Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

your ticket to a spot of peace and quiet as you explore Paris.

Schedule and booking

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Suitable for all ages

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No wait, Cruise Ticket included

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Book on demand

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Guided Tour in French

Popular, unusual.

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Available on request, from April to September. Guaranteed departure from 4 registered persons

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Price : 25 € per person

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Duration : 2.5 hrs

Book your visit now

The historical and unique Canal Saint Martin has an air of magic around it as it plays peek-a-boo with the city. This is your ticket to a spot of peace and quiet as you explore Paris.

Set sail on a fascinating cruise with Vacances Actives. Glide along the peaceful canal peppered with age-old trees, monuments, yachts and beautiful bridges. Get caught up in the excitement of going through the locks and swing bridges. Dive into mystery in the spectacular tunnels and soak up the cool bars along the banks.

The Canal Saint Martin simply oozes atmosphere, starred in Marcel Carné’s legendary Hôtel du Nord alongside Arletty and Louis Jouvet and has lots of stories to tell you during your cruise.

What sets a tour with the VAL agency apart?

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A passionate and fascinating guide

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No need to queue

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A tour in French designed to suit French as a Foreign Language students (FLE)

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A tour for all ages

Go with the flow on the Canal Saint-Martin

From Bassin de la Villette to the Seine, go with the flow on the Canal Saint Martin and travel back in time through the city’s urban and social history. The canal was originally built to supply central Paris with drinking water. It is now a major route through the city which began with Napoleon I in 1805, continued during the Restoration and was renovated during the Second Empire.

Relax on its peaceful water in the shade of age-old plane and chestnut trees as you pass beneath romantic bridges spanning the 19th century structure. Prepare to be dazzled by the show-stopping bridges! The play on light and dark in the tunnels is a feast for the eyes!

Don’t drift off though as the water churns through double locks (4 in total) and you’re in for a thrill under the amazing Crimée drawbridge before you return to Parc de la Villette (Cité des Sciences, Géode, Cité de la musique etc.).

The much-loved canal has inspired its fair share of authors, artists and directors such as Flaubert, the first person to describe it as a place to stroll in Bouvard Et Pécuchet, the artist Alfred Sisley and author Virginie Despentes.

Experience a magical cruise peppered with Paris landmarks and famous sites. We’ll sail past the trendy 25 degrés Est bar, Point Éphémère art and culture centre (in an old warehouse), the famous Hôtel du Nord, Place de la République, July Column and many more.

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