A charming walk and picnic by the Canal Saint Martin
Published on 20 July 2018, dans Visit Paris
If you’re not familiar with the Canal Saint Martin, it's time to take a walk along this picturesque waterway that runs across a good portion of the capital. By bike, scooter, rollerblading or on foot, a journey by this lovely canal in the morning or at the end of the day, along with a picnic next to its gently flowing waters, is an enchanting experience.
A haven of freshness in the heart of Paris
Some 4.5 km long, including 2 km beneath the streets, the Canal Saint-Martin crosses the 10th and 11th arrondissements of Paris, connecting the Bassin de la Villette in the northwest of the city to the Seine at the Quai de la Rapée, near the Pont d'Austerlitz.
Quaint, charming, cool and quirky, with its tree-shaded quays and lovely old footbridges, the canal embodies a kind of soothing, bucolic tranquillity broken only by the occasional inquisitive seagull. As you head along the Quai de Valmy, a street running parallel to the canal, you pass all kinds of shops, pubs or restaurants fringing the canal. During your walk you may have the chance to see a boat passing through one of the 9 locks or 2 moving bridges.
Enjoy a picnic by the banks of the canal
The Canal Saint-Martin has a number of especially quiet spots that are perfect for enjoying a picnic. Grassy areas, tables and chairs are provided in some places, so you can have an al fresco lunch in the dappled shade. The banks of the canal are popular with Parisians wishing to meet up in a friendly atmosphere and for tourists looking to discover another facet of the capital. Along the canal you’ll find shops where you can fill your picnic basket ... The Grand-Hotel Saint-Michel wishes you a pleasant stroll and bon appétit!