Post image

A boat cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris

Between Seine and Canal Saint-Martin, there are cruises on the canals of Paris that allow you to escape to the heart of the capital!

We start this walk on the Seine River Musée d’Orsay . We could also have started the trip to the north east Paris where the maroon trees border the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, Parc de la Villette .

The cruise becomes interesting from the dock of the Porte de l’Arsenal, where the Seine is joined by the Canal Saint-Martin. From this place (a lot more charming than the great Parisian river), the cruise extends about 5 kilometers to the Parc de la Villette, where the Canal Saint-Martin ends and where the Canal de l’Ourcq begins.

The cruise lasts about two and a half hours over the entire length of the canal Saint-Martin . In a few minutes, you enter a large underground tunnel that passes under the Place de la Bastille. This tunnel thus passes directly under the Column of July commemorating the Three Glorieuses: three days during which French citizens rebelled in July 1830 for the defence of public freedoms.

alt text

Flickr – Sam Nimitz

Slowly and quietly floating in the dark under a monument of such historical importance is rather strange but after 20 minutes you will sail again in the light of the day. The banks of the canal are lined with small streets, parks, shops and cafes . Closer to the waterfront, you can find Victorian style lampposts and nice wooden benches. Turning bridges and charming iron bridges, from the "Electronic" style, add the width of the canal.

Despite the morning hour (the cruise leaves at 9:45 am), the Parisians are outside enjoying the "Beautiful Epoque" atmosphere of the canal. Children hit the ball and feed the ducks. The lovers stand by hand while enjoying the fresh air of the morning. Old men rely on trees looking at chess players. Some drink their coffee watching the same scenes from their balcony.

If looking at people is fascinating, admire the buildings is also. You will pass in front of the Hospital Saint-Louis , more than 400 years old, Hotel du Nord , in which the film of the same name was shot in 1938, and house of Vincenzo Peruggia , an Italian painter who stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, keeping her here, unnoticedly, for 2 years.

alt text

Flickr – You & Me

You will also see old glassware, warehouses and factories , although most of them, since the end of the commercial transportation of coal and sand in the 1960s, have been reinvented in apartments and loft fashionable, where artists, designers and students live.

Along the Canal Saint-Martin, you'll pass 9 locks. You will certainly recognize the scenery of films as in Fabulous Destiny of Amelie Poulain or The science of dreams .

As you approach the end of your cruise at Parc de la Villette, you will find an outdoor cinema, theatres, restaurants and landscaped gardens. Péniches live a second life in the form of bars.

Your cruise now finished, you may want a drink in one of these “floating bars” to lift a glass at the Canal Saint-Martin, whose construction was, after all, directly financed by a wine tax under the orders of Napoleon 1er who began his digging in 1802.

Book your cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin

You can book online your cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin as described in this article. You even have the choice of meaning, the one described here being in my best eyes, because you can have a quiet lunch at the Parc de la Villette on arrival. Two choices are therefore available to you for €19:

– Paris Cruise: Between Seine and Canal Saint Martin (sens Musée d’Orsay to Parc de la Villette)

– Paris Cruise: Between Seine and Canal Saint Martin (sens Parc de la Villette to Musée d’Orsay)

For 20€, the price includes:

  • The Seine River cruise and the Saint Martin Canal
  • Comments

The price does not include:

  • Support from/to your hotel
  • Tips (optional)
  • Anything else extra

Attention, schedules and certain dates are different according to the meaning of the chosen cruise. Click the button above to learn more.

Have you ever made a cruise on Canal Saint-Martin? How did you find the experience?

Amelia Hall

Amelia Hall

I'm Amelia Hall, a curious soul on a perpetual quest for adventure. Life's journey is my muse, from traversing remote trails to immersing myself in local cultures. Each new destination unveils a unique story, and I'm here to narrate those tales for you. My aim is to awaken your wanderlust, sharing insights, tips, and the magic of exploration. Together, let's embark on this captivating odyssey, discovering the world's hidden gems and forging unforgettable memories.

  • This author has no website
  • This author has no facebook account
  • This author has no instagram account
  • This author has no linkedin account
  • This author has no X account
  • This author has no youtube account

Comments (0)

Loading comments ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *