Thinking about booking the Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise in Paris? I recently tried it myself and in this article, I’ll tell you exactly what to expect. From the boat and the views to the food, service, and music, here’s my honest, first-hand review. It’s one of the most famous cruises in the city—but is it worth it?
Here is my 5-minute review in video, go check it out after reading it!
And book your dinner cruise here.
Where It Leaves From & What You See
The Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise starts from Port de la Conférence, which is right by the Eiffel Tower on the Right Bank of the Seine.
The location is already impressive.
You board the boat in a calm, organized way, with staff guiding you to your table depending on the service you booked.
We were seated next to the window, with a full glass wall and ceiling above us.
This setup gave us an amazing view of the city, even from inside.
The Route
The boat follows a beautiful route that lets you see many of Paris’s most iconic monuments.
You pass by:
- the Eiffel Tower
- the elegant Pont Alexandre III
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- the Louvre
- Pont Neuf
- a small replica of the Statue of Liberty
- and more.
It’s a full sightseeing tour of central Paris, all while you dine.
One important thing to know: the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour after dark, but only for a few minutes.
Our cruise ended 20 minutes before 11 p.m., so we missed seeing it sparkling.
Depending on your cruise time, you might catch it—or, like us, you might miss it.
We were probably just a bit unlucky. The reason isn’t clear—maybe the cruise was slightly shorter that night or there was some traffic on the river.
What’s Included in the Dinner Cruise
I picked their Excellence service—which is their most complete offer.
This included a glass of champagne when we arrived, a full bottle of wine (we picked red), a large bottle of still water, and a four-course dinner.
The paper menu on the table was a nice touch, especially since many cruises skip that.
There are four options for each course: starter, main, cheese or dessert.
The dishes were well presented and tasted good, though the portions were small—think of it more as elegant fine dining than something super filling.
As an aperitif, we all had a Gazpacho.
For my starter, I had a tomato-based dish. It was simple and fresh, and a nice way to begin the meal.
For the main course, I chose the stuffed vegetables in basil sauce.
The presentation was beautiful, and the vegetables were tender and tasty, though the portion was on the smaller side.
The cheese course included a creamy Brie with a little salad.
Dessert was a white chocolate mousse with red berries, nicely balanced and not too sweet.
Everything arrived on time and was served at a calm pace. It felt smooth and relaxed, not rushed.
What the Boat Is Like (Inside & Outside)
The dining area on the Bateaux Mouches is spacious, with plenty of room between tables.
You’re not squished next to strangers, which makes it easy to talk and enjoy the evening.
The glass ceiling and side windows mean you get the full view of Paris, even while sitting down.
The rooftop
One feature that stood out was the rooftop.
There isn’t much decor or furniture up there, but it’s a good spot to take photos, get some fresh air, or enjoy the city lights for a few minutes between courses.
If the weather is nice, don’t miss it.
The Atmosphere & Music
During dinner, a live piano and violin duo played soft background music.
There were no singers—just calm instrumental pieces that added to the peaceful mood.
It felt classy without being too formal.
The music wasn’t loud, so you could still chat easily at your table.
The service was very professional.
Our waiter, Moussa, greeted us with a smile and took care of everything without being pushy.
From the moment we boarded to the last goodbye, everything felt smooth and well-organized.
It added a lot to the experience.
Difference between Prestige and Excellence
| Feature | Prestige Menu | Excellence Menu |
| Seating | Standard seating (center or mixed positions) | Guaranteed table by the window |
| Menu style | 4-course all-inclusive menu | 4-course gourmet menu with finer ingredients |
| Drinks included | Aperitif + 1 bottle of wine (good quality) + water + coffee/tea | Aperitif + premium wine & champagne + water + coffee/tea |
| Cheese course | Yes | Yes (same) |
Tips Before You Book
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in without stress.
- The Excellence service offers better views and more space.
- Bring a jacket, especially if you want to go up to the rooftop.
- Vegetarian options are available and clearly marked.
My Honest Opinion: Is It Worth It?
I once rolled my eyes at dinner cruises and called them “tourist traps”, but I have since changed my mind.
Yes, I believe the Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise is worth it if you want a relaxed and elegant night out in Paris.
It’s especially good for couples, families celebrating something, or first-time visitors who want to enjoy great views with a touch of French cuisine.
It’s not the most modern or trendy option, but it delivers.
The boat is comfortable, the views are beautiful, and the food is better than you might expect from a river cruise.
Just don’t go hungry expecting a huge meal, and be aware that you might miss the Eiffel Tower sparkle depending on timing.
Don’t forget that you can book your dinner cruise here!
If you use that link, I’ll get a little commission at no extra cost for you. It helps us out.
Bonne croisière!
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
