Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 82 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin worth booking?
Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin is a 2.5-hour experience in Paris, France, from €18 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 82 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (82)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- €18 per person
This unusual 2.5hour cruise invites you to discover the hidden side of Paris as you glide along the peaceful waters of the Canal Saint-Martin, lined with century-old trees and elegant footbridges. Along the way, hear the history of these authentic Parisian neighborhoods. You will pass the mysterious and spectacular Bastille vault, where the changing light creates a unique atmosphere. The cruise also takes you through four double locks with swirling waters and two swing bridges, offering a fascinating glimpse into the canal’s engineering and charm. You will enjoy views of the lively canal banks, with their pretty boutiques and retro-style cafés. The route also passes through the Bassin de la Villette and near the Parc de la Villette, home to the Cité des Sciences, La Géode, the Philharmonie de Paris, and themed gardens. Bastille departure: Canauxrama, 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France Villette departure: Canauxrama, Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France
What you get
About this experience
This unusual 2.5hour cruise invites you to discover the hidden side of Paris as you glide along the peaceful waters of the Canal Saint-Martin, lined with century-old trees and elegant footbridges. Along the way, hear the history of these authentic Parisian neighborhoods. You will pass the mysterious and spectacular Bastille vault, where the changing light creates a unique atmosphere. The cruise also takes you through four double locks with swirling waters and two swing bridges, offering a fascinating glimpse into the canal’s engineering and charm. You will enjoy views of the lively canal banks, with their pretty boutiques and retro-style cafés. The route also passes through the Bassin de la Villette and near the Parc de la Villette, home to the Cité des Sciences, La Géode, the Philharmonie de Paris, and themed gardens. Bastille departure: Canauxrama, 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France Villette departure: Canauxrama, Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France
What's included
Included
- Live comments (English/ French)
- Bar on board
- Pass through 4 double locks and 2 swing bridges
- 2h30 cruise on the canal saint martin
- Two Options (1) or (2) With different departure point
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Capitainerie du Port de l'Arsenal de la Bastille
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Pass by without stopping
Place de la Bastille
Enter the long underground tunnel of the Canal Saint-Martin, a vaulted passage beneath the city. As daylight fades and reappears through openings above, the atmosphere becomes uniquely calm and immersive. Emerge from the tunnel near Place de la Bastille, where the contrast between the underground canal and the lively historic square creates one of the most striking moments of the cruise.
Pass by without stopping
Navigate through the Écluse du Temple, another key lock on the Canal Saint-Martin, where the slow rhythm of the water reinforces the peaceful nature of the cruise.
Pass by without stopping
Canal Saint-Martin
Enter the heart of the Canal Saint-Martin, famous for its tree-lined banks, elegant iron footbridges and timeless Parisian charm. This is one of the city’s most picturesque waterways, loved by locals and filmmakers alike.
Pass by without stopping
Pass by the Écluses des Morts, a series of locks whose name recalls the canal’s long and sometimes dramatic past, adding a touch of mystery to the journey.
Pass by without stopping
Glide through the peaceful Bassin Louis Blanc, where the canal blends seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere away from the city’s bustle.
Pass by without stopping
Experience your first lock as the boat passes through the Écluse de la Villette. Watch the water level gently rise or fall as the lock gates open and close, offering a captivating glimpse into the canal’s engineering.
Pass by without stopping
Canal de L’Ourq
Cruise along the Canal de l’Ourcq, originally built to supply Paris with fresh water. Lined with former warehouses and modern residential buildings, this stretch reveals a quieter, more authentic side of the capital.
Pass by without stopping
Le Pont Levant de Crimee
Sail beneath the iconic lift bridge of rue de Crimée, one of the last operational lifting bridges in Paris. Watching the bridge rise above the boat is a rare and fascinating moment that highlights the city’s living industrial heritage.
Pass by without stopping
Bassin de la Villette
The boat reaches the Bassin de la Villette, one of the largest open water basins in Paris. This lively yet relaxed area marks the gateway to the city’s historic canal network, where urban life slowly gives way to calm waterways and a more local Parisian atmosphere.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Paris
Option (2) accès piétons face au 50 boulevard de la Bastille - 75012 PARIS / Métro : BASTILLE Port de l'arsenal
Meeting point
Paris
Option (1) - Bassin de la Villette (métro Jaurès) 13 quai de la Loire
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Bastille-Villette 9:45am
Starting point: 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France
(2) Bastille-Villette 2.30pm
50 Bd de la Bastille: Departure: 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France Starting point: 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France
(1) Villette-Bastille 2.30pm
13 Quai de la Loire: Departure: Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France Starting point: Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- France Tourisme
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- (Option 2) Arsenal departure: Canauxrama, 50 Bd de la Bastille, 75012 Paris, France
- (Option 1) Villette departure: Canauxrama, Bassin de la Villette, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 82 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
82 verified traveler reviews for Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Something different in Paris
For those who have done the 'must do' sights and activities in Paris, here is something different. A leisurely (2.5 hour) cruise along narrow canals, through tunnels and locks, emerging into wider waters. An alternative way to explore a part of the city. There was one annoyance - the meeting point address we were given is of a cafe/bar and is across the road from the actual location. We wasted some time trying to find the real meeting point.
