Canal Saint-Martin, Hôtel du Nord at 102 quai de Jemmapes, Rue du Faubourg-du-Temple. Les quartiers round the Canal Saint-Martin (a 4.55 km long canal) are in the 10th and 11th arrondissements of Paris, between the République, Jacques Bonsergent and Goncourt Metro stations.

With its still waters and locks, the Canal Saint-Martin is one of the most delightful areas of Paris. Its shady banks still show signs of Paris' industrial past, but now it is a place to escape from the busy city, to stroll, to relax or to meet with friends.

There are many interesting shops and restaurants between Rue Beaurepaire and Rue des Récollets, in the heart of 'Boboland'.

A small, fashionable village in the very heart of Paris! Bobo Paris, working class Paris and ever romantic Paris.

You just need to take an evening walk past the Hôtel du Nord on 102 quai de Jemmapes, cross a footbridge beneath the ancient trees to hear the voice of Arletty saying "Atmosphère, atmosphère! Est-ce que j'ai une gueule d'atmosphère?"

This was once a very working class area of Paris but today the Canal Saint-Martin has become very 'bobo' (bourgeois bohème). However, it is still just as romantic with its bridges and its locks. It is still busy with barge and pleasure boat traffic.

Here you might meet actors, producers, IT people, artists, engineers and even the odd journalist but you will also meet families who like to take a walk in this little bit of countryside in the city. On summer evenings people bring their picnics or set up impromptu musical performances.

There are cycle paths, ideal for long bike rides, and since 1994 cars are forbidden to drive in some street on Sundays. This is something that would not have displeased Louis XIV who designed the canal and Napoleon I who began its construction in 1802. It was built to bring water to Parisians, financed by a tax on … wine.