 The sluices... bg: the arched bridges by Norali | Canal Saint Martin tips and photos posted by real travelers and Paris locals. • 28 Photos
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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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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 CanalDirections: Canal Saint Martin from Republique to La Villette
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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. Leave a Comment Address: Quai de Jemmapes and the rue Louis BlancDirections: Metro Jacques Bonsergent and Metro Republique 10th ArrondisementWebsite: http://www.canauxrama.com/ Other Contact: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030
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The canal dates from 1825. Barge traffic has almost disappeared, but the canal is still a very pleasant location for a stroll (it is about 2 miles long).
The canal narrowly escaped being turned into a boulevard during the barbaric modernization of Paris in the 1960s.
Two famous movies take place near the canal, Hotel du Nord, and Amélie. Leave a Comment Directions: Metro stops: République at one end, Stalingrad at the other
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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. Leave a Comment Address: Three blocks East of Place de la RepubliqueDirections: 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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One of the pleasant walks in Paris, especially at the weekend when you're not stifled or agressed by the pollution of the traffic, as the canal does follow a very busy thoroughfare. The quai de Valmy and quai de Jemmapes are reserved for pedestrian traffic on Sundays.
The canal was originally constructed in the early 1800's as a link with the Canal de l'Ourq to bring fresh water into the city, now running into the Seine after passing under the place de la Bastille.
Consider taking a cruise on the canal as an alternative. See website below for cruises. Site is in French or English.
Good starting points for the walk are the Jaures at the north end or Republique in the south, metro stations Leave a Comment
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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 VillettePhone: 33 (0)142409697Directions: 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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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 bastilleDirections: You'll find the boats of the company CANAUXRAMA, next to Place de la bastille, looking towards river Seine.
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We could have skipped this long walk from la Bastille area, stepped down at métro République, entered the gate, taken pictures of the locks, the Quais. Then, we would have missed a lot.
From la Bastille to the first locks, while skirting Bd Richard Lenoir, we passed through 4-5 metro stations. Not tiring, just done with inappropriate shoes. lol At first, when we took this boulevard, we saw a marketplace with only the bars of the tents. It was passed 4pm. The market was over. Here and there, some drunken bums, soaking up the sun, telling nasty jokes, many teeth were missing. [Was just told that Thur. & Sat. mornings is a traditional food market: w/ a range of regional produce]
We followed our way, skirting the roofed canal. Regularly, we could see a stripe of sheer glass on the rooftop that let some light out. Arched footbridges also remind of the water flowing underground.
Along our way, we saw an unusual Parisian scenery of French leisure. Men gathered either to play cards, boules ! I thought it was left to the provinciaux. Still, we were in Paris, between Bastille & République.
Far away from Paris... At least, that was my impression at the entry gate to the Quais.
We walked a bit and heard a noise of waterfall. We looked at the direction where this noise came from and saw the first locks. The place was crowded but no other noise could overcome the waterfall.
In the canals of two-meter depth: ducks. On the quays, ducks again, pigeons. And benches where to sit in the shade and relax a bit. Pictures are a tad dark since we were under the shadow.
It took the riverains to stand against a government project to roof the canal. From Bassin de l'arsenal to Quai de Jemappes, it has been roofed already. Now, it turns out to be a lively place, with restaurants, bars, art galleries. But what I appreciated most there was, as I said, the "quietness" due to that no other noise could come over the sound of the "waterfall". Leave a Comment Address: Canal St-MartinDirections: Canal Saint-Martin: start your walk from La Bastille to enjoy the village flair along the roofed Canal.
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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 MartinPhone: +33 1 42 02 99 71Directions: Canal St Martin - Metro colonel FabienWebsite: www.baxo.fr
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