Cruise through Old Paris on the Canal Saint-Martin

Discover the timeless charm of the Canal Saint-Martin: a hidden treasure in the heart of Paris.

Description of the cruise

The Canal Saint-Martin, a true Parisian jewel, links the Port de l'Arsenal to the Bassin de la Villette, offering a bucolic setting in the heart of the capital. Built in the early 19th century at the instigation of Napoleon I, the canal was originally intended to supply Paris with drinking water. Today, it embodies a unique urban promenade, combining heritage, serenity and authenticity.

During our cruises, you'll cruise along tranquil stretches of water punctuated by locks, swing bridges and the century-old Crimée lift bridge. Lined with plane and chestnut trees, the canal is spanned by romantic footbridges, offering picturesque views worthy of the finest films shot in this emblematic location.

Every moment is an immersion in history: from the mysterious Bastille vault, which seems to transport you to another time, to the Bassin de la Villette, with its famous Ledoux Rotonde. Our tours reveal fascinating pages of Parisian history, where the past, present and future of several districts merge harmoniously. You'll hear tasty anecdotes about emblematic figures such as the Knights Templar, the Mona Lisa and even Napoleon Bonaparte... and discover the tragic and heroic fates of the 504 victims of the Trois Glorieuses, whose ashes lie beneath the July Column.

Between the fascinating stories told by our guides and the Parisian music that punctuates your cruise, you'll feel the “atmosphere, atmosphere” dear to Arletty, immortalized by Marcel Carné and other filmmakers who have made the Canal Saint-Martin a major filming location.

We offer you much more than a simple trip on the water: it's a journey through an unusual and mysterious Paris, ideal for escaping and rediscovering the capital in a different way.

Old Paris Cruise: A Total Immersion

Experience an unforgettable journey with a 2h30 cruise that traverses the entire Saint-Martin Canal. This picturesque trip takes you from Bastille to La Villette—or the other way around—passing through engineering marvels such as its 8 locks, 2 swing bridges, and the famous Crimée lifting bridge. The crossing of the mysterious Bastille vault, illuminated by skylights, adds a magical touch to your trip. Ideal for history enthusiasts and the curious, this cruise unveils the secrets of a hidden and poetic Paris.