Paris is famous for its culinary scene — exquisite pastries, world-class wines, and a lifestyle that turns dining into an art form. But what truly makes Paris stand out are its unique lunch experiences. Whether you’re craving a scenic cruise with gourmet food, a hands-on cooking class, or a luxurious meal atop the Eiffel Tower, there’s something to match every taste and schedule. We love options like the 2-hour Seine lunch cruise for a relaxing, all-inclusive meal with iconic views, and the Eiffel Tower’s Madame Brasserie for a splurge above the city rooftops. Whatever your style, you’ll enjoy discovering Paris through its incredible food experiences.
Quick Overview
This list includes a variety of tours to suit different preferences and budgets. You’ll find cruise-based lunches, such as the Seine River cruise, hands-on cooking classes like the French Cuisine Small Group Cooking Class, and luxury dining experiences at the Eiffel Tower. For those interested in wine or champagne, options include wine and cheese tastings and champagne day trips. Each offers a different way to enjoy Paris’s food culture—whether you’re a foodie, a sightseer, or a connoisseur.
1. Paris: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise with 3-course-menu
At number 1, this all-inclusive Seine River cruise offers a relaxed way to combine sightseeing with a gourmet meal. For about $92 per person, you’ll enjoy a 3-course à-la-carte lunch aboard a glass-enclosed luxury boat, perfect for taking in iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame as you glide along the historic river. The cruise includes beverages and a pleasant atmosphere that feels both special and intimate. With five starting and five drop-off locations, it’s convenient whether you’re staying near the Eiffel or Louvre. Reviewers love the panoramic views and the quality of food, often saying it’s a “great way to see Paris while dining.” The main advantage is the seamless combination of sightseeing and dining, making it ideal for travelers who want a memorable experience without leaving the boat.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a romantic lunch or first-time visitors wanting photo-worthy views and good food in one smooth package.
2. Paris Cooking Class and Lunch with Wine plus Market Visit Option
Number 2 on our list is a hands-on culinary experience that lets you prepare your own French meal. For around $230, you spend about 6 hours learning to cook a 3-course meal, with an optional market visit in the Latin Quarter. The instructor guides you through making an appetizer, main dish, and dessert, then you savor the fruits of your labor paired with French wines. This tour is highly rated for its intimate group size (limited to 11 people) and the chance to learn kitchen skills from a local chef. Many reviews highlight the market visit as a “fascinating” way to see Paris food culture firsthand. It’s especially suited for food lovers eager to bring home new recipes and wine-pairing tips. The only downside is the longer duration, but for serious foodies, this is a worthwhile immersion.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to learn authentic French cooking techniques and enjoy a relaxed, educational meal in a small-group setting.
3. From Paris: Day Trip to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch
Number 3 offers a full-day tour to the Champagne region for about $380. You’ll visit a renowned champagne house and smaller wineries, with eight tastings included. The trip features guided tours, a gourmet lunch with champagne, and scenic vineyard views. Many travelers appreciate the detailed explanations of champagne production and the chance to taste different styles. The tour lasts roughly 10-11 hours, making it perfect for those who want an immersive experience outside Paris’s urban scene. The highlight is definitely the expert-led tastings and visiting both large and family-run wineries. The only caution: it’s a long day, so suitable for active travelers with a love of bubbly.
Bottom Line: Best for champagne enthusiasts eager to see the vineyards and taste a variety of sparkling wines in a full-day experience.
4. Paris: Wine and Cheese Lunch
Number 4 offers a classic wine and cheese pairing in a cozy setting near the Louvre for $99. Over two hours, you sample 1 champagne and 4 wines from different French regions, paired with 5 delicious cheeses. An expert sommelier guides you through the tasting, teaching you how to identify wine varieties and pair them properly. Reviewers love the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about France’s wine culture in just a short session. This experience is perfect for those who want a quick, intimate introduction to French wines and cheeses without leaving the city center. The focus on pairing makes it particularly appealing for foodies who enjoy discovering new flavor combinations.
