An evening walk brought us to Canal Saint-Martin and Basin de la Villette. This area is a popular place to meet after work for Parisians when the weather is nice.
Canal Saint-Martin
In 1802 Napoleon Bonaparte decided that a canal for boats was to be built between the Bastion l’Arsenal and the Basin de la Villette. The route of the canal led through already developed areas so that the government had to buy land from the current owners and demolish buildings that were already there.
Construction started in 1813 but soon after slowed down considerably because of the lack of funding for the project. Karl X. officially opened the Canal Saint-Martin in 1825. Today, parts of the canal run underground. From North to South the canal runs through the 10th and 11th Arrondissement of Paris. It used to be mainly for barges but today the canal is almost exclusively frequented by excursion boats and private vessels. Those have to pay tolls for using the canal.
The northern terminus of the canal is in the 19th Arrondissement at the Bassin de la Villette. The Bassin is the largest artificial body of water in Paris. It was built to improve the supply of fresh water for the city. The basin measures 700 x 70 metres and is about 2 metres deep.
For a long time, it used to be the hub for inland ship traffic in Paris. It soon developed into a popular recreational area for the locals with restaurants, walking paths and spots for ice skating and sleigh rides in the winter months.
The Bassin used to be outside the city gates of Paris until 1860. Traders built their storage facilities here which meant that they didn’t have to pay excise for their goods. The size and depths of the basin were increased over time. As the old storage facilities deteriorated more and more beginning in the 1950s, they were increasingly used for council housing, offices or as workshops by artists.
A walk to the Bassin de la Villette
We start our walk near the Gare de l’Est. There is a little path right next to the canal which is ideal for walks along the water. All along the paths, we see young Parisians sat down and enjoying the cooling breeze.
Further down, we saw a little lock. But we didn’t see any boats or ships during our walk. Excursions to that part of the canal don’t seem to be very popular. After we cross a big junction where the canal temporarily disappears underground we arrive at the Bassin de la Villette. There are restaurants and movie theatres dotted around the entrance to the building at the Bassin. Kids play in and around a big fountain and we spot some evening classes revising their subject matters in the shade of the many trees.
Some barges are still in the main basin and have been developed into event venues by the surrounding cafés. People play Boule on the wide lakeside promenade. We stop and watch for a little while. There is hardly any space left to sit on the walls that surround the Bassin de la Villette. It’s mainly young Parisians that hang around here, eat, drink and enjoy their evenings. Small, electric boats zoom across the lake. The view of the other part of the recreational area is somewhat blocked by a hotel at the far end of the basin. We walk around the hotel and step onto an old bridge.
This lift bridge is the last of its kind in Paris. The bridge is being opened at irregular intervals so that the electric boats and excursion vessels can pass through into the next segment of the basin. We walked a little bit further and soaked up the nice weather and the lively atmosphere around the canal.
The Holidaymaker
Ah, Paris, my favourite city in the world. I love everything about it. I have visited Canal Saint Martin, and have strolled along it. Today, it is full of hipster coffee shops, thrift stores, and bars. We found it was full of younger people, all hanging out at the water’s edge with drink in hand. It shows a bit different side of Paris. I understand that on Sundays it might be a different experience.
I love the history of it too!
Yukti Agrawal
I went to Paris and spent a few days but was not knowing about Canal Saint-Martin and Bassin de la Villette, due to a very hectic trip. This place looks relaxed place with not many tourists and as I love to stroll along the waterbody this place tempts me. Thanks for sharing.
Astrid Vinje
We’re heading to Paris next month. This would be a great place to spend an afternoon. Thanks for the tips.
Michael Hodgson
Sitting in cafes and watching people stroll by in Paris is amazing anywhere, so I can imagine that wanding along and then perhaps finding a place to rest and enjoy a coffee or tea would be amazing too on the Canal St. Martin. I love the lift bridge and its design.
Candy
I’ve never been to Paris and have also never heard of Canal Saint-Martin. I was intrigued by the lift bridge. It’s interesting to me that it’s the last of its kind in Paris. I’ve never seen a bridge open for boats, so that would be a fun thing for me to watch :) Looks like a lovely place and I can see why people come here to hang out.
Karie
Canal Saint-Martin and Basin de la Villette are so beautiful . I wouldn’t mind relaxing there after work as it looks so peaceful. Interesting to learn that the canal was built so many years back in the 1800s. I would love to visit someday. Thanks for sharing.
Ketki
I had not heard about Canal Saint-Martin and Bassin de la Villette while I was in Paris and I’m not sure if local friend knows about it. Both of them look so calm and relaxing.. perfect to end the day with or sit around on the weekends.
Jenn and Ed Coleman
Canal Saint Martin seems like a beautiful place where you can see Paris like a local. I love the thought of taking an excursion boat along the canal or coming back in the winter for skating. What an amazing hidden gem of Paris!
Danik
Yes, I did this so often when I was working and living in Paris. Especially on a Friday afternoon, a walk and a chat with collegues along the canal then a glasses of wine afterwards. Happy memories.
Tania Muthusamy
Looks like a lovely place, to relax and go for a stroll along the canal. Love the fountain at the Bassin too. Must check it out next time I’m in Paris.