Valentine's night for singles in Paris: the anti-Valentine's party on a boat

On 14 February, everything seems designed for couples: tables for two, menus to share, candles and roses. For those who have no wish to play along, there is a simple alternative: gather your friends, single or not, and turn the evening into a party. A private boat on the Seine offers a setting that is both elegant and relaxed.

We have already written an article about Valentine's Day for couples. This one takes the opposite angle: an evening with friends, or an "anti-Valentine's" party, with no romantic pressure, but with cocktails, games and good spirits.

Why choose a boat for an anti-Valentine's party?

The first advantage of a privately hired boat is that it creates a space of its own. There is no crowded restaurant and no neighbouring tables full of couples enjoying a tête-à-tête: your group has the boat to itself, free to laugh loudly, create its own atmosphere and set the pace of the evening.

The Seine also provides a backdrop that doesn't need to be romantic to be beautiful. The illuminated quays, the bridges and the monuments glide past the windows. The evening feels like a real occasion, without the couple-centred side of things. For a group of friends, the effect is immediate: you are treating yourselves to something special, together.

The idea also suits very different people: proud singles, friends in couples who would rather avoid the conventional dinner, or anyone who simply wants to spend 14 February differently.

Choosing the right format for your group size

The choice of boat depends first on the number of guests and the atmosphere you want.

• A small group of close friends: a yacht, suitable for groups of 2 to 30 people, works very well. The space is intimate, conversation flows easily, and you can enjoy the view.
• A larger party: for a wider circle, colleagues or several groups of friends, a barge (for 40 to 250 people) leaves room for a proper dance floor, a bar and spaces to chat.
• An evening without sailing: a moored boat is a sensible option if you want to focus on the party and comfort, without depending on the winter weather.

If you are torn between several types of boat, our team can advise you based on the number of guests and the evening you have in mind.

A cocktail menu rather than a candlelit dinner

To break with Valentine's Day conventions, a cocktail-style format is ideal: people move around, chat and meet one another. Rather than a multi-course menu, opt for a buffet or sharing bites, served with a cocktail bar.

A few ideas to play with the theme:

• cocktails with quirky names ("Ex on the Run", "Golden Single") to start the evening with a smile;
• a menu that is tangier or more bitter than sweet, as a nod to the anti-romantic spirit;
• a workshop where everyone makes their own cocktail. We describe this activity in our article on the mixology workshop on board.

Do also consider offering well-crafted non-alcoholic drinks, so that every guest feels well looked after. The choice of caterer and drinks is finalised with us when we put your evening together.

Games and activities to make people laugh, not to flirt

The aim of an evening with friends or singles is to create a good mood without making anyone uncomfortable. It is therefore best to avoid formats that feel like an enforced dating event. Here are a few lighter ideas:

• A blind test devoted to break-up songs, to hits that make you feel better after heartbreak, or to great classics to sing at the top of your voice. Our article on the blind test and games evening explains how to set it up.
• A "terrible romantics" quiz: anecdotes about films, songs or disastrous dates, played in teams.
• A wall of anonymous confessions: everyone writes down their worst date, and the group guesses who wrote it.
• A break-up karaoke, which has the advantage of bringing the group together within minutes.

To keep a good rhythm, alternate quieter moments (cocktails, chatting on deck if the weather allows) with high points (games, music). A playlist prepared in advance, or a DJ if the format suits, helps build the atmosphere gradually.

Organising the evening: date, times and practical details

14 February is a very popular date in Paris: it is best to book early, especially as availability varies from boat to boat. If the 14th falls midweek, there is nothing to stop you moving the party to the nearest weekend, which is often easier for getting everyone together and involves fewer transport constraints.

A few points to plan for:

• The season: it is cold in February. A covered, heated boat is preferable; a quick trip out on deck, coat over your shoulders, is still possible for a photo of the illuminated monuments.
• The dress code: keep it open. A simple rule such as "anything but red" amuses guests and sets the tone of the evening. Our article on the dress code on board offers more ideas.
• Getting home: arrange a few transport options for the end of the evening, so that everyone gets home safely.
• Sharing the cost: for a group of friends, a shared pot makes it easy to split the cost of the private hire between the guests.

A great idea for teams and newcomers too

This format isn't limited to circles of friends. Colleagues, a network of former classmates or a group of expats who have recently settled in Paris can also find in this alternative 14 February a good excuse to get together, without the awkwardness of an event aimed at couples.

The idea is the same throughout: to make this date an occasion to celebrate friendship, the pleasure of being together and the city, rather than something to endure. With a private boat, a cocktail bar and a well-thought-out programme of games, Valentine's Day becomes an evening you will remember.