RoamRide
Historical

Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River

4.1(244 reviews)Paris, FranceRef. viator-9511P46
2hDurationEnglish, FrenchOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

Board a cruise near Hôtel du Nord by Place de la République and travel along the Canal Saint-Martin. Experience the canal's locks, footbridges, and the Bastille tunnel. The cruise transitions to the Seine River, showcasing landmarks such as Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. Live commentary is provided in English and French. Onboard amenities include indoor and outdoor seating and a bar offering snacks and drinks. This cruise is suitable for families and first-time visitors. Note that the experience is designed for comfort and does not require active participation.

Itinerary

1

Quai de Valmy

Start your journey along Canal Saint-Martin, a historic waterway lined with trees, iron footbridges and popular cafés. As you cruise past the famous Hôtel du Nord and the lively waterside terraces, your guide explains how the canal was created to bring fresh water to Paris and how this district became one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods.

2

Canal Saint-Martin

Experience the unique feeling of passing through several locks, watching the water level rise and fall around the boat while the gates slowly open and close. This is the best moment to observe everyday canal life: locals on the quays, walkers crossing the iron footbridges and the contrast between old industrial buildings and today’s cafés and boutiques. Continue towards the swing bridge, another distinctive feature of Canal Saint-Martin. As road traffic briefly stops to let the boat pass, your guide shares anecdotes about how the canal operates and its role in Parisian logistics and leisure.

3

Capitainerie du Port de l'Arsenal de la Bastille

Emerging from the tunnel, the boat reaches the Port de l’Arsenal, a marina linking Canal Saint-Martin to the Seine. Here you can see houseboats and pleasure craft moored in the basin while your guide explains how this former commercial port has been transformed into a pleasant harbour and garden.

4

The Seine

Joining the Seine River, the scenery opens up to postcard views. Sail alongside Île Saint-Louis, with its elegant 17th-century façades, and enjoy a first glimpse of Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. From the water you can fully appreciate the curve of the river and the city’s famous bridges.

5

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris

As the boat continues along the UNESCO-listed riverbanks, your guide points out many of Paris’s most iconic monuments: Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, the Louvre museum, the Tuileries gardens, the Orsay Museum and the Eiffel Tower. From the open deck you can take unobstructed photos of these landmarks and hear stories about their history, architecture and role in the life of the city.

6

4th Arr. - Hotel-de-Ville

You will pass the ornate Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the lively riverside promenades. Here you really feel local life along the Seine, with people strolling, chatting and enjoying the evening by the water.

7

Louvre Museum

Further west, the immense façade of the Louvre Museum stretches along the river, facing the domed Institut de France on the Left Bank. Between them, the Pont des Arts footbridge offers one of the best viewpoints in Paris – from the boat you can see all three in a single glance.

8

Pont Alexandre III

You then pass under Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris with its golden statues and Art Nouveau lamps. Nearby you’ll see the glass roof of the Grand Palais and, on the Left Bank, the golden dome of Les Invalides, where Napoleon is buried.

9

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower comes into full view, rising above the Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars. In the evening she is lit up, and if you’re there at the right time, you’ll see her sparkling – the moment everyone waits for, with Champagne glasses raised and cameras ready.

10

Ile de la Cite

The cruise ends at Quai de l’Horloge, on Île de la Cité near Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris. From here you are perfectly placed to continue exploring on foot: wander through the Latin Quarter, cross to the Right Bank, visit Sainte-Chapelle or simply enjoy a drink on a nearby terrace before heading back to your hotel.

What's included / not included

Use of indoor and outdoor seating on boardBar on boardAdmire the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower and more.Live bilingual commentary (English and French)2-hour sightseeing cruise on Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine River

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Duration of the cruise: approximately 2 hour

Traveller reviews

4.1244 reviews

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