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Canal Saint-Martin

Paris

Iron footbridges, tree-lined quays and a young, local crowd. Great food and bars, lower prices, fewer landmarks.

Best for Nightlife · Budget

Transport
4/5
Sights
2/5
Value
4/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
5/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$175/night · 15 min to Châtelet

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Canal Saint-Martin on the map

Why stay here

  • Local atmosphere and great food
  • Lower prices than the centre
  • Close to Gare du Nord for the airport and Eurostar

Who should stay here

  • Food and bar lovers
  • Budget travellers
  • Repeat visitors who want a local neighbourhood

Not ideal if…

  • It's your first visit and you want the classic sights on foot
  • You want quiet evenings
  • The streets around the big stations at night make you uneasy

What it's like

Canal Saint-Martin is where Parisians go out: bakeries, natural wine bars and cafés line the canal, and on warm evenings the quays fill with picnics.

There are few sights, but République has five Métro lines and Gare du Nord is close for the airport and Eurostar. Streets nearer the stations are grittier.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Quai de Valmy & Quai de Jemmapes

    The canal banks, lined with cafés.

  • Rue Beaurepaire

    Independent shops and bakeries.

  • Around République

    Big square with great transport, busier and noisier.

Getting around

Nearest stations
République, Jacques Bonsergent and Goncourt (Métro 3, 5, 8, 9, 11); Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est nearby.
To Châtelet
About 15 minutes
From Charles de Gaulle
About 40 minutes: RER B from Gare du Nord.

Nearby attractions

  • Canal walk

    Follow the locks and footbridges up to La Villette.

  • Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

    Hilly park with a temple on a cliff.

  • Belleville

    Street art and views from the Parc de Belleville.

Where to eat and drink

  • Du Pain et des Idées

    One of the best bakeries in Paris.

  • Chez Prune

    The classic canal-side café.

  • Le Comptoir Général

    Bar hidden down a passage off the canal.

Where to stay in Canal Saint-Martin

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Best value

Generator Paris

Why we like it: Private rooms and dorms, with a rooftop bar.

Typical budget rate in Canal Saint-Martin: ~$105/night

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Boutique pick

Hôtel Providence

Why we like it: Plush rooms above a neighbourhood bar.

Typical mid-range rate in Canal Saint-Martin: ~$175/night

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Hotels in Canal Saint-MartinMid-range from ~$175/night

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