Visit locals' favorite Saint-Martin Canal
Paris, France • 
Popular
Popular
Best months to visit
Apr, Jun, Jul
8°C – 16°C, mild temperatures with blooming flora, medium crowds, peak season
8°C – 16°C, mild temperatures with blooming flora, medium crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Access involves stairs; not suitable for wheelchairs.
Access involves stairs; not suitable for wheelchairs.
Value for money
Medium
Free to walk, boat tours are moderately priced.
Free to walk, boat tours are moderately priced.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Stroll
Couples loved the picturesque setting for a romantic walk along the canal banks.
Charming Cafes
Visitors found the cafes perfect for a relaxing afternoon with their loved one.
Picturesque Views
Couples enjoyed the scenic views, especially the iron bridges and tree-lined paths.
Slow Boat
Some couples felt the boat tour was slow, due to the lock operations.
Canal Cleanliness
Travelers noted the canal wasn't as clean as they expected, some litter present.
Overcrowded Areas
Couples found the area crowded, especially during peak season, affecting intimacy.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
open - open
Tuesday
open - open
Wednesday
open - open
Thursday
open - open
Friday
open - open
Saturday
open - open
Sunday
open - open
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join a duo as they embark on an exploration of the Saint-Martin Canal area.
Embark on an enchanting walking tour alongside the Saint-Martin canal.
Unveiling the vibrant highlights of the captivating Saint-Martin Canal.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
10-12°C
Cool temperatures with mostly cloudy days and occasional light rain.
Cool temperatures with mostly cloudy days and occasional light rain.
Open
Some activities may have limited hours during holiday dates.
Some activities may have limited hours during holiday dates.
Recommended
December brings a festive atmosphere to the canal area. While it's peak season with higher prices, the holiday decorations and events make it a special time to visit.
December brings a festive atmosphere to the canal area. While it's peak season with higher prices, the holiday decorations and events make it a special time to visit.
January
LOW
2-7°C
Cold and damp with occasional rain.
Cold and damp with occasional rain.
Open
Limited cruise schedules; some businesses may have reduced hours.
Limited cruise schedules; some businesses may have reduced hours.
Not recommended
January is cold and quiet at the Saint-Martin Canal. While the canal remains open, cruise schedules are limited, and some local businesses may operate on reduced hours. It's a peaceful time to visit, but be prepared for chilly weather and less activity.
January is cold and quiet at the Saint-Martin Canal. While the canal remains open, cruise schedules are limited, and some local businesses may operate on reduced hours. It's a peaceful time to visit, but be prepared for chilly weather and less activity.
February
LOW
2-8°C
Cold with occasional rain.
Cold with occasional rain.
Open
Limited cruise schedules; some businesses may have reduced hours.
Limited cruise schedules; some businesses may have reduced hours.
Not recommended
February continues the cold and quiet atmosphere at the Saint-Martin Canal. Cruise operations are limited, and some local establishments may have reduced hours. It's a tranquil period to explore the area, though the weather remains chilly.
February continues the cold and quiet atmosphere at the Saint-Martin Canal. Cruise operations are limited, and some local establishments may have reduced hours. It's a tranquil period to explore the area, though the weather remains chilly.
March
MEDIUM
5-12°C
Cool with increasing sunshine.
Cool with increasing sunshine.
Open
Cruise schedules expand; businesses resume regular hours.
Cruise schedules expand; businesses resume regular hours.
Recommended
March brings milder weather and a gradual increase in activity at the Saint-Martin Canal. Cruise schedules expand, and local businesses resume regular operations. It's a pleasant time to visit, with fewer crowds and the early signs of spring.
March brings milder weather and a gradual increase in activity at the Saint-Martin Canal. Cruise schedules expand, and local businesses resume regular operations. It's a pleasant time to visit, with fewer crowds and the early signs of spring.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Numerous bus lines (20, 26, 32, 38, etc.) serve the area, with stops along Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes, such as the "Canal Saint-Martin" stop (line 46).
Metro
Recommended
The metro offers several lines and stations, including République (Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11), Jacques Bonsergent (Line 5), and Goncourt (Line 11), providing direct access to the canal.
Walking
Recommended
The tree-lined quays of Valmy and Jemmapes are perfect for a leisurely stroll, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the charming footbridges, locks, and local atmosphere.
Bike
Paris's Vélib' bike-sharing system has numerous stations near the canal, such as Jemmapes - Écluses Saint-Martin (station number 10025) and Louis-Blanc - Aqueduc (station number 10031), for cycling along the banks.
Boat
Boat cruises operate along the Canal Saint-Martin, with departure points typically at the Bassin de la Villette or the Port de l'Arsenal and Port de Solferino.
Car
Cars can access the canal via Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes. On-street parking is available, but can be limited and paid. Public and private parking garages are also located in the vicinity.
Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services provide direct access to the canal via Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required