Inaugurated in 1825 by a decision of Napoléon Bonaparte to supply the capital with drinking water and facilitate goods transport, the Canal Saint-Martin is today one of Paris's most popular strolls. Connecting the Villette basin to the Seine near the Port de l'Arsenal, this waterway immediately charms with its double-iron locks, its swing bridges and its cast-iron footbridges that have become iconic.
But the greatest secret of the Canal Saint-Martin lies underground! For nearly two kilometers, between Place de la République and the Bastille, the canal dives into an impressive underground vault pierced by skylights.
This colossal project, developed in the 19th century under Baron Haussmann to unlock the neighborhoods and create Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, endows the place with a moody, almost mysterious atmosphere that has inspired many filmmakers, from Marcel Carné (Hôtel du Nord) to Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie).
Today, freed from its once-hefty commercial traffic, the canal has become a true sanctuary of Parisian living. Along its banks, lined with century-old chestnut and plane trees, you’ll encounter walkers, sunset-picnic enthusiasts, and a sea of bicycles.
Between bustling café terraces, independent shops, and the croisières fluviales that let you glide beneath the dark arches for an offbeat experience, the site offers a breath of fresh air right in the heart of the city.
The Saint-Martin Canal runs a long way and is well served by numerous transit options. To reach the liveliest open-air section, get off at Jacques Bonsergent or République stations (lines 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11), or Jaurès or Stalingrad to the north (lines 2, 5 and 7). To admire the basin of the Port de l'Arsenal or the entrance to the underground vault in the south, choose Bastille (lines 1, 5 and 8) or Quai de la Rapée (line 5). Bus lines 75, 46 and 56 also run along a large stretch of the canal.
Swimming in Paris’s Canal Saint-Martin: what you need to know before you go
Swimming in the Saint-Martin Canal is permitted in Paris within a designated zone of the Récollets basin. Hours, access, free entry, safety rules: here are the practical details you need to know before you head there. [Read more]
Swimming at Canal Saint-Martin opens for the summer.
Swimming opens free to the Récollets basin in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, starting this Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The city will permit supervised swims in the Canal Saint-Martin during every heatwave this summer. [Read more]
Amélie Poulain at 25: Take a stroll tracing the film's footsteps through Paris
Follow in the footsteps of Amélie Poulain, to mark the 25th anniversary of the release of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's cult film. [Read more]
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Location
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin
75010 Paris 10
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