The Canal Saint Martin links the Seine to the Canal de Ourcq, it is a haven of peace surrounded by century-old trees. A cruise can have you peacefully discover all the wonders of this place away from the hustle of the capital. We’ve sorted out the different cruise offers available in order to help you find the cruise that suits you best.
👉 If you’re looking for a more classic dinner cruise in Paris, follow that link. We’re comparing the best companies, their services and menus in great detail to help you pick the right cruise for you.
Summary
The best for couple/dates:
- “Aperitif on the Canal” Cruise by Canauxrama: a perfect setting to start the evening in a romantic and relaxed atmosphere.
- “Guinguette” Dinner Cruise by Paris Canal: an original gift idea to offer to your partner to spend a romantic evening while drifting on the water and enjoying a delicious dinner.
The best family cruises:
- Cruise “of the Old Paris” de Canauxrama: a perfect occasion to discover all the secrets of this still unknown little corner of Paris.
- Canal Saint Martin’s Cruise by Paris Canal: a sightseeing cruise which will delight adults and children.
The best summer cruise:
- “Guinguette” Dinner Cruise by Paris Canal: a musical atmosphere and an elegant dinner are the order of the day on this romantic and festive cruise which is particularly suitable for enjoying Paris on a beautiful summer’s day.
Canauxrama
Cruise “of the Old Paris”
Enjoy an unusual and romantic 2h30 cruise along this quiet canal surrounded by century-old trees.
Come and discover the history of the “Parisians’ Paris” district, a place which is often little known and yet full of wonders.
On the program: the mysterious voûte de la Bastille (underground vault), 4 bubbling double locks and 2 swing bridges.
It is a perfect activity for a weekend out with the family or for a romantic weekend.
The departure is either from the Port de Paris-Arsenal and the arrival at the Bassin de la Villette or from the Bassin de la Villette and the arrival at the Port Paris-Arsenal.
Price: €18 per person.
We like:
- free for children under 4 years old
- cruise guide in French and English
- the calm atmosphere of the canal
- the affordable price
We don’t like as much:
- the limited availability
Cruise “Aperitif on the Canal”
Canauxrama offers you a romantic outing that lasts 2h at cocktail hour.
In a musical lounge atmosphere, come and enjoy a glass of wine, a craft beer or a glass of champagne. A varied choice of drinks is available on board (optional).
The perfect way to relax after a long day is extending your evening in one of the bars of the Bastille district. You can get a glass of champagne for €6.50 or a beer for €4 (instead of €5 on board) for example.
The departure is fixed at 6:00 pm from the Bassin de la Villette and the arrival at 8:00 pm at the Port de Paris-Arsenal.
Price: €18 per person.
We like:
- free for children under 4 years old
- a guide in French and English
- perfect for an intimate dinner for two
- perfect time to admire the sunset on the canal
We don’t like as much:
- very limited availability
Paris Canal
Canal Saint Martin’s Cruise
This original 2h30 cruise on the Canal Saint Martin allows you to discover Paris at its best. Some major yet little-known monuments of the capital await you.
Two itineraries are available: departing from the Port de Solférino (Musée d’Orsay) or from the Parc de la Villette.
Several departure times are offered:
- 9:45 am: departure from the Musée d’Orsay to the Parc de la Villette
- 2:30 pm: departure from the Parc de la Villette to the Musée d’Orsay
- 2:25 pm: departure from the Musée d’Orsay to the Parc de la Villette
This cruise, suitable for all ages, is an ideal activity to do as a family with children and grandparents or for sightseeing. It is also a perfect romantic outing for a romantic weekend.
Price: €22 per person.
We like:
- free for children under 3 years old
- tour guide in French and English
- reduced prices for children, youths and seniors
- perfect for a sightseeing tour of Paris
We don’t like as much:
- no food catering service
“Guinguette” Lunch Cruise
Why not enjoy both a cruise on the Canal Saint Martin and a delicious lunch prepared by a chef?
The crew awaits you at the Bassin de la Villette to offer you a romantic and festive 2h30 cruise. During the trip, you will be accompanied by a pleasant and modern playlist.
The seasonal menu is composed of a starter, a seasonal dish and the dessert of the day. A welcome Cocktail Champenois — a champagne cocktail — is offered to you on arrival.
Price: €59 per person.
We like:
- a musical cruise
- a delicious seasonal lunch
- a breathtaking view of the Canal Saint Martin
We don’t like as much:
- the drinks are not included in the price
Book your cruise here (in French)
“Guinguette” Dinner Cruise
A unique musical dinner cruise awaits you on the Canal Saint Martin. Come and admire the magnificent monuments of Paris that light up at nightfall.
This experience showcases traditional French cuisine during a 3-hour cruise.
Why don’t you come and enjoy a delicious salad, an excellent chicken and mushroom risotto or a Normandy apple pie?
This cruise is not only an opportunity to discover Paris in a different light, it is also an actual culinary experience.
Price: €69 per person.
Departing from the Bassin de la Villette at 7:30 pm to the Port de Solférino at 10:30 pm and vice versa.
We like:
- reduced prices for children between 4 and 14 years old: €59
- a unique and unusual dinner
- discovering Paris in an original way
We don’t like as much:
- the drinks are not included in the price
Related content: Our guide of the Canal Saint Martin
Comparative table of the different cruise offers
| Cruise types | Departure | Duration | On-board services | Options | Prices | |
| Canauxrama | “Old Paris” | Port de l’Arsenal: 9:45 am / 2:30 pm Bassin de la Villette: |
2h30 | Bar and Snack | €18 | |
| “Aperitif on the Canal” | Bassin de la Villette: 6:00 pm | 2h | Bar | Glass of Champagne: €6.50 Beer: €5 |
€18 | |
| Paris Canal | Canal Saint Martin | Musée d’Orsay: 9:45 am
Parc de la Villette: 2:30 pm Musée d’Orsay: 2:25 pm |
2h30 | €22 | ||
| “Guinguette” Lunch | Bassin de la Villette | 2h30 | Drinks | €59 | ||
| “Guinguette” Dinner | Bassin de la Villette or Port de Solférino: 7:30 pm | 3h | Bar | €69 |
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