Can you hold a corporate dinner on the Seine? What to plan for

The first guests arrive, coats are dropped off, then everyone looks for their seat at the tables. A few minutes later, the boat leaves the quay and Paris begins to glide past the windows. Dinner then also becomes a moment of discovery.

Yes, a corporate dinner can be held on the Seine. In practice, it all starts with choosing a boat suited to the number of guests and the format of the meal.

A seated dinner needs space

Tables, chairs, staff movement and service take up a significant part of the boat. You therefore need to look at the capacity available for a seated dinner, not simply the maximum capacity across all layouts.

Cruising is part of the running order

If the boat is cruising, the route and planned duration must be confirmed in advance. The cruise can accompany the meal, while the welcome and the end of the evening can be organised around boarding and the return to the quay.

Which boat for which group?

For a small group, a yacht may be suitable depending on its capacity and layout. For a larger group, a barge generally offers more space. A moored boat can also be considered if cruising isn't necessary.

Plan ahead for service and dietary requirements

The menu, the service and any dietary requirements should be decided well in advance. What you need to check is how the meal will actually be organised on board, particularly the space set aside for service and for the buffet, if there is one.