The 9Hotel République near the Canal Saint Martin
15 minutes walk from the hotel
Near the Canal Saint-Martin, a well-located hotel
Our hotel is situated in the République district, bordered by the Canal Saint-Martin to the east and Gare de l’Est to the north. No confusion here—Place de la République is just a bit south of our hotel, less than 400 meters away.
A trendy and lively area of Paris, Place de la République has always been a gathering place for crowds, artists, creatives, and the city’s active population. It’s a place full of energy, where the Canal Saint-Martin brings a soothing contrast with its calm waters and shaded banks.
A brief history of the Canal Saint-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin is a waterway in northeastern Paris. Originally built to supply the city with drinking water, it brings freshness and life to the urban landscape. Stretching for 4.5 kilometers, it connects the Bassin de la Villette, and beyond it the Canal de l’Ourcq, to the Arsenal Marina near Bastille, which itself connects to the Seine.
Inaugurated in 1825, the Canal Saint-Martin features nine locks and two swing bridges. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1993 and is part of the 130-kilometer network of Parisian canals.
We owe the creation of the Canal Saint-Martin to Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century. At the time, Paris suffered from a poor and insufficient drinking water supply, with the Seine and the Bièvre River heavily polluted, leading to frequent outbreaks of dysentery and cholera. The First Consul ordered action to resolve this crisis.
The city’s prefect revived old canal projects dating back to the 16th century and proposed extending the Canal de l’Ourcq, whose source lies about 100 kilometers northeast of Paris. However, the Napoleonic Wars delayed construction, and it was ultimately King Louis XVIII who revived the project, while his brother, Charles X, inaugurated the canal in 1825.
Under Napoleon III, during the grand modernization of Paris led by Prefect Haussmann, parts of the Canal Saint-Martin were covered, notably by the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir.
The Golden Age of the Canal Saint-Martin
Although another section of the canal was covered by Boulevard Jules-Ferry in 1908, this period marked its golden age. A high volume of boat traffic made the Bassin de la Villette—the canal’s starting point—the fourth-largest port in France. No longer just a water supply, the canal became a key trade route, transporting both essential goods and construction materials.
By the 1960s, competition from rail and road transport reduced the canal’s economic significance. In the 1970s, it even faced the threat of being replaced by a four-lane urban highway—fortunately, that project was never realized. Today, we can be grateful, as the Canal Saint-Martin remains a beloved spot for both Parisians and visitors.
A Waterway Cherished by Parisians
Within Paris, the canal serves as a refreshing haven, supporting natural vegetation and aquatic wildlife in the heart of the city. During nesting season, dozens of bird species can be spotted, including grey herons and mallard ducks. Observant visitors may even catch sight of grass snakes, green and red frogs, and wall lizards.
In recent years, the global migration crisis has led to temporary refugee encampments along Quai de Jemmapes. However, the canal is also famous for its appearances in cinema. The classic 1938 film Hôtel du Nord by Marcel Carné featured iconic scenes shot here, as did Amélie (Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain) by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
The Canal Saint-Martin, located just beside our hotel, is an integral part of Parisian culture and history.
A hotel in a peaceful parisian neighborhood
Despite its trendy vibe, the Canal Saint-Martin district is a peaceful and relaxing area—an ideal retreat after a day of sightseeing in the French capital. The canal’s banks, the small green spaces they create, the tranquility of the flowing water, and the wildlife it attracts all contribute to a sense of calm and well-being. Our hotel is perfectly positioned between the bustling Place de la République and the quieter Canal Saint-Martin.
Moreover, the hotel is ideally located for travelers arriving by train from Gare du Nord or Gare de l’Est, both just a short walk down Boulevard Magenta from 9Hotel République.
From Place de la République, numerous metro and bus lines provide easy access to key destinations across Paris and the Île-de-France region. This prime location makes our hotel the perfect place to stay for exploring the city and beyond.
In a natural and idyllic setting, the canal Saint Martin offers an ideal landscape to all Paris’ lovers.
A peaceful hotel in Paris
As a great place for excursions and relaxation with romantic bridges and mysterious vaults, Parisians and tourists love to walk along the canal or to stop at the numerous bars in the district. Throughout the year, rediscover the Paris of yesteryear on board of different cruises.
