Paris Undergound: Discover the vaulted tunnels of the Canal Saint Martin

The Canal Saint-Martin, which links the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine, might not look like an underground destination, but a journey along this scenic waterway includes 2.5km of mysterious vaulted tunnels!
 
The original canal was built between 1802-25 to supply Paris with fresh water and prevent a number of diseases. Of course by the end of the 19th Century, Baron Haussmann had other ideas as he sought to build a moveable bridge to create the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir and serve the new industrial quarters. His engineer, Belgrand, masterminded the solution of enclosing the canal in a vaulted tunnel between Bastille and the Avenue de la République.
 
There is almost no light along this 2.5km stretch, save a few openings in the ceiling. Try to imagine yourself going back in time as a local merchant guiding his barge along the waterway.
 
Coming to Paris for a few days or a couple of weeks? Why not stay in one of our luxury furnished apartments near the Canal Saint Martin and fall in love with this lively, artistic neighborhood?
 
Numerous companies offer organized tours of the Canal Saint Martin from late March until mid-November.
 
You can embark from the Musée d’Orsay or Parc de la Villette. Prices and departure times can vary by month, so we recommend that you visit the Paris Canal Website.
 

 
Coming to Paris and want to enjoy good food that doesn’t break the bank? Fancy a lie-in but can’t wait until lunch? This post is just for you! 🙂