Paris Tickets
4.5(10.5K Ratings)

Book Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

Panoramic, Open-top views
Panoramic, Open-top views
Frequent Departures
Frequent Departures
Audio guide & Commentary available
Audio guide & Commentary available
Canal Saint-Martin
View of the cruise during Seine and Canal St Martin cruise
View of the cruise during Seine and Canal St Martin cruise
View of Saint Martin Canal
Tourists enjoying a Combo: 29129 + 6235 day trip, exploring iconic landmarks and attractions in a vibrant cityscape
Tourists enjoying a 2.5-hour Seine River and Canal St Martin sightseeing cruise in Paris, with a view of iconic landmarks
Tourists enjoying a 2.5-hour Seine River and Canal St Martin sightseeing cruise in Paris, with a view of iconic landmarks
Sightseeing Cruises
4.2(0)

Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Sightseeing Cruise

  • Embrace the allure of Paris with a peaceful 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin, navigating both famous and hidden city treasures. Please find the route map here.
  • From passing under romantic footbridges to exploring the mysterious underground vault of the Bastille, the cruise ensures an unforgettable journey with a guide to regale tales of Paris.
  • Experience the canal's various locks and swing bridges, an engineering marvel in present-day urban planning.
  • Spot iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame and Musée d'Orsay, while also discovering the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.
  • Opt for a sunset cruise if you want to see Paris in golden hues. Refreshments are available on board for purchase.


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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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2 hr. 30 min.
reviewer
HeiligMay, 2025
5/5

The small St Martin canal has a special flair. A bit spooky but very interesting under the Bastille. Different from the Seine, but a great experience. 9 locks to the Rondette de la Vilette.

reviewer
UrsulaJun, 2025
5/5
reviewer
BenMay, 2025
5/5
reviewer
FlorianApr, 2025
5/5
reviewer
GANSApr, 2025
4/5
reviewer
AlainNov, 2024
4/5

Discover the locks and the 1.8km tunnel

reviewer
ThomasNov, 2024
4/5

Good Tour and intersting guide

reviewer
SeánNov, 2024
4/5
reviewer
ChristopherNov, 2024
2/5

I liked the route and such, but the guide had terrible english, we could only understand 30%

reviewer
IngridSep, 2024
4/5

Unexpectedly nice to come on other places then the usual

  • Embrace the allure of Paris with a peaceful 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin, navigating both famous and hidden city treasures. Please find the route map here.
  • From passing under romantic footbridges to exploring the mysterious underground vault of the Bastille, the cruise ensures an unforgettable journey with a guide to regale tales of Paris.
  • Experience the canal's various locks and swing bridges, an engineering marvel in present-day urban planning.
  • Spot iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame and Musée d'Orsay, while also discovering the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.
  • Opt for a sunset cruise if you want to see Paris in golden hues. Refreshments are available on board for purchase.

Inclusions

  • 2.5-hour sightseeing cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin
  • Onboard commentary in French and English
  • Canal Saint-Martin
  • Underground Vault of the Bastille
  • Various Locks of the Canal
  • Bassin de la Villette
  • Port de l'Arsenal
  • Seine River (Notre-Dame and Musée d'Orsay)
  • This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users and individuals with reduced mobility.
  • Pets cannot tag along for this experience.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
View of Saint Martin Canal during Seine and Canal St Martin cruise\The Four Parts Of The World Holding The Celestial Sphere Carpeaux, Orsay Museum
View of the cruise during Seine and Canal St Martin cruise
View of Saint Martin Canal
Orsay Museum, Paris external view
View of the cruise during Seine and Canal St Martin cruise
Tourists enjoying a Combo: 29129 + 6235 day trip, exploring iconic landmarks and attractions in a vibrant cityscape
Orsay museum interior with sculptures
Monet paintings at Orsay Museum, Une Moderne Olympia by Paul Cézanne displayed.
Combos
4.5(0)

Combo (Save 5%): Seine River & Canal Saint-Martin Cruise + Orsay Museum Tickets

  • Maximize your Paris experience and savings with this combo of a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River and entry tickets to the Orsay Museum.
  • Tick off the famous landmarks of the city with a peaceful 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin, navigating both famous and hidden city treasures.
  • Cruise by iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, while also discovering the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.
  • Your ticket grants you access to the exhibitions at the Orsay Museum full of Impressionist paintings and artworks by Berthe Morisot, Claude Monet, and Édouard Manet to name a few.
  • Although best known for its art collections, the Orsay Museum’s Decorative Arts collection of furniture and decorative items, is one not to be missed.


