Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien

Imagine dining just steps from the Eiffel Tower and then drifting along the Seine to see Paris’s most famous landmarks lit up at night. For about $80 per person, this combined tour offers a taste of the city’s magic, blending two quintessential Parisian experiences into one streamlined adventure.

The tour starts at the Bateaux Parisiens port, located right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, making it easy to find and enjoy that perfect first photo. You can choose to begin with dinner or the cruise — a flexibility many travelers appreciate — and both options include a three-course meal with drinks and a 1-hour sightseeing cruise.

What we love about this experience is how it offers a great value for such an iconic setting, with up-close views of the Eiffel Tower from the restaurant and a comprehensive cruise passing major sights like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay. Another highlight is the flexibility — you can start with dinner and then do the cruise, or vice versa — which helps fit this into your evening plans.

A potential consideration is that the cruise may feel somewhat crowded, or the food, while praised by many, might not wow everyone. Also, be aware that the cruise is a separate ticket, which needs to be collected at the restaurant if you opt for the dining-first approach.

This tour suits travelers who want a convenient, all-in-one experience — especially first-time visitors eager to see Paris’s top sights without fussing over multiple bookings. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy spectacular views paired with good food and like the idea of experiencing Paris’s nighttime ambiance from both land and water.

Key Points

• Convenient Combo: Combines a Seine sightseeing cruise with a gourmet dinner at Le Bistro Parisien, saving time and effort.
• Iconic Views: Offers a unique perspective of Paris’s landmarks, especially the Eiffel Tower and the UNESCO-listed riverbanks.
• Flexibility: Choose whether to enjoy dinner first or the cruise — a feature appreciated by many travelers.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy a 3-course meal with drinks in a restaurant right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
• Authentic Sights: The cruise passes many of Paris’s most famous attractions, illuminated beautifully at night.
• Mixed Reviews on Food & Crowds: While many rave about the quality and atmosphere, some find the cruise crowded and food only average.

Starting Point: The Bistro Parisien at the Eiffel Tower

The adventure begins at the Bateaux Parisiens port, a prime spot at the base of the Eiffel Tower. The restaurant itself is a transparent quayside venue, which means you’re dining with one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in the city. Many reviews highlight how this vantage point makes for stunning photographs — a major plus for travelers wanting that perfect shot of Paris’s most iconic monument.

Once you check in with your voucher, you have the option to start with dinner or the cruise — whatever suits your plans best. We loved the freedom to customize the evening, especially since the restaurant’s atmosphere is described as excellent, with friendly staff and a memorable setting.

The 3-Course Dinner

The dinner at Le Bistro Parisien is generally described as delicious and well-organized. It includes a starter, main dish, and dessert, with drinks such as a beer, glass of wine, or soft drink included. Some reviews rave about the delicious menu and excellent service, emphasizing that the view of the Eiffel Tower from the restaurant makes the meal special.

However, a few mention that the dinner can be a bit hurried, especially if the restaurant is busy or hosting private functions. There’s also a note that extra charges may apply for certain menu items, such as steak, and that coffee or tea might be paid for separately, which is worth knowing if you’re budgeting.

The 1-Hour Seine Cruise

Once you’ve finished your meal, or if you choose to start with the cruise, you’ll board a separate vessel for an hour-long sightseeing cruise. The cruise begins at the same quay and offers a comprehensive tour of Paris’s most famous landmarks.

From the water, you’ll see:

• The Notre-Dame Cathedral — an awe-inspiring sight, especially at night when lit.
• The Louvre and its glass pyramid, alongside the Musée d’Orsay.
• The Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, with its lively atmosphere.
• The Place de la Concorde, where the French Revolution’s guillotine once stood.
• The Alexandre III Bridge, a marvel of architecture.
• The Ile Saint Louis and Ile de la Cité, the heart of Paris.

Reviewers mention the spectacular views during the cruise, especially the illuminated monuments, which many say is a highlight of the evening.

Authenticity and Authentic Moments

Several travelers praise how close-up views of the Eiffel Tower from the restaurant and the boat are unlike anything you’d get from a typical tourist spot. One reviewer pointed out, “The instructions on where to find the restaurant and cruise were clear and easy to follow,” and that the cruise included everything they wanted to see.

The Passing Sights

As the cruise glides along the Seine, you’ll pass landmarks rich with history and architecture. For example, many enjoy the sight of the Dome des Invalides, housing Napoleon’s tomb, and passing underneath the Pont Alexandre III, a beautifully ornate bridge gifted by Tsar Alexander III.

The route is designed to showcase the most photogenic and historic sections of Paris’s riverbanks, making it a perfect way to soak in the city’s nighttime beauty. The fully glass-enclosed boat offers excellent views regardless of weather, though a few reviews mention the glare on the windows, which can slightly impede photos.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is highly suited for first-time visitors who want a rundown of Paris’s most iconic sights in a single evening. It’s ideal for romantic couples, families, or groups looking for a convenient, memorable night.

Travelers who value a good meal with a view and appreciate seeing Paris illuminated at night will find this tour worthwhile. The flexibility to start with dinner or the cruise makes it adaptable to different schedules, and many reviews mention good value for money compared to more expensive dinner cruise options.

Potential Drawbacks

While many reviews praise the quality of food and the views, some mention crowding issues on the cruise, with certain guests feeling that it was packed like sardines. Others found the food to be merely average or the service slow. There are also mentions of long lines and confusion in ticket collection, especially if you choose to do dinner first and cruise afterward, so planning ahead is advised.

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to combine a scenic cruise with an authentic Parisian meal, this tour offers solid value and memorable sights. It’s especially suitable if you prefer not to fuss over multiple reservations and want to enjoy the Eiffel Tower from multiple perspectives in one evening.

However, if you’re a gourmet food lover expecting a fine dining experience or prefer uncrowded, private cruises, you might find some aspects less satisfying. For those on a budget, it offers a reasonably priced way to experience some of Paris’s most famous landmarks with ease and enjoyment.

Ultimately, this experience shines for its combination of convenience, iconic views, and a lively atmosphere. We believe it’s a great choice for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights and for anyone wanting a lovely evening in the City of Light with minimal hassle.

Is the dinner at Le Bistro Parisien included in the tour price?
Yes, your ticket covers a three-course dinner with drinks at the restaurant located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower before or after your cruise.

Can I start with the cruise or dinner?
Absolutely. The ticket is flexible, allowing you to choose whether to dine first or cruise first. Just remember, if you want to do the cruise after dinner, you’ll need to pick up your cruise tickets at the restaurant.

What’s included in the sightseeing cruise?
The cruise lasts about one hour and passes many of Paris’s top landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and the Pont Neuf, all illuminated at night.

Are drinks included during dinner?
Yes, your ticket includes a choice of beer, wine, or a soft drink with your meal.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 4 can join the cruise for free. If they dine at the restaurant, a child menu at 15 euros is available.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long is the entire experience?
It lasts approximately three hours, giving ample time for dining and cruising without feeling rushed.

Is this experience crowded?
Some reviews mention crowded boats and busy restaurants, so arriving early and being prepared for a lively atmosphere is wise.

This combined Seine cruise and dinner at Le Bistro Parisien offers a practical and scenic way to enjoy Paris, especially if you’re short on time or want a hassle-free evening of sightseeing, good food, and iconic views. It’s best suited for first-timers, couples, or families seeking a romantic and authentic experience without breaking the bank. While it’s not perfect — with some crowding and average food noted — the overall charm and convenience make it a travel experience you’ll remember.