Friday, September 16, 2011

Canal Saint Martin


Although you may first think of the Seine, the banks of Canal Saint Martin provide a quiet spot to watch the boats and people.  You can watch the locks as boats pass through in this section of the canal, listen to the sounds of a guitar, enjoy a picnic in the shade of the trees, or visit an adjacent café or bistrot.  On Sundays the two streets running parallel to the canal (Quai de Jemmapes and Quai de Valmy) are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. 


There are more than 81 miles of canals and underground waterways in Paris which means for me that there is much more to explore and photograph.


Bon weekend!

For more reflections, come to James' Weekend Reflections
at

36 comments:

  1. French Girl in SeattleSeptember 16, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    Great shot, Genie. Did you take one of the fun cruises on le Canal St Martin? I took my son and mother in law a couple of years ago. He and the other kids on board loved the ride, especially when the boat went through the manually-operated locks! A really cool thing to do on a summer day. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  2. Rob-bearSeptember 16, 2011 at 2:32 AM

    How interesting. I can imagine the Seine. But 81 miles of canals and underground waterways! That is awesome.
    Another great photo and story, Genie. Thanks.

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  3. BergsonSeptember 16, 2011 at 3:51 AM

    un canal très beau mais seulement à l'extérieur

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  4. Cezar and LéiaSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    I would like to be there with Cezar by my side, enjoying the picnic time, maybe some red wine and cheese...hmmm what a great idea!
    This place is beautiful and your picture is perfect!
    Hugs and a lovely weekend to you!
    Léia

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  5. MalyssSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    One of my favorite spots in Paris!

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  6. winterludesSeptember 16, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    oh merci pour ce blog. moi qui suis née à paris et continue d'y vivre, je ne suis toujours pas blasée. tes photos sont si éloquentes… merci aussi pour ta visite.

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  7. PerthDailyPhotoSeptember 16, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    What a gorgeous picture Genie, you have everything you need in a spot like this, so interesting to watch the boats go through the locks and then as a bonus the entertainment and the cafes, parfait!! Hope you have a lovely weekend.

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  8. s.cSeptember 16, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    Great shot of the canal. I remember the cast iron locks with water seeping through and the nice bridges. Maybe made by the same designers as the metro entrance's from cast iron.

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  9. biebkriebelsSeptember 16, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    Lovely photo, remember we once walked along the canal.

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  10. AndySeptember 16, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    Nice place for a senior citizen like me to sit and watch the boats and the photographer of Paris and Beyond go by.

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  11. The Time SculptorSeptember 16, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Beautiful photograph, with the peaceful green of the surrounding trees reflected in the calm water. Such a tranquil scene!
    Jane Gray

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  12. brattcatSeptember 16, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    what a wonderful holiday theme: the exploration of canals and waterways.

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  13. MSeptember 16, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Let's go explore on a scooter! Lovely photo ... I can feel the cool greeness (especially here in this parched land)! Bon weekend et bisous, Marie.

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  14. BEAUTYEDITER.COM – Beauty BlogSeptember 16, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    great shot, the place is divine

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  15. VirginiaSeptember 16, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    I have mixed feelings about the canal. I don't love the green water!
    V

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  16. Sylvia KSeptember 16, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    What beautiful capture, Genie! Love the still water and the reflections.
    I love the canals and did so enjoy walking there or sitting and watching the people, listening to the music! Delightful! Hope you have a lovely weekend, mon amie!

    Hugs
    Sylvia

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  17. Clueless in BostonSeptember 16, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    It looks like a great place to sit and picnic in the late afternoon after a long day of sight seeing.

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  18. KarenSeptember 16, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    I really must visit Paris one day.
    A great composition Genie!

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  19. Ms. BeckySeptember 16, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    what a fantastic spot to explore - those canals and underground waterways beckon! the soft beauty of your photo is exquisite. happy weekend to you.

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  20. RandySeptember 16, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    That looks like a wonderful place for a stroll. Happy Friday!

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  21. StarmanSeptember 16, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    Did you know you can ride a boat from the Seine to Canal Saint Martin, and way beyond?

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  22. Grammy GoodwillSeptember 16, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    What a peaceful picture.

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  23. Fábio MartinsSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    What a precious place! Beautiful picture

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  24. LoreeSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    A great place to sit down, sip some coffee and relax. And eat cake, of course.

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  25. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    That photo makes me want to find a spot, sit, pause and reflect on things. Great view.

    Kris

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  26. DianneSeptember 16, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    A great place to find reflections Genie -with that deep soupy green expanse of water!

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  27. 'TsukiSeptember 16, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    The Canal St Martin... One of my favourite spot in Paris : the neighborhood is so estonnishingly peaceful...

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  28. Paris PaulSeptember 16, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    Just down the street from me! I love this area. Thanks for doing it justice, Genie!

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  29. AlexaSeptember 16, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    What a lovely, tranquil mood you've captured, Genie!
    Ironically, 40 years ago I couldn't live in this area because it was so sketchy; now I wouldn't be able to afford it. At least it doesn't cost anything to sit on the bank and enjoy the view, right?

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  30. Little NanSeptember 16, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Hello, I have just visited your little city and it was just charming! I love reading your blog! Have a lovely day xx

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  31. DianneSeptember 16, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    81 miles of photo ops!! fantastic

    this is a really lovely spot

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  32. JamesSeptember 16, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    This stirs my imagination and makes me want to go and explore all the waterways of Paris. I'd start right here. :)

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  33. Genie -- Paris and BeyondSeptember 17, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    I am not sure that I am up for the 81 miles, but I have only scratched the surface (or made a small ripple) in photographing the casual Parisians enjoying this area away from the tourists of the Seine.

    Yes, I guess I am technically a tourist, but one who wants to know as much as those who live here about the secrets and people and architecture and restaurants and customs and manners and arts and.... Sorry, I do get carried away!

    Enjoy your weekend, mes amis!

    Bises,
    Genie

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  34. KateSeptember 17, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    I've been reading lots about the boat people in Paris, not the leisure, luxury ones but those of working people. Difficult but fascinating life. This canal looks pristine and beautiful.

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  35. Regina KSeptember 17, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    Such a beautiful scene.

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  36. JulieSeptember 17, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    A friend suggested the other day that I must, by now, know Paris well. I have but scratched the surface. I have only been on the canal boat, but must endeavour to walk the canal embankments during my next trip.

    Shall start gathering a list today!

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Merci for your comments!