Canal Saint Martin Guide: Forget the Seine, This is Where the Locals Hang Out

Last Updated on 9th July 2026 by Sophie Nadeau

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In the trendy, hip and vibrant 10e arrondissement of Paris, you’ll find it. Perhaps you’ll notice some locals playing boules in one of the sandbanks along the stretch of water, or maybe you’ll spot couples walking hand in hand along the river banks. This is Canal Saint Martin, an alternative destination to the Seine and where all Parisians in-the-know come to hang out…

Where is Canal Saint Martin?

Canal Saint Martin is in the heart of the 10th arrondissement, which in turn is one of twenty districts that make up the French capital. The area is located on the Rive Droite (right bank), which means that it’s to the North of the River Seine.

Canal Saint-Martin: A History of Paris’ hippest neighbourhood

Far from the crowds of the Louvre and away from Paris’ most iconic River, the 4.6 km long canal stretches from the Canal d’Ourcq to the North, all the way down to the Seine in the south. The waterway was first constructed in the 19th century and is characterised by its straight stretches and iron-clad footbridges.

Completed in 1825, the purpose of the waterway was to increase the water supply in an ever-growing city with an ever-increasing need for freshwater.

The Canal was first commissioned by Napoleon I in 1802 to not only increase the amount of freshwater available to the population but to also provide water for fountains and street cleaning.

Since the time of Napoleon, and around the same time that all of the Haussmannian buildings were erected, the canal has been covered between Rue du Faubourg du Temple and Rue du Temple, mainly for space reasons! Nowadays, the Canal Saint Martin is where the locals hang out.

From Bastille, there is just a short stretch before the water reaches the River Seine. Today, the canal is drained every ten to fifteen years to allow for cleaning. And when this area is cleaned, you’ll never guess what they find!

Apart from all manner of bicycles, old furniture and sweet wrappers, the most recent clean in 2016 revealed things like a giant wheelie dustbin and even street signs. Long forgotten and lost items also included motorbikes, children’s toys, and more shockingly, even a gun.

Things to do along Canal Saint-Martin

Wander along the Banks of the Canal

If you’re looking for a lazy Sunday activity in Paris, then a stroll along St Martin’s water’s edge would be it. Filled with plenty of people-watching opportunities and ample space for Parisian-style picnics, head to the canal on a summer’s afternoon to waste away the day in a quirky spot in Paris.

Board a barge and take a trip along the water

One of the quirkiest things to do in this hip neighbourhood is to get on a barge and take a boat excursion along the water. Filled with things to see, a float down the canal will offer an entirely new perspective on the neighbourhood.

While there are plenty of boat cruises to be taken along the River Seine, book a River Seine Cruise from Parc de la Villette like this one which will take you through Canal Saint-Martin.

Enjoy fall in Paris

Of course, one of the best times to visit Paris is during the autumn (particularly towards the end of October and beginning of November when the fall foliage is at its prettiest) when the days are crisp and there’s no better time to relax under the heaters en terrasse among friends.

Well, Canal Saint-Martin is easily one of the best places to enjoy fall in Paris thanks to the sheer number of trees lining both sides of the waterfront.

Admire the street art of Canal Saint-Martin

All around Paris, you’ll find plenty of street art. From the well-known spray paint of Miss. Tic (plenty of her work can be found in the lost villages of Paris), to the ever-familiar Space Invader mosaics, the walls of the Canal Saint-Martin are quite literally awash with talent. In fact, the canal has inspired so many artists over the years that iconic names like Alfred Sisley have painted its watery depths. 

Here’s a list of some of the best street art you can find around Canal Saint Martin:

• Invader – pixelated Space Invader mosaics hidden high on walls throughout the 10th arrondissement. The Canal Saint-Martin area is one of the best places in Paris to hunt for them.
• Jef Aérosol – stencil works occasionally appear around the 10th arrondissement. He is one of France’s most influential street artists.
• C215 – detailed stencil portraits often found on utility boxes, doors, and street furniture.
• Le Diamantaire – mirror diamond installations scattered across the neighbourhood.
• M. Chat – the famous smiling yellow cat occasionally appears around the canal and nearby districts.
• Chanoir – colourful cat-inspired works and murals have been spotted around Canal Saint-Martin.

