Canal Saint-Martin

Overview

The Canal Saint-Martin is a highly picturesque, 4.6-kilometre waterway slicing through the eastern districts of Paris. Fringed by giant chestnut trees and crossed by romantic iron footbridges, it has become the city's coolest, most relaxed bohemian hangout.

Highlights

• The Locks and Bridges: The fascinating series of nine active locks and beautifully arched green cast-iron footbridges along the route.
• The Vibe: An epicenter for young, trendy locals ('bobos') who flock to the canal banks with wine and takeaway pizza on warm evenings.
• Trendy Boutiques: The streets immediately bordering the canal are packed with hip concept stores, natural wine cellars, and excellent specialty coffee shops.

History

Ordered by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to bring fresh drinking water to the cholera-plagued city and facilitate grain transport. Facing obsolescence and potential paving-over in the 1960s, it survived to become the globally recognized, romantic setting of the hit movie Amélie.

Visitor Tips

• Boat Tours: You can take a lengthy, slow-paced boat tour that navigates the locks and a fascinating 2-kilometre subterranean tunnel section below the Bastille.
• Sundays: The streets running directly alongside the canal are completely closed to car traffic on Sundays.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours. Best visited in the late afternoon/evening.