Seine River & Canal Saint-Martin Guided Boat Trip

we were looking at doing something different and stumbled across Paris canals. We loved it. directions were fairly easy to find, loved the live commentary during the cruise even if the microphone was playing up. we have recommended this tour to nearly everyone we know.

For me it was a very interesting boat trip on the canal. The 2.5 hours were probably a bit long for my children... We couldn't follow the French and English stories of the gentleman on the boat - we hardly speak French and his English was incomprehensible. But I still think it's nice to finally have made this trip on the Canal Saint Martin!

Unfortunately the regular boat was out of service and the substitute did not allow everyone to be outside. The guide was good but his English was extremely hard to understand to the point I only understood an occasional word. The trip however really gave a hint at what it was like way back when and today how much the Parisians appreciate the waterway as a place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

The weather was challenging (high winds & high water in the Seine) and the captain managed the situation with impressive capability. Our guide also managed to give us very interesting information (in French & English) about what we were seeing, despite the trip being extended by more than an hour by the conditions.

No hesitation to recommend this trip. Get to see parts of Paris you do not normally see as a tourist when on the canal. A slow pace - the boat goes through nine locks, eight of them double, which all take a time, but they are an experience, as is the impressive tunnel. Covers many of the main sites on the Seine as well. Our guide (Borris ir similar?) was superb - equal amount of commentary in both French and English even though English speakers very much the minority on our trip. Commentary was interesting and certainly made a difference to the enjoyment of the trip. We were lucky to be sat near the guide at the front of the boat and were able to speak to him direct to ask questions as well. A very relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon. Also its good to have the 'intermicy' of a smaller boat.

Otherwise a relaxed ride with 8 lock passages (6 times double lock) there was simple seating (normal chairs without upholstery) available, the commentary was in French and English, but so extensive and azs rambling that it was boring even for the French. A change from the pure Seine tour. For the price it was ok. Oh yes, but unfortunately there were no more drinks for half of the journey. Not good in the sunny temperatures.

The Seine River trip stood out better than any other trip since they started n the old heart of the town of Paris and toured through the original Paris waterway thru water locks and dams.....which u don't get on the other tours. Excellent history and tour!

Due to the many locks, the journey is tedious, but relaxing. The seating is a joke. The boat was built in Noah's time, since the canal is quite narrow, larger boats cannot pass through. The announcements are live in French and English. ATTENTION, only book in good weather. The interior is stuffy, the vibration of the engine can hardly be endured. In addition, you can only see the wall in the lock. Why were we satisfied despite the boat defects? 2.5 hours for very little money. Beautiful views and a moment of rest. It was worth it.

Decided to try a different type of Paris cruise and chose one leaving from Parc de Villette down the canal, into the Seine around the Bastille and finishing at Musée D’Orsay. Going through the numerous locks and underground tunnel was very interesting. The scenery in the Seine always a treat. The boat commentator was knowledgeable and shared some fun stories.

It's a nice boat cruise on an offbeat path. I liked how I had not seen this part of Paris before. It's like a hidden gem. The seine cruises are a dime a dozen and this cruise differentiates itself. I read some of the other reviews and I didn't find the speaker annoying, nor did I find the seats uncomfortable. I agree that you could bring a snack and a drink. The weather I had was perfect +23 and sunny. Bring sunglasses and bring a jacket just in case. You go through 1.5km of underground cavern type area. Very cool. You see lots of different bridges too. As far as improvement on how to make this even better, I do agree with someone else's comment that the last 20minutes on the Seine seems too short. It would have been nicer if this cruise went up the river farther to the statue of liberty and turned around and came back to Orsay. (just because the Canal and Seine are two different worlds). They really complement each other. Do this if you've been to paris B4.