Water, water, and touristic exploits

Bassin de la Villette is the largest of several artificial lakes in the center of Paris. First created back in 1808, the lake links the Canal de l'Ourcq to the Canal Saint-Martin. Of course the parks and green spaces surrounding make the area one of the most visited in the city for outdoor exploits.

Originally created to improve the drinking water of the city, today the Bassin de la Villette contains many barges now transformed into cafes or other dining venues. Of special note, the cildren's ship Peniche Antipode is but one of many interesting attractions to take in in this area.