Starting from La Villette to Bobigny the part of the Ourcq Canal which crosses the Seine-saint-Denis department will take you through several cities and places to visit. Whether its on foot, on a boat or a bike the canal has many things to show you such as gourmet restaurants, venues, buildings with impressive architecture and street art works.
Some interesting and unusual places are located along the canal, for example (from Paris to Bobigny):
The Canal de l’Ourcq is easily accessible by transport (subway, RER) and bike (Vélib’). Subway lines 5 and 7 get you to the Bassin de La Villette. Subway line 5 runs along the canal up to the terminus in Bobigny. Pantin train station (RER E) is located only a few minutes from the canal where a Vélib’ stand is situated at the exit if you wish to bike along the Canal de l’Ourcq. T3b tram will drop you off at Delphine Seyrig station, a few minutes away from the canal on foot. Several busses also take you to the Canal de l'ourcq such as the bus 60, check the RATP website to find the easiest way to access the canal.
The stroll starting from the Stalingrad Rotunda to Pantin lasts 1h. You will walk along the Bassin de La Villette on the Quai de la Loire side, cross the Parc de La Villette and walk along the banks of Pantin. You can take the subway at Eglise de Pantin station (line 5).
For the most courageous ones, you can continue the stroll by going to the Parc de La Bergère located in Bobigny by following the bike path. You can take the subway at Bobigny – Pablo Picasso station (line 5, 10min away from the park).
Choose among our lists of bike trails on the Canal de l’Ourcq.
From Paris 19th arrondissement to the Parc de la Bergère in Bobigny by bike (round trip – 15 km / 50min): from Stalingrad rotunda, bike along the Bassin de La Villette (Quai de Loire side), cross the Parc de La Villette and Pantin. You will enter in the heart of the Parc de la Bergère. Take a break and have a picnic! For sportsmen, follow the bike path up to Aulnay-sous-Bois to discover a bucolic landscape (23 km loop / 3h). You can also go to the Parc de la Poudrerie.
If you don’t have a bike, you can rent a bike along the canal in one of the rent stores located in the 19th arrondissement and near the Parc de la Poudrerie. From the parc, you can also bike to Claye Souilly.
During the Eté du Canal summer festival, you can take boat shuttles. You can also rent electric boats from Marin d’Eau Douce to sail on the Bassin de La Villette. No need to have a permit to drive these small boats! (5, 7 or 11 seats).
It is possible to get on board for a themed cruise on weekends during summer.
The street art trail along the Canal de l’Ourcq was inaugurated in 2014. Since then, artists continue to complete the artworks of this open air gallery. Admire the different works of this 10km trail along the Canal de l’Ourcq: from Paris and Stalingrad rotunda, to Aulnay-sous-Bois passing by Pantin, Bobigny, Bondy, Noisy-le-Sec and Pavillon-sous-Bois.
The trail runs along the Canal de l’Ourcq and the bike path. It is the occasion to enjoy a beautiful stroll on foot, by bike or by boat. Check out our itinerary suggestions to discover the “North-East side Gallery”. Photographers will find gorgeous street art spots where you can often see street artists painting.
It is possible to book a street art guided visit in Paris accompanied by a street artists to learn more about the history of street art, technics used, etc.
