Canal Saint-Martin & Seine River Cruise through the Locks Paris

The Canal Saint-Martin and its locks

The Canal Saint-Martin was opened in 1825 to bring fresh water and goods into Paris, and today it is one of the city's prettiest and most local corners. Iron footbridges arch over the water, plane trees line the banks and cafes fill with Parisians. The cruise passes through the locks one after another, and it is fascinating to sit in the boat while the water level rises or falls to carry you between different heights.

A canal cruise in Paris is a very different experience from a Seine boat. The canal is narrow and quiet, and the lock keepers, swing bridges and small lanes give it a village atmosphere. Around the Bassin de la Villette, you might see the buildings made famous by French films, and the guide explains the history of the neighbourhood.

The underground canal tunnel beneath Paris

One of the most surprising parts of the cruise is the long vaulted tunnel, roughly two kilometres long, where the canal disappears under Boulevard Richard-Lenoir and the Bastille area. Light shafts let daylight fall through in bands, and the arched stone ceiling glows in the boat's lights. It is an atmospheric moment that most visitors to Paris never see.

Because the tunnel is cool, bring a light layer even in summer. On the far side you come out near the Arsenal harbour and Place de la Bastille, where the canal meets the Seine. The tour's timing depends on locks and traffic, so it normally lasts two and a half hours in total.

Cruising the Seine to the Musée d'Orsay

After the canal, the boat enters the River Seine and passes the great sights of central Paris: the islands of the Île Saint-Louis and the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, the bridges and the Louvre, before ending near the Musée d'Orsay. You see the stone quays, the bookstalls and the elegant buildings from the water, which is how Paris was first approached by travellers.

If you are searching for the best Seine river cruise in Paris, combining it with the canal gives you two very different worlds in one trip. The commentary in French and English explains the history of the bridges and monuments. Sit outside if the weather is good, as the views are much better than through a window.

Parc de la Villette and getting there

The cruise starts at Parc de la Villette in the north-east of Paris, a large park with a science museum, concert halls and playful red follies. Your voucher shows the exact embarkation point. If you want to know how to get to Parc de la Villette, use the metro to Porte de Pantin or Jaurès on the lines that serve the canal, and allow extra time to walk to the boat.

The boat ends at the Musée d'Orsay, so you can continue to the museum, the Tuileries Garden or a walk across the river. Spring and early autumn are the best times for the cruise, when the light is soft and the trees are green, although it operates in most seasons.