Bottom Line: An engaging, taste-focused experience ideal for a relaxed afternoon of wine and cheese appreciation.
5. Paris: Normandy D-Day Sites Guided Day Trip with Lunch
Number 5 takes you out of Paris to Normandy for a historical day trip. For $135, you visit Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and the American Cemetery, with a Normandy-style lunch included. While not a traditional lunch experience, it provides a meaningful way to reflect on history while enjoying regional specialties. The tour lasts around 14 hours, combining sightseeing with poignant moments of remembrance. It’s an excellent choice for history buffs or those interested in WWII. The tour’s reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and moving visits, making it a sensitive, educational experience. Keep in mind, it’s a long day, so be prepared for the travel.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in history and remembrance, wanting a well-organized day trip that combines learning and regional cuisine.
6. Paris: Wine Tasting plus Cheese Lunch with an Expert Sommelier
Number 6 is a refined wine and cheese experience in central Paris costing about $98.48. You’ll sample five wines from across France, paired with artisanal French cheeses, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier. The small-group setting offers a personalized experience, and many reviewers mention how the host’s expertise makes it both fun and educational. It’s ideal for those wanting a luxurious, intimate tasting without leaving the city, especially if they appreciate pairing and want to deepen their wine knowledge. The venue’s elegant ambiance adds to the overall experience.
Bottom Line: Great for wine and cheese lovers who want to learn how to taste and pair in a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere.
7. Paris: 3-Course Lunch at Eiffel Tower’s Madame Brasserie
Number 7 is a luxurious lunch experience atop the Eiffel Tower, at Madame Brasserie. For $118, you get a seasonal, three-course meal, crafted by Chef Thierry Marx, while enjoying panoramic views of Paris – including the Trocadéro and La Défense. The restaurant’s design reflects the Eiffel’s elegance, and many reviews praise its high-quality cuisine and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in a once-in-a-lifetime meal. The main drawbacks are the price and the limited duration (1.5 hours), but the experience’s exclusivity makes it worth it.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a memorable, upscale dining experience with breathtaking city views.
8. Paris: Eiffel Tower’s Madame Brasserie 3-course lunch 12:00
Number 8 offers a more budget-friendly option at $83, with the same fantastic location and cuisine as the previous experience. This lunchtime reservation allows you to enjoy French dishes by Chef Thierry Marx in the iconic setting of the Eiffel Tower. The shorter duration (1.5 hours) makes it a good choice if you want a taste of Parisian luxury without a lengthy commitment. Reviewers praise the delicious food and the unique ambiance of dining in the Eiffel Tower. Keep in mind, reservations are essential, and the experience is busy during peak seasons.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want Eiffel Tower dining at a slightly lower price point but still high quality.
9. Paris: Bustronome Gourmet Lunch Tour on a Glass-Roof Bus
Number 9 features a gourmet lunch on a double-decker bus with panoramic views. For just $66, you dine on a 4-course menu while cruising past Paris’s most famous sites. Its unique concept combines sightseeing with fine dining, and many reviewers enjoy the friendly service and atmosphere. The panoramic glass roof offers excellent photo ops. It’s a great choice if you want to combine a food adventure with city sightseeing in a more informal setting. The main trade-off is that it’s a moving restaurant, so some might prefer a static setting for a more leisurely meal.
Bottom Line: An inventive way to see Paris from the top deck while enjoying a gourmet meal — perfect for those who like a bit of novelty.
10. Giverny and Versailles Small Group Day Trip from Paris with Lunch
Number 10 is a full-day, small-group tour exploring Giverny and Versailles, including a gourmet lunch at Moulin de Fourges. For about $378, you get admission tickets, transportation, and the chance to see Monet’s gardens and the Palace of Versailles. Many reviews note the personalized experience and the beautiful grounds. It’s perfect for those wanting a combination of art, history, and regional cuisine in one day. The tour balances the cultural and culinary highlights, making it ideal for history and art lovers with an interest in scenic landscapes.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a comprehensive day of French art, royalty, and food with small-group intimacy.
