Canal Saint Martin--Boat Trip or Walk Along?
 

Need opinions & information from those who have taken the boat trip....and
those who have walked along the canal.......well worth it ??.....a good experience??
We are in Paris now......hoping for some quick replies....thanks, thanks!

Have you done EVERYthing else?

The boat trip can be a very relaxing interlude after all the walking, walking, walking. You didn't ask, but they have refreshments for sale. If I were walking the canal, I would end up not seeing it all, whereas you do see all of it on the boat.
If I had a month, I would break it up and see shorter bits on different days by walking, however.

We have done ALOT...been here almost a month.....many,many trips to Paris.....walking along
the canal interests us....is it "interesting"???....lots to see??? or just a pleasant stroll????
But, after all the walking...sitting on a boat is very appealing!
Appreciate any & all replies!

Take a look at photos by Kerouac posted a couple of weeks ago. http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...int-martin.cfm It is my impression that he was walking or biking. I agree that the route shows off a non-tourist side to Paris neighbourhoods, and I like it. But be aware that the first half-hour is mostly underground, an unusual experience but by definition not filled with scenic vistas or historic landmarks.

I've been in the area and so was walking along it to some extent, it wasn't a big plan to go there for that reason. Worth it? It's just a canal, I wouldn't go out of my way to go there for that reason myself. If you have free time on your hands and can't figure out anything else to do, sure. I would think the boat ride rather dull, it would make more sense to walk to me.

Just took a look at Kerouac's pictures....gives great views of another side of Paris....ready to
start exploring....but do not want to run into the sleeping (or awake) folks under the bridge!!
Can you avoid this part??.....where is it along the route???

Read my recent trip report, Paris and Beyond. We spent a morning walking the upper part (before it gets buried), had a delightful lunch in an upscale Asian restaurant, and found it pleasant in itself and near historic spots.

This whole area will be completely gentrified in five years or less. See it now. it did not feel in the least sketchy; it was a place where a lot of young people, mostly office workers, were enjoying a spring day.

Most of the refugees are gone, cleared out by the authorities more than a year ago.

Thanks for this. I'm interested in this question as well. Actually, the underground part is the main reason I'm thinking of taking the boat option at all, since I figure everything else I can see by walking. Just trying to figure out if that 1/2 hour is worth potentially getting antsy about being stuck on a boat for the remainder of the 2-2.5 hour tour.

There are some fun shops and cafes in the area so I vote for walking. I'd rather rest in a cool cafe then sitting on a boat.

I always recommend taking the boat from Bastille to Villette and then walking back.

We did it.....walked from Place de Republic....up to Square de Recolletes & Hotel de Nord....had a GREAT lunch with the locals
at La Marine near the swing bridge....then from there walked back down towards the Bastille
but turned off to go thru the Marais.....and on & on we made our way back to the 6th arr.
Glad we got to see another part of Paris.....on a beautiful day. Excuse the mis-spellings.

I'm glad you had a good time.