Where to spend an evening on the water in Paris? 5 spots for a different kind of sailing

In Paris, summer calls for slowing down the pace, getting some fresh air and escaping without leaving the city. One of the most pleasant options is to spend the evening on a boat, barge or floating terrace. Far from the scorching asphalt and crowded streets, these addresses offer a real change of scenery – without having to leave the ring road.

Le Diamant Bleu: dinner cruise with panoramic view

With its elegant silhouette and large bay windows, Le Diamant Bleu offers an upscale yet accessible experience. The menu is meticulous, the service smooth and the two-hour cruise allows you to rediscover Paris from the Seine, from the Alexandre III Bridge to the Eiffel Tower. An ideal option for a couple’s dinner or a chic small group outing.

📍Peniche Le Diamant Bleu, 2 Rue du Ranelagh, 75016 Paris

Capitaine Fracasse: the classic that works

A must for Parisian cruises, Capitaine Fracasse embarks from the Île aux Cygnes for a quality meal at an affordable price. With a dinner formula prepared by a Michelin-starred chef and regular routes through the heart of Paris, it’s the perfect address for a first date or a family evening out. All without excess or tourist traps.

📍Le Capitaine Fracasse, de, L’île aux Cygnes, Escale, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris

L’Instant sur Seine: cocktails, sunsets and soft music

Less formal than a dinner cruise, L’Instant sur Seine is a chill barge offering aperitifs, small dishes and DJ sets on weekends. Moored on the Left Bank, between the Invalides and the Musée d’Orsay, it’s the perfect place for a drink while watching the sun set over the Parisian bridges.

📍L’Instant sur Seine – 16e, Bateau Le Paris, 2 Port Debilly, 75016 Paris

Francette: the trendy floating spot

Located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Francette combines three levels: rooftop for aperitifs, a restaurant serving French specialties on the main deck, and a festive cellar in the basement to extend the night. The view is spectacular, and the atmosphere quite festive. A must for both early evening and late night dining.

📍Francette, 1 Port de Suffren, 75007 Paris

Bonnotte Club: a guinguette-style party on the water

The Bonnotte Club is the latest floating club to offer a relaxed, festive concept, with DJ sets, natural wines and snacks. The atmosphere is youthful, admission is often free and the setting – a large wooded barge – makes it one of the nicest places to dance without sweating on the asphalt.

📍Bonnotte Club Paris, Port de Suffren, 75007 aris

And for more addresses along the river, check out our selection of restaurants with terraces in Paris or our ideas for an outdoor summer in the capital.