How To Spend A Day In Canal Saint-Martin: A Local's Guide

Welcome to Canal Saint-Martin — one of Paris’s coolest neighbourhoods, and a favourite hangout of our Paris experts for good reason.

With tree-lined waterways, indie boutiques, flaky croissants, and laid-back vibes, this little pocket straddling the 10th and 11th arrondissements is your go-to for a perfect Parisian day.

Exploring Canal Saint Martin offers a more 'authentic' Paris experience, in our opinion!

Whether you’re wandering on foot or cruising in with us on two wheels on one of our private Paris tours, here's a guide to how we’d spend the perfect day soaking up Canal Saint-Martin's best spots, as recommended by our local French-American team guide, Lola.

Let’s go!

Morning: Coffee, Croissants & Riverside Strolls

Start your day the Parisian way — with great coffee and an even better croissant.

Head to Bonjour Jacob, a small café with serious coffee credentials and a creative vibe.

Grab your espresso to go, then make your way around the corner to Du Pain et des Idées, one of the best bakeries in Paris. Their pain au chocolat or pistachio escargot will blow your mind.

Armed with flaky pastries and caffeine, stroll down to the canal. The morning light dances on the water, and you’ll pass locals walking their dogs, friends catching up on benches, and the occasional accordion player adding a soundtrack to your walk.

This is the perfect time to take it slow, snap a few photos, and watch the neighbourhood wake up. The nearby Jacques Bonsergent and other metro stations like Gare de L'Est, Republique, and Goncourt make it easy to access this vibrant area.

Feeling curious? Wander into the area’s independent boutiques, record stores, and design shops. It’s a treasure trove for anyone into slow fashion, French homewares, or quirky vintage finds.

Brunch or Lunch: Local Faves With Serious Flavour

When you’re ready to eat, you’ve got two solid options: go casual with brunch or lean into a proper sit-down lunch.

Located near the vibrant Place de la République, these spots offer a variety of delicious choices.

Chez Prune is the neighbourhood’s unofficial living room — a classic Paris café with a hip edge and a canal-facing terrace that’s always buzzing. It’s perfect for brunch with friends or solo people-watching over a croque-monsieur and a glass of chilled white.

Craving something more substantial? You’re in luck:

• Gros Bao – Stunning décor, incredible Chinese food, and the fluffiest bao buns this side of Beijing.
• Holybelly 5 – Legendary for brunch, but don’t sleep on their daily specials.
• Breizh Café – Crepes, but elevated. Try the classic galette complète with a glass of Breton cider.

After your meal, consider exploring Le Marais, one of the oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods in Paris, rich in boutiques, cafés, and historical architecture.

Afternoon: Ice Cream, Indie Cafés & Boutique Hopping

Post-lunch, treat yourself to something sweet at JJ Hings — a tiny spot known for its creative, punchy ice cream flavours. Think black sesame, matcha yuzu, or whatever seasonal magic they’re whipping up.

Need another caffeine hit? Ten Belles and Radiodays are local favourites with great coffee, good vibes, and a steady stream of cool locals. Matcha lovers — you’re covered too. Head to Café La Lune Verte for a great matcha latte.

Then spend your afternoon browsing through some of the neighbourhood’s best indie shops:

• Artazart – A design-forward book and print store that doubles as a gift shop for your coolest friend.
• Frivoli – A beautifully curated mix of thrifted clothing, vintage gems, and stylish accessories.

For a unique boutique shopping experience, head to rue Beaurepaire in the Canal Saint-Martin area, known for its boutique shops and lively cafés like Chez Prune.

Alternatively, wander through Rue Sainte-Marthe, a charming street teeming with colorful façades and unique shops.

Don’t miss local favorites like La Tête dans les Olives and Dixième Degré for a quiet yet inviting atmosphere.

Sunset: Street Art, Wine & That Canal Glow

As golden hour hits, Canal Saint-Martin truly comes alive. In summer, locals stretch out by the water's edge with bottles of natural wine, cold ciders, and picnic snacks.

