Get your discount tickets for the Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin, save up to 14% !
Overview
This out of the ordinary cruise of around 2.30 hours, offers an opportunity to hear the history of the districts of the "Parisians Paris" as you cruise along the calm waters of this canal, lined with hundred year old trees and spanned by elegant footbridges. You will slide under the mysterious and spectacular vault of the Bastille, where the light is there magic. This cruise, which will take you through four double locks with swirling waters and two swing bridges, will allow you to experience the "atmosphere" of the Hotel du Nord created by Marcel Carné, Arletty and Louis Jouvet and share the pleasure of the walkers strolling along the banks lined with pretty boutiques and charming retro style cafés. Before arriving at the Parc de la Villette (City of Sciences, The Géode, City of Music and themed gardens) you will cross the Bassin de la Villette, formerly a trading port now redeveloped to form the setting for the Rotonde de la Villette.
Meeting and Pickup
accès piétons face au 50 boulevard de la Bastille - 75012 PARIS / Métro : BASTILLE Port de l'arsenal
End Point
- Bassin de la Villette (métro Jaurès) 13 quai de la Loire
Redemption Instructions
Please, be present 15 mn before departure
Language Offered
English-GUIDE
French-GUIDE
Itinerary
1. Begin your cruise at the Port de l’Arsenal, a charming marina linking the Canal Saint-Martin to the Seine.
2. Enter the long underground tunnel of the Canal Saint-Martin, a vaulted passage beneath the city. As daylight fades and reappears through openings above, the atmosphere becomes uniquely calm and immersive. Emerge from the tunnel near Place de la Bastille, where the contrast between the underground canal and the lively historic square creates one of the most striking moments of the cruise.
3. Navigate through the Écluse du Temple, another key lock on the Canal Saint-Martin, where the slow rhythm of the water reinforces the peaceful nature of the cruise.
4. Enter the heart of the Canal Saint-Martin, famous for its tree-lined banks, elegant iron footbridges and timeless Parisian charm. This is one of the city’s most picturesque waterways, loved by locals and filmmakers alike.
5. Pass by the Écluses des Morts, a series of locks whose name recalls the canal’s long and sometimes dramatic past, adding a touch of mystery to the journey.
6. Glide through the peaceful Bassin Louis Blanc, where the canal blends seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere away from the city’s bustle.
7. Experience your first lock as the boat passes through the Écluse de la Villette. Watch the water level gently rise or fall as the lock gates open and close, offering a captivating glimpse into the canal’s engineering.
8. Cruise along the Canal de l’Ourcq, originally built to supply Paris with fresh water. Lined with former warehouses and modern residential buildings, this stretch reveals a quieter, more authentic side of the capital.
9. Sail beneath the iconic lift bridge of rue de Crimée, one of the last operational lifting bridges in Paris. Watching the bridge rise above the boat is a rare and fascinating moment that highlights the city’s living industrial heritage.
10. The boat reaches the Bassin de la Villette, one of the largest open water basins in Paris. This lively yet relaxed area marks the gateway to the city’s historic canal network, where urban life slowly gives way to calm waterways and a more local Parisian atmosphere. Admire the peaceful surroundings as the journey gently comes to an end.
Inclusion
Live comments (English/ French)
Bar on board
Pass through 4 double locks and 2 swing bridges
Breakfast included only in the package "cruise + breakfast" = 1 coffee + 1 croissant.
2h30 cruise on the canal saint martin
Exclusion
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews
3.8
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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