The sightseeing cruises are available at three-time slots–10:30am, 2:30pm, and 3pm.
Duration: 150 minutes
Arrival: 30 minutes before boarding time
Nearly half the length of the river Seine, the tree-lined Canal Saint-Martin snakes through the upper eastern part of Paris — once full of industries, now bustling with art galleries and trendy restaurants. The canal was built in 1825 to supply Paris with grain and building materials at two ports and narrowly escaped being paved over for a highway in 1960. A cruise along the canal will greet you with iconic sights like the swing bridge of Pont de l'Arsenal, joining the historic districts of Marais and Bastille, and the Bassin de la Villette, a large artificial basin surrounded by parks and gardens. Don’t miss the canal locks!
Read on to discover the best cruise options, the sights you’ll see, where to board from, etc to plan the best sightseeing experience on the Saint-Martin Canal.
Here’s what you need to know about booking your Saint-Martin canal cruise.
| Cruise type | Boarding point | Duration | Timings | Food & drinks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning cruise | Port de Solferino | 2.5 hrs | 10am | Bar on board |
Afternoon cruise | Parc de la Villette | 2.5 hrs | 2:30pm | Bar on board |
Afternoon cruise | Port de Solferino | 2.5 hrs | 3pm | Bar on board |
| Cruise type | Boarding points | Duration | Timings | Sightseeing | Tour operators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saint Martin Canal Cruise | Port de Solferino, Parc de la Villette | 2.5 hrs | 10am, 2:30pm, 3pm | Orsay Museum, Parc de la Vilette, Arsenal Marina, Bassin de le Vilette | Paris Canal Cruises |
Seine River Cruise | Port de la Bourdonnais or near Notre-Dame, Paris Seine Marina | 1 - 2.5 hrs | 10am, 12:30pm, 5pm, 7:30pm, 8pm | Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Grand Palais | Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux Mouches,Paris Seine |
Housed in a former railway station, this museum houses Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Keep an eye out for the Clock Tower when you visit the museum post your cruise to enjoy panoramic views of the city!
A sprawling park with a science museum, an IMAX theater, and a concert hall, the park will appear as a green oasis with the distinctive Geode dome from your cruise.
Picture a large artificial basin surrounded by parks and gardens along your cruise. Bassin de la Villette offers a scenic environment for boating, walking, and cycling.
A scenic marina overlooking the confluence of the Seine and Marne rivers, this bustling area greets you with stunning views of Paris and a variety of modern houseboats and luxurious yachts docked in it.
From your cruise on the canal, the cathedral will appear as a landmark rising above Paris with its Gothic architecture. As you get closer, you can marvel at its gargoyles and towers, symbolic of French culture.
Connecting the Canal Saint-Martin to the Seine River, this underground tunnel allows boats to pass beneath the Louvre Museum. It’s illuminated by both artificial lighting and beams of natural light.
Essential for maintaining the canal's water levels, these hydraulic structures allow boats to navigate the waterway along the canal. The locks also add to the canal's scenic beauty, a contrast of metal against the green waters.
Board your cruise either at either Parc de La Villette or the Port de Solferino.
You can choose from three main types of cruises: a sightseeing cruise to the river Seine, a sightseeing cruise combined with a visit to the Orsay Museum, or a sightseeing cruise combined with a visit to the Science & Industry Museum.
The sightseeing cruises typically last around 2.5 hours.
The Seine cruise to the Canal Saint Martin is a one-way trip from Port de Solferino to Parc de la Villette or vice versa. Your end points would be the Port de Solferino or Parc de la Villette.
No, the cruises are not wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with reduced mobility.
Yes, you can bring your children on the cruise. Tickets for children up to 3 years of age are free.
No, pets are not allowed.
No, sightseeing cruises are non-stop. However, all boats have accessible restrooms on board.
Yes, the boats have a vending machine with drinks and chocolate bars, and some tours offer a bar with a larger selection of snacks.
The Saint Martin Canal Cruise offers a more intimate, local experience through quieter neighborhoods, while the Seine River Cruise provides a grander, iconic view of Paris' famous landmarks. Both vary in duration and timings.
Inclusions
Inclusions Seine River Canal Saint-Martin Cruise
Sightseeing cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin
Onboard commentary in French and English
Orsay Museum
Entry tickets to Orsay Museum
Access to permanent and temporary collections
Seine River Canal Saint-Martin Cruise
Orsay Museum
Inclusions Seine River Canal Saint-Martin Cruise
Sightseeing cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin
Onboard commentary in French and English
Science & City Museum
Entry to the Science & Industry Museum
Access to all exhibits & the planetarium
Access to Argonaute submarine, Metamorphoses & Dance exhibit (closed on Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25)
Seine River Canal Saint-Martin Cruise
Science & City Museum
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
