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Canal Saint-MartinCruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Canal Saint-Martin Cruises & boat tours

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

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

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 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.

Paris: Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

2. Paris: Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

Embark on a romantic cruise close to the Musée d’Orsay on the River Seine. Marvel at the Tuileries Garden, Musée du Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and more. You will admire the scenic panoramic views before continuing to the entrance to the Canal Saint-Martin, where Bastille Square towers above you. Enter a 1.24-mile tunnel, lit by perforations that let in the light of day, and soak up the magic and beauty of a subterranean world. Once you emerge from the tunnel, you will discover the magical Canal Saint Martin, a surprising aquatic path surrounded by a romantic footbridge and bordered by chestnut trees and fishermen. Near the Temple, admire Frederic Lemaître’s bust, the Recollets Lock, and the Hotel du Nord. Keep your ears pricked for the murmuring ghost of François Villon as you approach the Dead Lock, where the Montfaucon gibbet used to stand. The boat passes Bassin de la Villette and the arcing footbridge of rue de Crimée before reaching the Parc de la Villette, where you can admire the Cité des Sciences and Music Museum along with the magnificent themed gardens.  

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Other Sightseeing Options in Canal Saint-Martin

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What people are saying about Canal Saint-Martin

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 594 reviews

The meeting place was clearly stated and easily found. The boat was comfortable and the ride was excellent. I would suggest earphones and a system by which the guide can be better heard. We couldn't understand him as we were not able to hear him well. Other than that, it was wonderful.

It was a beautiful view of many sights that exist in Paris. It was great explained why what is called what and since when what is there. I don't think this trip should be missed when in Paris.

Very nice boat trip. You get to see Paris in a different way. You sail through 9 locks. During the boat trip a lot is told, both in English and in French, but this is not always clearly audible.

It was very interesting to take the time to do this circuit that I did not know although the channels are known by themselves

Excellent tour! So much more of Paris than the “iconic sites!”