Paris - which of these 2 is the best choice ?
 

Hi,
Going to Paris next week & need to pick between one of the following ...

Dinner at Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower

or

Dinner on a Bateaux-Parisian ?

Advice appreciated, Thanks

To me they are both different dining experiences. I've never had dinner at either place but I think it would depend on what you like.
I read that Jules Verne is a nice place and the view from the tower is exceptional. Someone I work with took the dinner cruise and said it was okay. It wasn't awesome to her just allright.

Thanks - both are priced around 250 Euros for the best table / package & I was interested to hear comments.

We intend to be in the Eiffel Tower anyway ..... I was hoping that someone would help make up my mind for me

More advice from someone who has done neither: I've heard that besides the view, the food at Jules Verne is terrific. I haven't heard that about the other. Do you already have reservations at Jules Verne? I've heard you have to book months in advance.

Why do either? Enjoy the views from the Tower and the river and then eat somewhere else.

Margaret: I've had dinner at the Jules Verne. The view is spectacular, the food is great and the service is impeccable. I don't think you'll get the same quality on the tour boat.
ginny

The Jules Verne has a private elevator, which gets you up in the tower without waiting in line. Dinner reservations are harder to get than those for lunch. personally I would prefer lunch anyway. Unless utilizing the services of a concierge, I suggest a fax as the simplest way to make one. Include your hotel phone number, confirm the day before, and bring a copy of their form letter to show to the elevator operator.

And I suggest you ask your HOTEL to make the reservations for you.

I think some people here are confusing the regular dinner cruises one sees going up the Seine with the Bateaux Parisien.. Those regular boats takes 100's of people, have commentators and lousy food I've heard. If I'm not mistaken the one you are referring to is a whole other story.. 20-25 tables max,lovely china and cryatal, no commentary, 4 or so waiters per table , excellent wine list and a very good menu. We were guests of a Paris food and wine critic on one and had a very enjoyable evening. But he is also a Parisian and told use stories of what we were seeing and gave us some history along with our dinner.

We've also dined at Jules Verne..fantastic views and superior food..

If I had my choice of only one I think I'd go with Jules Verne , especially if it's just the 2 of you.

Having dined at the Jules Verne but not on one of the boats, I'll offer this:

Jules Verne is a memorable experience, with fine food (I think they get at least one Michelin star, if that matters) and a gorgeous setting.
You won't forget dining there, even if you only do it once. It is VERY expensive.

On the boat, on most boats, the kitchen simply isn't at the same level, it can't be, it has further limitations.
Even if the food is decent, I've never read anywhere that it was a gourmet experience. But, it does offer the boat ride. It is expensive, but not as much as JV.

I'd have dinner at Jules Verne and then go for the boat ride, but I'm kind of a foodie. If you're not, go with your own instincts. Whichever you do, you'll wonder about the other one anyway.

meant to add, if you're going next week and haven't booked, JV is likely to be already fully booked.

I knew I'd written this down somewhere. The bateaux is Le Bretagne..and is only available for individuals when it is not being used for VIP guests or private parties.

There is no way it could be confused with the other cruises

I've eaten at Jules Verne, and it was a fantastic, memorable, romantic experience. Great food and service, and when you look out at the view you just feel like you should pinch yourself to make sure you're really there!

I've never done the boat dinner, but it sounds very nice. It would be tough to top dinner at the Jules Verne, though.

I understand that usually you have to reserve months in advance for JV, but we were able to get in with just two days notice, because it was 3 weeks after 9/11.

Many thanks all - you were right ...... theres no dinner reservations free until August 04 !!!
but I now have Sunday lunch booked ....

My mom and I had lunch at JV and it was a fantastic time!!! We spent a leisurly 3 hours eating, enjoying the view and then walking around the deck. Great choice!! Have fun!

It looks like Jules Verne is winning.

Well Jules Verne won the visit award for lunch ........ going on the boat for dinner - best of both worlds !

Hi Everyone,
Actually, I've been reading several great reviews about Le Jules Verne since my husband and I have reservations for the end of Sept 04. I believe that dinner for two is going to run around $350 US $. But, does anyone know if that includes wine, dessert and tip? Does anyone know of a link for the actual menu, I can't find one anywhere.
Thanks,
Angie

I would definitely have chosen Jules Verne myself, and just take a regular cruise without dinner.

They don't have a menu on their own web site, but here is one from Reserve the Best that should give you an idea

http://www.reservethebest.com/_fr_/r...ant.php?Id=176