‌
Book Canal Saint-Martin CruiseCrafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.
4.5/5
11k+ travellers from around the world love this
Canal Saint-Martin
Paris Canal cruise boat near Eiffel Tower, France.
People enjoying a canal cruise in Paris, France, with trees lining the waterway.
Boat tour on Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, passing through a lock with people on board.
Canal lock on Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, France, with surrounding walkways and greenery.
Canal Saint-Martin bridge in Paris with cyclist and pedestrian crossing.
Notre-Dame Cathedral viewed from the Seine River during a sightseeing cruise in Paris.
Eiffel Tower view from Seine River at sunset, Paris Canal Cruise, France.
‌
Sightseeing Cruises

Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Sightseeing Cruise

  • Canal Saint-Martin
  • Underground Vault of the Bastille
  • Various Locks of the Canal
  • Bassin de la Villette
  • Port de l'Arsenal
  • Seine River (Notre-Dame and Musée d'Orsay)
‌
‌
Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr. 30 min.
  • Canal Saint-Martin
  • Underground Vault of the Bastille
  • Various Locks of the Canal
  • Bassin de la Villette
  • Port de l'Arsenal
  • Seine River (Notre-Dame and Musée d'Orsay)

Inclusions #

  • 2.5-hour sightseeing cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin
  • Onboard commentary in French and English
  • This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users and individuals with reduced mobility.
  • Pets cannot tag along for this experience.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Seine River cruise and Musée d'Orsay interior in Paris.
Seine River cruise boat passing under a bridge in Paris, France.
Canal lock on Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, France, with surrounding walkways and greenery.
Visitors at the Orsay Museum in Paris, part of Combo: 29129 + 6235 tour package.
Boat tour on Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, passing through a lock with people on board.
Canal Saint-Martin bridge in Paris with cyclist and pedestrian crossing.
Interior of Musée d'Orsay, Paris, featuring sculptures and a large ornate clock.
Monet's "Une Moderne Olympia" at Orsay Museum, Paris, featuring a reclining nude and observer.
‌
Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Seine River & Canal Saint-Martin Cruise + Orsay Museum Tickets

  • Maximize your Paris experience and savings with this combo of a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River and entry tickets to the Orsay Museum.
  • Tick off the famous landmarks of the city with a peaceful 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin, navigating both famous and hidden city treasures.
  • Cruise by iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, while also discovering the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.
  • Your ticket grants you access to the exhibitions at the Orsay Museum full of Impressionist paintings and artworks by Berthe Morisot, Claude Monet, and Édouard Manet to name a few.
  • Although best known for its art collections, the Orsay Museum’s Decorative Arts collection of furniture and decorative items, is one not to be missed.
‌
‌
Check availability
Flexible duration
  • Maximize your Paris experience and savings with this combo of a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River and entry tickets to the Orsay Museum.
  • Tick off the famous landmarks of the city with a peaceful 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin, navigating both famous and hidden city treasures.
  • Cruise by iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, while also discovering the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.
  • Your ticket grants you access to the exhibitions at the Orsay Museum full of Impressionist paintings and artworks by Berthe Morisot, Claude Monet, and Édouard Manet to name a few.
  • Although best known for its art collections, the Orsay Museum’s Decorative Arts collection of furniture and decorative items, is one not to be missed.

Inclusions #

Seine River Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

  • Sightseeing cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin

  • Onboard commentary in French and English

Orsay Museum

  • Entry tickets to Orsay Museum

  • Access to permanent and temporary collections

Seine River Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

  • Tip: Don't miss the stunning stained-glass ceiling at the Orsay Museum! The ceiling depicts Greek mythology in contrast to the modern art below.
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  • This experience is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Orsay Museum

  • Tip: Just 1km from the Orsay Museum lies the Boulevard Saint-Germain. Complete your artistic journey in this bustling district filled with classic cafes frequented by renowned artists and writers.
  • Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month.
  • Your ticket includes access to temporary exhibitions available on the day of the visit (subject to availability).
  • Wheelchairs are available in exchange for a piece of identification.
  • Cloakrooms are available free of charge for visitors to drop off their coats, small luggage, and other items subject to a compulsory deposit.
  • Cabin-size baggage (56x45x25 cm) is allowed, but valuables are not accepted.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Canal boat tour in Paris and science workshop at a museum.
Seine River cruise boat passing under a bridge in Paris, France.
Canal lock on Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, France, with surrounding walkways and greenery.
Visitors relaxing on the lawn in front of the Geode at the Science and Industry Museum, Paris.
Exhibit at Paris museum with colorful educational panels and visitors observing a red art installation.
Sightseeing cruise boat on the Seine River near Canal St Martin, Paris.
Notre-Dame Cathedral viewed from the Seine River during a sightseeing cruise in Paris.
Visitors engaging with interactive display at a museum exhibit.
Visitors observing submarine model at Paris technology exhibit.
‌
Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Seine River & Canal Saint-Martin Cruise + Science & Industry Museum Tickets

Seine River Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

  • Tip: Be sure to arrive early for the cruise to not only save last-minute rush but also to secure the best spots on the boat for sightseeing.
  • Pets are not allowed onboard.
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  • This experience is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Science & City Museum

  • Tip: The museum’s rooftop also offers stunning city views! Pack a picnic & enjoy the panorama after your visit.
  • The reservations for the planetarium, the Argonaute submarine, the children's exhibition Métamorphoses, and the Dance exhibitions are on site, subject to availability on the day of your visit.
  • The "Cité des Enfants" ticket is not included and must be booked on-site.
  • Children's tickets (2-5 years old) are only available on-site.
  • Free entry is available for children below 2 years of age, disabled people, and an accompanying person with valid proof.
  • Reduced-price tickets are available for people above 65 years of age, below 25 years of age with valid proof, and students too.
‌
‌
Check availability
Flexible duration

Seine River Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

  • Tip: Be sure to arrive early for the cruise to not only save last-minute rush but also to secure the best spots on the boat for sightseeing.
  • Pets are not allowed onboard.
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  • This experience is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Science & City Museum

  • Tip: The museum’s rooftop also offers stunning city views! Pack a picnic & enjoy the panorama after your visit.
  • The reservations for the planetarium, the Argonaute submarine, the children's exhibition Métamorphoses, and the Dance exhibitions are on site, subject to availability on the day of your visit.
  • The "Cité des Enfants" ticket is not included and must be booked on-site.
  • Children's tickets (2-5 years old) are only available on-site.
  • Free entry is available for children below 2 years of age, disabled people, and an accompanying person with valid proof.
  • Reduced-price tickets are available for people above 65 years of age, below 25 years of age with valid proof, and students too.

Inclusions #

Seine River Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

  • Sightseeing cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin

  • Onboard commentary in French and English

Science & City Museum

  • Entry to the Science & Industry Museum

  • Access to all exhibits & the planetarium

  • Access to Argonaute submarine, Metamorphoses & Dance exhibit (closed on Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25)

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Frassineti Graziella

Frassineti

Feb 2026
‌
review-image
‌
review-image
Quick and easy entry. Fast and secure online payment, without having to queue at the cash desk. A reliable website.
Krzysztof Rudziński

Krzysztof

Feb 2026
‌
review-image
‌
review-image
Headout made our visit to Musée d’Orsay truly memorable. The process was effortless – booked online in minutes, received the ticket right away, and walked straight in at 11:00 without any waiting. The collection is stunning – standing under that iconic clock with sunlight streaming in was a moment I’ll never forget. Seeing the real paintings of Monet, Van Gogh and Degas felt almost unreal. A perfect, joyful experience for me and my teenager. Thank you so much!
Desislava Pavlova
BG

Desislava

Bulgaria
Jan 2026
‌
review-image
‌
review-image
‌
review-image
Our experience with Headout was smooth and well organized. We visited Level 2 of the Science and Industry Museum, including the planetarium, which lasts about 45 minutes and starts exactly on time with a pre-booked time slot. We were there with two children aged 12 and 6, and both were fully engaged. There was so much to see that we could easily spend the whole day there. Highly recommended for families.
Antje Bokelmann

Antje

Oct 2025
‌
review-image
‌
review-image
‌
review-image
Experiencing Paris from the water is a special experience. The Saint-Martin canal with its locks exudes a beautiful flair. The underground tunnel ride on the way to the Seine is particularly impressive. Highly recommended!

Trusted by over 48M guests worldwide

100% booking protection

You are fully protected end-to-end. If anything is off, we'll fix it or refund you.

Know more

Enjoy flexible bookings

Book stress-free with free cancellation and pay-later options.

24/7 trip support

We're always a tap away - before, during and after your trip, in all languages.

Verified reviews from real travellers. Trusted by guests worldwide.

Top things to do in Paris

Characters at Disneyland Paris in front of a castle wall.

Disneyland® Paris Tickets

from

€66

Person standing in front of the Eiffel Tower at sunrise, Paris.

Eiffel Tower Tickets

from

€32

Louvre Museum glass pyramid entrance with visitors in Paris.

Louvre Museum Tickets

from

€26.95

Palace of Versailles gardens with historic building in Paris, France.

Versailles Tickets

from

€15

Arc de Triomphe in Paris with detailed sculptures and tourists nearby.

Arc De Triomphe Tickets

from

€17.50

Notre Dame Cathedral facade with intricate rose window, Paris.

Notre-Dame Paris Tickets

from

€5

9cea84bd-31e6-11ee-a35f-0a791347a7af-hero

Ateliers des Lumières

from

€19.50

Orsay Museum and Seine River with Eiffel Tower in Paris at sunset.

Orsay Museum

from

€14

Pantheon in Paris with visitors outside, showcasing neoclassical architecture.

Paris Pantheon Tickets

from

€14

Opera Garnier facade with visitors in Paris, France.

Opera Garnier Paris Tickets

from

€25

Big Bus Paris in front of Les Invalides dome at night.

Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off Tours

from

€99.01

Visitors on a spinning ride at Parc Astérix, Paris, with a large statue in the foreground.

Parc Astérix Paris Tickets

from

€68

Sainte Chapelle spire and facade against blue sky in Paris, France.

Sainte Chapelle Tickets

from

€26

Army Museum in Paris with golden dome at sunset.

Les Invalides Tickets

from

€17

Red train crossing the Landwasser Viaduct in Switzerland, surrounded by lush green forest.

Eurail Passes

from

€240.55

Claude Monet's water lilies displayed in Orangerie Museum, Paris, France.

Musee de l'Orangerie Tickets

from

€11

Visitors viewing a painting at Musée Picasso in Paris.

Picasso Museum Paris Tickets

from

€16

Conciergerie museum facade with towers in Paris, France.

Conciergerie Paris Tickets

from

€11.50

Basilica of Saint Denis facade with rose window and tower in Paris.

Basilica of Saint Denis Tickets

from

€11

Visitors posing with a wax figure at the Grévin Museum in Paris.

Grévin Wax Museum Tickets

from

€28

Musée d'Orsay reflecting in the Seine River, Paris, featured in Emily in Paris Tours.

Emily in Paris Official Tours

from

€42.40

Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, Paris, with visitors on the steps and lawn.

Montmartre and Sacré Coeur Tickets

from

€12.90

Chateau of Chantilly with reflection in the water, Paris.

Château de Chantilly Tickets

from

€23

Saint-Martin Canal | A historic Parisian waterway

Nearly half the length of the river Seine, the tree-lined Canal Saint-Martin snakes through the upper eastern part of Paris — once full of industries, now bustling with art galleries and trendy restaurants. The canal was built in 1825 to supply Paris with grain and building materials at two ports and narrowly escaped being paved over for a highway in 1960. A cruise along the canal will greet you with iconic sights like the swing bridge of Pont de l'Arsenal, joining the historic districts of Marais and Bastille, and the Bassin de la Villette, a large artificial basin surrounded by parks and gardens. Don’t miss the canal locks!

Read on to discover the best cruise options, the sights you’ll see, where to board from, etc to plan the best sightseeing experience on the Saint-Martin Canal.

Why opt for a cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal?

Placeholder Image Headout Blimp
Placeholder Image Headout Blimp
Placeholder Image Headout Blimp
1/3

Tick off famous Parisian attractions

Cruise past must-see landmarks of the city from the Saint-Martin canal including the La Rotonde de la Villette, Bassin de l'Arsenal, Parc and Bassin de la Villette, and La Geode. .

Learn about the history of the Saint-Martin canal

Your guide will provide you with insightful commentary in French and English as you cross the historical landmarks on the canal. The canal was ordered to be built by Napoleon I in 1825 to supply Paris with fresh water and support its growing population.

Opt for a leisurely cruise away from the city hustle

Picture yourself passing by tree-lined riverbanks while cruising under iconic lock bridges. Compared to the busy Seine cruises, Saint Martin Canal offers the perfect solution in under three hours. Sit back and take in the serene environment with swing bridges and tunnels lit with natural light.

Things to know before booking a Saint-Martin Canal cruise

Here’s what you need to know about booking your Saint-Martin canal cruise.

  1. Want to see the famous Parisian attractions of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum? Opt for a tour departing from the Port de Solferino near the Orsay Museum for a mix of attractions seen from the Seine River and the Canal, or depart from Parc de la Villette — a great starting point to explore the Saint Martin Canal exclusively.
  2. Thinking of exploring more for(a) less(er) price? Opt for the combo ticket of the canal cruise and entry to the Orsay Museum. Prices start at 37 euros.
  3. How about exploring the sights from the Saint-Martin Canal as well as the famous ones from the Seine River? Opt for a tour that cruises past the Saint Martin Canal banks and sails further to landmarks on the Seine like the Eiffel Tower. All of this in under three hours! 
  4. The canal cruises run through the day, with the earliest after sunrise and the latest in the afternoon. Pick a time slot best suited to your schedule and the ideal weather for you.
  5. Want exclusive insights on the canal’s history, engineering, and significance? We’ve got you covered with a live bilingual guide onboard in English and French on all cruises.

Saint Martin Canal cruises types explained

Cruise typeBoarding pointDurationTimingsFood & drinks

Morning cruise

Port de Solferino

2.5 hrs

10am

Bar on board

Afternoon cruise

Parc de la Villette

2.5 hrs

2:30pm

Bar on board

Afternoon cruise

Port de Solferino

2.5 hrs

3pm

Bar on board

Choosing between the Seine River Cruise and Saint Martin Canal cruise

Cruise typeBoarding pointsDurationTimingsSightseeingTour operators

Saint Martin Canal Cruise

Port de Solferino, Parc de la Villette

2.5 hrs

10am, 2:30pm, 3pm

Orsay Museum, Parc de la Vilette, Arsenal Marina, Bassin de le Vilette

Paris Canal Cruises

Seine River Cruise

Port de la Bourdonnais or near Notre-Dame, Paris Seine Marina

1 - 2.5 hrs

10am, 12:30pm, 5pm, 7:30pm, 8pm

Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Grand Palais

Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux Mouches,Paris Seine

Top landmarks to spot on your Saint-Martin Canal cruise

Orsay Museum
Placeholder Image Headout Blimp
Placeholder Image Headout Blimp
Placeholder Image Headout Blimp
Placeholder Image Headout Blimp
Placeholder Image Headout Blimp
Placeholder Image Headout Blimp
1/7

Orsay Museum

Housed in a former railway station, this museum houses Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Keep an eye out for the Clock Tower when you visit the museum post your cruise to enjoy panoramic views of the city!

Parc de la Villette

A sprawling park with a science museum, an IMAX theater, and a concert hall, the park will appear as a green oasis with the distinctive Geode dome from your cruise.

Bassin de la Villette

Picture a large artificial basin surrounded by parks and gardens along your cruise. Bassin de la Villette offers a scenic environment for boating, walking, and cycling.

Arsenal Marina

A scenic marina overlooking the confluence of the Seine and Marne rivers, this bustling area greets you with stunning views of Paris and a variety of modern houseboats and luxurious yachts docked in it.

The Notre Dame Cathedral

From your cruise on the canal, the cathedral will appear as a landmark rising above Paris with its Gothic architecture. As you get closer, you can marvel at its gargoyles and towers, symbolic of French culture.

Tunnel du Carrousel

Connecting the Canal Saint-Martin to the Seine River, this underground tunnel allows boats to pass beneath the Louvre Museum. It’s illuminated by both artificial lighting and beams of natural light.

The Locks of Canal Saint-Martin

Essential for maintaining the canal's water levels, these hydraulic structures allow boats to navigate the waterway along the canal. The locks also add to the canal's scenic beauty, a contrast of metal against the green waters.

Plan your cruise

The sightseeing cruises are available at three-time slots–10:30am, 2:30pm, and 3pm.
Duration: 150 minutes
Arrival: 30 minutes before boarding time

  • April — June (Spring) means pleasant weather with mild temperatures and occasional showers. This season also attracts more crowds and possibly longer queues.

  • September — October (Autumn) means pleasant weather with fewer crowds compared to spring and summer. 

  • November — March (Winter); this season sees cold winters and chilly rains, but that means fewer crowds and fewer queues while getting tickets.

  • June – August (Summer); sunny weather and clearer skies lead to more crowds and ticketing lines, but make for river banks bustling with people and activities.

Board your cruise either at either Parc de La Villette or the Port de Solferino.

Parc de la Villette

  • By metro: Line 5 to Bobigny-Pablo Picasso or Porte de Pantin stations.
  • By bus: Lines 137, 150, 170, and 255 to Porte de Pantin station.
  • By RER: Line B to La Villette station.

Port de Solferino

  • By metro: Line 12 to Solferino station or Line 13 to Musée d'Orsay station.
  • By RER: Line C to Musée d'Orsay station.
  • By bus: Lines 24, 68, 69, 72, 83, 91, and 94 to Musée d'Orsay station.
  • Restrooms
  • Bar in some tours
  • Vending machine with snacks
  • Pack accordingly to protect yourself from the cold or the sun. Winds can get strong on the deck, while the sun can be harsh in summer. 
  • Arrive early to catch the best seats on the cruise, especially in summer! 
  • Feeling peckish? Don’t worry! The cruises come equipped with snacks in vending machines onboard.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to complete check-ins and boarding procedures.

Frequently asked questions about Saint-Martin Canal Cruises

You can choose from three main types of cruises: a sightseeing cruise to the river Seine, a sightseeing cruise combined with a visit to the Orsay Museum, or a sightseeing cruise combined with a visit to the Science & Industry Museum.