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

36 comments:

French Girl in Seattle said...

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)

Rob-bear said...

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.

Bergson said...

un canal très beau mais seulement à l'extérieur

Cezar and Léia said...

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

Malyss said...

One of my favorite spots in Paris!

winterludes said...

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.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

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.

s.c said...

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.

biebkriebels said...

Lovely photo, remember we once walked along the canal.

Andy said...

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

The Time Sculptor said...

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

brattcat said...

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

M said...

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.

BEAUTYEDITER.COM – Beauty Blog said...

great shot, the place is divine

Virginia said...

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

Sylvia K said...

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

Clueless in Boston said...

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

Karen said...

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

Ms. Becky said...

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

Randy said...

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

Starman said...

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

Grammy Goodwill said...

What a peaceful picture.

Fábio Martins said...

What a precious place! Beautiful picture

Loree said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Kris

Dianne said...

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

'Tsuki said...

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

Paris Paul said...

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

Alexa said...

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?

Little Nan said...

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

Dianne said...

81 miles of photo ops!! fantastic

this is a really lovely spot

James said...

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

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

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

Kate said...

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.

Regina K said...

Such a beautiful scene.

Julie said...

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!