Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River

4.2
(82 reviews)
Paris, France

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover two faces of Paris in a single relaxing cruise. Board near the iconic Hôtel du Nord by Place de la République and follow the leafy Canal Saint-Martin, with its picturesque locks, romantic footbridges and mysterious Bastille tunnel. Then glide out onto the Seine and watch Paris open up in front of you: Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower and the UNESCO-listed riverbanks that hosted the Paris 2024 Olympic celebrations. With live commentary in English and French and a cosy bar on board, this cruise lets you experience both the “secret” and the iconic Paris in total comfort, without ever leaving your seat.

-Experience locks, swing bridges and a 2-km tunnel beneath the Bastille area
-Admire UNESCO-listed riverbanks and legendary monuments
-Take a moment to unwind on board with indoor and outdoor seating and a bar where you can buy snacks and drinks
-Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly experience, ideal for first-time visitors and Paris lovers alike

What's Included

Use of indoor and outdoor seating on board
Bar on board
Live bilingual commentary (English and French)
2-hour sightseeing cruise on Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine River

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Au croisement de la rue Jean POULMARCH et du quai de Valmy 75010 Paris (métro : République)

End point

Face au 19 quai de l'horloge, sur l'île de la Cité (métro : Pont Neuf)

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Start your journey along Canal Saint-Martin, a historic waterway lined with trees, iron footbridges and popular cafés. As you cruise past the famous Hôtel du Nord and the lively waterside terraces, your guide explains how the canal was created to bring fresh water to Paris and how this district became one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods.

    Admission ticket free
  • Canal Saint-Martin (Pass by)

    Experience the unique feeling of passing through several locks, watching the water level rise and fall around the boat while the gates slowly open and close. This is the best moment to observe everyday canal life: locals on the quays, walkers crossing the iron footbridges and the contrast between old industrial buildings and today’s cafés and boutiques. Continue towards the swing bridge, another distinctive feature of Canal Saint-Martin. As road traffic briefly stops to let the boat pass, your guide shares anecdotes about how the canal operates and its role in Parisian logistics and leisure.

    Admission ticket free
  • Bastille (Pass by)

    Then enter the long underground tunnel beneath the Bastille area, a vaulted passage punctuated by shafts of daylight from above. The change of atmosphere is striking: the city noise disappears and you sail in near-silence under the historic streets of Paris. This hidden stretch of the canal is often one of the most surprising parts of the cruise.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Emerging from the tunnel, the boat reaches the Port de l’Arsenal, a marina linking Canal Saint-Martin to the Seine. Here you can see houseboats and pleasure craft moored in the basin while your guide explains how this former commercial port has been transformed into a pleasant harbour and garden.

    Admission ticket free
  • Seine River (Pass by)

    Joining the Seine River, the scenery opens up to postcard views. Sail alongside Île Saint-Louis, with its elegant 17th-century façades, and enjoy a first glimpse of Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. From the water you can fully appreciate the curve of the river and the city’s famous bridges.

    Admission ticket free
  • Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris (Pass by)

    As the boat continues along the UNESCO-listed riverbanks, your guide points out many of Paris’s most iconic monuments: Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, the Louvre museum, the Tuileries gardens, the Orsay Museum and the Eiffel Tower. From the open deck you can take unobstructed photos of these landmarks and hear stories about their history, architecture and role in the life of the city.

    Admission ticket free
  • Ile de la Cite (Pass by)

    The cruise ends at Quai de l’Horloge, on Île de la Cité near Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris. From here you are perfectly placed to continue exploring on foot: wander through the Latin Quarter, cross to the Right Bank, visit Sainte-Chapelle or simply enjoy a drink on a nearby terrace before heading back to your hotel.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by France Tourisme

Tags

Historical Tours
Water Tours
Food & Drink
Best Conversion
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

4.2 Based on 82 82 reviews
5 stars
50
4 stars
16
3 stars
6
2 stars
4
1 star
6
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}