But what was once a great source of transportation of goods for Paris is used more for leisure these days. In fact, in the 1960’s, the canal was almost filled in with pavement, since traffic has all but screeched to a halt. That is, of course, with the exception of passenger boats full of wine-sipping tourists and locals alike, who flock to the area for its scenic beauty.
There are also all sorts of restaurants and shops along the canal, which makes it an even more popular area with those looking to relax and spend their money.
The canal system stretches across more than 100 km (80 miles). The Canal Saint-Martin runs from the Seine river at Port de l’Arsenal. It runs through the largest man-made lake in the city, the Basin de la Villette. And finally, it ties into the Canal de l’Ourcq, which runs from La Villette to just North-East of Paris.
As the years went on, the more factories and businesses began to pop up all around the canals, eager to get their piece of the profits that flowed along their streams.
Perhaps one of the reasons constructions on the system took so long was all of the delays it faced early on. Napoleon, who ordered it to begin in the first place, fell during the 1813 Battle of the Nations, which caused rival forces to seize control of Paris in 1814.
Around the same time was the beginning of the Bourbon Restoration. Luckily, they were able to wrap everything up and get it done by 1825.
Locals and tourists also head to the canals for unique events that are unlike anything that can be experienced elsewhere. Take for instance the Paris-Plages, that take place every summer.
Each July, artificial sand, beach chairs and other goodies are brought in to line the sides of the canal, creating little “beaches” for everyone to enjoy. The pop-up beaches even include tiki bars and water sports!
The area as a whole has become so popular that it can be seen in multiple shows and movies that stretch across multiple decades. From Jean Vigo’s 1934 film, L’Atalante, to the more recent, Amélie, in 2001. Musicians like the Courteneers have also written about it within their songs.
Artist Alfred Sisley has painted it in a few of his works, including his 1870 painting, View of the Canal Saint-Martin. If lawmakers succeed in their wishes to clean up the canals, it is possible we may see it in more productions in the future, as well.