Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Sightseeing Cruise at Parc de la Villette

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Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Sightseeing Cruise

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4.2· 41 reviews

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  • Worth every penny

Rated 4.2 out of 5, this cruise earns consistent praise for its knowledgeable, friendly guides and the unique perspective it offers on Paris. Passengers highlight the Canal Saint-Martin section as a particular highlight, with its six locks and underground tunnel passage leaving a strong impression. Commentary is delivered in both French and English, and the experience is widely recommended as a rewarding alternative for those who feel they have already seen much of the city.

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Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Sightseeing Cruise

This dual waterway cruise takes you through two distinct sides of Paris, starting on the charming Canal Saint-Martin before joining the famous Seine River. Your journey begins along the tree-lined canal banks, passing beneath decorative ironwork bridges and through the fascinating underground tunnel beneath the Bastille. The onboard guide provides live commentary in English and French, sharing stories about Parisian history, architecture and lesser-known sights along the route.

You'll witness the working canal locks and swing bridges in action, seeing how marine traffic navigates the city's elevation changes. The cruise flows through the Port de l'Arsenal and reaches the Bassin de la Villette, an artificial lake popular with locals. Once you join the Seine River, the scenery shifts to classic Parisian landmarks including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Musée d'Orsay, giving you both peaceful canal views and grand riverside architecture in one trip.

What is Included

  • Canal Saint-Martin and Seine River cruise
  • Live commentary in English and French
  • Passage through canal locks and swing bridges
  • Underground vault beneath the Bastille
  • Views of Notre-Dame Cathedral and Musée d'Orsay from the water

Good to Know

Arrive at the departure point 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Mobile confirmation is accepted for boarding. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board but not included in the ticket price. Bring valid photo ID if requested by staff.

This cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with reduced mobility. Pets and large luggage are not permitted on board, except for service animals. Check seasonal departure times before arriving as schedules may vary throughout the year.

For a complete Paris sightseeing experience, consider pairing your cruise with a skip-the-line visit to the Eiffel Tower or explore more of the city's waterways with a Seine River dinner cruise for an evening perspective of the illuminated landmarks.

Why you'll love it

  • Enjoy a 2.5-hour sightseeing cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine River, offering two distinct views of Paris in one journey
  • Discover hidden corners of the city as a live guide shares stories and history, from floating under footbridges to gliding through the mysterious vault beneath the Bastille
  • Watch locks, swing bridges, and sluice gates in action—an unexpected side of Parisian engineering
  • See famous landmarks like Notre-Dame and Musée d'Orsay, and cruise past lesser-known gems like the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.

What's included

  • 2.5-hour sightseeing cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin Onboard commentary in French and English

Good to know

Age suitability
Suitable for all ages
Know before you go
  • Please arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time

  • Mobile confirmation is accepted for boarding

  • Snacks and drinks available for purchase on board (not included)

  • Bring a valid photo ID if requested by staff

  • Check seasonal departure times before arriving

Visitor guidelines
  • Please arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time

  • Mobile confirmation is accepted for boarding

  • Snacks and drinks available for purchase on board (not included)

  • Bring a valid photo ID if requested by staff

  • Check seasonal departure times before arriving

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation

Frequently asked

Is the cruise commentary available in multiple languages?

Yes, live commentary is offered in both English and French during the cruise.

Are food and drinks included in the ticket price?

No, snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board but are not included with the ticket.

Can I bring pets or large luggage on board?

Pets and bulky luggage are not permitted on the cruise, with exceptions for service animals.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?

Unfortunately, this cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with reduced mobility.

Where you'll be

Parc de la Villette, 211 Av. Jean Jaurès

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