One of many in our series of Paris Walks, we decided to go take a stroll along the Canal St. Martin. We started from our apartment and headed out on the Metro to Place de la Republique. The Metro’s are not very stroller friendly as they have no elevators, and escalators are almost as rare. Getting through the turn styles with a stroller often takes super human strength and cunning wit.
From Place de la Republique we headed a short block to the Canal St. Martin. It’s a 19th century waterway built to allow freight to be brought into the centre of the city. Where we joined the canal is at the location where it goes underground which is a bit of an odd sight! It continues underground right into the heart of the city.
We continued along the canal, taking a side trip to the Hoptial St. Louis. This Hospital was constructed in the early 1600′s (yes it’s over 400 years old and still in use!) in order to house victims of the plague. The central square is quite beautiful with many trees and gardens.
Back along the canal, we walked past a few locks to aid the boats in descending under the city, as well as many footbridges that cross the canal for the local pedestrians.
We took another side trip up Rue Lancry, which had many interesting shops as well as a little baker where we grabbed a quick snack before heading home.
Tags: Canal St. Martin, foot bridges, Hopital St. Louis, locks, metro, Paris Walks, Place de la Republique
Looks like it’s hot (at least warm) in Paris. Great updates and we can’t wait to see more pictures from your Paris adventures.