Hen and stag parties on the Seine: the party cruise with friends

Somewhere between private function rooms and pop-up bars, a hen or stag party on a boat in Paris has become an alternative that offers a real change of scene: a private cruise with friends, with Paris gliding by in the background while the party sets its own pace.

Why a boat works so well for a hen or stag party

A group of close friends usually wants the same thing: a space of their own, without other customers in a bar or a time slot in a shared venue. A boat ticks this box naturally: once on board, the space is entirely private until you return to the quay.

Which format for the atmosphere you want

• Party cocktail cruise - a DJ or playlist, a standing buffet, an impromptu dance floor: the most common format for a group that mainly wants to party.
• A calmer dinner cruise - for a group that prefers a convivial meal, with the views of Paris as the thread running through the evening.
• Daytime package - brunch or lunch on board, often chosen for a hen party ahead of an evening planned elsewhere.

Organising the surprise (or not)

Many organisers choose to keep the destination secret until boarding: a boat lends itself well to this, as the bride- or groom-to-be usually discovers the venue at the last minute. Equally, you can plan an event announced in advance if the group prefers to prepare beforehand (outfits, decoration, entertainment).

Decoration and little touches

Banners, themed accessories, a cake or little gifts for the guest of honour are easy to include on board: the key is to let the crew know in advance so the set-up can be done before the group arrives, especially if a surprise is planned for the moment of boarding.

How far in advance to book

Hen and stag parties are often booked a few weeks to two months ahead, a shorter lead time than for a wedding: which also makes them an easy option to fit in even if the date isn't fixed months in advance.