Top Paris activities
Top Paris landmarks
Beyond Paris
Paris trip ideas

Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River

150 Reviews 4.24 out of 5 stars Based on 150 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Paris, France

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 1 more
French

Overview

Discover two faces of Paris in a single relaxing cruise. Board near the iconic Hôtel du Nord by Place de la République and follow the leafy Canal Saint-Martin, with its picturesque locks, romantic footbridges and mysterious Bastille tunnel. Then glide out onto the Seine and watch Paris open up in front of you: Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower and the UNESCO-listed riverbanks that hosted the Paris 2024 Olympic celebrations. With live commentary in English and French and a cosy bar on board, this cruise lets you experience both the “secret” and the iconic Paris in total comfort, without ever leaving your seat.

-Experience locks, swing bridges and a 2-km tunnel beneath the Bastille area
-Admire UNESCO-listed riverbanks and legendary monuments
-Take a moment to unwind on board with indoor and outdoor seating and a bar where you can buy snacks and drinks
-Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly experience, ideal for first-time visitors and Paris lovers alike

What's Included

  • Use of indoor and outdoor seating on board
  • Bar on board
  • Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower and more.

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    51- 53 Quai de Valmy
    75010 Paris, France

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    19 Quai de l'Horloge
    75001 Paris, France

    Opposite 19 Quai de l'Horloge, on Île de la Cité (subway: Pont Neuf)

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    Quai de Valmy (pass by)

    Start your journey along Canal Saint-Martin, a historic waterway lined with trees, iron footbridges and popular cafés. As you cruise past the famous Hôtel du Nord and the lively waterside terraces, your guide explains how the canal was created to bring fresh water to Paris and how this district became one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
    Read more

    Canal Saint-Martin (pass by)

    Experience the unique feeling of passing through several locks, watching the water level rise and fall around the boat while the gates slowly open and close. This is the best moment to observe everyday canal life: locals on the quays, walkers crossing the iron footbridges and the contrast between old industrial buildings and today’s cafés and boutiques. Continue towards the swing bridge, another distinctive feature of Canal Saint-Martin. As road traffic briefly stops to let the boat pass, your guide shares anecdotes about how the canal operates and its role in Parisian logistics and leisure.
    Read more

    Bastille (pass by)

    Then enter the long underground tunnel beneath the Bastille area, a vaulted passage punctuated by shafts of daylight from above. The change of atmosphere is striking: the city noise disappears and you sail in near-silence under the historic streets of Paris. This hidden stretch of the canal is often one of the most surprising parts of the cruise.
    Read more

    Capitainerie du Port de l'Arsenal de la Bastille (pass by)

    Emerging from the tunnel, the boat reaches the Port de l’Arsenal, a marina linking Canal Saint-Martin to the Seine. Here you can see houseboats and pleasure craft moored in the basin while your guide explains how this former commercial port has been transformed into a pleasant harbour and garden.
    Read more

    Seine River (pass by)

    Joining the Seine River, the scenery opens up to postcard views. Sail alongside Île Saint-Louis, with its elegant 17th-century façades, and enjoy a first glimpse of Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. From the water you can fully appreciate the curve of the river and the city’s famous bridges.
    Read more

    Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris (pass by)

    As the boat continues along the UNESCO-listed riverbanks, your guide points out many of Paris’s most iconic monuments: Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, the Louvre museum, the Tuileries gardens, the Orsay Museum and the Eiffel Tower. From the open deck you can take unobstructed photos of these landmarks and hear stories about their history, architecture and role in the life of the city.
    Read more

    4th Arr. - Hotel-de-Ville (pass by)

    You will pass the ornate Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the lively riverside promenades. Here you really feel local life along the Seine, with people strolling, chatting and enjoying the evening by the water.
    Read more

    Louvre Museum (pass by)

    Further west, the immense façade of the Louvre Museum stretches along the river, facing the domed Institut de France on the Left Bank. Between them, the Pont des Arts footbridge offers one of the best viewpoints in Paris – from the boat you can see all three in a single glance.
    Read more

    Pont Alexandre III (pass by)

