Canal Saint-Martin

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.

The Canal Saint-Martin, one of Paris’s most charming and scenic waterways, offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Stretching for nearly 4.5 kilometers, the canal winds its way through trendy neighborhoods like Le Marais and the 10th arrondissement, lined with leafy trees, picturesque bridges, and vibrant cafés. Originally built in the early 19th century to supply fresh water to the city, the canal has since become a popular spot for leisurely walks, boat rides, and picnics by the water. The canal’s tranquil atmosphere, combined with its artistic vibe, makes it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're enjoying a café by the water, exploring the nearby boutiques, or taking a relaxing boat tour, Canal Saint-Martin is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and Parisian charm.

Canal Saint-Martin was just next to our Airbnb so we went to take a stroll along the canal, very peaceful walk and a lot of local jogging around.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful place more than I expected

The sun goes down pretty early in January in France, so we didn't have a chance to come during the day. Thus, the greenway to the Southwest of the canals (Square Federick Lemaire) was closed (probably to keep people out during the night time). But the canal is well lit, and there were plenty of young and old men having a good time, smoking and drinking. On the eastern side of the canal, there are quite a few nice shops, and people were still shopping. On the western side is more industrial shops, with us walking past multiple home improvement shops focusing on flooring and tiles. We were not able see any of the locks in action, but were able to cross the bridges back and forth and take some nice pictures. it's definitely worth a stop if in the area, and i understand why it would be so beautiful in the spring for a leisurely walk in the daytime.

I've been trying to get to Canal Saint Martin since 2019 and every trip since has ended in disappointment. I was very determined not to let our visit to Canal Saint Martin go down the drain. I didn't want to take a riverboat cruise but simply grab a baguette sandwich and sit at one of the benches and enjoy the view. While Canal Saint Martin was very agréable, the Paris weather was not. Periods of rain made our picnic idea a soaking mess but we happened to catch a riverboat going up through the locks. Did you know ? Construction of the canal was ordered by Napoleon I in 1802 and construction took place until 1825, funded by a new tax on wine. The neighborhood was friendly and the views were stunning. We had a great time enjoying the sights even with the Paris rain. Best part of Canal Saint Martin is that it's free. There's no admission ticket or reservation to make. To get there via metro the 8 line takes you to République and from there it's a short walk.

One of my favorite places in Paris. Go for a stroll along the water, the sound of water falling as the locks open and close. Bring a book or a picnic. Every now and then a boat actually goes by. That's when the real action starts, as the bridges swivel to let them pass. You'll find lots if food options nearby. Part of the street becomes pedestrian-only on Sundays. Not many tourists. Photogenic. Go! You'll be delighted.

Not as nice as you may encounter in Amsterdam. The water is dirty, green. Lot of riff Raff hanging around. Packed on weekends.

Like an idiot, I was trying to game the system on Priceline and I got stuck with a hotel in Pantin. I had to lessen the damage by looking up places nearby and I am glad I accidentally got the Pantin hotel. I got to check out a different side of Paris that was less touristy. While searching for things to see, I found the canal. It's pretty cool to check out and its nice to stroll along and watch the boats go up and down the canal. Its a quite pleasant walk and just lively with all of the people out and about.

On the day we visited the canal, there was an antique fair going on, so maneuvering along its shore was difficult due to the crowding of people and the vendors wares. Tents were positioned along the banks which left little opportunity to see parts of the canal unless you walked through the pathway the shop owners had left. However, the antique fair added to the allure of the canal. How many tourists can say they walked the Canal Saint-Martin and shopped for antiques? While the canal is quaint and affords some photo ops, there really is no reason to go out of your way to see it.

Such a fun area to walk around and people watch. This is where the real Parisians go to hang out. Get some beer or wine and have a picnic next to the water, or opt for the cafe option. Plenty is see and experience around the canal.

This is such a pretty area...have fun walking around it, on a warm or wintry day! The views are beautiful and there's tons of dining spots to check out along the canal. Ahhh...

On any given evening in the spring,summer or fall - grab a baguette, some cheese, some lovely ham, cherry tomatoes and olives and the obligatory bottle(s) of wine (rose is perfect when it's warm) and enjoy a typical evening along the canal with hoards of younger and older Parisiennes as the sun sets and you prepare the rest of your night. don't forget (if you go without a basket) that disposable glasses, cutlery and a corkscrew will come in handy. As will an ease with sharing a bit of space with your fellow squatters on either bank of the tranquil canal. Walking disitance from Place Republique (metro) and close enough to dozens of places to go out afterwards - like the Hotel du Nord...this is how it's done.