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How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

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Slide 1 of 4

Slide 1 of 4

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?

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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
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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.