L’Été du Canal is back on June 27, 2026! For seven weekends, let yourself be carried along the Parisian canals and enjoy a festive, accessible program combining water activities, performances, cruises and events of all kinds.
Every summer since 2007, the canals of North-East Paris have hosted L’Été du Canal, a unique festival where people come together to sail, stroll, dance or simply enjoy the lively waterfronts. Created by Seine-Saint-Denis Tourisme in 2007 and supported by 17 partner towns, the event invites residents, people from Île-de-France and visitors each year to explore the area in a different way. From the bassin de la Villette to the canals of l’Ourcq and Saint-Denis, all the way to the northern loop of the Seine, a rich and welcoming program awaits the general public. This year, the two headline events are making their big return, with a few new features… - Canal en pagaies opens the festival on June 27 and offers a 10 km descent of the canal de l’Ourcq between Sevran and Pantin, by kayak or canoe. The event is punctuated by artistic and musical performances, with an opening concert by l’Orchestre de spectacle de Montreuil in co-production with le théâtre de la Poudrerie, as well as musicians performing on boats, ending with a festive celebration at Pantin sur Mer, which will take place from June 27 to 28. The 2025 edition of Canal en pagaies; Credits: Bruno Lévy - La Grande marche Héritage olympique is also back on August 1, with new routes. This year, not one but five routes are on offer: four walking hikes and one bike ride. Four starting points are available: Épinay-sur-Seine, Bobigny, Porte de la Chapelle and parc de la Villette, where the bike ride and one of the walks will begin. All participants meet at the finish at the bassin de la Maltournée in Saint-Denis. Visit to the athletes’ village during the 1st edition of La Grande marche Héritage olympique | The 2025 edition of Canal en pagaies; Credits: Bruno Lévy The signature activities are also back and can be enjoyed throughout the festival. - The river shuttles, at 1 euro on Saturdays and 2 euros on Sundays, make it possible to travel between the different activity hubs from Paris to Aulnay/Pavillons, with something new this year: the option to pay by bank card. One of the river shuttles sailing on the canal de l'Ourcq | The 2025 edition of Canal en pagaies; Credits: JM Sicot Good deal: you can book “packages”: - Shuttle + exhibition - Shuttle + walk / tour - Shuttle + workshop - Shuttle + show And this year, it is possible to book the “shuttle + swimming” package in Pantin. - Visitors can also board an ever more varied range of themed cruises: food-focused, Olympic, heritage, street art and more. The return of the cinema cruises adds to the program, offering an original experience that takes participants to the open-air cinema at la Villette. A festive musical cruise that is fully booked | The 2025 edition of Canal en pagaies; Credits: Arthur Crestani If you prefer to stay on the riverbank, plenty of activities await you. - The participating towns are putting on summer programs, some with water-sports bases, where dances are organized, such as at la Péniche Guinguette du Chat qui Pêche, or performances, such as at la Maison des Jonglages. - For a more creative moment, hands-on workshops are still on the program, including introductions to stone engraving and beatboxing, as well as food workshops where you can learn to make your own bread, combining discovery, creativity and artisanal know-how. Finally, several flagship events will set the rhythm for the summer season, such as Pantin sur mer on June 27 and 28, offering two days of free concerts and DJ sets, as well as the Voyage, Voyage festival on July 4 and 5, which highlights cultural and musical activities. Extra info New swimming areas will be created in Pantin, in Saint-Denis at the bassin de la Maltournée, and at the bassin de la Villette as part of Paris Plages. Take a look right here at what awaits you!
Source: paris.fr — photo: Bruno Lévy