Paris: Seine River Cruise and 3-course Bistro Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and looking for a way to see the city’s most famous sights while enjoying a great meal, this combo experience might catch your eye. It combines a 1-hour Seine River cruise with a 3-course lunch at Le Bistro Parisien, a spot right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. We’ve gathered insights from those who’ve tried it to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your visit.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to get stunning views of Paris’s landmarks from the water, which offers a fresh perspective beyond street-level sightseeing. Second, the delicious French cuisine served at Le Bistro Parisien, with a menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and classic flavors. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the restaurant isn’t on the boat itself, so the experience may feel more like two separate activities rather than a seamless cruise-dining combo.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a taste of Parisian gastronomy in a relaxed, scenic setting. If you’re a first-timer eager to see major sights like Notre Dame and the Louvre, and appreciate good food, this package could be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Beautiful Views: Enjoy iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre from the water.
• Flexible Scheduling: You can choose whether to do lunch first or take the cruise before dining.
• Comfort and Convenience: The cruise features a climate-controlled cabin with large viewing windows, making it comfortable even if the weather isn’t perfect.
• Quality Cuisine: The restaurant offers a well-curated menu with fresh ingredients and options for everyone, including vegetarians.
• Good Value: Combining both sightseeing and a meal provides a lot of bang for your buck.
• Helpful Guides: The cruise includes audio commentary in 11 languages, enriching your understanding of the sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What to Expect

This experience begins at 12:00 PM at the Bistro Parisien, located conveniently at Port de la Bourdonnais, right beneath the Eiffel Tower. The location is ideal for those arriving close to lunchtime, with the added bonus that the restaurant has views of the Tower itself. From here, you have a couple of options: either head straight to the Seine for the cruise or enjoy a leisurely lunch first and then board the boat afterward.

The Seine River Cruise — A Closer Look

Once aboard the boat, which is designed for comfort and optimal viewing, you’ll glide along the Seine for about an hour. The cruise allows you to see many of Paris’s top attractions from a unique vantage point. As you pass landmarks like the Musée d’Orsay, the Grand Palais, and Hôtel de Ville, the onboard audio guide provides commentary in 11 languages—a feature that’s appreciated by many travelers for adding context to what you’re seeing.

From the reviews, we know that most find the cruise to be enjoyable and relaxing. Many mention the beautiful views, with some noting that it’s a perfect way to see Paris without the crowds of street-level sightseeing. However, a few mention that the Notre Dame view isn’t crystal clear, which is understandable given the boat’s route and the crowds.

The Food at Le Bistro Parisien — The Highlight

After the cruise, you return to the Bistro Parisien for your 3-course meal. The menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients, and dishes range from French classics to vegetarian options. One reviewer called the food “superb,” and many appreciated the freshness and presentation.

A common highlight is the view of the Eiffel Tower from the restaurant, which makes the dining experience feel special. You can choose a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink to accompany your meal, adding to the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.

The Service and Atmosphere

The restaurant boasts a cosy, elegant setting with large windows for optimal Eiffel Tower views. Most reviews mention friendly, attentive staff, making the meal enjoyable. Some reviewers noted that the service could be slow or inconsistent, which may be worth considering if you’re on a tight schedule.

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How the Experience Fits Into Your Day

Because the schedule is flexible—you can do the cruise or lunch first—it’s easy to customize based on your preferences. The total duration is approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing. The location’s proximity means you won’t waste much time commuting, which is a plus.

Insights from Travelers

Many reviews praise the value for money and excellent views. One traveler said, “Having both the cruise and lunch was a great combination,” which sums up the appeal nicely. Several mention the knowledgeable guides and good commentary, making the cruise not just scenic but informative.

On the food side, reviews are generally positive, citing delicious, fresh dishes and a cozy ambiance. However, service at the restaurant is occasionally described as not perfect, with some guests feeling it was a bit slow or inattentive. Still, most find the experience worth it overall, especially considering the scenic setting.

Notable Quotes

• “The cruise was amazing, great way to see all the famous landmarks. The guide was brilliant.”
• “Having both the cruise and lunch was a great combination. The food was incredible, and the staff were really great.”
• “Nice activity for sunny days in Paris! Food was better than expected, and the view of the Eiffel Tower from the bistro is fantastic.”
• “Boat trip was enjoyable, but inside seating meant facing sideways, which affected the view somewhat.”

Practical Details

This experience starts at Port de la Bourdonnais, with check-in at Bistro Parisien (coordinates: 48.86158, 2.29621). You’ll need to show your booking confirmation to collect your cruise tickets. The timing is flexible—you can do lunch before or after the cruise, but arriving around noon is recommended.

The cruise lasts about an hour, and the meal is served afterward. The total experience is about 2 hours, meaning you can comfortably slot it into a half-day plan. It’s accessible for wheelchair users, and children under 4 can enjoy the cruise free of charge, though meal charges apply if they dine.

What to Bring

• Charged smartphone (for photos or additional info)

What’s Not Allowed

• Oversize luggage, large bags, or pets (assistive dogs permitted)

Cancellation and Payment

The booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a relaxing and picturesque way to see Paris’s most iconic sights, this cruise-and-lunch combo hits the mark. The views from the Seine are often praised as a highlight, especially if you’re a fan of seeing landmarks like Notre Dame and the Louvre without the hassle of crowded streets. Pairing that with a delicious meal at Le Bistro Parisien, with its prime location and seasonal menu, makes for a memorable afternoon.

It’s a great choice for first-time visitors who want a manageable, enjoyable way to experience Paris’s beauty and culinary delights. The flexible scheduling means you can tailor the experience to your pace, and the overall value—combining scenic views, good food, and helpful commentary—makes this a popular option.

However, if you’re expecting the meal to be on the boat itself, or if you prefer a more intimate, all-in-one cruise-dining experience, you might want to consider other options. Also, keep in mind that busy days could mean some crowding or slower service, especially at the restaurant.

To sum it up, this experience offers a balanced blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and good food, perfect for those wanting a taste of Paris that’s both scenic and delicious.

FAQs

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children under 4 can enjoy the cruise for free. If they dine at Le Bistro Parisien, a charge of €15 per child applies.

Can I choose to do lunch or the cruise first?
Absolutely. You can start with either activity and then do the other, depending on your preference. Showing up around noon is recommended for a smooth experience.

Is the restaurant on the boat?
No, the restaurant is separate from the cruise boat, located just steps away at Port de la Bourdonnais.

How long is the entire experience?
About 2 hours total—one hour for the cruise and approximately an hour for the meal, though timings may vary slightly.

Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian dishes, and the chef aims to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Is the cruise accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible.

What languages are available for the commentary?
Guides provide audio commentary in 11 languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, and more.

What should I bring?
A charged smartphone for photos or additional info. No large luggage or pets allowed, except assistance dogs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there a dress code?
Casual attire is fine; no formal dress code is required.

In the end, this tour offers a fine way to see Paris from a different angle, paired with the chance to savor some classic French cuisine. If you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and tasty break from busy sightseeing, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: