OURCQ CANAL

CRUISES ON THE OURCQ CANAL

Peaceful cruising at the gateway to Paris, between industrial heritage, cultural spaces and lively riverbanks.

An itinerary designed for you

The cruise on the Canal de l’Ourcq is designed as a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. As soon as you board, the boat leaves the hustle and bustle of central Paris to follow a more open and luminous itinerary.

Between cultural venues, lively quaysides and the landscapes of Greater Paris, the route offers a different vision of eastern Paris, at once creative, festive and in the midst of transformation. It’s the ideal way to discover a different side of the capital, one that’s more local and contemporary.

Start : Bassin de la Villette 2h15 sailing time Day or evening Privatization possible

Parc de la Villette and surrounding area

The cruise begins at the gates of the famous Parc de la Villette, one of Paris's largest cultural and leisure areas. The park is home to the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, the Philharmonie de Paris and many other cultural venues and events throughout the year. From the canal, the view of these cultural facilities and the park's large lawns offers an original perspective on this dynamic, creative district in north-east Paris.

Entrance to the Ourcq Canal

After the Bassin de la Villette and the Parc de la Villette, navigation begins on the Canal de l'Ourcq. The scenery gradually changes: the banks become more open, the buildings more industrial, and the atmosphere more urban. It's the beginning of a different face of Paris, where the canal moves away from the heart of the capital to cross rapidly changing neighborhoods, between industrial heritage and new contemporary uses.

The live channel and its new uses

Continuing on, the Canal de l'Ourcq reveals a more urban and creative atmosphere. The quays have become a popular place to stroll, especially in summer, with terraces, barges and waterside events. This is where L'Été du Canal takes place, transforming the banks of the canal into a festive space each year, with entertainment, concerts and water sports. Today, the canal is one of eastern Paris's new "must-see" places to go out.

Towards Greater Paris

As the cruise progresses, the landscapes gradually change: former industrial sites, rehabilitated wastelands and new neighborhoods under development make up a changing landscape. The cruise can be continued in private as far as the Pont de Bondy, marking a further stage of the canal and offering a broader vision of Greater Paris and its urban transformations.

8:00 pm - Boarding

Passengers welcome at the Bassin de la Villette.

8:30 p.m. - Sailing departure

Start of the cruise on the Ourcq canal.

9:15pm - Crossing the Crimean lift bridge

The highlight of the navigation is crossing the movable bridge.

10:30 pm - Crossing the canal banks

Discover old industrial sites and new cultural venues.

23h00 - Return to quay

End of the cruise and continuation of the event.

01h00 - End of performance

Disembarkation of passengers and end of service. Overtime possible until 02:00 am.

The route in pictures

Would you like a tailor-made itinerary around Paris?