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Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
reviewer
SandraJun, 2025
4/5

The exhibits, of course, but also the interior. It has an interesting design and layout. There were a lot of people in the building.

reviewer
MarciaMay, 2025
5/5

Entry was easy with a slotted time and queues related to that time. The art displayed was wonderful and I saw some of my favourites. I loved it. I enjoyed a hot chocolate and a slice of banana cake at a cute and well serviced cafe at the Musee.

reviewer
HeiligMay, 2025
5/5

The small St Martin canal has a special flair. A bit spooky but very interesting under the Bastille. Different from the Seine, but a great experience. 9 locks to the Rondette de la Vilette.

reviewer
DieterMay, 2025
5/5

The waiting time was there because we were there 15 minutes earlier, but it wasn't necessary!

reviewer
TerrenceMay, 2025
5/5

It was all about the 5th floor.

reviewer
EmilioMay, 2025
5/5

What surprised me the most was how easy and agile this museum is.

reviewer
AntoniyaMay, 2025
5/5

This experience is perfect for art lovers and a good time spent in Paris

reviewer
PatrickMay, 2025
5/5

I avoided long lines. It was a very pleasant experience.

reviewer
FANIMay, 2025
5/5

Very nice museum and interesting!!!!

reviewer
MrMay, 2025
5/5

The art, the museum, the location, the food!!!

reviewer
SanelaApr, 2025
4/5

Paintings by Vincet van Gogh and Pierre Auguste Renoir

reviewer
NadīnaApr, 2025
5/5

Art of Monet, Renoir and Degas, Van Gog and interior of the expositions

reviewer
CHENApr, 2025
5/5

It was a great experience, it's a pity that I didn't get to see Monet's sunrise reflection, but I also saw a lot of paintings that I learned during my school days, so it was a lot of fun!

reviewer
CarmenApr, 2025
5/5

Beautiful experience, unfortunately no water lilies have bloomed yet

reviewer
BANUApr, 2025
5/5

Amazing museum.

reviewer
DanielJul, 2025
5/5

The museum is amazing and our short visit (7pm->9:30pm) was done without any lines. There were fewer people than there normally are, maybe because of the hour and because it was Wednesday. Great choice to go with my parents, who get tired easily.

reviewer
AnjaJul, 2025
5/5

A great experience in really impressive buildings. We really liked the exhibitions, as well as the organization, so that not too many visitors came in at the same time.

reviewer
DanielaJul, 2025
5/5

I really appreciated the fact that I did not have to wait in line to enter the museum, I did not suffer from the heat while waiting, I immediately went inside and was able to enjoy my time admiring the works inside the museum

reviewer
JoëlleJul, 2025
5/5

Virtually no waiting at the tills, no crowds in the halls, very fine "art est dans la rue" exhibition. Back to the permanent exhibits: Seurat, Manet, Monet, etc.

reviewer
JoanJun, 2025
5/5

Spending 5 hours in there. It had fantastic collections of Art, Sculpture, furniture pottery. I look forward to doing it again.

reviewer
MarinaJun, 2025
5/5

Entry in no time. Beautiful tour of the museum well organized and very, very interesting on every level. In the heart the section dedicated to the impressionists

reviewer
GregJun, 2025
5/5

Always love going to the Musee D'Orsay. Great art work andlots of exhibits to see. I always go to this museum when I come over every year. Love the pottery from Korea and the Japan exhibit.

reviewer
MaeveJun, 2025
5/5

We skipped the question. The museum is amazing , a pure feast for the eyes . We spent about 3 hours looking at the thousands of beautiful things in a beautiful building . We stopped in the coffee shop too and enjoyed a well earned rest and good cakes. The museum staff were very helpful. If you are pushed for time I would book a tour but if you are flexible I would just explore it by yourself.

reviewer
mathieuJun, 2025
5/5

The place was magical, and the collections exceptional. Despite the crowds, it was still a great experience. I hadn't been back since I was a child, and this visit made a big impression on me. This time I came with my son, and I hope this visit will spark his curiosity about art. Bonne continuation. Matthieu.

reviewer
JaniceJun, 2025
4/5

I was grateful that I could buy tickets for the Orsay museum before we left home. I would have preferred to have printed the tickets, but the app was useful. Once I found out how to install it on my phone. But, what if I had lost my phone?

  • Maximize your Paris experience and savings with this combo of a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River and entry tickets to the Orsay Museum.
  • Tick off the famous landmarks of the city with a peaceful 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin, navigating both famous and hidden city treasures.
  • Cruise by iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, while also discovering the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.
  • Your ticket grants you access to the exhibitions at the Orsay Museum full of Impressionist paintings and artworks by Berthe Morisot, Claude Monet, and Édouard Manet to name a few.
  • Although best known for its art collections, the Orsay Museum’s Decorative Arts collection of furniture and decorative items, is one not to be missed.

