Embrace the Hot Summer: Paris Summer Canal Festival

📍 Paris · 👁 990 reads

Paris Summer Canal Festival, also known as “été du canal”, has been held since 2007 and now boasts a 16-year history. Every summer, Paris's canals welcome over 250,000 locals and visitors, creating a lively atmosphere and bringing endless joy to everyone.

In this vibrant and passionate season, don't miss the chance to experience Parisian life in a unique way! Let us tell you what activities the Paris Summer Canal Festival has to offer!

This year's Paris Summer Canal Festival takes place from July 8 to August 13 at Bassin de la Villette. The basin is 800 meters long and 70 meters wide, making it the largest artificial body of water in Paris, connecting the Ourcq Canal and the Saint-Martin Canal. During the festival, Bassin de la Villette comes alive, especially on weekends, with a host of exclusive summer events that immerse locals and tourists alike in the energy of the season.

The canal festival features a wide range of activities you can join. Read on to discover what you can do!

Watch Floating Concerts

This year's “Summer Canal Festival” will host at least five floating concerts. All visitors can enjoy these concerts free of charge. Boats on the canal transform into concert stages, where talented musicians and performers showcase their skills. If you'd like to see the detailed program, click here to find out what's on the day you plan to visit!

Ride the Canal Shuttle Boat

The canal shuttle boat is back this year! From July 8 to August 13, 2023, the Summer Canal Festival shuttle operates every weekend. The boat departs approximately every 40 minutes from stops at Parc de la Villette, Pantin, Bobigny, Noisy, or Bondy. Note that the Noisy/Bondy stop runs only until July 30.

You can hop off at any stop to enjoy the riverside entertainment and festivities.

Dock and Shuttle Boat Schedule

*All times given are approximate and subject to change.

**Boats from Bobigny to Noisy/Bondy will operate until August 6, 2023.

***Boats departing from Noisy/Bondy run from July 8 to July 30, 2023.

Go with the flow – it's a quick way to explore the Ourcq Canal and enjoy unusual views from the boat! Floating concerts also take place while the shuttle boats operate, so you can get up close to performances right on the water!

Of course, besides the floating concerts, there's no shortage of land-based fun! From open-air concerts to riverside aperitifs, the Summer Canal Festival has it all. Joining the apéro by the water lets you soak up local culture while relaxing in a unique atmosphere. Plus, there are plenty of concerts along the Paris canal banks. To check the concert schedule, click here. All these concerts are free, so no need to worry about buying extra tickets!

Join Free Family Activities

The canal festival also organizes a variety of cultural and educational events for families. Parents can bring their children along for fun parent-child activities so the little ones can enjoy this special season too! These take place along the banks of the Ourcq Canal, Saint-Denis Canal, and the Seine, including street dance classes and stone carving workshops. Explore this page to see what other activities might interest you!

Experience Summer Dance Parties

On summer weekends, open-air dance parties come alive! You can dance under the sun for free, with food and drinks to keep the celebration going. You'll encounter everything from tango to street dance – a real eye-opener! The parties usually take place in riverside parks, including Parc de la Poudrerie.

Take a Summer Cruise

There are many different summer cruises to choose from. Options include cruises for culture lovers and those exploring street art – there's something to satisfy every curiosity about Paris. You'll not only admire Paris's street art from a fresh perspective but also delve into the history and transformation of the Ourcq Canal and Saint-Denis Canal. Of course, these summer cruises require an extra fee. For details on how to purchase the right ticket, visit their website for pre-booking information.

Explore the Paris Canal Banks on Foot

The banks of Paris's canals are brimming with masterpieces by street artists. Besides cruising, you can explore these fascinating artworks on foot. They're bursting with creativity and showcase the cultural depth of the City of Love. Don't wait – come admire the flawless works of Parisian artists!

Of course, it would be a shame to visit Paris just for the Summer Canal Festival! Paris has so much more to offer! Wondering what else there is to see and do?

Louvre Top-Notch Experience

The Louvre is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world! With its stunning exterior, it houses countless world-renowned artworks. Join a guided tour of the Louvre, where an expert guide will introduce you to the museum's culture and the stories behind nearby landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe. This much-loved attraction is something you definitely shouldn't miss on your trip to Paris!

Eiffel Tower Elevator Guided Tour

Speaking of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is probably the first landmark that comes to mind! Explore Paris's most magnificent icon on this unique enclosed glass elevator tour. Your guide will share insights into this world-famous structure. As you ascend, you'll catch sight of other famous Paris landmarks, such as Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Lunch and Champagne Tasting at Mordu Restaurant

Craving a luxurious and exquisite meal in Paris? Mordu Restaurant is ready to welcome you! Mordu specializes in delicious French and Mediterranean dishes. Your lunch includes a starter, main course, and dessert, plus a glass of champagne, a hot drink, and still or sparkling water. With dishes that delight the senses, it's sure to satisfy your taste buds. Conveniently located just steps from attractions like the Louvre, you can dine here before or after sightseeing!

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