Pleasant Walk Along the Canal Saint-Martin, Paris

The Canal Saint-Martin is the everyday, local Paris — a tree-shaded canal crossed by arching iron footbridges, with locks lifting the boats and cafés along the banks.

Paris · Walk · about 40 min · 1.5 miles · Pleasantness: High

Why this route is pleasant

• Follows the tree-lined Canal Saint-Martin
• Arched iron footbridges and working locks
• Quiet, residential, distinctly local
• Plane trees shading the towpaths
• Cafés and small shops along the banks

What you'll see

• The cast-iron footbridges over the canal
• Boats rising and falling in the locks
• Tree-shaded quays and waterside cafés
• The wide Bassin de la Villette at the north end

Best time to go

A weekend afternoon when locals gather on the banks, or a quiet weekday morning.

Open this route in Pleasant Routes · More Paris routes · All cities