For the first time since 14 years, the famous canal linking the bassin de la Villette and the port de l’Arsenal is put in abeyance during 3 months, from January 4^th to April 4^th 2016. The cleaning is currently taking place between the first lock of the canal, located place de la Bataille de Stalingrad, and the eighth lock at rue du Faubourg du Temple. The aim is to maintain, repair and remove the mud of the place in order to prevent the risks of accidents and floods. In 2015, the ninth lock of the canal Saint-Martin has been refurbished and today, it is the turn of the four double locks to be modernised. With this aim in mind, boats traffic is interrupted and the quays are closed for walk.

One of the locks near the place de la Bataille de Stalingrad © Sandy Pérolle

A canal overflowing with surprises
This cleaning operation is also necessary in light of the number of trash which have been discarded or thrown in the water by Parisians and tourists. Astonishing surprises can be expected as bikes, trolleys, pushchairs but also two shells of the First World War have been founded during the last cleaning. If the canal receives such treatments, it is also to prevent its fauna, as the numerous fishes, but also the birds (blue tits, magpies etc.) which live there. Carps, perches, pikes and other fishes of the place have been evacuated and release upstream or downstream section of the canal, before the beginning of the renovation works. Strollers and cyclists will again appreciate the charm of this site from April 4^th 2016, just after the start of spring. This is a good ecological initiative at the start of this new year!

Know more about the cleaning of the canal Saint-Martin. (article in French)

The canal Saint-Martin emptied at the Point Éphémère © Sandy Pérolle

Scooters wrecks in the canal Saint-Martin © Sandy Pérolle

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