The charm of a cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris

A romantic cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris is the perfect way to discover iconic neighbourhoods much-loved by Parisians. From legendary locations like the Hôtel du Nord, immortalised on the big screen by the filmmaker Marcel Carné, to more contemporary ones such as the Parc de la Villette, there is plenty to enjoy along this picturesque waterway that is easily accessible from the nearby Hotel Relais du Marais.

The Canal Saint-Martin; a haven of peace

This canal, built in the early 19th century to supply fresh water to the city’s rapidly growing population and later providing a convenient route for commercial traffic, is lined with century-old chestnut trees and spanned by beautiful Eiffel-style iron footbridges. It’s a fashionable place, popular with Parisians who have turned the former local crafts workshops into loft apartments. The canal banks have promenades where shops, cafés and restaurants invite you to relax. Choose a cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin to explore the heart of Paris!

The highlights of a cruise on the canal

Lulled by the soothing rhythm of the water, you will see a different side of Paris. You’ll pass the canal’s locks, admire its swing and lift bridges such as the Crimée, and navigate its subterranean stretch between the Temple lock and the Place de la Bastille. You will also cruise by the Parc de la Villette and its Cité des Sciences, Geode, Cité de la Musique and various themed gardens, and see the marina from Paris to Bastille. Depending on the chosen operator, departures are from the Port de Solférino near the Orsay Museum, the Parc de la Villette or the Port de Paris-Arsenal. Cruises have commentary in French and English and generally last 2 ½ hours. The cost varies between 18 and 22 euros per person.

We warmly recommend a cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin for an unforgettable and relaxing experience in the heart of old Paris.

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More information:

- Canal Saint-Martin

Relais du Marais, a 3-star hotel in the heart of Le Marais