Neighborhood Discoveries • 3 hours 5.0 (17)

Hidden Paris: Uncover the Charm of Canal Saint-Martin

Explore Canal Saint-Martin, Paris’s bohemian gem, where timeless charm meets its rise as a trendy local hotspot.

Note that most shops and grocery stores close on Sundays so instead plan to visit a local food market or tick-mark a few main attractions off your list

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Wander through one of Paris’s most underrated neighborhoods, guided by your local host who knows all the secret spots and local favorites.
  • Assemble a picture-perfect picnic from fresh cheeses, crusty baguettes, and delicate pastries to enjoy along the scenic canal—just like the locals do.
  • Dive into the area’s creative vibe as you explore quirky boutiques, vibrant concept stores, and artisan shops filled with unique treasures.
  • Stroll across the canal’s iconic iron footbridges while your host shares fascinating stories of these historic 19th-century waterways.
  • Take a moment to unwind with an espresso at a classic Parisian café, or hop between charming fromageries, boulangeries, and pâtisseries for irresistible snacks.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

100% private and personalized experience
3 hours with a host
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

Discover the bohemian allure of Canal Saint-Martin, one of Paris’s most vibrant and artistic neighborhoods. Stroll along the picturesque 19th-century waterways, crossing iconic iron footbridges as you soak in the neighborhood’s charm. Your host will guide you to hidden gems—nonchalant bars with the best bites, cafés that roast their coffee in-house, and vibrant fashion boutiques that feel more like galleries.  

Wander down Rue de Marseille and Rue Beaurepaire, exploring between fromageries, concept stores, and contemporary art spaces. Take in the old-world magic of the canal itself, where reflections dance on the water as the day turns to evening. As sunset sets the scene for a livelier vibe, discover trendy haunts like Gravity Bar, where expert bartenders craft cocktails tailored to your taste.  

This experience is a seamless blend of cultural exploration, local insights, and spontaneous discoveries, giving you a taste of both timeless and trendy Paris.  

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of this experience

Hironobu, Nov 2024

This was my first time in Paris. So It’s up to Pascul. He took me Montmartre for three hours. He knows a lot about the place where took the nice view of Paris. He almost always answered my questions. It will be memorable.

Show more
Ginny, Aug 2024

While I have been to Paris dozens of times, Hristo tailored a trip to the far end of the Canal St. Martin area that I had never seen. He is a charming, bright young man and I loved spending the morning with him. We went during the Olympics, so we made a stop in La Villette where many countries hosted villages. He quickly picked up on my interests in back street adventures. He also showed me areas where I might return with my grandchildren. I cannot recommend him highly enough and would hire him again in a heartbeat. Thanks Hristo for a memorable morning. I learned so many new things and had a blast

Show more
Hilliary, May 2024

Great experience - met at designated place. Made arrival into Paris smooth. Enjoyed tour and photos. Would def recommend

Show more
Penny, May 2024

Sophia was wonderful! Very friendly and helpful, Went beyond what she had to do to make sure that we had all our expectations! This is our 4th visit to Paris. Sofia made us see Paris as we never did. The tour took us to beautiful places not known by tourists so we felt we enjoyed the town like locals do!”

Show more
Erica, May 2023

Our tour guide was very friendly and hit all the places we wanted to go to. And even gave us fun facts about different things we were seeing along the way. It’s nice to understand the history behind what you’re looking at

Show more
Catherine, Nov 2021

Top guide who gave lots of very enriching historical explanations. We visited places we would never have been on our own, like St Louis Hospital. Great experience and beautiful scenery.

Show more
SEE ALL REVIEWS