Sightseeing Cruises

Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Sightseeing Cruise

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.

Duration

2 hrs 30 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Operator: Paris Canal

4.2/5(45)

Cornelia H

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The part of the tour along the Canal Saint-Martin was particularly impressive and beautiful, as we passed through six locks. In addition, clear explanations were provided in both French and English. My 14-year-old granddaughter also thought it was a highlight of our trip to Paris. Truly a unique experience!

Antje S

Couple

Verified booking

3 days ago

A highly recommended tour of the canal. It’s exciting to pass through so many locks, and the highlight is the tunnel crossing down to the Seine. You absolutely have to do this 🤗👍

Reichebner G

Family

Verified booking

Apr 2026

If you’ve already seen and experienced a lot of Paris, this boat tour is an interesting alternative, especially if you start it with a stroll through Buttes-Chaumont Park. The tour guide on the boat was very enthusiastic and informative, though the sound quality could perhaps be better. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side, so we had to move inside, especially during the most scenic stretch of the Seine.

Dorothy W

Couple

Verified booking

Mar 2026

Getting wet! If you sit in the front row outside when the trip is going up the canal, you may get sprayed a little when the larger gates start. Made me laugh! Great tour guide covered lots of history along the route. Lovely clean boat. Was a bit lost on where to go when we got off but managed lunch in Boom Boom

Enjoy a 2.5-hour sightseeing cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine River, offering two distinct views of Paris in one journey.

Discover hidden corners of the city as a live guide shares stories and history, from floating under footbridges to gliding through the mysterious vault beneath the Bastille.

Watch locks, swing bridges, and sluice gates in action—an unexpected side of Parisian engineering.

See famous landmarks like Notre-Dame and Musée d'Orsay, and cruise past lesser-known gems like the largest artificial lake in Paris, the Bassin de la Villette.

2.5-hour sightseeing cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin

Onboard commentary in French and English

MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
1 Boarding point
Orsay Museum
Get direction
Sights covered
Canal Saint-Martin
Underground Vault of the Bastille
Bassin de la Villette
Port de l'Arsenal
Notre-Dame

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

45 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Germany, Italy, Belgium and over 14 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Cornelia H
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The part of the tour along the Canal Saint-Martin was particularly impressive and beautiful, as we passed through six locks. In addition, clear explanations were provided in both French and English. My 14-year-old granddaughter also thought it was a highlight of our trip to Paris. Truly a unique experience!
Antje S
Couple
Verified booking
3 days ago
A highly recommended tour of the canal. It’s exciting to pass through so many locks, and the highlight is the tunnel crossing down to the Seine. You absolutely have to do this 🤗👍
Salvatore M
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
A different way to reach the Seine via canals, locks, and tunnels
Reichebner G
Family
Verified booking
Apr 2026
If you’ve already seen and experienced a lot of Paris, this boat tour is an interesting alternative, especially if you start it with a stroll through Buttes-Chaumont Park. The tour guide on the boat was very enthusiastic and informative, though the sound quality could perhaps be better. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side, so we had to move inside, especially during the most scenic stretch of the Seine.
Buff, C
Family
Verified booking
Apr 2026
The tour guide’s explanations and knowledge were very impressive. We learned a lot about the history of the Saint-Martin Canal.

Bask in the serene beauty of Paris

Your Seine and Canal Saint-Martin cruise begins with a tranquil sail on the Saint-Martin canal where you will you'll pass under romantic footbridges and through the mysterious underground vault of the Bastille. The experience also includes a guide who will provide intriguing insights into the city's history and architecture. The journey takes you through fascinating locks of the canal, each opening to stunning sights and eventually leading you to the picturesque Bassin de la Villette, Paris's largest artificial lake. You'll also explore the modern Port de l'Arsenal.

Spot iconic landmarks and hidden gems

The cruise culminates on the Seine River, where you will see Notre Dame and Musée d'Orsay unfold before your eyes. While your cruise does not include meals, snacks, and beverages are available on board. Munch on a delicious Parisian delight against the city's backdrop. For those who want to catch a stunning Parisian sunset, opt for the sunset cruise and get your cameras ready.

Itinerary

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)

What's not allowed

Pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Accessibility

This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users and individuals with reduced mobility.

Additional information

The onboard commentary is available in English and French.

Please find the route map here.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Boarding point

Board your cruise at La Villette.

Address: 211 Av. Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France.

Landmark: Entrance to the Park at 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès Metro Porte de Pantin, go along the Grande Halle de la Villette to the wooden rides then left on the canal. .

Get directions to the boarding point