Paris: Seine River Cruise and 3-course Bistro Lunch

When it comes to enjoying Paris, nothing beats the charm of its river and its iconic sights. The experience of combining a Seine River cruise with a leisurely 3-course lunch at Le Bistro Parisien offers a wonderful way to see the city’s most famous landmarks while indulging in authentic French cuisine. From the moment I looked into this package, I was intrigued by its simplicity and reputation—garnering a solid 4.4 out of 5 from over 170 reviews.

What I love about this experience is how smoothly it blends sightseeing with relaxation. The large windows of the climate-controlled boat mean you can enjoy the views without worrying about weather or wind, and the lunch at Le Bistro Parisien, right by the Eiffel Tower, promises a true Parisian dining atmosphere. Plus, the fact that you can choose to do the cruise before or after your meal adds a flexibility that many tours lack.

A potential snag could be the crowd—this experience is popular, and some reviewers note that the restaurant can get quite busy, sharing space with the regular cruise boat, which might be noisy or crowded. Also, those expecting an onboard meal during the cruise itself should note that the lunch is served at Le Bistro Parisien, not on the boat, which might surprise some.

But overall, it’s a solid, value-packed way to experience Paris from two of its best vantage points—on the river and beneath the Eiffel Tower—especially if you’re looking for a relaxed, memorable day without the hassle of self-planning.

Key points / Takeaways

• Flexibility: You can choose whether to start with the cruise or lunch, making it adaptable around your schedule.
• Stunning Views: Expect panoramic sights of landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Grand Palais, all from the water.
• Authentic Cuisine: The 3-course meal features fresh, seasonal ingredients, with options that cater to various tastes, including vegetarian choices.
• Multilingual Guides: The cruise includes interesting commentary in 11 languages, making it accessible for many travelers.
• Great Value: At $67 per person, combining the cruise and lunch offers a good balance of price and experience, especially given the views and food quality.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Le Bistro Parisien’s location at the foot of the Eiffel Tower creates a genuine Parisian dining scene, perfect for celebrating special moments or simply savoring the city.

The Practicalities: What to Expect and How It Works

The experience begins at 7 Port de la Bourdonnais, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, making it incredibly convenient to incorporate into a day of sightseeing. You’ll check in at the Bistro Parisien, where you’ll present your booking confirmation to get your cruise tickets. The flexibility to either have lunch first and cruise afterward, or vice versa, is a real plus—though most suggest starting around noon for a relaxed pace.

The 1-hour Seine cruise is designed to be both scenic and educational. As you glide past Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Grand Palais, and the Hôtel de Ville, your guide or audio commentary (available in multiple languages) will give context and stories about what you’re seeing. The large windows on the boat make sure you don’t miss a thing, whether it’s the intricate details of Notre Dame’s façade or the grandeur of the Louvre.

After the cruise, or before, you’ll enjoy a three-course meal at Le Bistro Parisien. The menu features French classics with a modern touch—think fresh starters, hearty main dishes, and decadent desserts. Each meal is served with a choice of a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink—a simple touch that elevates the experience. Reviewers have consistently praised the quality of the food and attentive service, with many noting the restaurant’s lively yet cozy atmosphere and stunning views.

The Landmark Stops and Their Charm

The cruise’s route is well thought out, passing by Paris’s most recognizable sights in a way that’s both relaxing and informative. You’ll see the Eiffel Tower in all its glory, of course, which is especially spectacular from the water, seemingly towering over the city. Notre Dame, despite its ongoing restoration, still impresses with its façade and spire from the Seine.

The Louvre, with its glass pyramid, appears majestic from the river, and the Grand Palais’s glass roof adds a touch of elegance to the skyline. The cruise also passes by the Musée d’Orsay, renowned for its collection of Impressionist masterpieces, although it’s more a visual treat from the water rather than a detailed historical tour.

Many reviews highlight how the guides and audio commentary enrich the experience, turning sightseeing into storytelling. One reviewer mentioned that the guides’ knowledge was a highlight, making the landmarks feel more alive.

The Food: What You’ll Savor at Le Bistro Parisien

The 3-course lunch is a highlight for many. It offers a true taste of Paris—seasonal, fresh, and beautifully presented. While the menu varies, reviewers have praised the quality of the dishes, the generous portions, and the attentive service.

One reviewer called the food “incredible,” noting that the restaurant staff was “really great,” and others appreciated the good wine selection that paired beautifully with their meal. Vegetarian options are available, and it’s clear that the focus is on well-prepared, classic French flavors.

The location itself enhances the meal experience—dining just steps from the Eiffel Tower, with large windows framing the monument, makes for a memorable meal. Many reviews mention that the view of the Eiffel Tower standing majestically over the Seine is worth the trip alone.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This package is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, all-in-one experience—combining sightseeing with a sit-down meal—without the hassle of booking multiple tickets or navigating Paris alone. It’s especially well-suited for couples celebrating a special occasion, first-time visitors eager to see the landmarks with comfort, or anyone who appreciates good food paired with great views.

If you’re traveling with children under four, they can enjoy the cruise for free, though the restaurant charges a small fee if they eat there. The experience is also quite accessible, being wheelchair friendly and available in multiple languages—including English, French, and Spanish.

Price and Value

At $67 per person, this experience offers notable value—considering the cost of a nice meal in Paris and the price of a Seine cruise individually. The total package delivers a scenic tour and a delicious meal in a single afternoon, saving you the trouble of coordinating separate bookings.

Many reviews mention that the quality of the food and the views make this a worthwhile choice, especially considering the convenience and the guided commentary. It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground in a limited time, making it an efficient yet enjoyable way to experience Paris.

Final Thoughts

This combined cruise and lunch experience offers a charming slice of Paris—beautiful sights and gourmet food, all in one package. It’s especially suited for those who want a stress-free way to see major landmarks while enjoying a taste of French cuisine. The flexibility, scenic views, and friendly service make it a compelling choice.

While it might not satisfy those looking for a deep dive into history or an onboard meal during the cruise itself, it compensates with its authentic atmosphere and memorable vistas. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, the quality of the food, and the unbeatable location at the Eiffel Tower.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a relaxing day out in Paris, this experience is a solid pick—delivering a taste of Parisian life and scenery without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose whether to do the cruise before or after lunch?
Yes, you can decide whether to start with the cruise and have lunch afterward or vice versa. Most travelers prefer to show up around noon to enjoy both comfortably.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a 3-course lunch at Le Bistro Parisien, a drink (wine, beer, or soft drink), and a 1-hour Seine cruise.

Are children under 4 free?
Yes, children under 4 can enjoy the cruise for free. However, if they eat at the restaurant, a small charge of €15 per child applies.

Is the cruise accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

Can I bring extra food or drinks?
Extra food and drinks are not included and are typically at your own expense. Photos are also not included in the package.

How long is the cruise and lunch?
The entire experience lasts around 2 hours, with the cruise itself lasting about 1 hour, plus time for lunch.

What languages are available for the commentary?
The cruise includes audio guides and commentary in 11 languages, including English, French, Spanish, and others.

Where do I meet for the experience?
Check in at Bistro Parisien, pontoon No. 2 at Port de la Bourdonnais, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Is this experience good for couples or solo travelers?
Absolutely. The scenic views and good food make it ideal for couples, while solo travelers will enjoy the relaxed pace and opportunity to meet others.

Would this experience be good on a rainy day?
The boat is climate-controlled with large windows, so you’ll stay comfortable, though the experience is best enjoyed in fair weather for the outdoor views.