Go shopping

This area isn’t just fun for hanging out along the water and grabbing a bite to eat. It’s also home to a plethora of unique and independent stores. From book sellers to vintage treasures, here are some of my favourite stores close to the canal:

• Librairie du Canal – excellent independent bookshop with a carefully curated selection quite literally on the banks of the canal.
• Philip the Bookseller – charming English-language second-hand bookshop on Rue des Vinaigriers.
• The Vagabond Pen – English-language bookshop specialising in travel, literature, and writing. Perfect for an Anglo-Parisian audience and located a couple of streets away from the canal.
• Artazart – one of Paris’s best art and design bookstores, packed with photography books, prints, magazines, and creative gifts. This is by far one of my favourite places to buy souvenirs in Paris, especially because there are plenty of Paris themed works like mugs and puzzles!
• La Trésorerie – beautifully curated French homeware, stationery, and design objects. This store is a bit of a further walk away from the canal but absolutely packed with homeware articles, including cutlery and glassware.
• BABEL concept store – stylish canal-side boutique selling design objects, gifts, and lifestyle products.
• Les éthiquetés – eco-conscious concept store showcasing sustainable French brands. Quite a few of the articles for sale are local and handmade.
• Thanx God I’m a V.I.P. – legendary vintage clothing shop and costume archive. Often cited as one of Paris’s best vintage stores.

Search for filming locations

If you’re a bit of a movie buff, then you may well want to take the time to wander both sides of the waterway, all the while searching for filming locations along its two sides.

After all, iconic films such as Amelie (one of the heroine’s favourite activities is to skip stones along the water), Hôtel du Nord, Les Malheurs d’Alfred, and L’Atalante.

In other art forms, Edith Piaf (who once resided on nearby Rue Oberkampf) sang about the canal in her song ‘Les mômes de la cloche’. If you want to discover more of Edith Piaf’s Paris, then you can head to Père Lachaise cemetery in the 19th arrondissement, where the iconic singer is now buried.

Go on a dinner cruise

Of course, you can go on Seine River Cruises, but if you’re looking for a more off the beaten path activity while in the  10th arrondissement, then you might consider booking a dinner cruise on Canal Saint Martin.

For example, this cruise offers an on-board dinner, as well as live commentary of what the boat is going past. See full details here.

Go cheese and wine tasting

One of the things that France is most famous for is its cuisine, and perhaps most notably its cheese and wine. Well, it’s possible to book a cheese and wine tasting session close to Canal Saint Martin.

Included in the experience is the opportunity to taste a selection of French cheeses which have been carefully paired with wines and some baguette. See full details now.

Where to eat and drink along Canal Saint Martin

Although one of my favourite ways to spend an evening along Canal Saint-Martin is to buy a bottle of wine and some picnic supplies, sitting on the bank and enjoying the ambiance, this area is also home to some pretty cool bars and restaurants and I’ve even spent one of my birthdays in one of the canal side bars.

