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Canal Saint Martin, Paris

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Canal Saint Martin, Paris
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Canal Saint-Martin, Paris 2005 - Paris
Canal Saint-Martin, Paris 2005
by ForestqueenNYC
Things to Do in Paris: Canal Saint Martin tips and photos posted by real travelers and Paris locals.
Canal Saint Martin
• 22 Photos
• 12 Reviews

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Canal Saint Martin: Leafy ribbon through the north east
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  • The Canal Saint Martin slices through the north eastern section of Paris, connecting the Seine with canal systems further to the north. Its southern end is alongside the Boulevard de la Bastille, where it is open, but it then disappears below the Place de la Bastille and continues beneath the parks and gardens in the centre strip of Boulevard Richard Lenoir. Finally it emerges beyond the rue du Faubourg to continue its journey north. Along the way are various locks, as it climbs away from the Seine.

    Apparently the covering of part of the canal (photos 2 and 3) was one of Baron Haussmann's 'city planning' moves. When I see the pleasant parks I must say that I found the outcome quite successful. It was interesting to see many Parisians relaxing in these pleasant surroundings. Then again, the open canal is delightful also.

    I'd certainly suggest that the Canal is worthy of a visit, especially if you can find the time to walk alongside it (or along the parks of the covered section). I imagine it must be marvellous to travel on it in a canal boat: somewhere I recall hearing of a tourist trip doing that, so it might warrant some research if you have the time.

  • Directions: From near place de la Bastille, past the République area, to the Parc de la Villette.
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    Canal Saint Martin: From place de la Republique to La Villette
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  • An excellent walk through Northeastern Paris, just follow the canal. Perhaps if you are lucky there will be a canauxrama cruise boat going by and you'll be able to see all the locks and moving bridges. Otherwise, there are cafés and parks along the route where you can relax, have a picnic or people watch.

    Once again, not overly touristy, just a nice walk.

  • Address: Along the Canal
  • Directions: Canal Saint Martin from Republique to La Villette
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    Canal Saint Martin: Bike, Walk, or Barge Along Canal Saint-Martin
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  • This is very lovely especially in the spring when the trees are in full leaf. There are steel bridges which cross the canal and places to sit along side it. You can find some cute shops and restaurants on the streets that run along side the canal.

    Scenes from a famous French movie, Hotel du Nord, were shot in the Hotel du Nord, which is located at 102 quai de Jemmapes.

    CORRECTION 4/21/07 from Beatchic@vt.com: "Hôtel du Nord was not filmed at the actual hotel, it was all studio. :( I'm writing a book about film sites in Paris and came across that tidbit myself. However, you have to admit they did a great job of making it look like the original!" Thanks for that info, Mary.---Forestqueennyc

    Website for the hotel is http://www.hoteldunord.org/.

    It's a very cute website, even if you don't want to stay there.

    For barge trip and informations about the movie see the weblinks.

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  • Address: Quai de Jemmapes and the rue Louis Blanc
  • Directions: Metro Jacques Bonsergent and Metro Republique 10th Arrondisement
  • Website: http://www.canauxrama.com/
  • Other Contact: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030
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    Canal Saint Martin: Canal Saint Martin
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  • Iron bridge on the Canal Saint martin - Paris
    Iron bridge on the Canal Saint
    martin
    by kris.velter
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    The Canal Saint Martin is about 5 kilometers long and was build in 1825. It's a great place to walk, not a lot of tourists come there.

    Well, that's not completely true, because people who saw the movie 'Le fabuleux d'estin d'Amélie Poulain' will remember Amélie skims stones on the water from a little sluice.

    The guy who keeps an eye on the place is very kind and tells you all you want to know. He says even tourists from the USA and Japan come here because of Amélie. Well, it's a great film after all.

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  • Address: Canal Saint Martin
  • Directions: East of Gare de L'Est
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    Canal Saint Martin: Cooling Down in the Evening
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  • Perfect for a stroll or to sit and chat with some friends. The canal is popular in the evenings of hot days when people come out of their homes to cool off.

