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Romantic Cruise "The Old Paris" on the Canal Saint Martin 1
A group of people dining inside a restaurant. 2
Three people at a cafe, one holding a drink and another holding a pastry. 3
A person in a dark jacket at a counter with a red curtain, a brick wall, and a black bag on the counter. 4
People inside a tunnel with a textured ceiling and lights. 5

Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin

By France Tourisme
8.0 out of 10
Very good
Free cancellation available
Price is €32 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

This unusual 2.5-hour 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 areas.
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.
Arsenal 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

Activity location

  • Canauxrama
    • 13 Quai de la Loire
    • 75019, Paris, Île-de-France, France

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Canauxrama
    • 13 Quai de la Loire
    • 75019, Paris, Île-de-France, France

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

(2) Arsenal - Villette 2.30pm

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • English

2:30 PM duration 2h30: Departure: 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France
Arrival:Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France

Starting time: 14:30
Price details
€32.00 x 1 Adult€32.00
Total
Price is €32.00
Until Tue, 14 Jul

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Live comments (English/ French)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Bar on board
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Pass through 4 double locks and 2 swing bridges
  • What's includedWhat's included
    2h30 cruise on the canal saint martin
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Two Options (1) or (2) With different departure point
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Service charge

Know before you book

  • Public transport 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
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Capitainerie du Port de l'Arsenal de la Bastille (Pass by)

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Place de la Bastille (Pass 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.

Écluse du Temple (Pass 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 (Pass 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.

Écluses des Morts (Pass 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.

Bassin Louis Blanc (Pass by)

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

Écluse de la Villette (Pass 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 (Pass 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 (Pass 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 (Pass 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.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Canauxrama
    • 13 Quai de la Loire
    • 75019, Paris, Île-de-France, France

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Canauxrama
    • 13 Quai de la Loire
    • 75019, Paris, Île-de-France, France
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Canauxrama
    • 50 Boulevard de la Bastille
    • 75012, Paris, Île-de-France, France
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Canauxrama
    • 50 Boulevard de la Bastille
    • 75012, Paris, Île-de-France, France
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Canauxrama
    • 13 Quai de la Loire
    • 75019, Paris, Île-de-France, France

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