5-Course Dinner, Glass Canopy

A glassed-in Bateaux Parisiens boat gliding past lit-up monuments while a 5-course Christmas dinner is served at your table.

Overview

This Christmas cruise runs on December 24 and December 25, boarding a glass canopy boat on the Seine for a seated dinner with live music. The evening is structured around the meal: a welcome glass of Champagne Jacquart on arrival, then a five course French menu cooked aboard, with wines poured alongside each course and a second glass of champagne served with dessert. A singer performs live throughout the cruise.

The boat spends 2.5 hours on the water, gliding past illuminated landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Pont Alexandre III and Pont Neuf. The whole outing runs about 4 hours from check in to the end of service at midnight, with check in at 8 pm and departure at 8:30 pm. The meeting point is at Port de la Bourdonnais by the Eiffel Tower, and no hotel pickup is included.

It suits couples and families who want a full Christmas evening out rather than a quick sightseeing spin. Travellers who have taken it describe good food and wine, pleasant service and beautiful night views, with the trade off being a set menu rather than choices. One reviewer who upgraded to a table for two by the window was glad of it, so anyone wanting the best view should look at the seating options when booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Port de la BourdonnaisArrive at Bateaux Parisiens, Port de la Bourdonnais by the Eiffel Tower. Check in is at 8 pm and the boat departs at 8:30 pm.
2. Boarding and welcomeSettle into your table on the glass canopy boat and receive a welcoming glass of Champagne Jacquart.
3. Seine cruise with dinnerThe boat spends 2.5 hours on the river while the five course Christmas menu is served, with wines, mineral water and coffee, and live music from a singer.
4. Landmarks along the routeThe route passes Pont Alexandre III, Pont Neuf, Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame Cathedral and Le Marais, each for roughly 10 minutes, then the Eiffel Tower for about 30 minutes.
5. Return and disembarkThe return location depends on the selected option, and service ends at midnight.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details will shape the evening, from the dress code to how the seating works.

• Dress code. The dress code is smart casual, so plan accordingly rather than arriving in sightseeing clothes.
• Set menu. The five course menu is fixed, with no choices offered. One reviewer wished they had known the menu in advance, so anyone with strong preferences or dietary needs should check with the operator before booking.
• Seating matters. A reviewer who upgraded to a window table for two said it was more private and had a better view than the interior tables. If the view is the priority, consider the seating options on the booking page.
• Drinks included. Champagne, wines, mineral water and coffee are all included with the meal. Reviewers repeatedly praised the wine and said it flowed freely through dinner.
• Timing. Check in is at 8 pm, departure at 8:30 pm, and service ends at midnight. One reviewer noted the boat returned around 11 pm, so the exact end time on the night may vary slightly.
• Leave large bags. Pets, oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed on board. Travel light, since the evening runs late and you will be at a dining table.

Common issues. The menu is set, and at least one reviewer would have preferred options or advance notice of the dishes. One traveller expected to see Christmas in from the top of the boat but the return happened around 11 pm, earlier than they imagined. Souvenir photos taken by the on board photographer cost extra, and hotel pickup is not included, so everyone makes their own way to Port de la Bourdonnais.

Choosing Your Christmas Tour