Paris by Métro: République

République at a Glance

Lines=3, 5, 8, 9, 11

Arrondissement=3rd

Tip=There is more than one exit for this metro.  Knowing the street you want to exit on can save you some time and walking.

Sights Within 1 Kilometer:

North

Canal Saint-Martin-450m

Chez Prune-600m

Hôtel du Nord-800m

Pink Flamingo-850m

Jardin Villemin-1km

East

Hôpital Saint-Louis-1km

South

Place de la République-63m

Marché des Enfants Rouge-650m

West

Porte Saint-Martin-650m

10th Arrondissement Passages (Reilhac, Brady, Marche, Prado)-1km

Sight Details

North

Canal Saint-Martin: If you look in most guidebooks, you probably won’t see much mentioned about this area, but it has become one of our favorites.  This is not the area you go to for world-class museums or breath-taking architecture.  The Canal Saint-Martin area is where you go to find trendy restaurants, discount shopping, and people.  Each night in the summer, dozens if not over a hundred people line the canal to enjoy the night.  They bring their snacks and drinks to just take in life.  The ambiance is different than most areas in Paris.

If you visited this area several years ago, you will probably see a difference.  The area has become safer and more friendly.  One area contains diverse cultures while just across the rue you will find the bobos of Paris.  Perhaps it was the scenes in Amélie where she is skipping the stones in the canal that brought attention to the area.  Whatever the reason, be sure to add it to your list of sights to see.

Chez Prune: This is the kind of restaurant you could visit each day and never have to order the same meal.  The menu is created daily to reflect what is fresh.  The prices are reasonable (12-15 Euros) for a generous portion and endless flavor.  Look below to see what kind of meals you could be savoring.

Hôtel du Nord: The name is a little misleading considering that this is no longer a hotel, but is now a restaurant.  There are about four tables out front, but once you pass the doors, you walk into instant charm.  The dimly-lit restaurant is a great place for a nice meal or a relaxing drink.  This was one of our favorite places for a nightcap.

Pink Flamingo: The hipster pizza place was on my list, but unfortunately I never made it over there.  Imagine the summer light in the late evening reflecting off the canal as you sit with your balloon, waiting for your order to arrive.  You’ve probably already opened your bottle of wine as you sit and drink with many others around you.  The delivery man kneels down to give you your pizza and you take it all in as you enjoy your evening by the canal, as so many others do.

Jardin Villemin: Parisians crave green space and this is the living room for families, couples, students, and so many others around the area.  The park is lively with a man playing guitar over by the trees and little ones being chased by their dads.  This is a place to just hang out.

East

Hôpital Saint-Louis: Hopefully you don’t have to visit the hospital on your trip, but it is worthy to know where it is located and the story behind it.  During the 17th century, this hospital was built to deal with many suffering from the plague.  Be thankful for our improved medicine.

South

Place de la République: The place has been recently renovated to provide a space used for many purposes and reduce traffic accidents.  The area now includes not only the statue symbolizing the republic but also a gathering place for people.

Marché des Enfants Rouge: The covered market is supposed to be one of the best in Paris.  Be warned that hours are somewhat flexible.  I went a couple hours after they were supposed to open to find that some were setting up while others were not even present yet.  I recommend coming around lunch time to enjoy the full potential of the market.

West

Porte Saint-Martin: Parisians seem to love their arches.  This arch was built in the 17th century to replace a medieval gate.

10th Arrondissement Passages (Reilhac, Brady, Marche, Prado): I know I’ve mentioned passages before, but these passages are a cultural experience.  While walking with a guide I was told to hold my purse tight.  I felt no danger, but the area is a collection of many ethnicities.  While walking down one passage you may think you’ve been transported to India, while another will take you to Africa.  The scene has a different feel at night, so be sure to go when you are comfortable.

Best of Canal Saint-Martin Walk

Vin=Wine, Rouge=Red, Rose=Pink, and Blanc=White