A magical and romantic stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin
Published on 5 March 2020, dans Visit Paris
For escaping the hustle and bustle of the capital, there’s nothing better than a charmingly romantic stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin. Cutting through three arrondissements (the 10th, 11th and 19th), this key waterway offers a wealth of interest and picturesque scenery.
A timeless cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin
A journey along the full 4.5 km length of the canal, whether on the water or on the banks, begins at the Quai de la Rapée and ends at the Parc de la Villette, revealing some fascinating and unusual facets of the capital along the way.
Punctuated by nine locks, the route includes a two-kilometre section that runs through a vaulted tunnel beneath the city’s streets. In this strange but captivating subterranean chamber, your way will be illuminated only by widely spaced skylights. This unusual space inspired the movie Ratatouille and has served as a backdrop for films such as La Reine Margot and Is Paris Burning? After this section you’ll again emerge on the picturesquely shaded banks beneath the Parisian sky.
On the banks of the canal...
While enjoying a delightful walk along this ribbon of freshness you’ll certainly want to stop along the way, tempted by the intriguing little shops and appealing bars and restaurants that line its banks. This quarter houses a diverse population, giving rise to a unique ambiance. Don’t miss the opportunity en route to sip a glass of good wine, take a meal break or treat yourself to some pleasant browsing and shopping.
Along the way you’ll come across buildings resonant with the atmosphere of the past, including the Hôtel du Nord opposite the Grange-aux-Belles footbridge. This modest hotel bordering the canal became famous as the setting for the 1938 film of the same name by Marcel Carné in which Arletty and Louis Jouvet made such a powerful impression.
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More information:
Hotel Jacques de Molay, a 3-star hotel in the heart of Marais
