Imagine gliding gently along the Ourcq Canal, with a sizzling plancha on board, a drink in hand, surrounded by your friends or family. In Paris, this experience is a reality, and it’s accessible to everyone—no driver’s license or special boating skills required. With AKWA, hop aboard a plancha boat and turn a simple outing into an unforgettable experience in the heart of the 19th arrondissement. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your plancha boat in Paris.
Plancha Boat in Paris: The Best Idea for a Barbecue with Friends
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Table of Contents
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- What is a "plancha boat" in Paris?
- The price of a plancha boat in Paris
- Capacity, duration, and practical requirements
- Where to Rent a Plancha Boat in Paris
- Hours and Seasonality
- Recipe ideas and inspiration for your barbecue on the water
- Who is the barbecue boat in Paris designed for?
- Steps to Take Action
- Plancha Boat in Paris: A Fun, License-Free Outing on the Ourcq Canal
What is a "plancha boat" in Paris?
A "plancha boat" in Paris is exactly what the name suggests: an electric boat equipped with a built-in plancha grill, designed for cooking and sharing a meal while sailing. This concept—a blend of a boat outing and a convivial culinary experience—has established itself as one of the most original activities available in Paris.
A quiet, electric boat with a plancha grill
At AKWA, the Plancha boats are quiet electric boats with no internal combustion engine that glide silently across the water without emitting any pollutants. They can accommodate up to 10 people, making them an ideal choice for groups of friends, large family outings, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, or corporate events.
A culinary experience on the water
The griddle is set up on board, allowing you to grill meat, fish, vegetables, or any other dish of your choice while sailing. You bring your own ingredients, cook at your own pace, and raise a toast while admiring the canal’s banks. It’s simple, festive, and, frankly, hard to beat in terms of originality.
The price of a plancha boat in Paris
How much does a boat-based plancha session cost in Paris?
This is often the first question people ask. The rate for a plancha boat at AKWA starts at €300 for a 3-hour session (or €10 per person per hour). Depending on the package you choose and the time of year (weekday or weekend), rates can go up to €350. Divided among the number of people on board—up to 10 participants—that works out to about €10 per person per hour for a unique experience on the water, which is still very reasonable for an activity in Paris.
For standard electric boats without a plancha, rates start at €45 for 1 hour (4 passengers included), allowing everyone to choose the package that best suits their group and budget.
We strongly recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer when demand is very high. You can check availability and complete your reservation directly on the AKWA rates page.
Capacity, duration, and practical requirements
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | up to 10 people per plancha boat |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| License Required | none |
| Engine Type | electric, quiet, zero CO2 emissions |
| Accessibility | Some boats are accessible to people with limited mobility (LEGEND boats) |
Navigation and Getting Started
Getting started is quick and intuitive. When you arrive, the AKWA team will spend a few minutes explaining how the boat works and the rules for navigating the canal. No prior boating experience is necessary. You’ll steer the boat yourself, at your own pace, within a designated and secure navigation area.
Where to Rent a Plancha Boat in Paris
An easily accessible water sports center
The AKWA water sports center is ideally located at 37 Quai de la Seine, in Paris’s 19th arrondissement, on the banks of the Bassin de la Villette and at the entrance to the Canal de l’Ourcq. It is one of the most vibrant and greenest areas of the capital, far from the hustle and bustle of the major tourist thoroughfares.
From this starting point, you’ll glide along calm waters lined with bustling docks, street art murals, and greenery. The Ourcq Canal offers a surprising setting for anyone looking to experience Paris in a different way and get off the beaten path. For residents of the 19th arrondissement, it’s literally just a stone’s throw from home. For tourists or Parisians from other neighborhoods, it’s easily accessible by metro (Jaurès or Stalingrad stations) or by bike via the area’s many bike paths.
Hours and Seasonality
Time slots tailored to every part of the day
AKWA is open for extended hours to suit everyone’s preferences, whether you’re looking for an al fresco lunch, a late-afternoon cocktail on the water, or an evening out on the water.
