Canal Food Walk : what’s New This Season ?

Like the Canal itself, the food scene around it is always evolving. Two of my original partners — the vegetarian restaurant Sezono and my local cheesemonger Paroles de Fromagers — sadly closed their doors this summer. It was bittersweet, but it also gave me the chance to uncover new corners of the neighborhood. I’m excited to say I’ve found wonderful alternatives that perfectly match the spirit of the tour — and early guests already loved them.

Another change: we now stroll with a glass of natural and organic wine in hand, served straight from the barrel and carried in a reusable bottle to keep things eco-friendly. For guests who prefer something non-alcoholic, refreshing juices or other alternatives are always available. It’s a detail, but one that captures my apéro vibe perfectly: convivial, casual, and sustainable.

And here’s more good news: I’m opening new dates beyond Saturdays, including slots during the Christmas holidays and summer — so more opportunities to join the tour! And yes, for special occasions or private requests, you can always reach out — I’ll do my best to make myself available to offer a memorable experience along the Canal!

And of course, the Parisian weather likes to keep us on our toes. Sometimes we get a light drizzle, but honestly? It never spoils the mood. If anything, it makes the last bites and sips feel even cozier. And most of the time, the rain only shows up at the end of the tour, when we’re already raising our glasses.

The Journey Along the Canal remains the same

We start at the Square Frédérick Lemaître, right where the Canal disappears underground. It’s the perfect spot to dive into its origins — the ambitions behind its construction, the engineering challenges, and the hidden vault that swallows its waters.

From there, the walk unfolds step by step: a stop at a caviste for our first toast, a pause at a new restaurant reinventing French classics with a vegetarian twist, followed by a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, glass in hand, fully embracing the Parisian apéro spirit.

Later, we gather around a regional cheese platter (a guest favorite), before picking up sweet treats to enjoy with a view from one of the Canal’s iconic footbridges. We raise our glasses again there, with the rooftops and reflections framing the moment.

The walk continues with a street art interlude, then opens up into the industrial past of the neighborhood — and its transformation into one of the liveliest corners of Paris today. Finally, we head toward the Bassin de la Villette for a convivial closing stop aboard a neighborhood péniche, the perfect place to wrap up the journey.

More Than Just Food

The Canal Food Walk isn’t only about what’s on the plate (or in the glass). It’s also about the hidden stories of the neighborhood. As an architect and urban planner living nearby, I love showing how the architecture and urban design shaped the history of the Canal — and how the Canal, in turn, shaped the neighborhood. It’s a history that even many Parisians don’t know, and it always sparks fascinating conversations.

What truly makes this experience unique, though, is the vibe. Every group is different, but the energy is always joyful, open, and generous. Guests arrive as strangers and often leave as friends, having toasted together on footbridges, shared bites over cheese platters, and laughed through the little surprises of the walk.

For me, these moments are everything. Hosting the tour is not just work — it’s a source of happiness, a chance to create connections and memories that last long after the walk is over.

The season ahead looks bright, and I can’t wait to welcome new guests . If you’re visiting Paris soon and want to experience the city differently, far from the usual clichés, join me for a walk. Together, we’ll toast, taste, and uncover the hidden soul of the Canal Saint-Martin.