FAQ

General information

  • What does Bateaux Parisiens offer on special occasions?

    Instead of the usual menu, specially prepared menus are available on the following dates:

    - Dinner Cruises for Valentine's Day: 13 and 14 February
    - Dinner Cruise on France's National Day: 14 July
    - Sightseeing Cruise on France's National Day: 14 July
    - Cruise or quayside meal: Easter weekend
    - Dinner Cruise on Christmas Eve: 24 December
    - Lunch Cruise on Christmas Day: 25 December
    - Dinner Cruise on New Year's Eve: 31 December

    Booking required. Menus available to view online.​
  • Does Bateaux Parisiens offer free WiFi access?

    Yes, we offer free WiFi access at Le Bistro Parisien, on all our boats and in our meeting rooms.
    You can connect using your smartphone, tablet or PC.
    WiFi session duration is 24 hours (for meeting rooms, duration can be modified as necessary).
  • Are animals accepted?

    The rules of hygiene on boats and restaurants do not allow us to accept an animal except in the case of guide dogs.
    - Guid dogs are allowed under the presentation of a medical certificate. 
  • How does Bateaux Parisiens differ from other companies?

    As the leading tourism and restaurant dining provider on the River Seine, Bateaux Parisiens offers a variety of quality services.
    Boarding at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
    The Bateaux Parisiens cruise route passes in front of the Statue of Liberty (for the 12:30pm Lunch Cruise and 8:30pm Dinner Cruise).

    Our advantages:

    Sightseeing Cruise:
    Modern, panoramic boats with exterior viewing platforms.
    Commentary on boats available in 13 languages (8 simulataneously) via individual audio guide, paired with commentary by a guide in the lower part of the boat only.

    Restaurant Cruise:
    Stylish, panoramic boats offer unrivalled views of Paris.
    Our Chef and his teams use quality produce to prepare tasty and authentic cuisine.
    We offer live musical entertainment on board, setting the pace for your discovery of Paris.
    Bateaux Parisiens has the most comprehensive offer of quality products and services available.
  • Do you provide customer parking?

    Priority is given to tourism professionals (buses and coaches) at our paid car park.
    The car park has a very limited number of spaces.
    We therefore invite you to use the Tour Eiffel - Quai Branly public car park (under the Quai Branly museum).


  • Do you offer cruises throughout the year, including public holidays?

    We are pleased to welcome you every day of the year for Lunch Cruises, except on 1 January and the second Monday of January each year when the site closes at 5pm (whatever the event or services). Navigation restrictions may be imposed by the authorities in exceptional circumstances.
  • Do you offer access for persons with reduced mobility?

    Bateaux Parisiens welcomes people with reduced mobility, with the exception of cruises departing from Notre-Dame. 
    For safety measures, the number of seats may be limited depending on the configuration of the boat, do not hesitate to call us on +33 1 76 64 14 45 once your internet reservation has been made. The lavatory on our boats is only accessible by stairs. Toilets for people with reduced mobility are available on the Debilly (n°7) and Bourdonnais (n°5) pontoons (Eiffel Tower stop) before boarding.

    Sanitary facilities for people with reduced mobility are available at the Bistro Parisien, our quayside restaurant, pontoon n°2.

  • Can visitors smoke on board?

    All our boats are non-smoking. However, it is possible to smoke on the outdoor terrace at some of our restaurants.
    Some of our boats are equipped with an exterior platform where you can smoke.
  • Any suggestions or complaints?

    Bateaux Parisiens is at your service. Please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also email our Customer Service department at: sophie.baudet@bateauxparisiens.com.
  • What should I do if I run out of battery on my phone?

    Portable battery charging stations are available for rent in the lounges of docks 5 and 7.
  • What security measures are in place at Bateaux Parisiens?

    For everyone's safety, the presence of security agents has been reinforced.  

    A systematic bag check has been implemented, and opening jackets and coats is required upon entry.
     
    Luggage other than small backpacks, handbags, and computer bags will no longer be accepted within our premises, including in the cloakroom.  

    Unattended objects, boxes, or other containers, as well as suspicious behavior, should be reported to Bateaux Parisiens crews.

Booking

  • Is it obligatory to book a Sightseeing Cruise in advance?

