Canal Saint-Martin, Paris: Address, Phone Number, Canal Saint-Martin Reviews: 4/5
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin
4
Bodies of Water • Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Read more
About
This picturesque canal, an extension of the River Seine, is a pleasant place for a boat ride or a summer stroll.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Canal Saint-Martin
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Canal Saint-Martin
The tree-lined Canal Saint-Martin is the focal point of one of the most romantic and hip areas of Paris. Watch boats travel along the canal while lovers and friends take in the atmosphere from the banks or the bridges. Evenings see hoards fill the embankments to drink wine and enjoy good company. The colder days lead people to hipster bars, cozy restaurants, and concert spaces. Those who are more adventurous may explore hidden gems down nearby streets, from local bars to futuristic architecture. With its enriching mix of people of all ages and backgrounds, this neighborhood has a dynamic, inspiring vibe.
How to get there
- République • 4 min walk
- Goncourt • 4 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
4,062 within 6 miles

Buste de Frederick Lemaitre
6
104 ftMonuments & Statues

Statue La Grisette
6
148 ftMonuments & Statues

Quai de Valmy
12
153 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Place de la République
356
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Fresque "Husky et cobra"
1
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Fresque Veracité
3
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Fresque Baghera-9 Patchwork
3
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Monument a la Republique
12
0.2 miMonuments & Statues

Square Jules-Ferry
3
0.2 miGardens
Laurette Théâtre Paris
11
0.2 miTheaters
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,389 reviews
Excellent
495
Very good
564
Average
207
Poor
78
Terrible
45
Barbara S
Krakow, Poland1,518 contributions
If departing from Musee d'Orsay you go thorugh several locks always upwarts. It's interesting to see the water level changes and going up within just a few minutes. A fasting part of the journey is the itinerary under the Bastille.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cliu
Vancouver, Canada6,499 contributions
Last time we visited the canal was when it was empty so this year we return to see its glory. We were fortunate enough to see the swing bridge open up and to see how the boat descend to go under the bridge.
I suggest you come on a clear warm day which would be so nice. There were Ms y locals sitting on the side of the canal having a lovely picnic but we also saw many alcoholics around as well.
On both sides of the canal, there are some pubs and restaurants. We had happy hour 6 euros for a pint of Guinness and a pint of Kilkenny. An Aperol spritz was also 6 euros. We sat outside and it was great. Note…many restaurants close from 3 to 7pm so gauge your time accordingly. This lovely Irish pub is across the side of Quai de Valmy so it’s on the side of Quai de J.
We took line 11 to reach Republique and walked about 5 minutes to reach the canal.
We were told by locals not to walk past the few pastel coloured houses since it can get rawdy and unsafe.
We stopped off at Gros Bao for dinner and it was awful food. It is not real bbq pork buns at 9 euros for 2! It tasted like dog food. Perhaps the locals haven’t tasted what real bbq pork buns should taste like. The prices are outrageously expensive with terrible tasting buns.
If you keep walking down past Macdonalds, you will hit a stretch of Lebanese shops and restaurants…quite busy and junky shops but if you keep walking straight you will hit Belleville, one of the Chinatowns…not the one we like.
I suggest you come on a clear warm day which would be so nice. There were Ms y locals sitting on the side of the canal having a lovely picnic but we also saw many alcoholics around as well.
On both sides of the canal, there are some pubs and restaurants. We had happy hour 6 euros for a pint of Guinness and a pint of Kilkenny. An Aperol spritz was also 6 euros. We sat outside and it was great. Note…many restaurants close from 3 to 7pm so gauge your time accordingly. This lovely Irish pub is across the side of Quai de Valmy so it’s on the side of Quai de J.
We took line 11 to reach Republique and walked about 5 minutes to reach the canal.
We were told by locals not to walk past the few pastel coloured houses since it can get rawdy and unsafe.
We stopped off at Gros Bao for dinner and it was awful food. It is not real bbq pork buns at 9 euros for 2! It tasted like dog food. Perhaps the locals haven’t tasted what real bbq pork buns should taste like. The prices are outrageously expensive with terrible tasting buns.
If you keep walking down past Macdonalds, you will hit a stretch of Lebanese shops and restaurants…quite busy and junky shops but if you keep walking straight you will hit Belleville, one of the Chinatowns…not the one we like.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Piero C
Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina488 contributions
Family
The place is packed, mostly with young people, either lounging at restaurants and cafes, or relaxing on the bank of the canal. I brought my daughter here to fulfill here ambition of skipping stones like Amelie. There is a subdued local vibe here that has not yet been drowned out by tourism. Come at sunset or later for best effect.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Etienne V
1 contribution
Friends
A nice way to discover the "canal saint-martin" and its tunnel under the "place de la République".
