#10 Villette Park & Paris Canal

Description of Paris Canal and Villette Park

The Villette park, through which the Paris Canal runs, is located in the 19th arrondissement, north-east of Paris.

Origins of the Neighborhood

In the early 1800s, Napoleon orders the construction of a canal to solve the supply problems of water, wood and cereals. This canal will link the Seine river, in the heart of Paris, to the Ourcq river, a hundred km away!

In 1860, the commune of La Villette is integrated into Paris and becomes an industrial and commercial hub. The Seine river being congested at the time, the majority of transports on water will now pass by la Villette. In parallel, an important cattle-related activity develops: a huge professional market and slaughterhouses are built.

While the industrial water transport will not resist to the advent of railway in the early 1900s, the cattle-related facilities will last until the 1970’s.

Today’s Park and Canal

In the late 1970s, the creation of an avant-garde park is decided. The Villette park will host a mix of gardens, artistic venues — music halls, live theaters or architectural fantasies — and integrate housing, while staying open 24/7.

In the meantime, the various sections of the canal inside Paris have taken diverse paths.

• Canal de l’Arsenal hosts a yachting harbor.

• Canal Saint-Martin offers a buzzing and international nightlife — its iconic bridges are featured in movies such as Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain or Hôtel du Nord.

• Canal de l’Ourcq has a more modest look, a laid-back atmosphere and caters to the local population.

The Paris Canal & Villette Park Tour

During this tour, we’ll wander along Canal Saint Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq until reaching the Villette Park.

We’ll notice the traces of the past of the area, stop by gardens and cafés to soak up local life, and get a glimpse of the park’s abundant cultural offerings.

Tour Options

The tour can be extended with a final meal together in a hidden restaurant or a free jazz concert in an alternative venue (subject to daytime and availability).