11. Paris: 3-Course Lunch Cruise on the River Seine
Number 11 offers a shorter, 1.5-hour lunch cruise on the Seine for $80. It features a menu of French favorites and views of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame. Guests enjoy gourmet desserts and sail under historic bridges like Pont Neuf. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a quick, scenic meal while exploring the city’s waterways. The reviews mention the classic menus and beautiful scenery as highlights.
Bottom Line: Compact and scenic, this cruise is perfect for a light, city-centered lunch with memorable views.
12. From Paris: Small-Group Champagne Tour with 3-Course Lunch
Number 12 combines champagne tasting with a gourmet lunch in the Champagne region. For $408, you visit two champagne houses, learn about production methods, and enjoy a 3-course meal in a local restaurant. Many appreciate the small-group setting and the in-depth tastings. This trip suits those who want a luxury day trip, combining culinary delights with the sparkle of Champagne. The long day is suitable for those comfortable with travel and eager to learn about France’s most famous bubbly.
Bottom Line: For champagne lovers who want a luxurious, educational day outside Paris, this is the top choice.
13. Versailles Best of Domain Skip-the-Line Access Day Tour with Lunch from Paris
Number 13 is a comprehensive Versailles experience with skip-the-line access, a gourmet 3-course lunch, and a guided tour. Costing about $351, it’s ideal for those who want to maximize their time at the Palace and gardens while enjoying a luxurious meal. The tour includes the Hall of Mirrors, Queen’s Apartments, and Queen’s Hamlet. Reviewers mention the expert guide and the priority access as major benefits. It’s perfect for visitors who want a deep dive into royal France in a shorter time.
Bottom Line: Excellent for royal history buffs and luxury travelers eager for a seamless, insightful visit.
14. Champagne Small-Group Day Trip with Wine Tastings and Lunch
Number 14 offers an inclusive champagne day trip with hotel pickup and visits to two champagne houses. For $376, you’ll experience multiple tastings, a gourmet lunch in a family estate, and scenic vineyard views. The small-group format ensures personalized attention. Many reviews praise the enthusiastic guides and fabulous champagne. This tour is perfect for those who want an intimate, comprehensive champagne experience with plenty of tastings and regional charm.
Bottom Line: A top pick for champagne connoisseurs seeking a private, detailed exploration of the region.
15. Paris French Cuisine Small Group Cooking Class with Lunch
Number 15 provides an authentic cooking class in a private Parisian apartment. For around $207, you learn to make classic dishes like soufflé, cod mouclade, and chocolate fondant, then enjoy your creations with wine. The class emphasizes hands-on learning and small-group intimacy, with reviews highlighting the instructor’s warmth and expertise. This experience is ideal for culinary enthusiasts wanting to master French dishes and enjoy a personalized culinary adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers who want a personalized, immersive cooking experience with a delicious meal to finish.
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience in Paris
When deciding which food experience suits you best, consider your budget, time available, and personal interests. Want a scenic meal? The Seine lunch cruise offers views and comfort. For hands-on fun, the French cooking class provides skill-building and local tips. If bubbles are your thing, the Champagne day trips or small-group Champagne tours are fantastic. For a classic Parisian meal, the Eiffel Tower’s Madame Brasserie delivers a high-end experience, while shorter options like the Seine sightseeing cruise suit travelers with limited time.
Final Thoughts
Paris offers an array of lunch experiences that reflect its rich culinary heritage. From scenic river cruises and intimate cooking classes to opulent meals at the Eiffel Tower or exclusive champagne tastings, there’s no shortage of ways to indulge. If you’re after a romantic splurge, the Eiffel Tower restaurants are unbeatable. For foodies eager to learn, the cooking classes are a hit. And if you want to sip champagne in the countryside, the day trips to Champagne are hard to beat.
Planning ahead and booking early ensures you get your preferred time and experience. No matter your style or budget, exploring Paris through its delicious lunch options makes for a truly memorable trip.