Response from the operator: Bonjour, Thank you for your detailed feedback! We are glad you enjoyed this unique cruise through canals, tunnels, and locks. We are sorry the meeting point caused confusion and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We will share your feedback with our team to improve the information provided. Cordialement, Alice de France Tourisme
via Viator
Great commentary and...
Great commentary and explanation along the canal route. The tour is well worth it. Drinks available on board
Response from the operator: Hello Dean, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the commentary and the insights shared throughout the cruise along the canal. It is fantastic to know that you found the experience worthwhile and that you appreciated the refreshments available on board. Our goal is to create relaxing and informative cruises that allow our guests to discover Paris from a unique perspective. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on your next visit to Paris. We would be delighted to introduce you to our guided tour of the Louvre Museum or our excursion to Bruges for another unforgettable experience. Kind regards, Alice de France Tourisme
via Viator
A hidden historic treasure!
Fascinating and surprising! A must see hidden Paris treasure Who knew Paris had these waterways through the centre of Paris!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you found the experience fascinating and surprising. The waterways of Paris are indeed a hidden treasure, and we love sharing this unique side of the city with our travelers. We hope to welcome you again soon for another memorable moment in Paris! Alice de France Tourisme
via Viator
Interesting cruise!
Very interesting when going through the tunnel and the first few locks. After the 3rd lock(there were 9) it got a little boring. The commentary was helpful but the sound was often garbled. Maybe if we had sat inside it would have been better. We sat outside in the front and we got showered with water as we went through each lock and couldn’t hear the commentary at all at those times. We were glad we experienced this because it is a little hidden gem. We saw lots of families watching the lock process or crossing the bridges, waving and explaining to their children about the canal and the boat. We don’t need to do it again, but we were glad we did it this one time.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you found the beginning of the canal trip interesting, especially going through the tunnel and the first locks, and that you enjoyed seeing local families along the way — it really is a unique “hidden gem” of Paris. We’re sorry to hear that the later part of the journey felt repetitive, and that the sound quality and outdoor seating affected your comfort and ability to follow the commentary. We also understand that getting splashed during the locks made the experience less enjoyable than expected. Your comments are very helpful and will be shared with our team to improve both the audio system and passenger comfort. If you return to Paris, we would be happy to offer you a more comfortable experience, such as a Seine River cruise with indoor seating and Eiffel Tower views, or a guided visit of the Louvre Museum for a more engaging cultural experience. Alice de France Tourisme
via Viator
Skip It
At first, we sat outside and could not hear the english commentary. Sound system was not very loud and not very good. Outside seating cramped and uncomfortable. We moved inside later and could hear her but commentary not interesting and she started everything in English with the phrase “just so you know”. A lot of locks but not much else to see. Overall unimpressed.
Response from the operator: Hello Martin, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re sorry to hear that your canal trip did not meet your expectations. The issues you mention — difficulty hearing the English commentary outside, limited sound quality, and uncomfortable outdoor seating — are certainly not the experience we aim to provide. We also understand your disappointment regarding the commentary content and overall interest of the visit. Your feedback is very helpful and will be shared with our team, particularly regarding sound clarity, seating comfort, and the guiding style, so we can work on improving these aspects. Despite this experience, we hope you might consider giving us another opportunity in the future. You could enjoy a more immersive Seine River cruise with better visibility and audio guidance, or a guided visit of the Louvre Museum, which offers a richer cultural commentary and a more structured experience. If you would like to discuss your experience further, you can also contact us at info@francetourisme.fr . We hope to regain your trust on a future visit to Paris. Alice de France Tourisme
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €18 to €32
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 29
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by France Tourisme, who run 40 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.4.
See everything France Tourisme runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin cost?
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Prices start at €18 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paris usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paris is not rushed.
Is Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 82 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin?
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Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paris can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paris and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paris within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Paris?
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Paris rewards travelers who book ahead. The headline museums sell timed entry weeks out, the best food walks cap at eight people, and the Seine cruises that are worth doing are the ones that leave after sunset. Everything below is scored by the Outty Ranking so you can tell a genuine local favorite from a coach-tour filler in a single glance. On Outty we rank every Paris experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based), Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
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April to June and September to October, when queues thin out and terraces stay open late. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Paris?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin?
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Included: Live comments (English/ French); Bar on board; Pass through 4 double locks and 2 swing bridges; 2h30 cruise on the canal saint martin; and Two Options (1) or (2) With different departure point. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin?
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Option (2) accès piétons face au 50 boulevard de la Bastille - 75012 PARIS / Métro : BASTILLE Port de l'arsenal Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin?
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Across 82 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Guided Cruise The Old Paris on Canal Saint Martin?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Bastille-Villette 9:45am, (2) Bastille-Villette 2.30pm, (1) Villette-Bastille 2.30pm. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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