    You then pass under Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris with its golden statues and Art Nouveau lamps. Nearby you’ll see the glass roof of the Grand Palais and, on the Left Bank, the golden dome of Les Invalides, where Napoleon is buried.
    Read more

    Eiffel Tower (pass by)

    The Eiffel Tower comes into full view, rising above the Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars. In the evening she is lit up, and if you’re there at the right time, you’ll see her sparkling – the moment everyone waits for, with Champagne glasses raised and cameras ready.
    Read more

    Ile de la Cite (pass by)

    The cruise ends at Quai de l’Horloge, on Île de la Cité near Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris. From here you are perfectly placed to continue exploring on foot: wander through the Latin Quarter, cross to the Right Bank, visit Sainte-Chapelle or simply enjoy a drink on a nearby terrace before heading back to your hotel.
    Read more
    Show 10 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Duration of the cruise: approximately 2 hour
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
    • Operated by a business

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (8)

    Q: Will I get seasick on Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River?

    A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-9511P46

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.24
    150 reviews

    Average 4.24 out of 5 stars based on 150 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    88
    4 stars
    34
    3 stars
    12
    2 stars
    8
    1 star
    8

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Notre Dame, Ste Chapel, Louvre, Montmartre, Eiffel Tower Private

    Discover the best of the City of Light in a day starting in Montmartre, the most bohemian district, a haven of peace, known as the...

    7 hoursFree Cancellation
    7 hoursFree Cancellation
    7 hours • Free Cancellation
    5.0 (38)
    from
    $336.59

    Private Notre Dame Outdoor Tour with Crypt Entry/Sainte Chapelle

    Embark on an unforgettable journey with our expert guide with a small group of 15 people to admire the resilient and historic Notre Dame Cathedral,...

    1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
    1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
    1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
    4.9 (55)
    from
    $181.29

    Paris Original Bike Tour

    2 drinks per person Hop aboard the Beer Bike, an osmosis between a rolling bar and the ultimate festive bike. Imagine! You walk in the...

    1 hourFree Cancellation
    1 hourFree Cancellation
    1 hour • Free Cancellation
    5.0 (1)
    from
    $42.59

    Lupin's Footsteps: A Self-Guided Walking Tour in Paris

    Are you looking for a way to see Lupin's Paris without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour....

    60 to 90 minutes
    60 to 90 minutes
    60 to 90 minutes
    4.0 (5)
    from
    $9.99

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    Enjoy the Louvre on and exclusive guided tour, making the experience more personal, interactive, and easy to follow. With reserved entry included, your visit starts...

    2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
    2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
    2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
    5.0 (6,823)
    from
    $78.43

    Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based)
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    Enter the very heart of Paris on this tip based walking tour of the city center. What better way to fulfill your Paris dream than...

    2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation
    2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation
    2 hours 15 minutes • Free Cancellation
    5.0 (1,647)
    from
    $5.48

    Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Paris
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    Are you planning a day trip to Versailles from Paris, but worried about the logistics of getting there and navigating the popular attractions? Let us...

    180 to 210 minutesFree Cancellation
    180 to 210 minutesFree Cancellation
    180 to 210 minutes • Free Cancellation
    4.6 (3,795)
    from
    $79.59

    Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour with Access
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    Take a small group or a private (depending on the option you choose) walking tour of the Louvre Museum in Paris and save time by...

    2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
    2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
    2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
    4.7 (11,884)
    from
    $79.59

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Use of indoor and outdoor seating on board
    • Bar on board
    • Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower and more.
    • Live bilingual commentary (English and French)
    • 2-hour sightseeing cruise on Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine River

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Duration of the cruise: approximately 2 hour
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
    • Operated by a business

    Protecting you

    Activity name

    For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. France Tourisme

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name

    Language
    Currency

    Site Settings

    Activity name

    Currency

    Activity name

    Activity name

    Free Cancellation

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

    Sorting, ranking, and search results

    Activity name

    Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

    On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

    If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

    The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

    Choose an option

    Activity name

    or

    Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

    Activity name

    Cool Rewards

    • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

    Earning rewards

    • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
    • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
    • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
    • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
    • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

    Redeeming rewards

    • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
    • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
    • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
    • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
    • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
    • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

    Miscellaneous

    • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
    • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
    • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
    • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.