Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin

3.8 (82 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

82 reviews

3.8

Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This unusual 2.5hour cruise invites you to discover the hidden side of Paris as you glide along the peaceful waters of the Canal Saint-Martin, lined with century-old trees and elegant footbridges. Along the way, hear the history of these authentic Parisian neighborhoods.

You will pass the mysterious and spectacular Bastille vault, where the changing light creates a unique atmosphere. The cruise also takes you through four double locks with swirling waters and two swing bridges, offering a fascinating glimpse into the canal’s engineering and charm. You will enjoy views of the lively canal banks, with their pretty boutiques and retro-style cafés. The route also passes through the Bassin de la Villette and near the Parc de la Villette, home to the Cité des Sciences, La Géode, the Philharmonie de Paris, and themed gardens.

Bastille departure: Canauxrama, 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France

Villette departure: Canauxrama, Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France

Private and Luxury Romantic Tours Historical Tours Water Tours Likely to Sell Out Likely To Sell Out Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 149 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English, French
Operated by: France Tourisme

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Live comments (English/ French)
Included: Bar on board
Included: Pass through 4 double locks and 2 swing bridges
Included: 2h30 cruise on the canal saint martin
Included: Two Options (1) or (2) With different departure point

Not included

Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Capitainerie du Port de l'Arsenal de la Bastille

Passing by

.
Place de la Bastille

Passing by

Enter the long underground tunnel of the Canal Saint-Martin, a vaulted passage beneath the city. As daylight fades and reappears through openings above, the atmosphere becomes uniquely calm and immersive.

Emerge from the tunnel near Place de la Bastille, where the contrast between the underground canal and the lively historic square creates one of the most striking moments of the cruise.
Stop 3

Passing by

Navigate through the Écluse du Temple, another key lock on the Canal Saint-Martin, where the slow rhythm of the water reinforces the peaceful nature of the cruise.
Canal Saint-Martin

Passing by

Enter the heart of the Canal Saint-Martin, famous for its tree-lined banks, elegant iron footbridges and timeless Parisian charm. This is one of the city’s most picturesque waterways, loved by locals and filmmakers alike.
Stop 5

Passing by

Pass by the Écluses des Morts, a series of locks whose name recalls the canal’s long and sometimes dramatic past, adding a touch of mystery to the journey.
Stop 6

Passing by

Glide through the peaceful Bassin Louis Blanc, where the canal blends seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere away from the city’s bustle.
Stop 7

Passing by

Experience your first lock as the boat passes through the Écluse de la Villette. Watch the water level gently rise or fall as the lock gates open and close, offering a captivating glimpse into the canal’s engineering.
Canal de L’Ourq

Passing by

Cruise along the Canal de l’Ourcq, originally built to supply Paris with fresh water. Lined with former warehouses and modern residential buildings, this stretch reveals a quieter, more authentic side of the capital.
Le Pont Levant de Crimee

Passing by

Sail beneath the iconic lift bridge of rue de Crimée, one of the last operational lifting bridges in Paris. Watching the bridge rise above the boat is a rare and fascinating moment that highlights the city’s living industrial heritage.
Bassin de la Villette

Passing by

The boat reaches the Bassin de la Villette, one of the largest open water basins in Paris. This lively yet relaxed area marks the gateway to the city’s historic canal network, where urban life slowly gives way to calm waterways and a more local Parisian atmosphere.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Option (2) accès piétons face au 50 boulevard de la Bastille - 75012 PARIS / Métro : BASTILLE Port de l'arsenal
Option (1) - Bassin de la Villette (métro Jaurès) 13 quai de la Loire

End point

Using your ticket

Depending on the selected option, 2 different meeting points:

(Option 2) Bastille departure: Canauxrama, 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France

(Option 1) Villette departure: Canauxrama, Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France

Please, be present 15 mn before departure

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
(Option 2) Arsenal departure: Canauxrama, 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France
(Option 1) Villette departure: Canauxrama, Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France

Options

(1) Villette-Bastille 2.30pm

13 Quai de la Loire: Departure: Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France

Starting point:

Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France
Bastille-Villette 9:45am

Starting point:

50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France
(2) Bastille-Villette 2.30pm

50 Bd de la Bastille: Departure: 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France

Starting point:

50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France