Canal Saint-Martin

The Basics

Visitors can stroll along the picturesque waterway, where quaint storefronts and tiny homes nod to another era. Relax at one of the numerous café tables and sip a glass of fine wine, or float along the canal on one of the city’s famous riverboats. Some of the best shopping in Paris is along Canal Saint-Martin, making it an ideal place to spend a late afternoon in the open air.

Tour options for visiting the canal area include dinner cruises and food tours. Themed off-the-beaten-track tours also often visit the area.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Canal Saint-Martin is one of Paris’ trending neighborhoods and has a bohemian vibe.

• The streets spreading east and west of the canal are your best bet for a wide choice of cafés and restaurants.

• There are numerous entertainment options in the area, from dance halls to cultural centers, and large venues such as the Philharmonie de Paris, Bataclan, and Cabaret Sauvage.

How to Get There

Canal Saint-Martin is in northeastern Paris’ 10th arrondissement, between the neighborhoods of Republique and Gare du Nord. The closest subway stations are Gare de l'Est (served by lines 4 and 7), Republique (lines 3, 5, 8, 9, and 11), Goncourt (line 11), and Jacques-Bonsergent (line 5).

When to Get There

Canal Saint-Martin is an attractive spot any day of the week, but especially appealing on sunny weekend afternoons and long summer evenings, when picnicking families and strolling flâneurs linger around the streets, soaking up the sun and atmosphere.

St. Martin Covered Market (Marché Couvert Saint-Martin)

Established in 1859, Marché Couvert Saint-Martin is one of only five covered markets remaining in Paris. Open from morning until evening Tuesday to Saturday and on Sunday mornings, it’s a great place to stock up on everything you need for a picnic along the canal, such as cheese, ham, sausage, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Ways to explore

To make the most of this picturesque waterway, many travelers join a guided walking tour, such as street art tours around Canal Saint-Martin, which also take you to neighboring Le Marais and Montmartre. For photography enthusiasts, private and personalized tours offer curated stops at Paris’ most photogenic and lesser-known spots. You can also take to the water with a scenic cruise along the canal, on one of the city’s famous riverboats.

Accessibility

There are wide, flat paths beside Canal Saint-Martin that are wheelchair-accessible, but some cobbled sections and older bridges may be uneven or difficult to navigate.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Snacks, bottled water, camera

What to wear

Layers, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses in warmer seasons

Not allowed

Littering, swimming in the canals

Amenities

Benches, cafés, restaurants, shops, public restrooms

Address

Canal Saint-Martin is situated in northeast Paris’ 10th arrondissement. It’s easy to get there by metro, walking, or seeing the area via boat tour.

Driving

Driving in central Paris is often challenging because of heavy traffic and limited parking. Near Canal Saint-Martin, parking options include the Zenpark facilities at 6 Rue de Chaumont and 72 Rue Armand Carrel.

Public transportation

Canal Saint-Martin is easy to reach using public transit. Nearby metro stations include Gare de l’Est (lines 4 and 7), République (lines 3, 5, 8, 9, and 11), Goncourt (line 11), and Jacques-Bonsergent (line 5).

Best times to visit

Canal Saint-Martin is charming at any time of day, but it’s especially lively on sunny afternoons or long summer evenings.

Best days to visit

Weekends are lively and popular, with families picnicking and dining alfresco—ideal for atmosphere, if you don’t mind the crowds.

Best months to visit

Go in the spring or early fall for pleasant weather, outside the busy summer season.

Special events

Printemps des Rues, usually held in May, features street performances such as puppet shows, singing, circus acts, dance, and magic along the canal.