Water activity

Paris: Cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal and the Seine River

Activity provider: Paris Canal
Water activity

Paris: Cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal and the Seine River

Activity provider: Paris Canal
Likely to sell out

From US$ 24.77 per person

Likely to sell out

Discover the romantic side of Paris on this cruise from Parc de la Villette to Musée d’Orsay. Experience the city as you glide over the Saint-Martin Canal and the Seine River.

About this activity

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Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, French

Experience

Highlights
  • Experience the French capital on a relaxing River Seine cruise
  • Enjoy a sightseeing journey from the Parc de la Villette to the Musée d’Orsay
  • Follow the Canal St-Martin under bridges and through charming streets
  • Pass through the mile-long underground vault perforated by light holes
  • Admire iconic landmarks, including Notre Dame and Place de la Bastille
Full description

Explore the French capital on a sightseeing cruise along the River Seine and continue along Canal Saint-Martin. See Parisian landmarks, including Notre Dame and the Hotel du Nord before sailing into the underground vault.

Start your day in Paris with one of its most enchanting attractions, and take a cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin and River Seine.

Embark in the center of the Parc de la Villette, and cruise gently along the canal to Rue de Crimée’s elevated bridge, as it goes through the Bassin de la Villette, before entering the magnificent Rotonde by Ledoux. Your adventure begins with the first lock at the Récollets Center, where you will catch sight of the Hotel du Nord. Discover the real Canal Saint-Martin, filled with the poetry of its romantic paths and pedestrian bridges, bordered by chestnut trees and populated by fishermen. Then, the boat will be plunged into darkness as you enter a tunnel of more than 1-mile, taking you through a mysterious underground vault that is perforated by light holes. Filled with magic and beauty, when you emerge into the light at Arsenal Port, you will see the July Column of Place de la Bastille ahead of you.

This is when you enter the River Seine. From here, take a short cruise along the River Seine, past the Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité, to end your tour just after midday at the Musée d’Orsay.

Includes
  • Cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal and the Seine River
  • Commentary in French and English

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Meet at Parc de la Villette in the Paris 19th district. Walk straight on from the subway station, Porte de Pantin (Exit No. 1), and follow the "Gallerie de la Villette" (the walking area with a grey undulating roof) until you see the canal. The Paris Canal white board will be on the left, at Parc de la Villette, 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris.

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    Important information

    Know before you go

    • The cruise will take place rain or shine
    • Daily cruises from May to August and are subject to availability outside these dates
    • Groups of more than 40 people are possible all year round
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.2 /5

    based on 1081 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.2/5
    • Transportation
      4.1/5
    • Value for money
      4.2/5
    • Safety
      4.5/5

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    Star rating:

    For me it was a very interesting boat trip on the canal. The 2.5 hours were probably a bit long for my children... We couldn't follow the French and English stories of the gentleman on the boat - we hardly speak French and his English was incomprehensible. But I still think it's nice to finally have made this trip on the Canal Saint Martin!

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    October 28, 2022

    It was really interesting to see the canals of Paris as well as the Seine - but it does take a long time to get through 9 locks! the area of Paris where the canal cruise starts was a fantastic bit of Paris to see that you would not do if you just did the Seine river cruise - but it would have been good to have a bit longer on the actual Seine as well.

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    September 22, 2022

    Otherwise a relaxed ride with 8 lock passages (6 times double lock) there was simple seating (normal chairs without upholstery) available, the commentary was in French and English, but so extensive and azs rambling that it was boring even for the French. A change from the pure Seine tour. For the price it was ok. Oh yes, but unfortunately there were no more drinks for half of the journey. Not good in the sunny temperatures.

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    August 7, 2022

    Product ID: 24450