As Kerouac and others recommended back in 2009, I took the boat trip up the canal from the Arsenal, and enjoyed the ride and charming sights a lot. I am on my way back to Paris for just a few days prior to heading to the south, and wanted to try the canal again, this time from land. I recall that a good bit of the start of the boat ride was underground. Can you recommend where to start the walk. Also, I recall that we went through a number of locks, so I assume that the walk toward the park is uphill. For a strong walker (not a hiker), is this manageable?

Last year while in Paris we walked the canal area quite often. We started near Gare de let's and walked to the Bastille. The locks are near the start of the walk until the canal goes underground in the area of the Plaza Republique.. We also walked along the canal towards the Stalingrad metro station.
Not sure if this info is what you are looking for but it might be helpful.
The area is mostly flat as I recall.

We walked it starting from the Bastille. There where no noticeable inclines/uphills. We had previously taken the boat trip north and loved being able to walk along the route and watch the locks at work from the sidewalk.

http://www.paris.fr/english/heritage...642_port_19138

I would start from République (just walk up the rue du faubourg du Temple for two blocks to get to where then canal pops out of the tunnel) and follow the canal to La Villette. Yes, it is uphill, perhaps a grand total of 5 meters.

Thanks, All. You guys always have just the information I need!

Or you could start from La Villette (Metro Jaurès) and walk down....

Patrick: Why didn't I think of that? An easier walk downhill!

Downhill all of 5 meters. I think the walk builds in interest in the direction I suggested. It is a letdown to walk in from La Villette and then the canal disappears and you are not in a particularly nice area.

But really, it makes no difference.

Thanks, Kerouac! I will just try to get into better shape the next three weeks. Nothing losing 20 pounds wouldn't cure, but that's another story.

I really do not think you need get in shape for this expedition, Leburta. We had an apartment in May just a block from where the canal exits the tunnel, and walked along the canal daily. I just measured the distance on Google Earth from the point the canal pops out all the way to the far end of La Villette, and it totals a whole 1.6 miles. You might just be able to manage that by dark if you start early enough in the morning.

Here is my "complete" report about the canal Saint Martin from start to finish if it can be of any help: http://www.anyportinastorm.proboards...-martin?page=1

Thanks for that Kerouac - I've just booked an apartment for our family of 10 for next July a block off the Canal St Martin and this just solidifies that decision as being a good one!!! Can't wait!