REVIEW · PARIS
Paris at the First Lodges – Ducasse sur Seine Lunch Cruise
Book on Viator →Operated by CITYFLOATING DEBILLY · Bookable on Viator
Seine lunch feels made-to-order. This Paris cruise has guaranteed window placement, so you can actually enjoy the views instead of playing seat roulette. You’ll dine on a four-course French lunch prepared on board by chef Pierre Marty, with the Trocadero and the Palais de Chaillot area sliding past outside the windows.
Two things I like a lot: the window seat guarantee and the fact the meal is prepared on site for a true lunch, not just a box-and-serve situation. The one drawback to weigh is that drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget if you plan to pair your courses with wine.
In This Review
- Key takeaways before you go
- A 2-hour Seine lunch that prioritizes your view
- Boarding at Port Debilly and the “guaranteed window” reality
- Chef Pierre Marty and a lunch that’s truly cooked on board
- The wine list: nearly 100 choices, but drinks cost extra
- Electric boat comfort with a climate-conscious pitch
- Small group energy, and what that can change for you
- Price and value: what you’re really paying for
- Who should book this lunch cruise
- Should you book Paris at the First Lodges – Ducasse sur Seine Lunch Cruise?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for the cruise?
- What time does the lunch cruise start?
- How long is the experience?
- Is seating by the window guaranteed?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- Is lunch included, and what does it include?
- Are drinks included with the lunch?
- How big is the group?
- Will I receive a confirmation after booking?
- What should I wear?
Key takeaways before you go
- Guaranteed window placement means you’re not stuck with a partly blocked view.
- Four-course French lunch prepared on board keeps the meal feeling special and fresh.
- Chef Pierre Marty is right at the table preparing refined, modern French dishes.
- Wine list with nearly 100 references gives you real choices if you want to drink with your meal.
- Electric boat (10x less CO2 than diesel) is a low-emissions twist on a classic Seine experience.
- Small group, max 9 travelers should keep things relaxed and easy to manage.
A 2-hour Seine lunch that prioritizes your view
This cruise is built around one core idea: give you a great lunch without sacrificing the scenery. You’re not just sitting on a boat with a sandwich. You’re seated by the windows, and the menu is a proper four-course French meal served during the ride.
The meeting point is 19 Port Debilly (75116 Paris), and the cruise starts at 12:15 pm. That timing matters. A midday departure means you’re not dealing with late-night crowds, and your meal lands when you’re hungry—but not when you’re rushing to make the next reservation.
Duration is about 2 hours, which is a comfortable sweet spot in Paris. Long enough to feel like an experience, short enough that you can still plan an afternoon walk or museum visit after.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Paris
Boarding at Port Debilly and the “guaranteed window” reality
You’ll board at Port Debilly and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early. This isn’t just a politeness suggestion—boats run on schedules, and you want time to check in calmly and get settled.
Here’s why the window-seat guarantee is more than marketing. On many cruises, you can buy the ticket and still end up in the wrong spot. In this case, you’re specifically set up to watch the river scenery while you eat. That means less time glancing around and more time actually enjoying what’s outside.
The provided sightseeing reference is the Trocadero area and the square hosting the Palais de Chaillot. If you’ve ever looked at photos of that viewpoint, this is the kind of ride where you’re likely to understand why it’s photographed so often—because you’re seeing it from water level with a plated lunch in front of you.
Practical tip: bring your best patience. Even with a small group, boarding is when people shuffle in, settle coats, and get oriented. Showing up early helps you start the meal on your terms instead of the boat’s.
Chef Pierre Marty and a lunch that’s truly cooked on board
At your table, you’ll be served cuisine from chef Pierre Marty, with dishes prepared on site rather than shipped in. That small detail changes the feel of the whole lunch. Hot food stays hot, sauces and components are handled as part of the service, and it’s easier to think of this as dining—not transportation with food.
The lunch is set up as a choice among three starters, three main courses, and three desserts. You’re not locked into one option in a way that feels limiting. You can pick something that matches your appetite and your tolerance for richer dishes right at midday.
Sample dishes help you picture the style:
- Starter example: refreshed bonito with eggplant, pepper, and basil
- Main example: lamb from Auvergne with carrots, chickpeas, and candied lemon
- Dessert example: all-chocolate Paris with crunchy praline
Notice the range: fish + vegetables at the start, a hearty main, then a dessert that leans classic Parisian chocolate. If you like French cooking that feels modern but still grounded in familiar flavors, this menu approach is a good fit.
One consideration: the sample menu is exactly that—samples. Your final choices depend on the day’s service. If you have strong dietary needs, the data you provided doesn’t list specific alternatives, so it’s smart to check directly with the operator before you book.
