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches might be on your radar. This experience combines the magic of Paris at holiday time with the comforts of a well-organized meal on a classic boat, offering travelers a way to enjoy the city’s most famous sights from a unique vantage point.

What we really appreciate about this cruise is the opportunity to enjoy a gourmet 3-course lunch paired with good wine and live music, all while drifting past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. It’s a festive way to celebrate, especially if you’re after a memorable meal with beautiful scenery. Another definite plus is the souvenir card that you get to take home, making the experience feel a bit more special.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that not every aspect of the cruise is perfect—several reviews mention issues with temperature on board, and the experience is priced at over $140 per person, which is worth considering in relation to what’s included. It’s best suited for those who want a polished, scenic meal and are comfortable with a set menu and a group setting.

If you’re after a unique way to celebrate Christmas or just want to enjoy Paris from the water with a good meal and lively atmosphere, this cruise could be a good match. But if you’re sensitive to heat or looking for an entirely bespoke experience, you might want to explore other options or prepare for the quirks.

Key Points

• Beautiful views of Paris landmarks like Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame from the Seine.
• A gourmet 3-course meal, including cheese, hors d’oeuvres, and a homemade French Yule log.
• Live music adds a festive, relaxing touch.
• All-inclusive drinks—sparkling wine, still wine or water, tea or coffee.
• Potential discomfort due to onboard heating, as some travelers found it too hot.
• Price around $143 per person, with good value if you enjoy well-organized meals and scenic sightseeing.

What to Expect from the Experience

The cruise begins at Port de la Conférence around 12:30 pm, meaning you’ll be settling in just as Paris is lively but still fairly quiet on Christmas Day. The duration is about two and a half hours, which gives enough time to relax, eat, and soak in the sights without feeling rushed.

The Itinerary and Sights

The boat glides gently along the Seine, giving you a different perspective on the city’s most iconic sites. As you float past the Eiffel Tower, you’ll see it from below, lit up and majestic. Notre Dame Cathedral, with its intricate architecture, appears to your side, providing a stunning backdrop for photos. The cruise’s route is designed to showcase Paris in a peaceful, almost sleepy ambiance at Christmas, making the moment feel extra special.

The Meal

The 3-course lunch is highlighted as a key feature. Reviewers mention that the food is generally very good, with some calling it excellent and describing the wine as a highlight. The menu includes French classics plus a homemade Yule log, giving it festive flair. Guests are also served cheese and hors d’oeuvres to start, making the meal feel generous.

Live Music and Atmosphere

A live band adds cheerful tunes, heightening the festive mood. Many travelers found the music enjoyable, and some, like Rebecca, called the experience “magical” and “relaxing.” That said, a few reviews note that the music’s Christmas theme might not be very pronounced, so if you’re after a very holiday-centric soundtrack, keep that in mind.

The Pros and Cons Based on Real Experiences

The good stuff: The views are, without a doubt, the highlight. Several reviews praise the spectacular sights and the beautifully decorated boat. The wine selection and tasty food get high marks, with some calling the meal “superb” and the overall experience “very memorable.”

The not-so-great: A recurring complaint is about the temperature onboard. Amy and Greg both mention that the boat was uncomfortably hot, with Greg describing it as an “inferno,” which detracts from the meal and the experience. This is something to consider if you tend to feel warm easily or dislike being in a hot environment during a festive meal.

Price point: At $143.30 per person, this experience is on the higher side, but it’s important to factor in the scenic views, gourmet meal, and live music. For many, the value is in the ambiance and the memory it creates rather than just the meal itself.

The Itinerary in Detail

This cruise doesn’t just serve as a restaurant on water — it’s an opportunity to see Paris from a different angle. The boarding process is smooth, with staff welcoming and guiding you to your assigned table, usually with a preference for those who select the Excellence menu. If you’re traveling in a group or with family, it’s best to inform the organizers in advance to keep your party together, as reservations for larger groups are split across multiple tables unless you make special arrangements.

Once underway, the boat gently turns along the river, giving you excellent views of the Eiffel Tower, especially when it sparkles at night, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. The main deck is covered, ensuring a cozy ambiance regardless of weather, although the upper deck is accessible if you want fresh air.

The Meal Experience

The three courses are served with a focus on classic French cuisine, and the homemade Yule log is often highlighted as a festive touch. The drinks include bottled water, a glass of wine for two, and hot beverages, making it a well-rounded meal. Several reviews mention the quality of the food and wine as being quite good and fitting for the price.

Additional Touches

A souvenir card is provided, which is a thoughtful keepsake from the day. Music plays throughout, with the live band elevating the ambiance, particularly if you enjoy acoustic or light jazz styles. However, some guests felt that the music could be more holiday-themed, but overall, it adds a lively, celebratory vibe.

Who Is This Cruise Best For?

This cruise is perfect for travelers who want a relaxing, scenic meal in Paris, especially those celebrating Christmas or looking for a special occasion. If you’re after a beautiful setting, good food, and live music, it should work well. It’s also a good fit for couples or small groups who appreciate a well-organized experience with scenic views.

But if you’re sensitive to temperature issues or looking for a more personalized, private experience, you might find this cruise somewhat lacking. It’s not the best choice if you prefer a more intimate meal or a less crowded atmosphere—remember, it hosts up to 100 travelers.

The Sum Up

The Paris Christmas Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches offers a memorable way to celebrate the holiday in style. The combination of stunning views, quality food, and festive music makes this a solid choice for those wanting to blend sightseeing with a special meal. The onboard temperature issue is a notable downside, so if you’re prone to feeling hot, it’s worth considering whether this experience suits your comfort.

For travelers who value the overall experience more than perfection in every detail, this cruise delivers a beautiful, festive atmosphere. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed, scenic meal with a touch of holiday spirit on one of the most iconic waterways in the world.

If you’re looking for a way to soak in Paris’ beauty, enjoy good food, and get into the holiday mood without fuss, this cruise could very well be your highlight of Christmas in Paris.

FAQ

Is there free seating on the boat?
No, when you arrive, you’ll be greeted and led to your assigned table. Guests who book the Excellence menu get priority seating near the windows, so if you want a prime spot, it’s best to specify this when booking.

Can I be seated with friends I booked separately?
Yes, but you need to notify the organizers at least 24 hours prior. If not, your group might be split across different tables or boats.

Is the boat covered?
Yes, the main deck is covered, providing protection from rain or cold, but there’s also an upper deck you can access for fresh air during the cruise.

Can I smoke on the boat?
Smoking is only permitted on the upper deck, so plan accordingly.

Are babies allowed?
Babies are not catered for with special menus, and there are no specific provisions for children under 4. If you bring babies, you’ll need to provide their own food, but highchairs are available on request.

What if I miss the cruise?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled if you miss the cruise due to late arrival or other reasons.

If you’re keen to combine a scenic river cruise with a festive feast in Paris, this experience offers a lot of what you might want — especially the stunning views and lively atmosphere. Just keep an eye on the temperature and be prepared for a good, but not perfect, holiday splurge.