In Paris, you will find hundreds of area attractions. These attractions include monuments, museums, churches, and other historical landmarks. Many are considered must-sees for first-time visitors so it can be hard to decide where to go – especially if you have limited time!
There is an important and beautiful part of Paris that tends to fly under the radar. That is the canal system. While you might not consider the canals of Paris to be must-visit attractions, this post will name my top three and prove why they should be on your list.
1. Canal Saint-Denis
According to the official website for the City of Paris, the Canal Saint-Denis stretches from Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondisement to the end of the River Seine. It spans 6.6 kilometers in length and passes through multiple villages and towns, including Saint-Denis where the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is located and further information can be found here
Napolean Bonaparte decreed the construction of the canal in 1802 to reduce the number of ships and barges sailing up and down the Seine through the center of Paris (who wants that!) and to speed up the shipping process. The Canal Saint-Denis, once only used for transporting freight, is now also the method of travel for passenger boats, including small cruise vessels. There is now a path that goes all the way from the Parc de la Villette to the Seine. It is a great place to stretch your legs or ride a bike if you have rented one.
2. Canal de l’Ourcq
According to the official website for the City of Paris, the Canal de l’Ourcq stretches 110 kilometers in length. The use of ten canal locks keeps the water calm and safe for travel.
Much of the Canal de l’Ourcq is known for its industrialization, as large ports are common along the way. In terms of tourism, the stretch of canal near La Ferte-Milon comes highly rated and recommended. The view is picture perfect. This stretch of the canal is a canalized section of the River Ourcq.
3. Canal Saint-Martin
I have left the best for last. The Canal Saint-Martin, once a heavily trafficked route for freight, has seen a decrease in commercial traffic. That makes the Canal Saint-Martin the best canal to visit, in terms of tourism and activities. According to the official website of the City of Paris, it connects the River Seine with the Bassin de la Villette. The canal utilizes two swing bridges and nine locks and goes underground. Taking a cruise is a great way to experience both the canal itself and the quarter it runs through.
Now that you are familiar with Paris’s three canals, you may be wondering why you should visit them. After all, a canal does have historical importance, but it appears as if it is just another body of water. Not in Paris, as there is so much you can do in or on the banks of a canal, including:
Take a Cruise
Many different companies on all three canals offer cruises that are open to the public. As for which cruise is right for you, it depends on your personal preferences. What do you want to see? Small villages are best seen on the Canal Saint-Denis. What type of cruise do you prefer? There are sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, lunch cruises, as well as private tours. I will put together a post specifically detailing the best cruises so watch this space!
Take a Walk or Bike Ride
I love cycling (the leisurely kind) and it’s a good way to burn off all those calories that you inevitably consume in France. The Canal Saint-Martin has some of the best bike paths in all of Paris. Not only that, it is the perfect stop for those on romantic getaways. You and your partner can enjoy a romantic stroll along the canal side, crossing over footbridges and through romantic, yet mysterious tunnels. This is one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon with my husband.
Take Pictures
No trip to Paris is complete without photographs. In fact, you may find yourself snapping hundreds of photographs! Regardless of which Paris canal you choose to visit, you will find interesting moments and scenes that make for great photographs.
The vaulted tunnels along the Canal Saint-Martin are worth documenting, as are the freight ships traveling the Canal Saint-Denis and the Canal de l’Ourcq.