    Bookings are not obligatory for the Sightseeing Cruise for groups of less than 20 people. You can purchase your ticket directly at the ticket office
    before your cruise.
    If you decide to purchase your ticket online, your ticket can be used at the date and time you have selected. All you need to do is present your email confirmation at the ticket office on Deck 3 on the day of your cruise.
    For groups of more than 20 people, we strongly advise you to book in advance. This will confirm the number of seats on board a boat for a specific cruise.
  • What is the advantage of booking a Restaurant Cruise in advance?

    Prior booking guarantees your a table on the boat. You will also have easier access to the choice available amongst our different services and seating areas.
  • How long does it take Bateaux Parisiens to confirm a booking?

    If you purchase your cruise online, the booking confirmation is immediately sent to you. In the case of an e-mail reservation, Bateaux Parisiens will confirm your reservation within 72 hours on average.
  • What is the difference between booking a cruise and offering a cruise as a gift?

    When you book a Lunch or Dinner Cruise, you receive an email confirmation with
    the price displayed.
    If you wish to offer a cruise as a gift, you can print a Gift Cruise PDF document which does not display the price and which is valid for six months.
    A Gift Cruise can be sent to you by post in an elegant gift envelope if you tick the Gift Envelope option when booking.
  • Which different Gift Cruises are available?

    You can offer a Lunch Cruise or a Dinner Cruise as a gift.
    A personalised invitation is sent to you in an elegant gift envelope if you tick the Gift Envelope option when booking.
    A Gift Cruise is valid for six months. Your gift recipient has a maximum six months within which to use the voucher.
  • Can I pay on site?

    For Restaurant Cruise bookings, a deposit of 50% minimum by credit card is requested from the reservation by phone or email, the balance can be paid directly on site the day of the service.
    If you wish to pay for your entire reservation on site, you can make your reservation at the reception at Port de la Bourdonnais Ponton 5 or 7. However, if you make a reservation on the Internet, we ask you to pay at the time of booking. For special dates (13 and 14 February, 14 July, 24-25 and 31 December) full payment is required upon booking. 
  • Why must I pay before boarding a Restaurant Cruise?

    It is simpler for you to pay before boarding, that way you have nothing to worry about during your cruise.
    You can just sit back and relax and enjoy the cruise.
  • Which payment methods are accepted?

    We accept payment:

    - On site: in cash and by credit card (Visa, Carte Bleue, Eurocard-Mastercard, American Express), as well as specific payment methods* (which cannot be used when purchasing online):

    - Best gift vouchers
    - Kadéos gift vouchers
    - Culture vouchers (just only for the Sightseeing Cruise)
    - Holiday vouchers (ANCV)
    - TirGroupé gift vouchers
    - Travellers' cheques in euros
    - Spirit of Cadeau card
    - Diners Club card
    - Cup card
    - JCB card
    *As per date of validity.

    Change is not given on these vouchers (except for travellers' cheques). They do not qualify for a discount on the public rate.

    - Online:
    Visa, Carte Bleue, PayPal, American Express and Cofinoga credit cards.
  • What is your cancellation and refund policy?


      Every booking is final, must be paid for and cannot be cancelled or refunded. Gift vouchers cannot be cancelled, refunded or exchanged.


    In the event of full or partial cancellation of the scheduled service or its content, or change of boat itinerary, caused by a refusal of authorisation by the authorities or by any fact independent of the will of the Service Provider, the Service Provider shall refund the Customer for the amount corresponding to the part of the Service not provided. The Customer has 6 (six) months from the initial scheduled date of the service to request payment of this refund from the Customer Relations Department (see Article 14). Under no circumstances may the Customer claim payment of any costs, indemnities or damages which may be claimed in this respect; the Customer will be responsible for the organisation of the event at another venue.

  • Can I change the number of people in a group?

    You must confirm the definitive number of participants at the latest 3 working days prior to the date planned for the service, and limited to more or less 10% of the price of the order, no modification fees shall be applied (see Terms and Conditions of Sale). This confirmed number will serve as the basis for invoicing. Consult our General Terms and Conditions of Sale.

Restaurant Cruises

  • Is your menu available in other languages?

    Yes, our restaurants provide menus in 10 languagues: French, English, Spanish, German, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese.
  • What are the differences between your various services options?