• Du Pain et des Idées – One of Paris’s most famous bakeries, known for its traditional breads, viennoiseries, and iconic pain des amis. I recommend getting the escargot but note that this bakery is so successful that it doesn’t have to open during the weekend!
• Le Verre Volé – A legendary natural wine bar and bistro near the canal, loved for its relaxed atmosphere, small plates, and excellent wine selection.
• Les Enfants Perdus – A cosy French bistro serving classic dishes in a charming setting near the canal.
• Breizh Café Canal Saint-Martin – A Breton crêperie specialising in galettes and crêpes with a canal-side location.
• Le Robinet d’Or – A stylish French restaurant and bar in a former brass tap factory, offering traditional cuisine with a modern feel.
• Canailles – A relaxed bistro on Quai de Jemmapes, ideal for drinks, sharing plates, and a lively evening atmosphere.
• Ten Belles – A popular speciality coffee shop and Parisian bakery loved by locals for excellent coffee and pastries.
• Café Margo – A small neighbourhood café perfect for brunch, coffee, and a relaxed breakfast stop. I particularly enjoy their Medialunas which you can ask to be served without a slice of ham if you’re looking for something meat-free.
• Immersion République – A popular brunch and coffee spot near Rue Lucien Sampaix. This is easily one of the best brunch spots in Paris.
• L’Angélus du Canal – An intimate French restaurant with a focus on seasonal cuisine.
• L’Archimède – A contemporary French restaurant with a terrace near the canal area.
• Residence Kann – A stylish café and bakery on Rue des Vinaigriers, great for coffee and pastries.
• Gros Bao – A huge Hong Kong-inspired restaurant right on the canal, known for its colourful interiors, steamed bao, Chinese sharing plates, and lively atmosphere.
• Tigermilk Canal Saint-Martin – A stylish Latin American-inspired restaurant overlooking the canal, famous for its ceviches, tacos, cocktails, and relaxed terrace atmosphere.
• Chez Prune – One of the most iconic cafés on Canal Saint-Martin, this classic Parisian bistro is a favourite for brunch, drinks, and people-watching along the water.
• Le Comptoir Général – Inside you’ll find great music, an eclectic museum, and even better cocktails. I don’t really want to ruin the surprise, so you should probably go for yourself!
• El Guamcamole – The cool and trendy taqueria El Guacamole serves up a range of authentic Mexican food at incredibly reasonable prices. Easily one of the best cheap eats close to Canal Saint Martin, the best deal of all is to get the set menu which includes three soft tacos of your choice (though they’re all pretty delicious) served with a soft soda(also of your choice).
• Tien Hiang – A beloved vegetarian Asian restaurant near Canal Saint-Martin, Tieng Hang serves creative plant-based versions of Southeast Asian classics using soy-based proteins. A long-standing family-run spot that has been popular in Paris since the 1990s.

Where to stay near Canal Saint Martin

If you’re looking for a cool, hip, and trendy neighbourhood in which to base yourself in order to explore the wider Parisian area, then you need to look no further. After all, Canal Saint-Martin has great transport links to the rest of the city and has a plethora of bars and restaurants in which to enjoy good food and drink during the evenings. Here are the best places to stay in Canal Saint-Martin (based on location and web reviews)

9 Hotel Republique

Situated in the ever-so-trendy 10th arrondissement of the city, this hotel offers amenities such as a flat-screen TV, gym, and breakfast for an extra fee. Check prices and availability here.

Hotel Garden Saint Martin

If you’re looking for mid-range accommodation with comfy beds and free WiFi, then it doesn’t get much better than Hotel Garden Saint Martin. Continental breakfast is available for an extra fee. Check prices and availability here.

Renaissance Paris Republique

For a true taste of luxury when in the French capital, be sure to book yourself into the Renaissance Hotel. This luxurious place to stay even features a restaurant with a terrace, gym, and spa. Check prices and availability here.

Visiting Canal-St-Martin and the best time to go

Although the Canal is not necessarily a must-see on any visit to the capital (if you’re a first time visitor to the city, then you’ll most likely want to see iconic sights such as the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower), the water is best visited in the summer months, when the air is warm and daylight lasts well into the evening.

Weather-dependent, late spring and early autumn are also great times to visit the canal. A trip to Saint Martin during the shoulder seasons will also ensure that you can avoid the crowds of Paris to the fullest extent, all the while maintaining the best opportunities for good weather. For more insider knowledge, check out my best Paris travel tips.

Due to its long length and the way the St Martin neighbourhood cuts through an entire swathe of Paris, there are plenty of metro stations to choose from when you visit! Gare de L’Est (Lines 4 & 7) Republique (Lines 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11) Jacques-Bonsergent (Line 5) and Goncourt (Line 11) are all nearby. Overground, the canal is close to the Gare de Nord train station.

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