Guided river cruise
La boucle du Doubs, deux écluses et le tunnel sous la Citadelle, commentés à bord du Battant.
from 15 €
Book online
Lunch and dinner cruise
Une table sur le Doubs, cuisine du restaurant traiteur L'Atelier.
- Cinq menus, du régional au prestige
- Durée selon le menu choisi, midi comme soir : 1h30 ou 2h
- Cuisine du restaurant traiteur L'Atelier, servie à table
- Bateau chauffé et climatisé
Lunch or dinner while Besançon glides past the windows: the lunch and dinner cruises turn a restaurant meal into a journey along the Doubs river. Aboard Le Battant, a heated and air-conditioned boat with room for 100 guests, you are served at your table while the boat follows the loop of the Doubs beneath the Vauban fortifications.
A floating restaurant on the Doubs
The lunch cruise lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and the dinner cruise about 2 hours: enough time for a proper meal at a relaxed pace, with the scenery as a bonus. The food is prepared by the L’Atelier restaurant and caterer and served on board during the cruise. Wine is included, half a bottle for two, along with water and coffee, so there are no surprises on the bill. As the courses arrive, the quays, bridges and fortified hills of Besançon slide past, giving every table a front row seat on the loop of the Doubs. It is a simple idea, dinner and sightseeing rolled into one booking, and it works just as well for a first visit to the city as for a special date.
Which menu should you choose?
Five menus are available, covering every occasion and budget:
- the Régional menu at 46,90 €, built around local flavours;
- the Boucle and Fil de l’eau menus at 51,90 €;
- the Atelier menu at 60,90 €;
- the Prestige menu at 67,90 € for special celebrations.
Children under 12 have their own menu at 35 €. For a birthday, an anniversary or any special request, call +33 6 64 48 66 80 before booking. Note for international guests: announcements on board are in French, but the meal and the scenery need no translation.
Good to know before booking your table on board
Meal cruises are booked online. Boarding takes place at the Pont de la République pier, on the tramway side, in the centre of Besançon: the République tram stop is right there, and the Cusenier, Saint-Paul and Beaux-Arts car parks are a few minutes away on foot. Unlike the standard guided cruise, pets are not allowed on meal cruises. For a lunch with friends, a romantic dinner or a family meal with a difference, this floating restaurant is one of the most original dining experiences in Besançon.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dinner cruise in Besançon cost?
Meal cruises start at 51,90 € per adult when booked online. A children's menu at 35 € is available for guests under 12. Wine (half a bottle for two), water and coffee are included.
How long do the lunch and dinner cruises last?
The lunch cruise lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and the dinner cruise about 2 hours, giving you time for a full meal while the boat sails the Doubs.
Are drinks included on the meal cruise?
Yes. Every menu includes wine, half a bottle for two people, plus water and coffee.
Who prepares the food served on board?
Meals are prepared by the L'Atelier restaurant and caterer, and served at your table while the boat sails the Doubs. For groups, menus can be tailored with the chef.
What menus are available on the meal cruises?
Five menus are offered: Régional (46,90 €), Boucle (51,90 €), Fil de l'eau (51,90 €), Atelier (60,90 €) and Prestige (67,90 €). Children under 12 have their own menu at 35 €.
Can I mention an allergy or a special diet?
Yes, the best approach is to call +33 6 64 48 66 80 before booking. The team will check with the caterer what can be arranged for your situation.
Can I bring my dog on a lunch or dinner cruise?
Pets are not allowed on meal cruises. They are however welcome, free of charge, on the guided cruise and the panoramic bus.
Does the boat sail during the whole meal?
Yes, the boat sails throughout the meal. We never stay moored, at lunch or at dinner: the cruise is part of the package and its price is included in the menu.
Is the dinner cruise comfortable on cool evenings?
Yes. Le Battant has an indoor dining room that is both heated and air-conditioned, so dinner stays comfortable whatever the temperature outside.
Can the boat be privatised for a group meal?
Yes, the boat can be privatised for up to 100 guests for a lunch or dinner: weddings, birthdays, seminars or company evenings. A quote is sent within 48 hours on request.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy the meal cruise?
The live commentary is in French. Written translations in English, German, Italian and Spanish are available on board, just ask when boarding.
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