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  • Address: Three blocks East of Place de la Republique
  • Directions: The canal extends over a long distance, so multiple Metro stops can be used to get to the canal. Use Place de la Republique for the south end, Gare de l’Est for the middle and Place de la Bastille de Stalingrad for the north end.
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    Canal Saint Martin: sail the canal St Martin
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  • I haven't done it yet, but I've thought of doing it for years.
    you may see Paris far from the polluted streets

    There's also a restaurant on the bank of the canal, and a nice walk to do along the canal as well.

  • Address: place de la bastille
  • Directions: You'll find the boats of the company CANAUXRAMA, next to Place de la bastille, looking towards river Seine.
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    Canal Saint Martin: Canal St Martin
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  • In the first lock from the Seine to the Arsenal - Paris
    In the first lock from the
    Seine to the Arsenal
    by frenchderek, 2 more photos
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    Easy, romantic and comfortable half-day, covering just 4.5 km (3 miles). There are two boat-providers: canauxrama (with modern, plush boats) go from the Arsenal (09.45 and 14.30); pariscanal leave from Musée d'Orsay (09.30 , 14.30). Both boats finish (and return from) at le Parc de la Villette. Both have commentaries in French and English.

    We chose pariscanal because it starts on the Seine and passes several landmarks en route to the Canal St Martin. On the canal, you go through 19th century locks and swing-bridges; and also through a 1 km long tunnel, directly under the Place de la Bastille; arriving just 26 m higher than from where you started. The commentary described the many local areas (Parisians' Paris) through which we passed (lots of popular history): some neat stories in the English version, and jokey ones in the French! We passed folks strolling on the canalside under the chestnut trees, pretty boutiques and retro-style cafés; plus a bit of Paris-plage (deck-chairs and sand!).

    The kids found the first few locks exciting (but got bored with them afterwards!) but thought the tunnel was the best bit. They got interested again when we arrived at the Parc de la Villette (Musée des Sciences, la Cité de la Musique, cafés, and modernist play-area). We grown-ups just enjoyed the intimate peacefulness of it all.

  • Address: Near Place de la Bastille to Parc de la Villette
  • Phone: 33 (0)142409697
  • Directions: For canauxrama you board at Port de Plaisance de Paris-Arsenal (Metro Bastille); for pariscanal board near Solferino bridge, Quai Anatole France (Metro Solferino). Reservation necessary for pariscanal (see below); not sure about canauxrama.
  • Website: www.pariscanal.com
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    Canal Saint Martin: Canal Saint Martin
    A lock in the Canal Saint Martin - Paris
    A lock in the Canal Saint
    Martin
    by Pieter11, 3 more photos
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    From the Roman times on Paris was provided with water by a well that was found by the Romans, at the Left Bank of the Seine. For many centuries that was sufficient to supply the people of Paris with water. In the Medievals though, a growing shortage of water became a big problem. The solution to get more fresh water into the centre, was the Canal Saint Martin, dug during the regime of Napoleon Bonaparte, and opened in 1825.

    It has a length of 5 kilometers, starting in the Bassin de la Villette in the Northeast of the city, and ending up in the Seine, close to the Place de la Bastille. The part of the canal that is visible is only half of the complete length, because the part between Place de la République and Place de la Bastille is covered by roads. The part that ís still visible is an absolutely gorgeous part of Paris.

    The difference between the highest point of the canal and the lowest point is 25 metres. This is the reason why 9 locks were built in the canal, all with huge wooden doors. All along the canal there are very tall, rough trees surrounding it. And every hundred metres there are beautiful little pedestrian bridges.

    The area is a very quiet one compared to the rest of the city. This makes it a great place to relax by walking along the canal, or by sitting at the waterside.

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  • Address: Canal Saint Martin
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    Canal Saint Martin: Canal Saint Martin
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    Canal Saint Martin: Baxo - Bar Restaurant Paris 10 Canal St Martin
    Located very near the canal St Martin in Paris, the Baxo is a unique lounge bar restaurant which will make you discover in a very original “bobo“ and cozy environment sumptuous authentic dishes. The Baxo also welcomes you to share a glass with friends in a trendy and warm ambience.

  • Address: Canal St Martin
  • Phone: +33 1 42 02 99 71
  • Directions: Canal St Martin - Metro colonel Fabien
  • Website: www.baxo.fr
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