Stories
Canal Saint-Martin
Take a nice, picturesque walk (without traffic!) in the up-and-coming neighborhood that continues to be, well, up and coming along this special canal and feel that you've left the big city behind, although you'll still be right smack in the middle of Paris. The Canal Saint Martin is a three-mile canal that is great on the budget because it’s more hanging around and being in the Zen mood, rather than spending money in a money spending mood. Find arching iron footbridges stretching over the calmly flowing water; take in the view of the serene canal, as well as views of the lock keeper’s house. Enjoy charming little parks, grab a cafe or baguette nearby, sit at the water’s edge under one of trees that dot each quai and watch the barges and boats toodle down the canal and see the rather unpretentious crowd that comes out of the Paris woodwork on sunny days.
If you’re looking for a boat trip and have the time to spare, try to book a tour with Canauxrama and for about €15, you can relax and drift along the St. Martin canal from the Port de l'Arsenal to the Bassin de la Villette, all the while taking in the quiet and quaint surroundings as you go.
Hotels and restaurants tend to be rather inexpensive in this area, so if you're watching your euros, start here, first.
Metro: Jacques Bonsergent (line 5), République (lines 3, 5, 8, 9, and 11), Strasbourg/ St-Denis (line 4, 8 and 9)
Bus: 20, 56, 65, 75 to Saint-Martin
Destinations in the Canal Saint-Martin
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Sew & Sip
Do two things at once and who knows, you may have accomplished something you've been meaning to do for years.The Sweat Shop Paris, a tiny store plus café has ten booths, each with a sewing machine that can be rented by the hour or (for serious designers) for the day. Stich a way and who knows, you may have made a special creation, shortened a hem or done scapbooking with fabrics you've found during your Paris travels.
Two women from the fashion industy have opened this shop where people can sew while eating some nibbles and sharing ideas. Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis are convinced many people are closet fashion designers and why not!
The duo is offering five classes per week where students can learn how to sew, design and even knit. Never too early, there are classes catering to children.
13, rue Lucien Sampaix
75010 Tel: 09.52.85.47.41
Stories about Canal Saint-Martin
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Letters from Paris: Canal Saint Martin in the 10th
By Thirza ValloisThirza Vallois has returned to the Canal Saint Martin, for an unexpected and hilarious evening at the Hôtel du Nord. Last Updated ( Tuesday, 15 November 2005 )
