Charlotte Bruel, at the helm of the Bateaux Mouches since 15 years

What are the results of your heading the company since 15 years ?

Today, our family company is n°1 in the area with 15 boats, it's the most importante fleet on the Seine. I am continuing the work of my father, Jean Bruel, by contributing to make it a window-display of Paris. Travelers from around the world discover the capital on the most beautiful avenue in the world that is the Seine. And next year, I will be celebrating the 70 years of the Bateaux Mouches.

Not too difficult for a woman to manage a team of men ?

Eveyone knows that I am the boss, and there never is a problem, things run very smoothly on a daily basis. Women are often much stronger than your, but you know, we never say it in order not to hurt your feelings…

How many employees are there at the Bateaux Mouches company ?

It's quite variable, depending on the weather, if it's possible to navigate on the Seine for the boat outings. During high season, we can have as many as 600 persons, with extra staff support during summer.

What are the new boats to enter your fleet ?

We don't buy boats, we have them custom-built, in keeping with our needs. The most recent is hybrid, diesel and electric. Every 4 years, one of the elements of the fleet is rebuilt, remotorized to produced less pollution, modernized and equipped with LED softly lighting up the docks. We mulitply our initiatives in order to attract 2,7 millions passengers per year.

What do you do to attract Parisians on your boats ?

The Le Club restaurant is a first step. The clients face the Eiffel Tower. There is the rooftop of « Monsieur Mouche », celebrated as the most trendy in Paris and « Le Bain de Soleil », a terracee to sit in the sun while drinking Mojitos. We already organise Pétanque sur Seine cruises, we are going to set up figure skating contests and boxing events on the roofs of the boats—but I also want to program activities for kids.

More original than it seems, a dinner along the Seine always delights cruisers who endlessly admire Paris. © DR

On weekends, their terrace serves a copious brunch, at 55 €, and 30 € for those less than 12 years-old, in front of the most beautiful view of the capital. © DR

Will you participate in the boat decoration ?

I studied to be an artist painter, and I have the possibility of pleasing myself while giving pleasure to our travellers. We installed a T Rex by Philippe Pasqua in chromed aluminium at the prow of a boat, a word by Barreda, another by Jeremy Mayer and 17th century sculptures, but I keep my personal works at home—it's my small secret garden. I am however considering to create a specific artistic trophy for the  Bateaux Mouches.

Is there a development of the events logistics at Bateaux Mouches ?

Indeed, in addtion to our classic cruise dinners, we offer a wide range of customizable party events for groups and companies. From Bollywood on the Seine to weddings, including  orchestras, a casino or even film shoots, we are capable of organising receptions up to 1 000 seated persons, on several boats at the same time.

The quality of the food onboard was debated for a long time…

We are actually the only ones to have a kitchen on board, and the result of the services provided are different because our fresh produce arrives from Rungis each morning. Our chef, Djibril Dramé, began at the bottom of the ladder and works his way up until he took over the helm of the kitchen. I am quite adamant about encouraging the evolution of our in-house talents. Our clients seem quite satisfited in terms of the  presentation and the quality of plates that privilege the great French tradition, but updated for today's taste. 

The privatisation service of Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches adapts its offers to the the needs of entrerprises. © DR