Paddle the Canal: Down the Ourcq Canal by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle, new date

The Été du Canal is turning the celebration back on with the second edition of its event, Canal en pagaies, on Saturday, October 3, 2026! The June date was canceled due to heat waves, but a new date has been announced. You'll meet in Sevran, in the Seine-Saint-Denis department to take part in the grand descent of the Canal de l'Ourcq, down to Pantin, for 10 kilometers of paddling, solo or with others, aboard a kayak, a canoe or a paddle, as you please.

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In total, you’ll pass through eight towns in the Seine-Saint-Denis department along the canal: Sevran, Aulnay-sous-Bois, Les Pavillons-sous-Bois, Noisy-le-Sec, Livry-Gargan, Bondy, Bobigny, and Pantin. You can bring your gear as long as it meets safety standards (€15 contribution) or rent a one-, two- or three-person craft (€25–€50). Navigation will, of course, be paused for the occasion, so you can paddle with complete safety.

As you cruise along the canal, you’ll enjoy several musical, artistic, and festive stops and even a show once you reach Pantin to reward your effort, organized by the city and the La Nef theatre. To sign up, keep an eye on the ticketing at Explore Paris. The general public can come and watch the descent along the canal for free and cheer on the participants!

The Canal Summer 2026: the must-attend summer festival along Paris's canals, dates & program
Summer on the Canal is Paris's quintessential summer event. And great news: this Parisian summer staple is back from June 27 to August 9, 2026. This edition features free workshops, street art, open-air cinema, and strolls along the canals. [Read more]