At 700 metres long the largest stretch of water in Paris is celebrating its 200th birthday this year…

photo by theyuped with photoshopped ducks, used under cc licence

Exhibiton « 200 years of the Bassin de Villette » from 27th May ) 26 July 2009

Learn about the evolution of the Bassin over the years: first a pleasant area for a promenade, then a rich port with warehouses from 1820 to 1950, the Bassin is now once again an area where you can relax and take in some culture, with cinemas and pleasure cruises.
Exhibition at the Pavillon Paul Delouvrier – Parc de la Villette, 10am – 7pm. Entrance free

Sporting activities 16h & 17th May 2009

Walks around Paris’ canals in May and June. Bicentenary trophy organised by the Bassin de la Villette nautical centre. Canoeing, rowing, water polo… Free.

Cruises / boat rental, every weekend in May

Discover La Villette as it was in yesteryear and how it is today with a tour by Canauxrama. Several departures each day. Launch of the electric boat rental service: from 1st May onwards you can rent a boat with room for five to seven people and go round the Bassin de la Villette!

Lovely photo be zemoko used under cc licence

Nautical show – 9th & 10th May

Demonstration of 19th-Century steamboats on the Bassin de la Villette

Nautical festival with boats from the Paris Yacht Club coming up the canal from Bastill, 16th & 17th May
See them anywhere between the port de l’Arsenal and the Bassin de la Villette

Jousting demonstration, 16th & 17th May
Bassin de la Villette

Try piloting a boat with « Paris Nautique », 16th & 17th May
Bassin de la Villette. Free

The famous boat « Riva » will be present on 6th & 7th June
Bassin de la Villette

Meeting of dutch barges from all over Europe from 12th – 19th June
Bassin de la Villette

Some great stuff to see in there. Don’t miss it!