Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

Cruise from near the Musée d’Orsay along the River Seine and through Canal Saint-Martin to Parc de la Villette. See major Paris landmarks, travel through a 1.24-mile underground tunnel, and discover quieter canals lined with footbridges, chestnut trees, and waterside scenes.

Details

Set off near the Musée d’Orsay for a sightseeing cruise that connects the River Seine with Canal Saint-Martin. The route offers views of celebrated Paris landmarks before continuing through locks, a long underground canal tunnel, and the northern waterways of the city.

Begin on the River Seine, passing sights such as the Tuileries Garden, the Musée du Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Continue towards the entrance of Canal Saint-Martin, with views in the direction of Bastille Square.

The boat then enters a 1.24-mile underground tunnel, where openings in the vault allow daylight to filter through. After emerging, continue along Canal Saint-Martin, a quieter waterway bordered by chestnut trees, fishermen, and pedestrian bridges.

Near the Temple area, see the bust of Frédérick Lemaître, the Récollets Lock, and the Hôtel du Nord. As the route approaches the Dead Lock, learn about the site where the Montfaucon gibbet once stood.

The cruise continues through the Bassin de la Villette and beneath the arched footbridge at Rue de Crimée. The journey concludes at Parc de la Villette, where you can view the Cité des Sciences, the Music Museum, and the park’s themed gardens.

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Online Booking

What is included in activity

Cruise
Commentary in French and English

What is not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Important Info

• The cruise will take place rain or shine.
• Daily cruises from May to August and subject to availability outside these dates.
2 hrs 30 min
Group size up to 70 persons
Mobile ticket
English
Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Meeting point

The boat is moored at the Port of Solférino, just below the Orsay Museum. To reach the Solférino Port, you can use the wooden main staircase.
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Reviews by travellers

5.0 out of 5
1188 reviews
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Teresa
Loved the trip. Our guide Bruno gave a lot of information in a short period of time. Loved the way we started at one point and ended at another which was great for further exploring.
6 days ago
Al
he guide was excellent. He was well prepared and charismatic. I felt that he had studied religion since his knowledge was impressive. He blended the right amount of humor into his explanation and was very interesting.
8 days ago
Maaike
I loved going through the locks. Such a unique experience! The canal is so pretty with all the trees and plants along the way. Our guide was very engaging. I loved all the information.
10 days ago
Ann-Marie
Great way to see a less crowded part of Paris. Go on a weekend when everything else is too busy. It's a great activity with kids as the park de viette at the end of the trip has lots for them to explore. I really wished I had my grandchildren with me!
13 days ago
Jayne
Great variety on this trip! River Seine, canal and leafy superb, tunnel, locks...... On board catering choice was disappointing.
14 days ago
Lindsey
Great trip - going through the 9 locks and hearing the history as we cruised down the Seine and along the canal (including the long tunnel). Guide was very engaged and informative. Get there in good time if you want to sit on the top deck! We were lucky with beautiful weather. Extremely good value and definitely a great, chilled way to see some of the sights of Paris.
14 days ago
Tyram
Views from Seine River are wonderful. It was a satisfactory activity. It took more time to finish the Saint Martin Canal cruise than I expected, but it was interesting to experience the cruise. Thanks.
20 days ago
Teresa
The timeframe was just right ans the sights along the way superb.
about 2 months ago
Catriona
this was a lovely cruise through the charm of Paris and interesting because of the canal and its locks.
about 2 months ago
Vera
Had a great time during this cruise, the guide was funny and shared many interesting details about the history of the buildings and the city as a whole.
about 2 months ago
Route details changed.
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Starting point of the tour