Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CANAL CRUISES
Everyone takes the river boats down the Seine, but if you're up for something slightly
different, why not try a canal cruise? Two companies run 2½-hour trips along the
Canal St-Martin, chugging back and forth between central Paris and Parc de la Villette.
Boats go at a leisurely pace, passing through four locks and an underground section
(livened up somewhat by an art installation).
CRUISE
CANAUXRAMA
(
www.canauxrama.com
; adult/student & senior/4-12yr €16/12/8.50)
Departures are at 9.45am and 2.30pm from the Port de l'Arsenal at the Bastille and
Parc de la Villette. There are also evening cruises on Friday and Saturday from May
through September.
CRUISE
PARIS CANAL CROISIÈRES
( 01 42 40 96 97;
www.pariscanal.com
;
adult/senior & 12-25yr/4-11yr €19/16/12; mid-Mar-mid-Nov)
Cruises depart from near the Musée d'Orsay (quai Anatole France) at 9.30am and
from Parc de la Villette at 2.30pm.
Gare du Nord & Canal St-Martin
LIVE MUSIC
POINT ÉPHÉMÈRE
12.30pm-2am Mon-Sat,
12.30-11pm Sun; ; Louis Blanc)
This arts and music venue by the Canal St-Martin attracts an underground crowd from noon
till past midnight, for drinks, meals, concerts, dance nights and even art exhibitions. At the
time of writing there were three different food trucks setting up shop here three days a week
after 7pm.
DANCE HALL
ROSA BONHEUR
noon-midnight Wed-
Sun; Botzaris)
This self-styled
guinguette
(old-fashioned dance hall) morphs from outdoor cafe by day into
a jam-packed dance floor by night. Its setting inside the Parc des Buttes Chaumont is surely
the most bucolic getaway in the city, and even if the tapas aren't to die for, good vibes are
virtually guaranteed. If the park is closed, you'll need to enter at 7 rue Botzaris.
