During your summer break at the Doisy Etoile you’ll certainly want to enjoy the freshness and picturesque surroundings of the Canal Saint Martin. We recommend a stroll along this historic waterway, where you can discover the attractions and ambiance of a district well worth exploring.

 

A walk by the water

A stroll along the Canal Saint Martin is one of the most pleasant walks you can enjoy in the capital. You can explore the banks of this charming waterway on foot, by bike or even on rollerblades and follow a route punctuated by 9 locks and 2 movable bridges. The entire journey will take you 6.7 kilometres from the Quai de la Rapée on the Seine to the Parc de la Villette in the northeast of the city. You can, of course, choose shorter routes by crossing the bridges along the way.

 

The hidden face of the canal…

Quiet, and fringed with greenery along much of its length, this canal has a secret; a 2 km subterranean stretch lit only by strip lights and the occasional ventilation shaft. This section can be navigated by boat, of course, but you can also walk the embankments if the water level permits. This place is steeped in history and reveals a magical and atmospheric setting that has served as an inspiration and location for various movies, including Ratatouille, Queen Margot and the 1966 war film Is Paris Burning?

 

Let’s eat!

This lovely walk will certainly give you an appetite. That’s great, because the banks of the canal are an irresistible invitation to enjoy a picnic in the shade of the trees. Bring a picnic basket with you or, if you don’t want to be weighed down on your walk, simply pop into one of the small shops along the route, where you’ll find everything you need for a feast fit for royalty. Make the most of these beautiful summer days and experience a special ambiance that cannot be found anywhere else in Paris.

 

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For more information:

- Canal Saint Martin

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Hotel Doisy Etoile, a 4-star boutique hotel a few steps from Champs Elysées