Category: our Paris recommendations
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF PARIS AT NIGHT: A ROMANTIC CRUISE REVIEW
Article by — Helene, Paris elopement planner, exploring tourist experiences for the past 12 years
Disclaimer: As wedding planners at Do it Paris Way, we are regularly asked for recommendations for restaurants in Paris. The recommendations we make are based solely on our personal experiences and opinions. We do not receive any commissions or benefits from any restaurants we recommend, and we do not work with or have any business relationship with the restaurant being recommended. If you choose to visit this restaurant, please understand that you would need to book your reservation independently, as we do not assist with restaurant reservations or bookings.
THE MOST ROMANTIC DINNER FOR TWO
A night cruise on the Seine River is the perfect backdrop for a romantic elopement dinner for two. The stunning views of the illuminated Eiffel Tower and the historical landmarks of Paris set a dreamy ambiance for an unforgettable evening.
We booked a company called Ducasse sur Seine that offers an intimate and luxurious experience that's perfect for a romantic celebration.
CITY OF LIGHTS
Eiffel Tower, the symbol of romance and love
We embarked next to the Iéna bridge and famous Eiffel Tower, just look at how it sparkles meeting us!
Paris is often referred to as the City of Light, and for good reason. The city is transformed after dark, with its iconic landmarks - like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame - illuminated in a golden glow. But there's no better way to experience the magic of Paris at night than with a dinner cruise on the Seine River.
WHAT WE BOOKED
Helene is turning 30, late November 2022
For Helene’s birthday we decided to enjoy romance and have a classic dinner for two. Ducasse sur Seine is a luxury dinner cruise company that offers a unique dining experience on the Seine River in Paris. The company was founded by renowned chef Alain Ducasse and it aims to combine exceptional food, wine, and service with breathtaking views of the City of Light. The company's vessel is a sleek and modern boat designed by architect Gerard Ronzatti. It has been specifically designed to offer the best possible views of the city with its floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air deck. The dinner cruise experience includes a five-course meal designed by Alain Ducasse himself and served by a professional and friendly crew. The prices for dinner cruise on Ducasse sur Seine start at around €280 per person. We booed and payed online, left our baby with grandparents and took off for our perfect night.
THE FOOD
Polished silverware, sparkling glassware, and fresh bread with letters AD meaning Alain Ducasse
Starters: fish with citrus and beetroot carpaccio with black caviar
Vegetables cooked with soft spices and warm foie gras pâté
As a main course, we both ordered lobster
Every glass of wine was presented with a detailed and fascinating story about its origins, grapes and flavour profile
In total, there was around 5-6 different desserts we tried, which of course is a signature of French luxury cuisine, they bring you everything best they have
What was memorable for me is this specific wine I got for my chocolate dessert. This wine tasted like dark chocolate and it completely blew my mind, I never experienced anything like that
Luxury French cuisine is renowned for its exquisite flavors, elegant presentation, and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The cuisine is characterized by sophisticated techniques and rich, indulgent dishes such as foie gras, truffles, and buttery sauces.
The food at Ducasse sur Seine is an exceptional blend of French gastronomy and contemporary cuisine, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients to create exceptional flavors. The five-course menu is crafted by world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse and is expertly prepared onboard by the talented chefs. The dishes are beautifully presented and feature a selection of sustainably sourced seafood, meats, and vegetables, with a focus on local and seasonal produce. The dining experience is perfectly complemented by the stunning views of the Parisian skyline, making it a truly unforgettable gastronomic journey.
CRUISE
The magic of Paris at night
Île de la Cité in Paris at night is a dreamlike setting where you can witness the beautifully illuminated Notre-Dame Cathedral and the stunning Pont Neuf
The Académie Française's magnificent neoclassical architecture
By night, the illuminated Alexandre III Bridge becomes even more enchanting and breathtaking
But it's not just the food that makes this dinner cruise so special - it's the scenery. As the boat glides down the Seine, you'll pass under historic bridges like the Pont Neuf, see the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral illuminated at night, and marvel at the sparkling Eiffel Tower. It's a view of Paris you simply can't get from the streets.
WHAT WE FELT AND EXPERIENCED
We completely fell in love with our boat that offers panoramic views, and we didn’t want ever to leave
As we experienced, spending a night on the Seine doesn't come cheap. The costs of Ducasse sur Seine's dinner cruise start at €160 per person, but in our opinion, it's worth every penny for such a unique and unforgettable experience. We were treated to a meal that was fit for royalty, a private table in a stunning setting, and views of Paris that we will be talking about for years to come.
WE’D LIKE TO BOOK IT, WHAT’S NEXT?
We don’t assist with booking and restaurant reservations, so you’ll have to do it yourself. You can either book this exact company:
https://www.ducasse-seine.com/en/dinner-cruises-paris
Or you can search for another river Seine cruise, all of them are great:
1. Bateaux Parisiens: Offers a variety of evening river cruises that range from one hour to four hours, with live music and drinks.
2. Vedettes du Pont Neuf: Offers a one-hour evening river cruise that takes you past many of Paris's iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower.
3. Marina de Paris: Offers dinners while cruising the Seine with an extensive menu that features traditional French cuisine and a choice of wine.
4. Canauxrama: Offers a range of evening cruises that explore the hidden corners of the Seine, including a twilight cruise with a Champagne tasting.