Paris: Seine River Cruise with 3-Course Dinner & Live Music

Imagine gliding along the Seine River in the heart of Paris, with the city’s landmarks glowing at night, a glass of champagne in hand, and soulful jazz filling the air. That’s exactly what you get on this Seine River dinner cruise starting at around $181 per person, lasting between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The cruise departs from the scenic Port de Solférino, right below the Eiffel Tower, giving you easy access and a chance to soak in the city’s lights in a relaxed setting.

This experience pairs gourmet dining with spectacular views, making it a perfect choice for a romantic evening or a special celebration. We love the fact that every seat is a window seat, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of Paris’ illuminated skyline, from the Eiffel Tower sparkling to the Louvre’s grandeur. The live jazz adds a charming touch, elevating the ambiance from simple sightseeing to a true night out.

One of the things to keep in mind is that the boat’s decor feels a bit dated according to some reviews, and the cruise duration might fall slightly short of 90 minutes, so plan your expectations accordingly. Still, if you’re after value, memorable views, and a refined atmosphere, this cruise hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate excellent service, good food, and a lively musical backdrop.

If you’re looking for a romantically charged, high-quality dinner experience in Paris, this cruise offers all that, plus the added bonus of skipping the hassle of navigating city streets during dinner time. Perfect for couples, small groups, or travelers eager to combine sightseeing with a special meal on the water.

This experience made our article of What Are The Best Concert Experiences In Paris? Our Top 15 Picks.

Key Points

• Spectacular Nighttime Views: See Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame illuminated from the water.
• Prime Window Seating: All seats are guaranteed a view, enhancing the experience.
• Gourmet 3-Course Meal: From classic French dishes to vegan options, with drinks included.
• Live Jazz Entertainment: Adds a lively, authentic Parisian atmosphere.
• Flexible Cruise Times: Choose between shorter or longer journeys to fit your schedule.
• Authentic and Intimate: Small boat setting with personal service, creating a cozy vibe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Overview

From the moment we step onto the Port de Solférino, it’s clear this is a well-organized outing designed to impress. The boat, operated by ParisCityVision, is a small vessel with all window seating, offering close-up views of Paris’s most famous sights. It’s a delightful setup for those wanting to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.

The cruise lasts about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, with options for an earlier or later departure, catering to different travel plans. We found that the evening cruise coincides with Eiffel Tower’s sparkling light show, making the scene even more magical.

The Itinerary – What You’ll See

Starting from Paris Seine, the boat glides through a route that highlights key landmarks in a gentle cruise:

• Louvre Museum: Within a 20-minute window, you can admire the Louvre’s glass pyramid and historic exterior from the water—an ideal photo op.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: A brief 10-minute passage offers views of this Gothic masterpiece, though no stops are made here.
• Ile de la Cité: Passing this island gives a sense of the city’s ancient heart, with its bridges and historic buildings.
• Eiffel Tower: The highlight, with a 30-minute view, as the tower sparkles at night—a truly iconic moment.

The boat then returns to the starting point, completing a scenic loop that showcases both the grandeur and intimacy of Paris by night.

The Food: Gourmet French Cuisine

One of the main draws is the 3-course meal, served during the cruise. The menu varies slightly depending on the cruise time:

• For the earlier cruise, the starter features creamy burrata with leek and asparagus, followed by a choice of four main courses—such as sea bass, beef filet, poultry, or a seasonal vegetable casserole—and ending with a decadent molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
• The later cruise offers a broader selection, including lobster ravioli in Thai broth, risotto with black truffle chips, or vegan options. The main courses are equally tempting, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and French culinary finesse.

The drinks package includes champagne as an aperitif, a glass of wine, water, and coffee or tea, providing a well-rounded dining experience. Reviewers consistently highlight the good value for the price, noting the high quality of the food and attentive service.

The Atmosphere & Entertainment

The live jazz performance, often featuring a pianist and singer, adds a romantic and lively touch to the evening. Multiple reviews mention how engaging and talented the musicians are, with some describing the music as “fantastic” and the singer as “amazing.” This musical backdrop helps create an authentic Parisian vibe, perfect for making the evening memorable.

The small size of the boat (with about 22 guests, according to some reviews) means personalized service and a cozy environment. Guests often comment on how friendly, professional, and attentive the staff are, making everyone feel welcome.

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Considerations for Travelers

While many praise the cruise, some mention that the boat feels a bit dated and that the duration can sometimes be slightly shorter than advertised—reviews note it often lasts around 1 hour 10 minutes, rather than a full 1.5 hours. This might feel a bit rushed if you’re expecting a leisurely 90-minute journey.

Plus, some reviews point out that dressing smart casual is expected—no shorts or sportswear—and that children under 10 may not find this experience suitable. Directions to the meeting point are generally clear, but a few mention that navigation might be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

This cruise is ideal for romantic couples looking to combine a dinner with stunning views and live music. It’s also a good pick for small groups or special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries, given its intimate setting and quality service. If your goal is a relaxing, high-end experience with authentic Parisian charm, this cruise will meet your expectations.

However, if you’re seeking a more extensive city tour or are traveling with children under 10, you might want to explore other options. Also, keep in mind that the decor feels a tad dated, and the cruise duration may be shorter than some would prefer.

For travelers seeking a romantic, elegant evening with spectacular views of Paris’s glittering landmarks, this dinner cruise offers excellent value. The window seats and live jazz create a special ambiance that’s hard to match on land. The gourmet cuisine and attentive service make it feel like a true treat, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a memorable night out.

If you’re after authentic Parisian charm without the fuss of navigating busy streets or trying to find the best viewpoints, this cruise makes those iconic sights accessible from the water, all while enjoying a delicious meal.

For those who prioritize atmosphere and quality over modern decor or extra long durations, this experience hits the right notes. It’s especially well-suited for adults and couples looking for an elegant, fuss-free way to see Paris at night while savoring some excellent food and live music.

Is this cruise suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 10 years old, mainly because of the atmosphere and dress code.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a Seine River cruise with guaranteed window seating, a 3-course dinner, champagne aperitif, wine, water, and coffee or tea, plus live jazz entertainment.

How long does the cruise last?
Typically between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, but some reviews mention it can be slightly shorter, around 1 hour 10 minutes.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
The meeting point is at PARIS SEINE LA MARINA, located at Port de Solférino, at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Seine River.

Is there a dress code?
Yes, smart casual attire is recommended—avoid shorts and sportswear for a more fitting experience.

Can I choose my meal options?
Yes, there is a choice of starters, mains, and desserts, including vegan options on the later cruise.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the package includes champagne, wine, water, and coffee or tea.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this a good value for the cost?
Most reviews suggest yes, especially considering the quality of the cuisine, the views, and the live music.

Can I take photos during the cruise?
Absolutely, the prime window seating makes for excellent photos of Paris landmarks, especially as the Eiffel Tower sparkles at night.

In the end, this Seine River dinner cruise combines the essentials of a memorable Parisian night—stunning views, good food, and lively music—making it a lovely choice for travelers wanting to add a special touch to their visit.