Canal Saint-Martin

The Canal Saint-Martin is a 4,5-kilometre long canal in Paris, located in the 10th arrondissement between Gare du Nord and République in Northeastern Paris. It functions as a bridge connecting the Canal de l'Ourcq in the north to the river Seine in the south. On each side, there are two streets which run parallel to the canal, Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes.

The construction of the canal was commissioned in 1802 by Napoleon I, who due to the growing number of people in Paris wanted to create an artificial water supply system which would help preventing the spread of deadly diseases such as cholera or dysentery. The canal was built in the years 1802-1825 and its construction was possible thanks to the wine tax revenues. Two ports which were later built on the canal - Port de l'Arsenal and Bassin de la Villette, allowed different goods such as grains and building materials to be transported via the river.

Today, the Canal Saint-Martin is a popular destination for Parisians and tourists who can enjoy a stroll along the banks of the canal. It is especially popular with students and picnickers. Along the canal there are lots of restaurant and bars. This place has been a source of inspiration for a number of artists, including the painter, Alfred Sisley. Also, Édith Piaf sings about the canal in one of her songs called "Les mômes de la cloche". The canal also appears in a famous film by Jean-Pierre Jeune "Amélie", in which the main character is skipping stones into the canal.

Source of description: planerGO

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Category definition of category canal
Material definition of material
water
stone
Neighbourhood Arsenal (4th Arrondissement - l'Hôtel-de-Ville)
Price definition of price gratis
Geographical coordinates 48.8490689, 2.3664850
Address 75004 Paris, Canal Saint-Martin
Construction dates 1802 - 1825
Length 4550.00
More information official website

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