Ducasse sur Seine: A gourmet cruise to rediscover Paris in a whole new way

Seeing Paris from the Seine is a classic experience. But forget right away the image of crowded riverboats and commentary blaring over the loudspeakers.

Aboard Ducasse sur Seine, the experience is entirely different. For nearly two hours, the capital slowly unfolds behind the huge floor-to-ceiling windows as you savor gourmet cuisine created by Alain Ducasse’s teams. It’s an original way to rediscover Paris, where the cruise becomes just as important as the meal.

An intimate cruise away from the riverboats

The tone is set from the moment you board. Here, there are no crowds or constant comings and goings. The boat welcomes a limited number of guests in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.

We settle in on board over an aperitif before the boat—which is 100% electric—gently pulls away from the dock. Very quickly, Paris seems to slow down. The riverbanks recede, the sound of traffic gradually fades away, and the Seine resumes its role as the capital’s most beautiful avenue.

Paris as we almost never see it

One of the great pleasures of this cruise is the freedom to move about on board: at any time, you can leave your table to head out to the outdoor deck or the rooftop to enjoy the view. Unlike a traditional tour, there’s no rush: you stop for a few minutes in front of a monument, admire the facades as they pass by, and then return to your seat before the next course.

This proximity to the monuments also allows visitors to observe a multitude of details that are almost never noticed from the quays: the sculptures on the bridges, the mascarons, the stone decorations, and even the views offered by the rows of bridges.

Even when you stay at your table, the show goes on. The entirely glass-enclosed dining room makes it feel as though you’re having lunch in the heart of Paris—the city seems to spill right into the restaurant.

Gourmet cuisine that lives up to the ambiance

The journey continues on the plate. Each dish is exquisitely refined, with meticulous presentation. The cuisine emphasizes balance rather than showmanship, allowing each ingredient to shine through with precision.

We also opted for the wine-and-food pairing, and it was a wonderful surprise. The sommelier introduced us to several unique wines that paired remarkably well with the dishes. It really added to the experience.

The JR Menu: When Art Comes to the Table

Currently, Chef Jean-Philippe Berens is offering a limited-time menu inspired by La Caverne du Pont-Neuf, the monumental installation created by artist JR on the Pont-Neuf.

The concept is as simple as it is spectacular: each plate is entirely in black and white, echoing the graphic style of the artwork. The three-course menu includes:

• a crisp daikon radish served with a black truffle rémoulade;
• a plain St. Peter’s fish, sea apples, and black gold;
• A dessert called Paris tout vanille—a real favorite of mine—that’s both incredibly indulgent and surprisingly light.

Beyond the taste, it’s also a true work of art. Each plate looks like a work of art.

An experience that combines heritage, gastronomy, and art

What makes Ducasse sur Seine so unique is precisely this convergence of different worlds: people don’t come just to enjoy a fine meal, nor solely to take a cruise. You enjoy a privileged view of Paris’s historic landmarks, discover the city from a unique perspective, all while savoring gourmet cuisine in a particularly elegant setting. The experience is even more fabulous at dinner, when you can watch the sun set over the city.

A wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion… or simply to take the time to rediscover Paris, at the leisurely pace of the Seine.

Practical Information

This article was written in response to an invitation, with no obligation to create content. I am therefore completely free to express my own views, so the opinions mentioned here are entirely sincere.