Packaged Cruise On Canal St Martin & Seine River

Paris is a city brimming with iconic landmarks and scenic waterways, making it an ideal destination for a packaged cruise experience. The cruise along the Canal St Martin and Seine River offers travelers a unique opportunity to soak in the city’s enchanting views from the comfort of a boat. With live commentary, affordable pricing, and a family-friendly atmosphere, this tour promises to be a memorable highlight of any Paris visit. However, as with any popular attraction, there are some potential downsides to consider, such as noise levels and occasional crowding. Discover more about this intriguing cruise option and decide if it’s the right fit for your Parisian adventure.

Key Points

This packaged cruise offers a scenic exploration of Paris, including UNESCO-listed landmarks like the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.
The cruise navigates both the Seine River and the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin, providing a unique perspective on the city.
The tour features live commentary in multiple languages, though some passengers have reported issues with clarity and ambient noise.
The cruise departs daily at 3:00 PM from 73 Quai de Valmy, with tickets starting at $37.71 per person.
This experience combines iconic sights with lesser-known areas of Paris, offering a more affordable alternative to luxury river cruises.

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Overview and Experience

The cruise offers a sightseeing experience along the Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin, allowing travelers to take in significant and lesser-known landmarks across Paris.

The relaxing ride covers UNESCO-listed sites like the Louvre Museum, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame Cathedral. It also takes passengers through the tree-lined Canal Saint-Martin, passing two locks, a swinging bridge, and the Bastille Tunnel. This offers a unique perspective on Paris beyond the typical tourist spots.

The live commentary provides insights into the city’s history in multiple languages, making it an informative journey for most travelers. While some passengers reported difficulty hearing the commentary due to noise, the overall experience allows for a leisurely exploration of Paris by both land and water.

Tour Details

According to the details, this cruise tour has a capacity of up to 100 travelers.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

The tour starts at 3:00 PM, with the meeting point at 73 Quai de Valmy, 75010 Paris, France, and the end point at 19 Quai de l’Horloge, 75001 Paris, France.

Priced from $37.71, the tour is non-refundable.

With 32 reviews and an overall rating of 4.0, the cruise offers a relaxing ride through the tree-lined Canal Saint-Martin, featuring two locks, a swinging bridge, and the Bastille Tunnel.

Along the way, passengers can enjoy live commentary in multiple languages and refreshments from the on-board bar.

Onboard Experience

Passengers aboard the cruise can expect live commentary on the city’s history, delivered in multiple languages. A bar on board offers refreshments to enjoy during the family-friendly tour, suitable for most travelers. However, some passengers have reported difficulty hearing the commentary due to noise levels on the boat.

The cruise provides an informative and relaxing experience as it winds through the tree-lined Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine River. Passengers can take in views of UNESCO-listed landmarks like the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. While the crew is generally praised for their kindness, some guests have noted issues with the clarity of the commentary due to the ambient noise on the boat.

Customer Feedback

Customers’ reviews of the cruise experience have been mixed, with some praising the informative tour and scenic views while others criticized the crowd size and audio issues.

Some highlights from customer feedback include:

Positive comments that highlighted the kindness of the crew and interesting information shared during the cruise.
Concerns about the unclear meeting point and potential safety issues in the surrounding area.
Complaints about the loud commentary, which led to a less enjoyable experience for some passengers.
Praise for the family-friendly nature of the tour and the on-board bar for refreshments.
Criticisms about the difficulty in hearing the commentary due to the noise and crowd size during the cruise.

Safety and Environment

Some passengers felt unsafe in the area around the meeting point, describing it as disheveled. The host response emphasized that Canal Saint-Martin is a popular local area, especially in summer.

Guests expressed discomfort with loud commentary, leading to a less enjoyable experience. The cruise takes place in a bustling urban setting, which some find off-putting. While the host says the area is popular, a few passengers felt uneasy.

The loud commentary on board also caused issues, with guests reporting difficulty hearing over the noise. This detracted from the overall experience for those seeking a more relaxing, immersive tour.

Organizers may want to consider ways to address these safety and environmental concerns to improve customer satisfaction.

Highlights of the Cruise

The cruise provides sightseers with sweeping views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.

As the boat glides through the tranquil waters, passengers are treated to a unique perspective of Paris:

Cruising along the scenic Seine River and the charming Canal Saint-Martin
Passing under the swinging bridge and through the Bastille Tunnel
Watching the city’s famous locks in action as the boat navigates the waterways
Spotting lesser-known but equally captivating sites along the route
Enjoying live commentary that brings the city’s rich history to life

This relaxing ride offers an immersive and informative way to explore the heart of the French capital.

Practical Information

To make the most of this cruise experience, travelers should note the practical details.

The tour departs from 73 Quai de Valmy, located just a short distance from the sightseeing route along the Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin. Passengers will end at 19 Quai de l’Horloge, which puts them right in the heart of Paris near iconic landmarks like the Louvre.

With a maximum capacity of 100 travelers, this is a relatively small-group experience, though some guests have reported issues with crowd size and noise.

The cruise runs daily at 3:00 PM, and tickets start at $37.71. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is near public transportation options for those who need them.

Comparison to Other Options

Compared to other Seine River cruises, this packaged tour along the Canal Saint-Martin offers a distinctive experience that blends iconic Parisian landmarks with lesser-known sights along the city’s historic waterways. Instead of a standard riverboat ride, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and immersive journey through the city’s heart.

Some key highlights:

Passing through the Bastille Tunnel and two locks, offering a unique perspective of Paris not seen on typical river cruises
Spotting the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame from the water
Cruising along the tree-lined, picturesque Canal Saint-Martin
Live commentary providing insights into the city’s history and culture
A more affordable price point compared to some luxury river cruise options

While the tour may have a few logistical quirks, it’s an engaging way to explore Paris from a fresh vantage point.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cruise Suitable for Non-English Speaking Travelers?

The cruise offers live commentary in multiple languages, making it suitable for non-English speaking travelers. However, some passengers reported difficulty hearing the commentary due to noise, which could be a concern for those relying on the audio guide.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can likely be customized for private groups, though specific details would need to be confirmed with the tour operator. They may offer private charters or options to tailor the experience for your group’s needs.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy for this tour is non-refundable. Travelers can’t get their money back once they’ve booked the tour. This is a standard policy for many sightseeing cruises and tours in Paris.

Are There Additional Costs for Optional Activities?

There are no additional costs for optional activities on this cruise. The price covers the basic sightseeing tour along the Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin. Any extras like food or drinks from the on-board bar would incur extra charges.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for the tour. It’s suitable for most travelers, including families. Children are welcome to join, but the host notes some passengers had trouble hearing the commentary over noise.

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