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
Very nice canal, a favorite spot for everyone to come in the summer to have a drink. The vibe is good. People are young and energetic. come here often with my friends after work to enjoy the sun. 🥰🥰
Tram Anh - 2 weeks ago
Beautiful place to walk around, especially in a sunny day. Plenty of restaurants and bars and cafes around to have a coffee and food. It’s not the cleanest place and at the moment there is a lot of construction. But it’s good to grab a beer and relax with friends. Definitely a great place to visit if you’re in Paris
marios theod - 4 months ago
Nice canal in a nice surrounding.
Place de la République and the Arc de Triomphe de St.Martin are not far away.Same with many possibilities to take a break in a nice bistro or restaurant.
Lotus Berlin73 - 2 months ago
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 - 11 months 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 - 10 months 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 -
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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 -
Photo Credit: flightlog - cc license via Flickr
