Canal Saint-Martin
Combining a pleasant ambience with lots of shops and restaurants Canal St Martin is a very pleasant place to spend a relaxing afternoon in Paris
The beautiful banks of the Saint-Martin canal are buzzing with action. People enjoying picnics, musicians playing guitars and others who just want to be close to the action and water. It is a great spot to relax and read a book, people watch or enjoy a romantic stroll. Whatever your mood desires this is a wonderful location to while away the long hot summer days. There are many interesting cafes and restaurants that have sprung up over the years for those not wanting to pack a picnic. Besides all the modern conveniences the Canal really gives one the feeling of having gone back in time.
You can take a Velib bicycle to the Canal and ride along one of the two streets that border its banks or you can take a leisurely stroll down those same streets. It would be more enjoyable to do this on a Sunday when the streets lining the canal are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists alone making them much safer and easier to get around on. There is also the option of taking a pleasant boat tour on the canal, an option many first time visitors love to make use of.
The Canal St Martin is not just a pleasant place to spend an afternoon or two, it has some history behind it as well. Its construction was ordered in 1802 by Napoleon. The original concept was for the canal to join the Canal de l'Ourq and to supply that part of the city with fresh water.
The area was primarily populated by the working class until the late 19th century. Many professionals have started to look towards the area and now apartments with a good view of the canal are in much higher demand.
You will not be charged to enter the area but it is worth noting that any activities you wish to take part in will cost you a little extra, so make sure you bring some spending money along. If you do not wish to invest in a few delicacies or a trip down the canal by boat, then just spend a day relaxing by the banks of the canal. Even this simple activity is well worth the trip.
The beautiful and picturesque Saint-Martin canal was even featured in a movie in 1938. The whole scene was reconstructed in the film Hotel du Nord by Marcel Carne. This was no mean feat considering the number of restaurants and cafes that line its banks.
Nearby attractions: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Facts For Your Visit
Fee:Address: Canal Saint-Martin, Paris, France
Canal Saint-Martin Reviews
Rated out of 5
We took some pastries and went to the canal and sat. It was pretty windy and calm and there were some people around the area chilling as well. Nice area. You might find the occasional crazy person though.
Mike Aoun - 4 months ago
⭐ Canal Saint-Martin (10th arrondissement, Paris)
Canal Saint-Martin, located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the city’s most charming and peaceful spots. The canal stretches for about 4.5 km, linking the Bassin de la Villette to the River Seine through several locks and iron bridges.
During summer, especially in July and August, tourists can enjoy watching the sightseeing boats pass through. When the boats approach, the upper bridges open up to let them pass — it’s a fascinating scene! After that, tourists can also walk across the bridge once it closes again.
The canal is surrounded by large trees, cafés, and pedestrian paths where people sit by the water, chat, and enjoy snacks or picnics in the afternoon. It’s a perfect place to relax, take photos, or simply watch the boats glide by.
A must-visit if you want to see a more local and peaceful side of Paris. 🌿🚤
kaniz fatima - a month ago
A beautiful place to take a walk, have a picnic, or just sit by the water and enjoy the Parisian atmosphere. It feels more local and less touristy than other parts of the city, with plenty of cute cafés, bars, and little shops along the way. The iron bridges and tree-lined paths make it very picturesque, especially in the afternoon light. Sometimes it can get a bit crowded on sunny weekends, but overall it’s a charming and peaceful escape right in the middle of Paris.
libra - a month ago
It's my religion. And also the main reason i always stay in the neighbourhood. Early morning walks after a stop at my fave bakery is life: the vibe, the view and the breeze.
YØH - 3 months ago
Beautiful maple trees with golden colors!
Point for great photos…
H. Itoh - a week ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M4, M5, M7 and RER-P | Gare de l'Est | 3 minutes |
| M2, M5 and M7bis | Jaurès | 1 minute |
How to get to Canal Saint-Martin by Metro / RER
By Metro / RER: From Gare de l'Est Station exit to Avenue de Verdun and go through the gate into the garden called Jardin Villemin. Follow the walkway that angles southeast through the garden to the canal. This places you at a popular and pretty location at the bend in the Canal from which you can explore in either direction.
From Jaurès Station make your way south to the Canal St-Martin or north where you can walk the banks of the wider Bassin de la Villette).
There are also many Vélib Bicycle Stations along Canal St-Martin and it is an ideal location for enjoying a bike ride.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Canal Saint-Martin:
Photo Gallery
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People enjoying a sunny day along the banks of Canal Saint-Martin cc licensed photo by loresui -
Photo Credit: Jeanne Menjoulet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Yssso - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: antonikon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: antonikon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: antonikon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: C. B. Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: C. B. Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: flightlog - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: C. B. Campbell - cc license via Flickr
