A unique view of the Pont-Neuf from the Seine

In June, the Pont-Neuf will host a monumental installation created by artist JR in collaboration with Thomas Bangalter. Titled La Caverne du Pont-Neuf, this temporary artwork transforms Paris’s oldest bridge into a spectacular mineral landscape, visible from the quays, neighboring bridges, and, of course, from the Seine. Our cruise route naturally passes under the Pont-Neuf. From the boat, the installation’s forms are revealed from a unique angle, offering a privileged view of this temporary transformation of the Parisian landscape. To complement this moment, our chef Jean-Philippe Berens has created a culinary interpretation loosely inspired by the visual world of La Caverne du Pont-Neuf. These dishes reflect a personal take on the installation’s graphic contrasts.

The Pont-Neuf transformed by JR’s installation

With La Caverne du Pont-Neuf, artist JR presents a monumental work that pays tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, forty years after their famous wrapping of the Pont-Neuf. On view for only two weeks, the installation transforms the famous monument into a massive rock formation that seems to emerge in the heart of Paris. Inspired by the quarries from which the stones used to build the bridge were extracted, the work creates a dialogue between the history of the capital and a contemporary vision of its heritage. Through its sheer scale, the work profoundly alters our perception of Paris’s oldest bridge: the familiar arches are transformed, and the monument’s lines disappear and reappear depending on the viewer’s perspective. This immersive quality lies at the heart of the project, inviting viewers to see a place they thought they knew in a new light. Like all of JR’s major artistic interventions in public spaces, La Caverne du Pont-Neuf is, by its very nature, ephemeral. For just a few weeks, it reimagines the Parisian landscape before disappearing once again.

A creative culinary interpretation by Jean-Philippe Berens

To complement this artistic event, which is temporarily reshaping the Parisian landscape, Jean-Philippe Berens wanted to offer a personal interpretation of the installation’s visual world. This initiative stemmed from a simple desire: to reinterpret, through cuisine, the black-and-white graphic language that characterizes the work. As part of this independent creation conceived by our chef, several dishes on our menus are being reimagined for the duration of the installation. Crisp daikon radish is paired with a black truffle rémoulade sauce. John Dory engages in a dialogue with “black gold,” with the dish built around visual contrasts. On the dessert side, vanilla takes center stage in a play of nuances inspired by the artist’s graphic universe. Beyond colors, this approach explores the connections that can exist between contemporary art and gastronomy, where textures, contrasts, ingredients, and perceptions take center stage. This limited-time offering fits naturally into the spirit of Ducasse sur Seine’s cuisine, which is always attuned to the seasons, the inspirations of the moment, and what makes Paris come alive.

A fleeting experience blending Paris, art, and gastronomy

In June, the art installation visible from the Pont-Neuf and the culinary interpretation crafted on board by our chef complement each other, each in its own way. This time of year offers a special opportunity to rediscover Paris. From the Seine, familiar landmarks take on a new dimension, while the cuisine extends this experience through a selection of dishes specially created for the occasion. This is also what defines our restaurant’s identity: offering an experience that goes beyond a simple meal and invites you to see the capital in a new light. Whether you’d like to book a gourmet meal in Paris, treat someone to a meal on a Paris cruise, or celebrate a special occasion with a private event or an exceptional dinner, this season offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the city from a unique perspective.

For just a few weeks, Paris, the Seine, contemporary art, and fine dining come together on the water to create an experience that is as unique as it is fleeting.