Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 293 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River worth booking?
Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River is a 2-hour experience in Paris, France, from $40 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 293 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (293)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $40 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
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.
- Live bilingual commentary (English and French)
- 2-hour sightseeing cruise on Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine River
What you'll see and do
Paris
71 Quai de Valmy, 75010 Paris, France 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.
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Canal Saint-Martin
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.
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Bastille
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.
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Capitainerie du Port de l'Arsenal de la Bastille
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.
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The Seine
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.
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Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
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.
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4th Arr. - Hotel-de-Ville
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.
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Louvre Museum
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.
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Pont Alexandre III
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.
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Eiffel Tower
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.
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Ile de la Cite
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.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Paris
Boarding point: 71-79 Quai de Valmy, 75010 Paris Nearest / recommended metro station: République — lines 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Opposite 19 Quai de l'Horloge, on Île de la Cité (subway: Pont Neuf)
Options you can book
SPECIAL Christmas cruise
14:30
Regular Cruise Departure 3PM
SPECIAL Christmas cruise
NOEL
Regular Cruise Departure 10AM
Regular Cruise departure 2PM
Departure 2PM
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
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Duration of the cruise: approximately 2 hour
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 286 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
286 verified traveler reviews for Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Canal/Sein River cruise
Beautiful ride. Loved that the captain gave us a great chance to get a good picture of the ‘statue of liberty’. If you don’t get a good seat you are free to move and get pictures as needed. The problem we had is we couldn’t understand the English. French accent was thick but we are not sure it was her or the microphone system. She was very sweet. I had a friend who did this and had no trouble understanding the English (they had a male guide) so I would definitely recommend this ride.
via Viator
Weather was beautiful! ...
Weather was beautiful! The tour covered quite a bit of ground and information. The tough part was the sound system. It was not the best making it hard to hear the guude at times.
via Viator
Lovely Way to Spend an Afternoon
Our group of 3 enjoyed the cruise. The boat guides did a great job of sharing their knowledge of the canal and Paris landmarks.
Response from the operator: Bonjour, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are delighted that your group enjoyed the cruise and appreciated our guides’ knowledge of the Canal Saint-Martin and Paris landmarks. We hope to welcome you again for a guided Louvre visit or a Champagne sunset cruise! Cordialement, Alice de France Tourisme
via Tripadvisor
Canal-St Martin and Seine boat ride.
The Cruise was Wonderful! We had beautiful weather. The Guide was Excellent! (Although sometimes we had trouble hearing/understanding him.) His descriptions of the sites we were passing were right-on. And the sites themselves were important ones, along with lesser knowns. I will definitely recommend the friends coming to Paris.
via Tripadvisor
Good time
You learn some history while seeing a beautiful wiew. They spoke both in france and in english. Wonderful time.
Response from the operator: Bonjour, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We are delighted you enjoyed learning about Paris while admiring the beautiful views, with commentary in both French and English. We hope to welcome you again for a guided Louvre visit or a Champagne sunset cruise! Cordialement, Alice de France Tourisme
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 103
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
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 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River cost?
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Prices start at $40 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 Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 293 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River?
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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 Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River?
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Around 103 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River 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 Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River?
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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 an; Live bilingual commentary (English and French); and 2-hour sightseeing cruise on Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine River. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River?
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Boarding point: 71-79 Quai de Valmy, 75010 Paris Nearest / recommended metro station: République — lines 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River 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 Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River?
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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 Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River 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 Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River?
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Across 293 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Paris: Cruise on The Canal Saint Martin and The Seine River?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including SPECIAL Christmas cruise, Regular Cruise Departure 3PM, SPECIAL Christmas cruise, Regular Cruise Departure 10AM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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