Canal Saint-Martin

Commissioned by Napoleon to bring fresh water to Paris, the Canal Saint-Martin stretches 4.5 kilometers through the 10th arrondissement, partly underground and partly lined with plane trees and iron footbridges. The locks — nine of them — are still operational and create a theatrical water-staircase effect when boats navigate between levels.

The canal's banks have become the heart of Paris's creative quarter, lined with independent coffee shops, vintage clothing stores, concept stores and natural wine bars. Sunday afternoons are particularly atmospheric, when the quays fill with picnickers, skateboarders and people reading by the water. The Hôtel du Nord near Goncourt Metro is a historic brasserie worth stopping at, serving simple French food in a timeless setting.