From May through September, the facility is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your visit. Outside of peak season (April and October), hours vary by day of the week. We recommend checking available time slots directly on the website before planning your visit.
Recipe ideas and inspiration for your barbecue on the water
Recipe Ideas for Your Plancha Boat in Paris
One of the great things about a boat with a plancha grill is that you can create your own menu based on what you feel like eating. Here are a few ideas for getting the most out of the built-in plancha grill:
Chicken skewers marinated in lemon and fresh herbs, served with grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms). Garlic and butter prawns, best enjoyed with toasted bread and a fresh sauce.
A platter of seasonal vegetables (asparagus, eggplant, corn) for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option. Melted cheeses and caramelized figs for a gourmet touch to end the meal.
The idea is to prepare foods that are easy to cook quickly on a hot surface, without requiring many utensils. Be sure to bring your marinades, condiments, and cold drinks in a cooler. AKWA offers a menu of appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages (in collaboration with Le Paon qui boit); you can bring your own food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. A quick safety reminder: just like on the road, the driver must remain sober at all times while the boat is in motion. To make planning easier for you, AKWA also offers a tableware rental service.
Who is the barbecue boat in Paris designed for?
A fun activity for people of all backgrounds
The plancha boat is an activity designed to be shared, and it lends itself to a wide range of situations. Groups of friends find it the perfect setting for a fun get-together, whether during the day or in the evening. Families appreciate how easy it is to get there and the chance to have both children and grandparents on board the same boat. Couples can enjoy a romantic and unique getaway, far from crowded restaurants.
Many companies also choose this option for their events. Whether for a team-building activity, a seminar, or a works council event, the plancha boat naturally fosters interaction, relaxation, and a positive atmosphere among teams. It’s an eco-friendly activity powered by quiet electric boats, which aligns with the values of many organizations concerned about their environmental impact. To learn more about private charter options, visit the page dedicated to groups.
Finally, for tourists who want to discover Paris from an unusual perspective, cruising along the Ourcq Canal is a memorable way to explore the city off the beaten path. The canal’s river heritage holds many surprises.
Steps to Take Action
Reserve your boat with a plancha grill in Paris
Booking your plancha boat with AKWA is quick and easy. Here's how to do it:-
- Visit akwa-experience.com and check availability online.
- Select the "boat and plancha" package and choose your time slot.
- Please indicate the number of participants (up to 10 people).
- Complete your reservation and receive your confirmation by email.
- On the day of the event, meet at 37 Quai de la Seine, Paris 19th arrondissement, 15 minutes before departure—bring your snacks and a positive attitude.
If you have any questions before booking, AKWA's FAQ section answers the most common questions about how the boats operate, cancellation policies, and practical details.
FAQ
Do you need a permit to rent a plancha boat in Paris?
No, you don't need a license to rent a plancha boat in Paris from AKWA. It's easy to get started, and the staff will explain how the boat works and the navigation rules for the Ourcq Canal in just a few minutes.
How many people can fit on a plancha boat?
Each plancha boat can accommodate up to 10 people. This is the ideal capacity for a group of friends, a large family, or a small corporate event. Multiple boats can be reserved.
What is the minimum rental period for a boat with a plancha grill?
A plancha boat rental lasts 3 hours. This package lets you fully enjoy sailing and grilling on the plancha while keeping the outing easy to organize.
What do we need to bring to enjoy the plancha on board?
Please bring your own food to grill (meat, fish, vegetables, cheese), as well as your marinades, condiments, and cold drinks—ideally in a cooler. You can rent dishes and a table on site (while supplies last).
Plancha Boat in Paris: A Fun, License-Free Outing on the Ourcq Canal
A barbecue with friends in Paris takes on a whole new dimension when it takes place on the water. AKWA’s plancha boat promises a festive, laid-back, and unique experience—open to everyone, no boating license or experience required—departing from the Ourcq Canal in the 19th arrondissement. Whether you’re with friends, family, as a couple, or as a group, this experience checks all the boxes for a successful outing in Paris. Don’t miss out on the season—discover the magic of the plancha boats and the perfect combination of drinks and adventure, and book your slot now.
