St. Martin Canal Tour: Worthwhile?
 

Actually, there probably isn't a lot in Paris that isn't in one way or another, worthwhile, but we are considering doing this during our visit in September and wondering if anyone has any comments on it..good or bad.

I'd love to do the whole-day thing which includes the Marne but it doesn't look as if those are offered in September.

Appreciate any comments and thanks in advance.

I really enjoyed it. It takes a long time because the boat has to wait for the water level to adjust in each lock, so don't go expecting a fast paced trip. I took advantage of the time to take lots of pictures.

I went in the direction from the Bassin de l'Arsenal to the Parc de la Villette. In this direction, the water is rising while you are in the locks, so you are rising into the view instead of sinking out of it. Some people who have taken it in the other direction have mentioned that perhaps the upstream direction is better for that reason.

I haven't done it (in MANY trips to Paris) so I'll be up front about that. But I have read about it many times as being a bit like paint drying--or if you have done EVERYthing else in Paris, it could be interesting.

I appreciate the honest replies...I suppose some would say we HAVE 'done everything else' [please do NOT ask for details since I wouldn't want to scandalize any of you folks] in Paris but there are some things such as sitting around and wishing I were somebody I'm not that I've decided to skip..so I think we'll take the camera and watch the paint dry for a change.

It certainly wouldn't be on the top of my list of things to do if you have not been to Paris but if you have been several times and looking for something different, yes, I would include it.

I quite enjoyed the trip overall. It does tend to get a bit repetitive eventually but there are worse things you can do that sit on a boat with the sun shining and watch Paris pass before your eyes. I quite enjoyed a wander around Parc Villette when I got there which I would never have bothered to look at otherwise and the train trip back into Paris central was really quite quick.

I do recommend that you go from the Bassin to Parc Villette direction as Nikki mentioned as watching the water pouring in from above is a definite plus - would think it would be rather boring the other way around.

I've done the trip twice with Paris Canal. Their boat goes out into the Seine which is a contrast with the quiet canal. I found it a pleasant way of seeing different aspects of Paris. The boat didn't have a bar so you need to take your own.

The day cruise up the Marne is offered on various dates in September and October. It would be best to check the two operators' websites nearer the date and contact them if they have a trip going on a convenient date. I haven't done this myself.
www.pariscanal.com
www.canauxrama.com

Another option is the Vogeo service up river to the mouth of the Marne. This started last year and is a basic public transport service, but goes to parts of the river that the sightseeing boats don't reach.
www.vogueo.fr

Thanks agin for the further replies.

As to the Marne trip..the ParisCanal site currently says that trip for individuals only takes place on the weekends in July and August but I'll look further

Paris Canal advertise the Marne trip for five dates in the first part of June, and there will be similar opportunities in September. The dates will depend on group bookings so won't be confirmed far in advance.
http://www.pariscanal.com/Une-journe...a-Boucle-de-la