#10 Take a Cruise on Canal Saint-Martin
→ Check canal cruise availability
If you’re looking for a quieter, more local side of Paris in May, this is a great option.
The Canal Saint-Martin feels completely different from the Seine. Less grand, more everyday Paris — and that’s exactly why it works.
I did this cruise with my family a few years ago and honestly expected it to be a bit slow or even skippable—but it ended up being one of the most relaxing experiences we had in Paris.
What surprised me most was the live commentary. It’s in both English and French, and even though I already know quite a bit about Paris, I still learned a lot of new things.
It’s a great option if you want a bit more insight into the city—beyond the obvious landmarks.
You pass under iron footbridges, move through old locks, and even go through an underground vault where everything suddenly goes quiet and a little eerie. It’s slow, a bit unusual, and surprisingly calming.
What I didn’t realize before booking is that you don’t actually have to choose between this and a Seine cruise. Part of the route is along the Seine — starting near Musée d’Orsay and continuing to the Bassin de l’Arsenal (the Paris marina) — before the boat enters the canal itself.
So you get a bit of both: the classic Paris views, and then the quieter, more local side → Check current availability and route details.
It’s also one of those rare experiences where you can just sit back and do nothing — something you’ll probably appreciate after a full day of walking.
On a mild May day, it’s even better. Sitting outside in the sun while drifting through this quieter part of the city feels completely different from the usual sightseeing pace.
→ Check availability for your dates — this canal cruise is one of the best ways to see a quieter side of Paris without the usual crowds, and spots can fill up quickly on sunny May afternoons.
If you want a break from the usual Paris pace, this is one of the easiest ways to slow things down for a couple of hours.