Already achieved the Seine cruise and searching for a recent journey? Or simply not within the temper for giant vacationer boats? Then a Canal Saint-Martin Cruise is the right various. It’s particularly nice for those who’re into quirky tales, uncommon anecdotes, and discovering hidden corners of Paris you by no means knew existed.
I took this cruise with my household, and it was a success—fascinating for the youngsters because of the various locks, and stress-free for us adults.
Plus, there was tons of insider data that was fully new, even to me, a Paris blogger and long-term Paris resident.
And on this article, I inform you all the things it’s good to know to determine whether or not the Canal St. Martin Cruise is the correct match for you and your loved ones.
Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning knowledgeable and parisienne since 2006 🩷
If you are going to buy via hyperlinks on this web site, I’ll earn – without charge to you – a small fee. This helps me cowl my prices and preserve my web site operating. Thanks a lot in your help 🙂 Study extra
The Canal Saint-Martin
Fast entry: E-book your Canal Saint-Martin Tour proper right here (that’s the place I booked)
Everybody is aware of that there’s the Seine in Paris, however most guests don’t know a lot concerning the Canal Saint Martin.
The 4.5 km lengthy channel dates again to the nineteenth century and was a necessary connection between the River Seine and northern canals. Not solely to move freights, but in addition to offer the ever-growing capital with recent water.
Essentially the most attention-grabbing a part of the Canal Saint-Martin are the 9 locks and two swinging bridges. They’re essential as there’s a whooping 25m elevation change between the Seine and the Bassin la Villtte.
Because the 60s, the waterway has shifted away from industrial transportation, now dominated by vacationer boats and personal vessels. Nevertheless, the Canal Saint-Martin is greater than only a scenic cruise route.
It’s additionally a well-liked hangout for Parisians, with loads of bars, eating places, and vigorous spots alongside its shores, making it an ideal native various to the crowded Seine.
Canal Saint-Martin Cruise A-Z
Fast entry: E-book your Canal Saint-Martin Tour proper right here (that’s the place I booked)
That will help you determine if the Canal Saint-Martin Cruise is an effective match for your loved ones, I’ll share our private expertise—what we cherished, what we didn’t, and whether or not we’d suggest it.
What to Count on on Board
The boats are typical vacationer vessels however a lot smaller than the bateaux mouches that cruise the Seine. With solely 2-3 cruises a day, it’s important to ebook your ticket prematurely—it’s not first-come, first-served, however upon getting your ticket, you’re assured a spot.
After we arrived on the boarding location, we had been capable of stroll proper on. There was no queue, and the entire expertise felt rather more private than the mass dealing with you usually discover on Seine cruises.
Additional readings for households:
The boats themselves are easy. There’s an open seating space on the highest deck and an indoor part under with chairs. There’s additionally a small store providing drinks and snacks—nothing fancy, however charming in its low-key vibe.
One factor I cherished was the liberty to maneuver round. I frolicked on the entrance of the boat watching the locks in motion, relaxed on deck for some time, after which headed inside. Despite the fact that we sailed through the excessive season and the boat was full, there was loads of area to maneuver about and alter spots every time I felt prefer it.
The dwell commentary in English was participating, stuffed with fascinating tales and sudden info. Whilst somebody aware of Paris, I discovered new issues—whether or not it was concerning the space’s industrial previous or the quirky legends surrounding the canal.
As for my children, they had been utterly captivated. They spent more often than not on the entrance of the boat, mesmerized by the locks and the way the mechanisms labored.
Step-by-Step Cruise Itinerary
Fast entry: E-book your Canal Saint-Martin Tour proper right here (that’s the place I booked)
Whether or not you begin within the north at La Villette or within the heart on the Musée d’Orsay, the Canal Saint-Martin Cruise itinerary stays the identical—the one distinction is the course.
Since my household and I started at Musée d’Orsay, I’ll stroll you thru that itinerary. For those who begin at La Villette, simply think about it in reverse.
The primary a part of the cruise shares a well-recognized route with the standard Seine cruises. You’ll sail alongside the Seine, passing the Louvre, Pont Neuf, Île de la Cité, and Île Saint-Louis, with views of Notre-Dame. Whereas most bateaux mouches flip round right here, the Canal Saint-Martin Cruise retains going.