    To best meet your needs and expectations, for the Lunch Cruise at 12:30pm and the Dinner Cruise at 8.30pm we offer a choice between several service options.
    These various services propose the same à la carte menu (choice from 4 starters, 4 main dishes and 4 desserts), as well as additional options such as seating location on board, pre-dinner drinks or vintage wines, selection of refined cheeses or miniature desserts served with coffee. The choice is yours!

    For the Lunch Cruise at 12:45pm, the 3 services offered are: Service Étoile, Service Privilège and Service Premier
    For the Dinner Cruise at 8.30pm, the 4 services offered are: Service Étoile, Service Élégance, Service Privilège and Service Premier
    For the Dinner Cruise at 6pm or 9pm: Window-side seating option
  • Why choose the Service Premier?

    By choosing the Service Premier, you will board one of the must-have cruises on the River Seine.
    Settle in comfortably at the bow of the boat, at a round table offering an exceptional spot to enjoy a spectacular view of Paris.
    Savour the refined dining service enhancing the dishes freshly prepared on board by our Chef.
  • Is it possible to buy photos after the cruise?

    Unfortunately not. Once you have left the boat, you can no longer purchase the photos presented to you by our photographer during the cruise.
  • Can we warm a baby bottle on a boat?

    Yes, we can warm a baby bottle on the Restaurant Cruises or at Le Bistro Parisien where we have the necessary equipment.
    However, we are unable to do so on a Sightseeing Cruise. We invite you to warm your baby bottle before or after your cruise at Le Bistro Parisien.
  • Do you offer vegetarian menus aboard the boats?

    Yes, our menu includes vegetarian dishes: starter, mains and dessert.
    The price remains the same in accordance with the service option you have chosen as you are paying for an all-inclusive menu service with à la carte selection (pre-dinner drinks, starter, main dish, dessert, mineral water, coffee and wines).
  • If we do not want to drink alcoholic beverages, can we change the pre-dinner drinks and wines included in the service?

    Yes, of course. You are welcome to choose a non-alcoholic beverage to replace the drinks included in the service option you have chosen. Prices remain the same.
  • Do you offer a menu for specific diets?

    Yes, we offer specific menus such as, gluten-free, lactose-free, residue-free, fibre-free and diabetic. We recommend you order your specific menu when booking.
  • Do you allow children on Restaurant Cruises?

    Any seat for a child under 12 is charged, there is no free admission for children on board.
    Children under 12 occupy a place and their arrival on board of our boats will be charged at the same price as the adult menu (for any 0 to 12 years old child).
  • Are we able to choose the boat on which we take our cruise?

    Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a particular boat. Depending on bookings made, the boat used may be changed.
  • Do you provide commentary during Restaurant Cruises?

    Yes, the main monuments are pointed out.
    Our cruise staff are at your service to answer any questions on historical information you may have.
  • Is there a dress code for Restaurant Cruises?

    For the 8.30pm Dinner Cruise, formal dress code is required (no jeans, sports shoes, shorts or caps).
  • How long is the restaurant cruise gift voucher valid?

    The restaurant cruise gift voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
  • I would like to have my photos in digital version, is it possible?

    ?Yes, you can contact the photographer: Photofilmageparis
    117 avenue Victor Hugo
    92100 Boulogne Billancourt
    Tel +33 (0) 1 70 96 00 62
    Email: contact@photofilmageparis.fr
  • What if I want to add an option if I have not subscribed in advance (Either the same day, or I have already made my reservation and want to add the option after)?

    ?No possibility the same day for the wedding and birthday option but possible for the romantic option.
    You must call or email 48 hours in advance.
  • Question PMR: Would I be sure I can get on the boat and in what configuration, what condition?

    Yes the boats are accessible to people with reduced mobility except toilets, it is necessary to privilege the star service. For configuration, please turn to reception.
  • Is it possible to customize the dishes? Salt, allergies, vegetarian etc…

    Yes, you can customize your menu in case of intolerances, allergies etc…
  • What should I do if I want to keep my performance but postpone it to another date?

    Regarding the Cruise Restaurant, you must call our reservation service to change the service. Please note that there is a possibility of deferral fees
  • What are the cancellation or postponement methods in case of illness or administrative worries (visa refusal for example)?

    The decision is made in case. You can contact the customer service by email: sophie.baudet@sodexo.com
  • Is the disembarkation in the same place as the boarding?