But I must say it's also a way to dicover how a french guide speaks english: difficult to understand. I don't speak english perfectly, but I couldn't imagine that a guide could try to speak english like that... ;-) I hope his english teachers won't ever hear him...
Les tentatives d'humour du guide laissent de marbre.
Mais la visite est très atypique, à faire.
But I must say it's also a way to dicover how a french guide speaks english: difficult to understand. I don't speak english perfectly, but I couldn't imagine that a guide could try to speak english like that... ;-) I hope his english teachers won't ever hear him...
Les tentatives d'humour du guide laissent de marbre.
Mais la visite est très atypique, à faire.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA13,461 contributions
This area has gradually improved over the years with the addition of more pedestrian spaces and more park area for sitting and resting. Also the landscape has grown in. It's been gentrified with the new clothing boutiques. It is very romantic and one of the most beautiful areas of the city in the summer.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lucie1866
San Francisco, CA631 contributions
I didn't understand (and still do not) the fascination with this canal and its surroundings. There are many people sitting alongside this canal which is not attractive as it's murky and the seating ledge is narrow and full of bird droppings. Reminded me of Haight St. in San Francisco except it has a canal.
There are far more scenic and much cleaner places in Paris to sit and visit.
There are far more scenic and much cleaner places in Paris to sit and visit.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ana T
56 contributions
Family
Picturesque neighborhood. Feels like the Seine Canals a century ago. Good choices of restaurants, We had lunch at Le Prune. Formule and a wine right beside the canal w/ a view.
I could notice many locals having lunch, so I guess it’s still a very preserved area.
I could notice many locals having lunch, so I guess it’s still a very preserved area.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joan S
Saint Louis, MO5 contributions
We enjoyed the morning Saint-Martin Canal tour. If you have been to Paris and are looking for something different to see and do, consider this trip. We boarded at 9:30am at the dock near Muse d'Orsay. The narration was very informative. You travel through8 or 9 locks along the way. There are places to sit both inside and out. Bring a hat and sunscreen if sitting outside. Enjoy.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MrsSAJennings
London, UK411 contributions
Couples
You can’t come to Paris without visiting Canal Saint Martin. A beautiful waterway stretching all the way to Bastille and the Seine .
Wonderful places to eat or grab a coffee along the way.
Unfortunately we couldn’t do the cruise due to time constraints, but will do it on our return in February.
Lots of lovely bridges and locks, very picturesque and a vibrant part of Paris.
Wonderful places to eat or grab a coffee along the way.
Unfortunately we couldn’t do the cruise due to time constraints, but will do it on our return in February.
Lots of lovely bridges and locks, very picturesque and a vibrant part of Paris.
Written November 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Blippo
Wakefield, UK753 contributions
As we have been to Paris on quite a few occasions now, we wanted to do something a bit different. We were there early September 2006 and it was HOT (30+ degrees C!) We read about the walk along the Canal St. Martin in the DK book on Paris and thought we would give it a try. We caught the Metro out to Stalingrad. It is quite busy traffic out there and we felt we could have missed out the first bit and got off at the Metro station one sooner. However, the walk is easy enough to find and is obviously popular with Parisians for a gentle afternoon stroll. (There are even the (free) automatic loos at intervals - having drunk a lot of water because of the heat, that came in handy part way along, although that type of loo always has me on edge, as you're never sure whether the door is suddenly going to burst open!!)
Bits of the walk might be a bit dodgy after dark. There are quite a few homeless people pitched in tents along the way - one group even had a sittee and table with parasol - very French! But I hasten to add, they were not menacing at all when we went past. We kept pace easily with a boat trip and I would advise the walk rather than the expensive trip by boat unless you have mobility problems. It was fun to watch them going through the locks. There were plenty of cafes where you could stop along the way if you wished. The whole walk only took us about an hour and we ended up near Metro Republique.
Bits of the walk might be a bit dodgy after dark. There are quite a few homeless people pitched in tents along the way - one group even had a sittee and table with parasol - very French! But I hasten to add, they were not menacing at all when we went past. We kept pace easily with a boat trip and I would advise the walk rather than the expensive trip by boat unless you have mobility problems. It was fun to watch them going through the locks. There were plenty of cafes where you could stop along the way if you wished. The whole walk only took us about an hour and we ended up near Metro Republique.
