Cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal and Seine: Villette to Orsay
- By: Monica Mitchell
The Saint-Martin Canal is a 4.5-kilometer canal in Paris, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine. It was built in the early 19th century and features nine locks and two swing bridges. It runs through several neighborhoods, which act as an aesthetic backdrop for locals and tourists alike for strolling, picnics, and boat cruises.
This enchanting 2.5-hour boat tour, operated by Paris Canal and on sale through GetYourGuide, provides a unique perspective on the city of Paris, gliding along the charming Saint-Martin Canal as well as along the globally renowned Seine River. From the Parc de la Villette in the 19th district, this tour shows you both the charming local neighborhoods and globally celebrated attractions of the French capital.
Cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal and Seine
The boat tour begins in the heart of Parc de la Villette, a new cultural park in north-east Paris. Climbing aboard the boat, you’ll immediately get a feel for the relaxed atmosphere that pervades this out-of-the-way section of the city. The cruise meanders first along the Canal Saint-Martin, a 4.5-kilometer canal that connects the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine.
One of the highlights of the Canal Saint-Martin portion is passing through a series of locks, including the first lock at the Récollets Center. This gives passengers a chance to experience the fascinating engineering that allows boats to navigate the changing water levels. You’ll also cruise under charming footbridges and past tree-lined quays where locals often gather to picnic or play pétanque.
A particularly memorable part of the journey is entering the 1-mile underground tunnel near Place de la République. For about 15 minutes, the boat travels through this mysterious vault, punctuated by circles of daylight from street-level openings above. Emerging from the tunnel into the Arsenal Port, you’ll be greeted by the impressive July Column at Place de la Bastille.
The final leg of the cruise transitions onto the Seine River, offering views of some of Paris’s most famous sights. You’ll pass the beautiful Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité, home to Notre-Dame Cathedral. The cruise concludes near the Musée d’Orsay, conveniently located in the heart of Paris’s museum district.
Albeit during the walk, there is comment from a guide in French and English respectively who interprets history, culture, and architecture of the various locales that you traverse along your walk. Other users have highlighted some inconsistency of commentary in the English language and may be better with a guidebook for caution from non-Francophones.
Tickets, Price and Details
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Price: Starting from €23 per person (prices may vary based on age and season).
Meeting Point: Outside Parc de la Villette, near the Porte de Pantin metro station (Line 5). Look for the Paris Canal white board to the left of the “Gallerie de la Villette” walkway.
Schedule: Daily cruises from May to August. Outside these months, check availability as schedules may be limited.
Languages: Commentary provided in French and English
Booking: Reservations can be made online through GetYourGuide here. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund
Accessibility: The cruise is generally accessible, but it’s advisable to check with the operator for specific accommodations if needed.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (the boat is covered but open on the sides)
- Camera
- Water and snacks (not provided on board)
- Sunscreen and hat in summer
Additional Notes:
- The cruise operates rain or shine, so be prepared for weather conditions.
- Toilet facilities are available on board.
- There is no food or drink service on the boat, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
- The boat is covered, providing shelter from sun or light rain, but open on the sides for unobstructed views.
- While generally enjoyable for all ages, the 2.5-hour duration might be long for young children or restless travelers.
- Groups of more than 40 people can be accommodated year-round with advance booking.
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We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Paris. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising on the Seine River in Paris. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Seine River cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more. Bon voyage!