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

  • Tip: Don't miss the stunning stained-glass ceiling at the Orsay Museum! The ceiling depicts Greek mythology in contrast to the modern art below.
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  • This experience is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Orsay Museum

  • Tip: Just 1km from the Orsay Museum lies the Boulevard Saint-Germain. Complete your artistic journey in this bustling district filled with classic cafes frequented by renowned artists and writers.
  • Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month.
  • Your ticket includes access to temporary exhibitions available on the day of the visit (subject to availability).
  • Wheelchairs are available in exchange for a piece of identification.
  • Cloakrooms are available free of charge for visitors to drop off their coats, small luggage, and other items subject to a compulsory deposit.
  • Cabin-size baggage (56x45x25 cm) is allowed, but valuables are not accepted.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
View of the cruise during Seine and Canal St Martin cruise\ Science and Industry Museum, Paris
View of the cruise during Seine and Canal St Martin cruise
View of Saint Martin Canal
Exterior view of the Science and Industry Museum in Paris with visitors at the entrance.
Visitors exploring exhibits at the Paris Science and Industry Museum, a popular stop in the Combo: 29129 + 27474 tour package
Tourists enjoying a 2.5-hour Seine River and Canal St Martin sightseeing cruise in Paris, with a view of iconic landmarks
Tourists enjoying a 2.5-hour Seine River and Canal St Martin sightseeing cruise in Paris, with a view of iconic landmarks
Visitors exploring exhibits at the Paris Science and Industry Museum, a popular stop in the Combo: 29129 + 27474 tour package
Visitors exploring exhibits at the Paris Science and Industry Museum, a popular destination included in the Combo: 29129 + 27474 tour package
Combos
3.9(0)

Combo (Save 5%): Seine River & Canal Saint-Martin Cruise + Science & Industry Museum Tickets

  • Maximize your Paris experience and savings with this combo of a sightseeing cruise on the river Seine and entry tickets to the Science & City Museum.
  • Embrace the allure of Paris with a peaceful 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin, navigating both famous and hidden city treasures. Please find the route map here.
  • Be spellbound by iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, while also discovering the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.
  • Explore the Science and Industry Museum in Paris. Witness immersive exhibits, planetarium shows, and historic installations for all age groups.
  • Excite the history buff in you! View the interior of Argonaute – a 1950s war submarine and explore its launching area and the crew station.


Check availability
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
reviewer
PATRICIAMay, 2025
3/5

Unfortunately we weren't able to take advantage of it, we had traffic jams and a delay with the hotel, so we only had 30 minutes before closing time. Huge disappointment for us, otherwise it seemed like a really nice event. We did the children's workshop and danced, it was fun. On the other hand, our tickets didn't work, but the agent took a look and let us through.

reviewer
SOUCHARDApr, 2025
4/5

I found the 8/4 themes a bit average I came with my grandchildren and it lacked practical interactivity ... I had already been to the cité des sciences it was more fun for children

reviewer
volkanJun, 2025
4/5
reviewer
MarieJun, 2025
5/5
reviewer
moutoussamyMay, 2025
4/5
reviewer
BenMay, 2025
5/5
reviewer
SophieMay, 2025
3/5
reviewer
FlorianApr, 2025
5/5
reviewer
MARYLINEApr, 2025
3/5
reviewer
GAZONApr, 2025
5/5
reviewer
ElApr, 2025
5/5
reviewer
JessicaApr, 2025
3/5
reviewer
CEDRICFeb, 2025
5/5

You'll need a full day to discover all the worlds on offer. The planetarium "shows" are really informative, but you'll need to book in advance as places are limited. The price for on-site catering is a bit steep, though. It makes you want to come back for the Planetarium "shows" that we didn't have time to see. The Géode is also worth a try.

reviewer
FIATFeb, 2025
4/5

Very good A full day's visit is required if you want to see the planetarium and the submarine.

reviewer
MASMEJEANApr, 2025
4/5
reviewer
GANSApr, 2025
4/5
reviewer
MassinissaMar, 2025
3/5
reviewer
LucaMar, 2025
4/5
reviewer
LeonardoMar, 2025
5/5
reviewer
NathalieMar, 2025
5/5
reviewer
GUILLAUDFeb, 2025
4/5
reviewer
LeFeb, 2025
5/5
reviewer
anatrellaFeb, 2025
3/5
reviewer
EFSTATHIAFeb, 2025
5/5
reviewer
FabienFeb, 2025
5/5
  • Maximize your Paris experience and savings with this combo of a sightseeing cruise on the river Seine and entry tickets to the Science & City Museum.
  • Embrace the allure of Paris with a peaceful 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin, navigating both famous and hidden city treasures. Please find the route map here.
  • Be spellbound by iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, while also discovering the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.
  • Explore the Science and Industry Museum in Paris. Witness immersive exhibits, planetarium shows, and historic installations for all age groups.
  • Excite the history buff in you! View the interior of Argonaute – a 1950s war submarine and explore its launching area and the crew station.

