Cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal and Seine: Villette to Orsay
- By: Monica Mitchell
The Saint-Martin Canal is a 4.5-kilometer waterway in Paris, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine. Built in the early 19th century, it features nine locks and two swing bridges. The canal runs through diverse neighborhoods, offering a picturesque setting popular with locals and tourists for strolling, picnicking, and boat tours.
This enchanting 2.5-hour cruise, operated by Paris Canal and offered through GetYourGuide, provides a unique perspective on Paris, taking you along both the picturesque Saint-Martin Canal and the iconic Seine River. Starting at the Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, this journey showcases both the charming local neighborhoods and world-famous landmarks of the French capital.
Cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal and Seine
The cruise begins in the heart of Parc de la Villette, a modern cultural park in northeastern Paris. As you board the boat, you’ll immediately feel the relaxed atmosphere that characterizes this less-touristy part of the city. The cruise first meanders along the Canal Saint-Martin, a 4.5-kilometer waterway 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.
Throughout the journey, a guide provides commentary in both French and English, offering insights into the history, architecture, and culture of the areas you pass through. However, some reviewers have noted that the quality of the English commentary can vary, so non-French speakers might want to bring a guidebook as a backup.
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!