    Yes, you board from the Eiffel Tower station and disembark at the same place.
  • If I booked a service for someone else, can I change the name of the recipient?

    Yes, you must contact us by email or phone.
  • Are pets allowed?

    Hygiene rules on boats and restaurants do not allow us to accept an animal except in the case of accompanying dogs.
  • What are the cancellation conditions?

    ?In the special case of the so-called special dates (14 February, 14 July, 24 December, 25 December, 31 December) cancellation will not be possible and the Customer will not be entitled to any refund.
    In case of cancellation of all services by Bateaux Parisiens, the amount of deposits already paid will be fully refunded.
    In case of impossibility to carry out the planned cruise for any reason whatsoever (mechanical breakdown, floods, bad weather, administrative prohibition, etc.) a price reduction will be applied.
  • Where can I find information on boat access? Where to board?

    You can find access to our boats on our website, confirmation emails and your tickets.
  • What is the sailing route of Croisières Restauration?

    For the Dinner Cruise at 6:15 pm, the route goes from the Eiffel Tower to the Ile Saint Louis. 
    For the Lunch Cruise and the Dinner Cruise, the route goes from the Statue of Liberty to the National Library of France.
  • Would it be possible to cancel or postpone a reservation?

    Yes, this is possible. You must call our reservation service to change or cancel the service on +33 (0) 8 25 01 01 01  
  • What should I do if my gift voucher will expire but I still haven’t used it?

    Tickets are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. You must validate your reservation before the expiry of your gift voucher. Please note that the service date may take place after the expiry of your ticket.
  • What should I do if I run out of battery on my phone?

    Portable battery charging stations are available for rent in the lounges of docks 5 and 7.
  • Do you offer child rates for the Dining Cruise ?

    Yes, we offer child rates which vary depending on the service provided. Specific rates can be viewed online for children aged 0 to 11 years old.
  • Will the dining cruises be open during the Olympic Games?

    As a reminder, the Olympic Games will take place between July 26 and August 11, 2024, and the Paralympic Games between August 28 and September 8, 2024.

    In light of this event, the opening hours and days of operation for our services will be affected.

    Closure of Dining Cruise:

    - July 18 to July 25, 2024 – preparation for the Olympic Games inauguration.
    - July 26, 2024 – Olympic Games inauguration.

Sightseeing Cruises

  • Are the cruise routes departing from the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame the same?

    The routes are the same; only the departure location differs.
    The Sightseeing Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower takes a one-hour route from the Eiffel Tower to Ile Saint Louis.
    The Sightseeing Cruise departing from Notre Dame takes a one-hour route from Notre Dame to Ile Saint Louis, turning around at the Eiffel Tower.
    In event of flooding of the River Seine, these routes may be modified without prior notice.
  • How often are Sightseeing Cruise departures from the foot of the Eiffel Tower?

    From April to September: from 10am to 10:30pm, approx. every 30 minutes (except at 1pm and 7:30pm). (On weekends and every day of July and August, from 10am to 11pm).

    From October to March:
    from 10:30am to 10pm, approx. every hour and some departures on the half hour. (Weekends and every day during Zone C school holidays, from 10am to 10:30pm).
  • How often are Sightseeing Cruise departures from Notre Dame?

    Departures are according to a specific schedule, from late March or early April (varies year to year) until November.

    > To consult departure times, click here.
  • In which languages is commentary available?

    Departure from the Eiffel Tower comments are available :

    - by individual wired audio guide on the lower deck in 14 languages: French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Dutch, Hindi, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.
    The comments are coupled with those of the hostess guide on board.
    There is also a specific commentary for children, in French only.

    - with the new Smartphone Audioguide for an even more magical and fun experience.
     Available in 11 languages: French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Russian, and Arabic.

    PS: Don't forget to bring your earphones, headphones with you!

    Departure from Notre Dame, commentary is available live in 4 languages by the guided tour hostess (French, English, German and Spanish).?
  • Do you have child rates for the Sightseeing Cruise?

    Yes, we offer child rates as follows:
    Free of charge for children under 3, specific rates for children aged between 3 and 11. These rates can be consulted online.
  • Do you have a disabled person rate for the Sightseeing Cruise?

    No, we do not offer a specific rate for disabled persons.
    We advise our disabled guests to select the first departure of the morning so that our crews are available to help them board.
  • Can I board at the Eiffel Tower departure dock and disembark at Notre Dame, or vice versa?

