What Was Found in Drained Paris Canal?

By Alice Nichols

In January of 2016, a shocking discovery was made in the canals of Paris. As part of a routine maintenance procedure, the Canal Saint-Martin was drained, revealing an unexpected assortment of discarded items.

The Discovery

The Canal Saint-Martin is a popular tourist destination in Paris, known for its picturesque bridges and charming houseboats. The canal dates back to the early 19th century and is considered a historic landmark. However, over time it had become clogged with debris and was in need of cleaning.

As the water level lowered, an array of discarded items that had been hidden beneath the surface were exposed. Workers discovered everything from bicycles to shopping carts to old furniture.

The Unusual Finds

While some of the items were expected, such as old bicycles and motorbikes, others were more surprising. Among the unusual finds were:

  • A safe
  • A toilet bowl
  • A bathtub
  • A scooter
  • Several shopping carts

But perhaps the most shocking discovery was that of a live shell from World War I. The canal had served as a strategic location during the war, and it’s not uncommon for remnants from that era to be found in Paris. However, finding live ammunition is extremely rare.

The Aftermath

The discovery sparked interest from locals and tourists alike who flocked to see the unusual collection of items. It also raised questions about why so many objects had been dumped into the canal.

The cleaning process took several weeks during which time workers removed over 40 tons of debris from the canal. The items found were either recycled or sent to landfill sites.

Conclusion

The draining of Canal Saint-Martin offered an interesting glimpse into Paris’s past and raised questions about how we treat our environment. While some items were expected, others were surprising and even dangerous. It served as a reminder of the importance of proper waste management and the impact it has on our surroundings.