Canal St. Martin with its still operating lock system allows boats to move through the canal along the 10th district of Paris. During summer months the canal is lined with people sitting, chatting, eating & drinking. Some bars along the canal offer their drinks in plastic cups, allowing you to take their beverages to enjoy along the canal.
Closest Metro station: Jacques Bonsergent on Metro Line 5.
What to eat and drink close to Canal St. Martin:
- Du Pain et des Idées – (Bread and ideas) fantastic bakery & pastry shop, often run by an unusually friendly, charismatic/energetic shop keeper.
- Le Cambodge – really great Cambodian / Vietnamese food offering take out (handy for the Canal St. Martin picnic). The bo-bun (vermicelli crispy-fried spring roll salad) is superb. For evening service, which starts at 8pm, arrive between 7:30 and 7:45pm and line up at the door (there will be a line) to make your takeout order. It’s worth the wait. Closed Sundays & holidays. Lunch 12-2:30pm.
- The Cork and Cavan – Irish pub with friendly (English speaking, some Irish) staff. Owner’s wife is Japanese hence the Asahi on tap right beside the Guinness stout & Magner’s cider. Plastic take away cups available for all the drinks or you can stay with glass and sit at the tables on the sidewalk just outside the pub. A Pimm’s cup is a refreshing fruity summer alternative if beer’s not your taste. Wifi available (just ask the staff for the password).
- Le Verre Volé – (the Stolen Glass) Wine-savvy restaurant with rustic, hearty dishes typical of Burgundy or Auvergne. Tiny and busy, so perfect for two people. Difficult with more.