Discover Canal Saint-Martin
Do you remember Amélie skipping stones at the locks in Jean-Pierre Jeunet's 2001 film Amélie? This scene was shot at the legendary Canal Saint-Martin. Crossing the 10th and 11th arrondissements, the canal is often bypassed by tourists. This haven of peace and quiet is a favourite place for walkers who enjoy watching the barges navigate the series of locks and road bridges.
From the Villette, the boats travel down the 4.5 kilometre long canal Saint-Martin to the Seine. Nine locks help the boats to reach the Seine 25 metres lower down.
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Saint Martin Canal, Paris
Take a cruise in Paris on Canal Saint-Martin
The waterway was partly covered in 1860 by Baron Haussmann from rue du Faubourg du Temple to the Place de la Bastille.
The banks are lined on each side with shrubs and hundred year old plane and chestnut trees.
The canal is crossed by romantic Venetian-style iron footbridges dating from the second half of the 19th century. Two swing bridges and two fixed bridges for cars span the uncovered part of the canal.
Barges and pleasure boats still navigate the locks on the canal, especially cruise boats. Cruising along the Canal is a fun and different activity to do when in Paris and there's lots to see and do in the area.
Canal Saint-Martin was dug from 1802 to 1825 to provide Parisians with drinking water from the River Ourcq. The canal was made popular in 1938 with the film Hôtel du Nord, starring the popular actress Arletty.
Read our post on Cruising the French Canals to find out more about options on cruising in France.
Useful Information & What to See Nearby
Place des Vosges
Visit the nearby and stunning Place des Vosges which is famously one of the most elegant residential squares in Paris. The red brick buildings that surround the beautiful garden and stunning fountain is a peaceful place for sitting in the sun, reading a book or spending time with your family or loved one. Read more about this must see Parisian location - Place des Vosges - The Oldest Square in Paris.
Address and Closest métro station
10th and 11th arrondissements
Closest métro station: Gare de l'Est (Lines 4, 5 and 7)
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