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
Grab your lunch or snack and go enjoy the atmosphere sitting along the canal or any of park benches if you prefer shade. Calm during the day, but loved spot for locals to hang out at evenings so it gets even more atmospheric. Appreciated the experience of seeing bridge move to let a boat pass by and caught a real summer holiday feeling being able to sit on those summer chairs under umbrellas.
Marta - 3 months ago
This is one of our favourite parts to come for a peaceful walk, we love the grittiness of the surrounds, there are many places to sit and enjoy the tranquility, we also love the sparkling water dispensers scattered around.
V H - 5 months ago
Interesting to see how it works for the boats to go through the canal. Good views and it has a park where you can rest.
Gunsu Kiziltan - a month ago
Canal Saint Martin offers a picturesque setting for a post-work stroll, shaded by trees and dotted with charming bars and restaurants perfect for unwinding. Its relaxed ambiance gives off a local vibe, away from the hustle and bustle of touristy areas. During my visit after work, I found it to be a tranquil spot to enjoy a leisurely drink and soak in the authentic Parisian atmosphere.
Courtnie Clemens - 5 months ago
Beautiful canal Saint Martin, located in quite strategic area between Republique, and Saint Germain des Pres.
this canal also serves the tourist attractions for canal cruise crossings, as an alternative route from La Seine river bateaux bus.
It was cold but also sunny here, many people sitting down enjoy their days sitting on the benches.
Many beautiful jardins in the neighborhood and also restaurants and cafes nearby.
Putri Dumadi - 3 weeks 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 -
Photo Credit: askolizzato71 - cc license via Flickr -
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: Jeanne Menjoulet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: C. B. Campbell - cc license via Flickr
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