Sightseeing Cruises

Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Sightseeing Cruise

Operator: Paris Canal

4.2/5(74)

Elizabeth B

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The tour guide was amazing and Very knowledgeable. The ride up the canal and through the locks was quite unique and it took us out of the center of Paris and gave another look at different neighborhoods. We loved it. And then we caught the metro back into town.

Werner K

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Very friendly staff, detailed explanations in French and English. The ship, as far as I could tell, was in excellent condition. Spotless! I’d love to come back!

Rokuß, T

Family

Verified booking

Jul 2026

It was wonderful to get to know a lesser-known side of Paris, far from the tourist trails. The individual locks were fascinating and helped me slow down in this big city. The ride begins. The tunnel was something special. Next time, I’ll/we’ll take the ride again, and I can highly recommend it to everyone.

Kathryn W

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

Going through the locks and the underground portion of the canal were unexpected delights. We've been on multiple tours and the guide on the boat was the best! We really enjoyed our trip.

Pagnoux F

Solo

Verified booking

Jun 2026

- A peaceful and unique cruise - A different side of Paris from the water - A great river cruise in Paris - The magical Canal Saint-Martin - 2.5 hours of relaxation on the water - Locks and magnificent views - A timeless escape - Paris away from the crowds ⭐️

Cornelia H

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

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!

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.

74 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, United States, Italy and over 14 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Elizabeth B
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The tour guide was amazing and Very knowledgeable. The ride up the canal and through the locks was quite unique and it took us out of the center of Paris and gave another look at different neighborhoods. We loved it. And then we caught the metro back into town.
Kohler C
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The cruise wasn't what I expected. Too many Locks. And I often could not follow the explanations in English.
Pamela E
Family
Verified booking
Last week
The cruise was awesome. The guide was informative and funny allowing us to enjoy the experience.
Thomas B
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Wonderful river tour. The guide was ver good and informative in many languages. I would go again!
Klaus S
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Unfortunately, there was nothing to drink or eat. Everything else was great. As usual, the announcements weren't in German.

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