Join them — just find a spot along the canal near the two swing bridges and soak it all in.

Keep an eye out for colourful street art along the canal and tucked-away alleyways. It’s ever-changing and gives the whole area a creative edge.

Evening: Art, Apéro, and Dinner

For dinner, go boutique and book in advance:

• Le Verre Volé – A natural wine bar with seasonal small plates and big personality.
• Robert – Chic without being stuffy, this bistro serves up fresh, flavour-packed dishes in a modern setting.

After dinner, follow the locals to one of the neighbourhood’s stylish cocktail bars.

Try Combat for innovative drinks in a sleek, female-led space, or Le Comptoir Général for a more eclectic vibe right on the canal.

During the summer, don't miss the vibrant Paris Plages event near Le Bassin de la Villette, where you can relax by the water or enjoy various activities. Also, explore the unique boutiques and murals showcasing works by local artists, adding a cultural touch to your evening stroll.

Location and History

Canal Saint Martin is situated in the eastern part of Paris, near the Bassin de la Villette and the Canal de l’Ourcq. This 4.5-kilometer-long canal connects the Seine River to the Canal de l’Ourcq, weaving through some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. 

The canal’s history dates back to the 19th century, when it was constructed under the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte to provide fresh water to the city. Over the years, the area has transformed significantly, becoming a hub of culture and entertainment.

One of the neighborhood’s iconic landmarks is the Hôtel du Nord, immortalized in Marcel Carné’s 1938 film of the same name. 

Today, Canal Saint Martin is a beloved spot for both locals and tourists, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. 

Nearby, you’ll find popular attractions such as the Parc de la Villette and the Cité des Sciences, making this area a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

Paris beyond the postcards

Paris is so much more than the Eiffel Tower. Neighbourhoods like Canal Saint-Martin, Belleville, South Pigalle (SoPi), and Le Marais are packed with personality — the kind you don’t get from souvenir stands. Think buzzing cafés, indie bookstores, natural wine bars, vintage shops, and locals just… living their lives. These are the streets where Paris breathes — less selfie sticks, more soul.
🧀 Tip: Come hungry — the food scene in these areas is creative, seasonal, and wildly underrated.

Swap the crowds for cool corners

Sure, the classics are classics for a reason.

But sometimes the best way to fall in love with Paris is to escape the hotspots.

In neighbourhoods like Canal Saint-Martin, you can actually hear yourself think.

You’ll stumble upon tucked-away bakeries, chatty wine bars, and canal-side picnics with Parisians who actually live here. It’s the Paris people dream about — not just the Paris on postcards.

🚲 Tip: Join a local-led Paris bike tour (like ours!) to discover side streets, shortcuts, and secret squares even Google Maps doesn’t know about.

The perfect home base

Basing yourself in Canal Saint-Martin during your Paris trip? Genius move.

You're close enough to the centre to walk or cycle anywhere (or hop on the Metro), but far enough to avoid the crowds.

Mornings are quiet, coffee is excellent, and evenings feel like a neighbourhood dinner party you just got invited to.

It’s laid-back, effortlessly cool, and the perfect spot to call home while you explore the city.

☕ Tip: Stay near Rue de Lancry or Quai de Jemmapes for the best access to cafés, bakeries, and that all-important canal stroll at sunset.

Want to Explore More Like This?

This kind of day is exactly what we love showing our guests on our private Paris tours.

Our expert local guides will take you through charming backstreets, past hidden gems, and into the heart of neighbourhoods like Canal Saint-Martin — all with stories, humour, and insider tips along the way.

For the best trip, we'll ensure you experience the most memorable and enjoyable aspects of Paris.

Prefer to go custom? Ask about our bespoke travel planning — perfect for families, couples, or groups looking to explore at their own pace, with all the planning taken care of.

Book your ride, and let’s discover Paris beyond the postcard.