    No, the Sightseeing Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower and the cruise departing from Notre Dame are non-stop cruises.
    No stops are available. The cruise lasts one hour.

    The Sightseeing Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower takes a route from the Eiffel Tower to Ile Saint Louis.
    The Sightseeing Cruise departing from Notre Dame takes a route from Notre Dame to Ile Saint Louis, turning around at the Eiffel Tower.
  • Are there any stops during a Sightseeing Cruise?

    No, it is a one-hour, non-stop cruise.
  • What should I do if I was unable to board the Notre Dame commented cruise?

    Exceptionally, if you missed the departure at Notre Dame, your Notre Dame cruise ticket is valid for boarding the Eiffel Tower.

    Please note: Guided Cruise tickets departing from the Eiffel Tower stopover are not valid at the Notre-Dame stopover.
  • Can we pay in gift vouchers on site?

    ?For specific payments *(not usable via an internet purchase), here are the accepted titles:

    - Best gift vouchers
    - Kadéos gift vouchers
    - Cultural vouchers (only for cruise walks)
    - Holiday vouchers (ANCV)
    - Grouped Shooting Gift Vouchers
    - Travellers cheques in euros
    - Spirit of Gift Card
    - Diners Club Card
    - The Cup card
    - The JCB Card

    *Based on validity date
  • What should I do if I want to keep my performance but postpone it to another date?

    For the Commented Cruise, tickets are valid for 1 year.
    Please note that there is a possibility of deferral fees
  • What are the cancellation or postponement methods in case of illness or administrative worries (visa refusal for example)?

    The decision is made in case. You can contact the customer service by email: sophie.baudet@sodexo.com
  • Where should I look to know the direction of navigation: Order of visit of monuments?

    Le plan de navigation est disponible sur place sur l'audio guide web app et sur les écrans présent sur les bateaux et le quai.
  • If I booked a service for someone else, can I change the name of the recipient?

    Yes, you must contact us by email or phone.
  • Are pets allowed?

    The rules of hygiene on boats and restaurants do not allow us to accept an animal except in the case of accompanying dogs
  • What are the cancellation conditions?

    You will find the information in Article 4 and 10 by clicking on the link 
  • Where can I find information on boat access? Where to board?

    You can find access to our boats on our website, confirmation emails and your tickets.
  • Do you have electrical or USB outlets to charge phones on board?

    No, we do not have phone charging stations on board. But you can find portable battery charging stations, available for rent, in the lounges of docks 5 and 7.
  • Do I need to book a schedule for the cruise?

    There is no ticket for an exact schedule. The reserved ticket is valid all day. 
  • Do the boats have toilets?

    Yes, all our boats have toilets (except in case of breakdown).
  • Is the disembarkation in the same place as the boarding?

    Yes, you board from the Eiffel Tower station, pontoon 3, and disembark at the same place.
  • Will the sightseeing cruises be open during the Olympic Games?

    Reminder: the Olympic Games will take place between July 26 and August 11, 2024, and the Paralympic Games between August 28 and September 8, 2024.

    In light of this event, the hours and days of operation of our services will be impacted.


    Cruise commentary navigation stop from the Eiffel Tower:

    ·       April 8, 2024: first departure at 13:30 PM

    ·       June 17, 2024: first departure at 13:30 PM

    ·       From July 18 to July 25, 2024: complete closure

    ·       July 26, 2024: complete closure

    ·       From July 27 to August 11, 2024: first departure at 13:30 PM

    ·       From August 28 to September 8, 2024: first departure at 13:30 PM

     

    Cruise commentary navigation stop from Notre Dame:

    ·       From July 18 to July 25, 2024: complete closure

    ·       July 26, 2024: complete closure

    ·       July 27, 2024: complete closure

     

     

Bistro Parisien

  • Will Le Bistro Parisien be open during the Olympic Games?

    As a reminder, the Olympic Games will take place between July 26 and August 11, 2024, and the Paralympic Games between August 28 and September 8, 2024. 

    In light of this event, the opening hours and days of operation for our services will be affected.

    Le Bistro Parisien Closure:

    - July 18 to July 25, 2024, all day – preparation for Olympic Games inauguration.
    - July 26, 2024, all day – Olympic Games inauguration."