Consider the Canal St. Martin

The Canal St. Martin is a waterway built in the late 19th century to make a more direct route for barges around Paris.  Now the traffic to this quarter is emphatically human, as residents and visitors enjoy this once-gritty, now hip neighborhood just a bit beyond the Marais and Place de la Republique.

The Canal has long been a lovely spot to stroll the sunny quais and criss-cross the wrought iron foot bridges.  There are still barges plying its locks, always fun to watch as the canal rises and falls to permit navigation by these large boats. There are sightseeing cruises too... Canauxarama is one company that offers narrated tours up the Canal to the Bassin de L'Ourcq. 

The dining and shopping gets better and better in this quarter.  Check out the perennially popular Chez Prune cafe on the banks of the Canal, or, have a well-curated glass of wine at the tiny Verre Volé  on  rue Lancry.  Excellent craft coffee can be found at the charming 10 Belles coffee café.  An Artzart on Quai Valmy is always a good source for affordable posters and artworks.  For more, talk with us about crafting a great day in Paris around the Canal St. Martin. Nearest metros: Republique or Juares.