Written September 15, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Angy
La Algaba, Spain1 contribution
Está en zona céntrica o cerca del centro ¿
Martin B
Rosario, Argentina1,624 contributions
Está relativamente cerca, pero es al Noreste del centro turÃstico. Serán 3 a 4 Km. Se puede ir en metro hasta Riquet y de ahà bajar en donde vas a iniciar el paseo en la parte más pintoresca y bien descansado.
valleymom71
Toronto, Canada9 contributions
Is there a washroom on the boat and do they have snacks/beverages on the boat?
vladmeisterNYC
New York City, NY287 contributions
No bar or snacks. Restrooms yes.
Elna S
10 contributions
When will the booking open for early January 2019?
2005monique
Hasselt, Belgium52 contributions
i am so sorry - just now i saw your question
canal saint martin is free and you can stroll around the whole route or only part of it - interesting place
kind regards
Jane99048
Frodsham, UK90 contributions
Hi I’ve booked in to an apt. Want to go to Eiffel Tower and maybe a seine cruise, but we’re booked for golf all,day sat in Versailles. Any travel tips?.
JessiesGrandma47
Weston super Mare, UK118 contributions
The Seine Cruise is lovely at night, As is watching the sun go down from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Perhaps after the Golf!
I love the Buddha Bar! Brilliant atmosphere, delicious fusion food, great music. This is the original in Paris, now replicated in other cities.
My favourite museum is Musee d’Orsay. Building is amazing; a perfect setting for the exhibits. Great view of Sacre Coeur through the Clock Tower. Enjoy. 😊
Bev A
Sydney, Australia29 contributions
Hi Thomas, what area of the canal did you visit? I'm keen to go there, but there are a lot of bad reviews about homeless people and graffiti. Perhaps there is are good and bad areas? I would appreciate some details of the exact part you visited. Metro stops etc, Many thanks, Bev
duesseldorfian
Düsseldorf, Germany40 contributions
We went there from Metro station „Republique“, a few blocks walking distance, through an area with many bars and restaurants.
At the canal all was pretty peaceful
356Jenelle
Kelowna, Canada5 contributions
Can one purchase canal cruise tickets in advance for only one specific day? Or can one purchase a ticket that is good for a 7 day period?
Is the St. Martin canal cruise that departs near the d'Orsay a round-trip cruise - - or is it one way?
The website is not clear on these topics. Thanks.....
mark2016-57
Toronto, Canada182 contributions
I am sorry I did not take the canal cruise. We walked up the canal from the Bastille district.
carl0s62
Buenos Aires, Argentina85 contributions
hay alguna posibilidad de audioguia en espaniol????????????????
gracias CARLOS
selestie
Manchester, UK6 contributions
Hi, We are 2 adults and 2 children looking to arrive Thursday 2nd April and depart Tuesday 7th April. Would you have any apartment available for 4 people and how much would it cost please?
Does the apartment have free WiFi? Thank you.
GeorgeKape
Katerini, Greece447 contributions
Dear friend, thank you for your question. As a traveler i try to find accommodation through hotel guide and other ways like AirBNB. For a family with small children finding an apartment in Paris via AirBNB i think is a good idea. Try it and i hope a lot of questions will be answered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canal Saint-Martin
- We recommend booking Canal Saint-Martin tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Canal Saint-Martin tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Canal Saint-Martin:
- Seine River Cruise and Paris Canals Tour (From $23.72)
- Paris' Best Kept Secrets With A Local Insider: Private & Personalized (From $177.13)
- Paris Off The Beaten Track Private Walking Tour (From $301.86)
- Paris Off the Beaten Track: Latin Quarter Private Tour (From $80.62)
- Paris Photography Tour with a Local Expert: Private & Personalized (From $246.01)
- Hotels near Canal Saint-Martin:
- (0.04 mi) Absolute Hotel Paris
- (0.19 mi) Le Général Hôtel
- (0.20 mi) Hotel Le Mareuil
- (0.09 mi) loft exceptionnel, unique et lumineux
- (0.11 mi) Séjour Lumineux Haut Marais.
- Restaurants near Canal Saint-Martin:
- (0.01 mi) Canal Thaï
- (0.02 mi) McDonald's
- (0.03 mi) La Grisette
- (0.03 mi) Orient Express
- (0.03 mi) Miznon Valmy
- Attractions near Canal Saint-Martin:
- (0.02 mi) Buste de Frederick Lemaitre
- (0.03 mi) Statue La Grisette
- (0.03 mi) Quai de Valmy
- (0.06 mi) Paroles de Fromagers
- (0.16 mi) Gamescape