Canal Saint-Martin Tours and Activities

Canal Saint-Martin featuring a river or creek
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin


Cycle or stroll along the banks of this enchanting network of waterways, which weave through some of Paris’ charming bohemian neighborhoods. 

The leafy banks of Canal Saint-Martin are a pleasant setting for an afternoon walk. Enjoy the artsy laid-back ambiance of the area, browse quirky wares in local boutiques and have a drink or two in pleasant waterside cafés and bars.

Construction began on the 2.8-mile (4.5-kilometer) canal in 1802, under orders from Napoleon I. The canal, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine, opened 23 years later. It was used to help supply the growing population of Paris with fresh drinking water. In the 1970s, city authorities considered building a highway over it, but the plans were abandoned and the canal was saved.

Head to Bassin de la Villette for a canal barge cruise along the tree-lined waterways. Rent a bike at one of the city’s Vélib’ bike stations or go for a stroll along the banks, beginning at Quai de Valmy. Watch the barges navigate beneath a series of bridges and through 19th-century locks as you amble along. If you need a rest, stop at one of the neighborhood bistros or cozy bars and cafés that are dotted along the canal banks.

For shopping, take a short detour onto Rue Beaurepaire and Rue de Lancry, both branching off Quai de Valmy. These streets are packed with interesting boutiques and quirky stores.

Farther north along the canal, look for the Pont de Crimée, a distinctive hydraulic drawbridge that dates from 1885. Once you’ve passed this, you’re in Parc de la Villette, Paris’ third-largest park. Lounge on its expansive lawns or check out the cutting-edge exhibits at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, one of the largest science museums in Europe. This park is also home to the Cité de la Musique, a museum devoted to musical instruments.

To get to Canal Saint-Martin, take the metro to the République stop. Most boat cruises depart from the Bassin de la Villette, near the Stalingrad metro stop. On Sundays, the streets of Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes, which run parallel to the water, are closed to car traffic.

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Best Lodging Options Near Canal Saint-Martin

The REMIX hotel

The REMIX hotel

4 out of 5
28 ter Avenue Corentin Coriou, Paris, Paris
The REMIX hotel
Campanile Prime Paris 19 - La Villette

Campanile Prime Paris 19 - La Villette

3 out of 5
147 - 151 Avenue De Flandre, Paris, Paris
Campanile Prime Paris 19 - La Villette
ibis budget Paris La Villette 19eme

ibis budget Paris La Villette 19eme

2 out of 5
57 63 Avenue Jean Jaures, Paris
ibis budget Paris La Villette 19eme
OKKO Hotels Paris Rosa Parks

OKKO Hotels Paris Rosa Parks

4 out of 5
202 Rue d'Aubervilliers, Paris
OKKO Hotels Paris Rosa Parks
Residhome Paris Rosa Parks

Residhome Paris Rosa Parks

3 out of 5
3/13 rue Gaston Tessier, Paris
Residhome Paris Rosa Parks
Generator Paris

Generator Paris

9-11 Place du Colonel Fabien, Paris, Paris
Generator Paris
Libertel Canal Saint Martin

Libertel Canal Saint Martin

3 out of 5
5 Avenue Secretan, Paris, Paris
Libertel Canal Saint Martin
Novotel Paris Les Halles

Novotel Paris Les Halles

4 out of 5
8 Place Marguerite De Navarre, Paris, Paris
Novotel Paris Les Halles
OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est

OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est

4 out of 5
30 A rue d'Alsace, Paris
OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Canal Saint-Martin

Canal Saint-Martin offers a delightful blend of activities for visitors, including historical tours that reveal the area's rich past and opportunities for theatre enthusiasts to enjoy local performances. Don't miss the chance to explore the Louvre's masterpieces and visit the vibrant Les Halles for shopping and sightseeing. With its charming atmosphere, Canal Saint-Martin is a perfect spot for a memorable Parisian experience.

Shopping

Canal Saint-Martin offers a delightful shopping experience with nearby gems like Galeries Lafayette, Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville, and Printemps Department Store, all within 4.8km. If you're up for a drive, explore even more options beyond the immediate area.

Recreation

Experience the energy of Stade de France, a premier sports stadium located 4.8km from Canal Saint-Martin, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a touch of romance and culture, enjoy a dance performance at La Machine du Moulin Rouge, just 3.2km away, or catch a concert at Paris Olympia, also 4.8km from the canal.

Adventure

Experience Aquaboulevard, a thrilling waterpark 9.7km from Canal Saint-Martin, perfect for family fun and adventure. For a unique ski lift experience, head to the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum, also 9.7km away. Don't miss the Montmartre Funicular, 3.2km away, offering outdoor family adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Canal Saint-Martin with a visit to the Grevin Museum for a captivating theatre show, or catch a film at the Grand Rex Cinema for a romantic evening. For a thrill, enjoy the rides at Carrousel de Montmartre, just a short distance away.

Find the best attractions near Canal Saint-Martin

Canal Saint-Martin in Paris offers a vibrant mix of cultural attractions and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore charming squares, art museums, and picturesque streets that reflect the area's unique character. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll along the canal, which is a perfect spot for soaking in the local atmosphere and enjoying the scenic views. Whether you're interested in art, culture, or simply enjoying a leisurely day, Canal Saint-Martin has something for everyone.

  • Palais Garnier: Experience the grandeur of this iconic opera house, known for its opulent architecture and rich history. Attend a performance or explore its stunning interiors, which embody romance and culture, adding a touch of elegance to your Parisian adventure.
  • Place de la République: A vibrant modern square, this lively hub is perfect for people-watching and soaking up the city's energy. Surrounded by cafés and shops, it’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
  • Place de la Bastille: A historic square that marks the site of the famous Bastille prison. The area is steeped in culture and offers a rich tapestry of history, making it a captivating place to explore and reflect on Paris's revolutionary past.

Best time to go to Canal Saint-Martin

Visitor numbers around Canal Saint-Martin is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Canal Saint-Martin is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Canal Saint-Martin

To save money during your visit to Canal Saint-Martin, plan your trip between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Take advantage of free attractions like the Arc de Triomphe and Luxembourg Gardens. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Monday for the best rates. Utilize Expedia to find last-minute deals, set your budget, and filter for eco-friendly options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Remember, Fridays tend to be the most expensive days to stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Canal Saint-Martin are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Canal Saint-Martin about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Canal Saint-Martin is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Canal Saint-Martin is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Canal Saint-Martin hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.