Paris · Marais and the east
Canal Saint-Martin
A tree-lined canal with iron footbridges and locks, and cafés along the quays. It is a place to walk or sit, not a sight to tick off.
- 1 h
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- Marais and the east
Data checked on October 4, 2026
The canal opened in 1825 to bring water and goods into Paris. Part of it runs underground, and the walkable stretch has iron footbridges, locks and tree-lined quays. Boats pass through the locks, which are worth stopping to watch. On dry evenings people sit along the quays, so the area fills from late afternoon.
What to look for
- The iron footbridges over the water
- A boat passing through the locks
- Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes on either bank
- The wide basin at La Villette at the northern end
Opening hours
Always open.
Source: Paris je t'aime, checked October 4, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free.
Getting there
Jacques Bonsergent on Métro 5 is on the canal, and République and Goncourt on Métro 11 are the other starting points.