Canal Saint-Martin Walking Tour (Self Guided), Paris

Paris ticks the tourist boxes for iconic attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, but some of its loveliest sights are off the beaten track. Take for example the Canal Saint-Martin, a 19th-century waterway with shaded paths, metal bridges and locks. This is a gorgeous part of the city, where you can walk, jog or cycle along the canal's banks. The area is very popular with university students.

In the early evening as the sun sets softly over the city, many couples enjoy a romantic stroll by the water's edge. During your waterside walk, pop into the cafés and boutiques that border the canal. Watch as the occasional passing barge navigates the channel. In the spring and summer months, the banks of the canal attract many Parisians who come to picnic in a scenic environment.

Canal Saint-Martin received a lot of attention once the 2001 film Amelie came out in cinemas. The canal backdrop provided atmospheric locations for some of its scenes. For those who like to exercise in the fresh air, untroubled by passing traffic, come here on a Sunday. That is when two streets running parallel to the canal, Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes are only open to pedestrians and cyclists. If you need two wheels, there are plenty of places in the city where you can rent a bike.