At Bastille, you’ll attain the primary entrance to the canal and encounter your first lock. From there, the boat glides via the Bassin de l’Arsenal, Paris’ most important pleasure port full of lovely boats.
Then comes probably the most thrilling elements of the tour: the 2-kilometer underground vault beneath Place de la Bastille. If it appears to be like acquainted, you may acknowledge it from Lupin or the latest Netflix collection Below Paris. Both method, it’s a fully fascinating passage.
As soon as the canal emerges once more, you’ll be greeted by tree-lined streets, quirky cafes, and the on a regular basis allure of Parisian life alongside the water. As you proceed, you’ll move via seven to 9 locks (relying on the day), every one offering a enjoyable, interactive second on the water for the youngsters.
For me, the novelty of the locks wore off after some time—in any case, a lock is a lock, and there are fairly a couple of. So, I used to be glad I introduced a ebook alongside. However even and not using a ebook, you received’t get bored. The boats are a superb “folks watching” event, because the dwell alongside the canal could be very vigorous and busy.
Tip: You may wish to carry a small towel or at the least tissues. Water splashes sometimes, and in case your children are near the locks, they may catch a couple of drops.
Selecting your Cruise: The place to board?
Fast entry: E-book your Canal Saint-Martin Tour proper right here (that’s the place I booked)
When pondering of including a tour on the Canal Saint Martin to your itinerary, you will need to now that there are solely two cruises on most days and they aren’t leaving on the identical location:
- A morning cruise leaves La Villette within the North to Musée d’Orsay within the South
- the afternoon cruise leaves at Musée d’Osay and sails again up North to La Villette
The tour isn’t a loop, so that you’ll end in a unique spot from the place you boarded the boat. Hold that in thoughts when planning your day.
The tour firm additionally sometimes provides further timeslots, which means you may discover an extra afternoon cruise on a route that’s sometimes solely obtainable within the morning. It’s all the time price checking the schedule for updates.
My household and I opted for the morning cruise from the Musée d’Orsay to La Villette. It was handy since the start line was near house, and we don’t usually go to La Villette. SO it was a pleasant alternative to discover a unique a part of Paris.
It was lunchtime on arrival, and after we noticed that the Paname Brewing Firm had a smoker outdoors, we couldn’t resist. It’s not a everlasting factor, however their different dishes are good as effectively. And so they have tons of beers on faucet, in case you wish to attempt some native beers.
E-book Your Canal Saint-Martin Cruise
Fast entry: E-book your Canal Saint-Martin Tour proper right here (that’s the place I booked)
The cruises run every day and take about 2.5 hours. They’re fairly fashionable, particularly throughout peak season. Throughout off season, they’re solely scheduled on the weekends and these slots replenish equally rapidly.
I booked our tickets via Get Your Information, as I like their clear cancellation insurance policies: as much as 24 hours prematurely for a full refund, clearly proven on the reserving web page. This gave me peace of thoughts since I positively didn’t wish to be caught on a ship if it was raining or too chilly.
The reserving course of was straight ahead and I had the QR code tickets on my cell phone.
You can too ebook straight via the tour firm, however I couldn’t work out their cancellation coverage. I wasn’t keen to take the danger, particularly after seeing one thing about needing a medical certificates to reschedule. It’s the identical value in any case on GetYourGuide.
Nevertheless, no matter the place you ebook, ensure to test the schedule for morning or afternoon departures based mostly in your plans.
Conlcusion
In abstract, the Canal Saint-Martin Cruise provides you a singular and relaxed option to discover a unique facet of Paris. It’s an excellent various to the Seine cruises, with loads of attention-grabbing tales and sights alongside the best way.
The locks present some enjoyable interplay, and the peaceable setting is ideal for households. For those who end your cruise at La Villette, it’s the right place to begin to discover Parc de la Villette or go to the Cité des Sciences.
Simply bear in mind to ebook prematurely and test the schedule to fit your plans!
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Professional in: Parisian Life &
French Tradition, Journey
Planning, Crochet & Meals and Drinks
Be part of me on Fb for updates and information about Paris.
Should Have Paris Journey Necessities
Worldwide Journey Adapter
Transportable Charger in your Cellphone
