Cruise the canal Saint Martin
Description
Atmosphere, Atmosphere! An unusual and romantic cruise at the heart of " Paris of the Parisians ". Of the Marina of Paris-arsenal in the Marina of the pond of the Villette. Navigate the Saint Martin canal and leave by chance its locks, bascule bridges and of its mysterious subterranean vault of the Bastille, full of holes of light... A place marked with magic and with beauty. Then the Hotel of the North, made famous by the movie of Marcel Carné's same name in 1938. To end your cruise on the pond of the Villette. This canal of small size was intended, originally, for the drinkable water conveyance in the capital. Inaugurated in 1825, it contains nine locks and two bascule bridges for a total lowering of 25 m. With the canal of Ourcq, the pond of Villette and the canal Saint-Denis, it establishes the network of canals Parisian, 130 km long, which belongs to the City of Paris.
The canal Saint-Martin is registered ancient memorial since February 23rd, 1993
Technical informations
5 km
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max. 52 m
min. 29 m
29 m
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Styles : BaladeIn townUnusual Public : FamilySeniors Themes : CulturalPatrimony | ||||
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Pond of the Villette and the Port
Around the site of canals developed, from the second quarter of the XIXth century, an intense activity of freight and harbour. In last half of the same century it was the support of a very important industrialization, in Paris as on the territory of the current Seine Saint-Denis. At the same time the harbour traffic of the Pond of the Villette was for its peak, and equivalent to that of the port of Bordeaux. This traffic of freight knew, in the course of the XXth century, bound important peaks, for the main part, about the activity of the BTP(BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS) after the big world conflicts. In constant diminution since the middle of the XXth century, this traffic, become no for the Pond of La Villette, came down at present for all the Parisian canals at its lowest historic level (around 1Mt in the year 2000).
Marina of Paris Arsenal
Situated in the district of the Bastille, the pond of the Arsenal has a garden of a hectare decorated with a rose garden. It arranges 170 mooring berths and welcomes 25 metre boats maximum, with places in the year, in the month and the day.
Additional information
Navigation from Paris Arsenal to the pond of the Villette
Distance in km: 4,5 km
Number of locks: 8
Size (length x width): 42 m x 7,80 m
Draft: 1,80 m
Headroom: 4,20 m
Data author
The Cirkwi brief
Experience the heart of Paris from a new perspective with the Canal Saint-Martin Boat Tour. Designed by Balades Fluviales Fabienne Lemoine Fondateur, this journey offers an intimate glimpse into the Paris of Parisians. Glide under the enchanting, light-pierced vault of the Bastille, navigate through locks and swing bridges, and soak up the magic and beauty that line the water's edges. This route takes you from the charming Port de plaisance de Paris-Arsenal to the bustling Port de plaisance du bassin de la Villette, revealing the lesser-known yet captivating side of the city. Join us for an unforgettable adventure.
Brief Technical Overview
This voyage spans roughly 4.98 km, guiding participants from an altitude of 30 meters to 53 meters with a positive elevation change ranging from 15 to 36 meters. The Canal Saint-Martin, marked by its historical significance and intricate network of locks and swing bridges, is part of a larger, 130 km network of Parisian canals. Despite its past as a vital freight route, the canal now sees minimal commercial traffic, offering a tranquil passage through the heart of Paris.
Seasonal Tips and Safety Guidance
Regardless of the season, comfortable attire and sensible footwear are recommended for this boat tour. Spring and summer offer vibrant canal banks and pleasant weather, perfect for enjoying the outdoor segments of the tour. In autumn, the canal transforms with hues of gold and russet, providing a picturesque backdrop for photographs. Winter tours are serene, with fewer crowds and a stark beauty, but be sure to dress warmly. Always heed the boat crew's safety instructions, particularly when navigating locks and bridges.
Historic and Cultural Significance
The Canal Saint-Martin, situated in Paris, France's capital, boasts a rich tapestry of history and cultural relevance. Since its inception in 1825, it has played a crucial role in supplying the city with potable water, later becoming a vital commercial route. Throughout the 19th century, the area surrounding the canal flourished with freight and port activities, peaking in the same era as the port of Bordeaux. Its designation as a historical monument in 1993 underscores its significance within Paris's architectural and historical narrative.
Parisian Weather Patterns and Best Visit Times
Paris enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. The best times to embark on the Canal Saint-Martin Boat Tour are late spring (May to June) when the city blooms in full splendor, and early autumn (September to October), offering crisp air and fewer tourists. Rainfall is moderate but evenly spread throughout the year, so always have an umbrella handy. Winters can be chilly, so if you're venturing out for a winter tour, bundle up to enjoy the serene Parisian winterscape from the canal.