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Boat trip on the Saint-Martin canal

A street made of water
An unexpected experience

 

Napoleon created this canal as part of a network to bring water to Paris and carry basic supplies by barge. Once a site of intense activity, the economic transformations of the 1960's made it obsolete. A superhighway was slated to replace it.

 

One of the first mobilizations to preserve historic sites and the environment saved the canal at the last minute.

 

Today it is poetic and serene.

 

 

 

  • One can sometimes "hitch a ride" down the canal on this little boat

 

 

Boarding

Moored at la Villette on the city's north-east edge, it goes downstream to the port at la Bastille to take on clients for the dinner cruise.

 

 

  • The canal is a kind of street made of water, with people on the banks

 

 

We pass sites that are calm...
...or trendy.

 

 

  • We pass under bridges that are unique

 

 

A movie classic made this bridge famous ("L'Hotel du Nord", 1939)
Similar bridge

 

 

  •  We pause four times to go through locks

 

 

Each pause takes 10-15 minutes, which adds to the cruise's restfulness.
Watch the rush of water.

 

 

 

  • One instantly feels among friends

 

 

0ur host shows the paella he's prepared for the night.

 

The boat's owner, who is also the chef, is a former wood worker and maitre d'. His delightful compagnon takes care of the service. Deeply involved in an enterprise they've created themselves...
A happy client and our hosts

 

their wecome is informal and joyous, worlds away from the anonymous ambiance of huge boats for tourists.

 

 

•Costs

 

° If you are 1-5 participants, you may join the crew in riding from the artificial lake at La Villette, where the boat is moored, to the port at La Bastille, where it meets the evening's guests. Cost: 10€ per person. There is no PEF fee, because this opportunity is usually integrated into a broader program.

° If you are more than 5 participants, we may be able to extend the privilege described on the left, adding PEF's fee, which depends on the context.

 

Or reserve dinner on the boat – please CLICK.

 

 

• These cruises take place on most Saturdays, from 17h to 19h15.

 

 

Credits: Hosts and lock with scenery / Debra Takajanian ; other photos / Julie Vetter