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The easiest way to visit the canals is by taking
a long liesurely stroll, stopping at random cafes as you go. However,
a slow boat ride down the canal is a pleasure not to be missed.
Ideally, one would make this trip on a private boat with good friends
and a well-packed picnic lunch. There are rental boats available,
though most of us will probably have to settle for the "tour
boat"...
Here's some info on a few of the
boating possibilities
(remember, prices and schedules
can change, so check with the boat operators before making plans)
Cruise from the Musee d'Orsay to
the Parc de la Villette
(call 01.42.40.96.97 for more info).
Departs every weekend at 9h30 (meeting point on the Quai Anatole
France, alongside the Musee d'Orsay, Metro: Solférino) and
arrives at about 12h30 at the Parc de la Villette.
Departs every weekend at 14h30 from the Parc de la Villette (meeting
point in front of the "guided tour folly" by the canal-side,
Metro: Porte de Pantin) and arrives at the Musee d'Orsay at about
17h15.
Adult fare is 95F.
There are also special theme cruises such
as the cinema cruise or the "George de la Tour" cruise.
Call for more info.
Canauxrama: Saint-Martin Canal
(call 01.42.39.15.00 for more info).
Departs 9h30 and 14h15 from the Bassin de la Villette (13 quai de
la Loire, Metro: Jaurès) and arrives about three hours later
at Port de l'Arsenal.
Departs 9h45 and 14h30 from the Port de
l'Arsenal (opposite 50, Boulevard de la Bastille, Metro: Bastille),
and arrives about three hours later at the Bassin de la Villette.
Adult fare is 75F.
Ourcq Canal
(call 01.60.01.13.65 for more info).
Full day cruise departs at 8h30 from the Bassin de la Villette (13
quai de la Loire, Metro: Jaurès). Adult fare 200 F (without
meals). Reservations required.
3-hour weekend Lunch cruise, departs at
12h from the Bassin de la Villette (13 quai de la Loire, Metro:
Jaurès). Adult fare 250 F.
La Villette Shuttle
Those on a really tight budget
can just take ferry between Parc de la Villette and the Rotonde
de Ledoux. It departes every 30 minutes (11h to 18h), alternating
from 5 bis quai de la Loire and Parc de la Villette. Adult fare
is 15 F for roundtrip, and 10F one-way.
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