The wine list: nearly 100 choices, but drinks cost extra
The cruise offers an extensive wine list with almost 100 references. That’s a lot of options for a lunch, and it’s great if you enjoy pairing each course instead of picking just one bottle and hoping.
But here’s the practical part: drinks are not included. That means your final cost can rise quickly if you order wine at multiple courses. If you want to keep the budget under control, you can still enjoy the selection—just decide ahead of time whether you want:
- one glass to go with the main,
- a single bottle to share,
- or skip alcohol and focus on the meal.
Also keep your priorities straight. This cruise is already pricey for a two-hour lunch, and the value comes from the included meal and guaranteed seating. Wine is the add-on that turns the experience into a celebration—just budget for it.
Electric boat comfort with a climate-conscious pitch
This is an electric boat experience, described as 10 times less CO2 emissions than a traditional diesel boat. That’s not a small talking point. Paris has a lot of traffic and a lot of tourism, and an on-the-water option that’s framed around lower emissions is one way to reduce your footprint without skipping the fun.
What you can expect from that, based on the info you have, is the sustainability angle—not any promised changes to ride feel. The key takeaway is simple: you’re choosing a boat powered in a more climate-conscious way while still getting the classic Seine experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris
Small group energy, and what that can change for you
The cruise has a maximum of 9 travelers, and that size tends to make the experience feel more controlled. With fewer people in the room, service is typically easier to manage, and your lunch won’t feel like a factory line.
Even better, it’s offered in English, which helps if you want to follow what’s happening during the meal and not guess your way through the service.
The operator is CITYFLOATING DEBILLY. If you’re the type who likes to be extra prepared, it can be worth sending any questions ahead of time (especially about menu flexibility). That’s also wise because of the one downside flagged below.
Price and value: what you’re really paying for
The price is $203.95 per person for about 2 hours. That’s not cheap. So let’s talk value in plain terms.
You are paying for:
- the guaranteed window placement (so you’re not gambling with your view),
- a four-course French lunch,
- the fact the food is prepared on board by chef Pierre Marty,
- and access to a wine list with nearly 100 references (even though drinks cost extra).
What’s not included is also important: transport and drinks. So if you compare this to a “less expensive” cruise, the difference usually comes down to included meal quality and seat guarantees.
If your goal is a scenic Seine ride at a budget price, you might decide this is too much. If your goal is a high-quality lunch with a real Paris view and a set-in-stone seat, it can feel like a smarter splurge.
One thing to be aware of from the ratings you shared: the overall rating is 4.3 (70 reviews), but there is at least one very negative comment about customer service that recommends not booking. I can’t judge how common that issue is, but if customer support matters to you, it’s worth checking the operator’s communication process before you purchase—especially because changes aren’t allowed (see FAQ).
Who should book this lunch cruise
This one fits best if you:
- care about views while you eat and want the seat guarantee,
- want a proper four-course French lunch in a set time window,
- plan to drink wine and want lots of choices (but you’ll budget for it),
- like smaller-group experiences (max 9).
It might be less ideal if you:
- want drinks included in the price,
- are strict about dietary needs and can’t confirm alternatives,
- or you dislike experiences with no-refund risk. If your plans could change, think carefully.
Should you book Paris at the First Lodges – Ducasse sur Seine Lunch Cruise?
I’d book if you want a 2-hour, lunch-first Seine experience with a guaranteed window seat and chef-prepared French courses. The window guarantee is the biggest deciding factor here, because it protects the main reason people do Seine cruises in the first place: seeing Paris while you’re comfortable.
I would hesitate if cost control and flexibility are your top priorities. Drinks aren’t included, and the experience is non-refundable with no changes allowed. Also, because one review strongly criticizes customer service, you should feel confident you can handle any problem quickly before you lock it in.
If you book, aim to arrive 20 minutes early, dress in proper attire, and decide in advance how you’ll handle wine so the lunch stays fun instead of expensive.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for the cruise?
You meet at 19 Port Debilly, 75116 Paris, France.
What time does the lunch cruise start?
The start time is 12:15 pm.
How long is the experience?
It lasts about 2 hours.
Is seating by the window guaranteed?
Yes. You get guaranteed window placement.
What language is the tour offered in?
The experience is offered in English.
Is lunch included, and what does it include?
Yes. Lunch is included, and you choose from three starters, three main courses, and three desserts.
Are drinks included with the lunch?
No. Drinks are not included, even though there is a wine list available.
How big is the group?
The cruise has a maximum of 9 travelers.
Will I receive a confirmation after booking?
You should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
What should I wear?
The operator requires proper attire, so dress accordingly.
