The Story Behind Canal Food Walk : From Architecture to a Passionate Food Tour in the Canal Saint-Martin

Who I Am

Hello dear travelers and curious locals, let me introduce myself. I’m Nita, 33 years old. I work full-time in building renovation, a profession that inspires me as much as it commits me, especially through its ethical and sustainable dimensions. With a degree in architecture and urban planning, I’ve always been driven by the desire to understand how our living spaces are built, how they evolve, and how they shape our daily lives.

Alongside this serious work, I also have another, more personal passion: gastronomy. I’ve always loved discovering hidden gems, those small authentic places where food feels honest and full of life. This taste for exploration naturally led me to want to share these experiences.

My Neighborhood and Inspiration

My playground, my neighborhood, is the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris. I’ve lived here for eight years and I know it like the back of my hand. But despite this familiarity, I constantly come across new places, new stories, and new things to experience. This neighborhood is a true microcosm in motion, a fascinating blend of contrasting worlds. It’s trendy yet shaped by a working-class heritage, romantic with echoes of its industrial past, lively and soothing all at once. That paradox speaks to me. It’s the living narrative of a Paris that’s less frozen, less postcard-perfect, more authentic and creative.

The Birth of Canal Food Walk

This intimate knowledge of the area, combined with my perspective as an architect and urban planner, deeply informs my food tour project. This is not about a classic sightseeing visit, but a sensory and human experience designed for small groups where connection is at the heart. I chose formats like brunch and apéro, hosted in the backrooms of passionate artisans with whom I’ve built sincere partnerships. Each tasting invites you to experience the Canal in a different way, to wander, to connect, to slow down and feel the heartbeat of this place that captivates me.

The idea to launch this project didn’t come out of the blue. In 2013, I took part in a food tour in New York called “Food on Foot Tour”, which had a deep impact on me. That idea never left me. But it took a personal turning point to finally push me to act. That turning point happened in January 2025, during a difficult period when I felt lost, disconnected from everything. That moment made me want to create something tangible, a project that reflects who I am and gives me grounding.

So I pulled out a map, just like when planning a road trip, and sketched out a route through my neighborhood. Then I knocked on the doors of local artisans. Their warm welcome and passion for their craft and cuisine moved me deeply. That’s when the magic began. I built this project on my own, both fragile and full of life, balancing my full-time job, all the logistics, the doubts, and the joy of my first bookings. Creating a logo in one day on Photoshop, finding partners, managing everything on my own — it’s a delicate balance, but each tour is a truly meaningful experience.

I also chose to offer this tour in English — not only to strengthen my own fluency and feel like I’m traveling with every conversation, but also to create space for locals who’d like to do the same. It’s a shared experience across cultures, grounded in the heart of Paris.

Living Paris Differently

More than just a gourmet stroll, Canal Food Walk is a way for me to travel without leaving, to meet inspiring people and offer them a fresh perspective on Paris. Through this blog, I share the history of this neighborhood, past and present, through my eyes as a local, an architect, and a food lover. I’ll publish articles exploring the canal’s urban development, historical details, and future projects, and I’ll also share current events, local addresses, hidden gems, heartfelt favorites, and meaningful encounters.

This project is my side venture, my beautiful escape alongside my full-time job. It’s also an invitation to explore a more honest and vibrant Paris, a city of contrasts, raw beauty, and passionate artisans. A Paris to savor, to feel, to truly live.

So welcome on board, dear walkers!