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

  • Tip: Be sure to arrive early for the cruise to not only save last-minute rush but also to secure the best spots on the boat for sightseeing.
  • Pets are not allowed onboard.
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  • This experience is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Science & City Museum

  • Tip: The museum’s rooftop also offers stunning city views! Pack a picnic & enjoy the panorama after your visit.
  • The reservations for the planetarium, the Argonaute submarine, the children's exhibition Métamorphoses, and the Dance exhibitions are on site, subject to availability on the day of your visit.
  • The "Cité des Enfants" ticket is not included and must be booked on-site.
  • Children's tickets (2-5 years old) are only available on-site.
  • Free entry is available for children below 2 years of age, disabled people, and an accompanying person with valid proof.
  • Reduced-price tickets are available for people above 65 years of age, below 25 years of age with valid proof, and students too.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Top things to do in Paris

Saint-Martin Canal | A historic Parisian waterway

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.

Things to know before booking a Saint-Martin Canal cruise

Here’s what you need to know about booking your Saint-Martin canal cruise.

  1. Want to see the famous Parisian attractions of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum? Opt for a tour departing from the Port de Solferino near the Orsay Museum for a mix of attractions seen from the Seine River and the Canal, or depart from Parc de la Villette — a great starting point to explore the Saint Martin Canal exclusively.
  2. Thinking of exploring more for(a) less(er) price? Opt for the combo ticket of the canal cruise and entry to the Orsay Museum. Prices start at 37 euros.
  3. How about exploring the sights from the Saint-Martin Canal as well as the famous ones from the Seine River? Opt for a tour that cruises past the Saint Martin Canal banks and sails further to landmarks on the Seine like the Eiffel Tower. All of this in under three hours! 
  4. The canal cruises run through the day, with the earliest after sunrise and the latest in the afternoon. Pick a time slot best suited to your schedule and the ideal weather for you.
  5. Want exclusive insights on the canal’s history, engineering, and significance? We’ve got you covered with a live bilingual guide onboard in English and French on all cruises.

Top landmarks to spot on your Saint-Martin Canal cruise

Orsay Museum
1/7

Orsay Museum

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!

Parc de la Villette

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.

Bassin de la Villette

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.

Arsenal Marina

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.

The Notre Dame Cathedral

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.

Tunnel du Carrousel

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.

The Locks of Canal Saint-Martin

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.

Plan your cruise

The sightseeing cruises are available at three-time slots–10:30am, 2:30pm, and 3pm.
Duration: 150 minutes
Arrival: 30 minutes before boarding time

  • April — June (Spring) means pleasant weather with mild temperatures and occasional showers. This season also attracts more crowds and possibly longer queues.

  • September — October (Autumn) means pleasant weather with fewer crowds compared to spring and summer. 

  • November — March (Winter); this season sees cold winters and chilly rains, but that means fewer crowds and fewer queues while getting tickets.

  • June – August (Summer); sunny weather and clearer skies lead to more crowds and ticketing lines, but make for river banks bustling with people and activities.

Board your cruise either at either Parc de La Villette or the Port de Solferino.

Parc de la Villette

  • By metro: Line 5 to Bobigny-Pablo Picasso or Porte de Pantin stations.
  • By bus: Lines 137, 150, 170, and 255 to Porte de Pantin station.
  • By RER: Line B to La Villette station.

Port de Solferino

  • By metro: Line 12 to Solferino station or Line 13 to Musée d'Orsay station.
  • By RER: Line C to Musée d'Orsay station.
  • By bus: Lines 24, 68, 69, 72, 83, 91, and 94 to Musée d'Orsay station.
  • Restrooms
  • Bar in some tours
  • Vending machine with snacks
  • Pack accordingly to protect yourself from the cold or the sun. Winds can get strong on the deck, while the sun can be harsh in summer. 
  • Arrive early to catch the best seats on the cruise, especially in summer! 
  • Feeling peckish? Don’t worry! The cruises come equipped with snacks in vending machines onboard.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to complete check-ins and boarding procedures.

Frequently asked questions about Saint-Martin Canal Cruises

What are the types of Saint-Martin canal cruises available?

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.

How long does each cruise last?

The sightseeing cruises typically last around 2.5 hours.

Is the cruise a round trip?

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.

Are the cruises wheelchair accessible?

No, the cruises are not wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with reduced mobility.

Can I bring my children on the cruise?

Yes, you can bring your children on the cruise. Tickets for children up to 3 years of age are free.

Are pets allowed onboard the cruise?

No, pets are not allowed.

Are there any stops during a sightseeing cruise?

No, sightseeing cruises are non-stop. However, all boats have accessible restrooms on board.

Is it possible to eat 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.

What's the difference between a Saint Martin Canal cruise and a Seine River cruise?

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.

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