[1] Contracts to build and operate the canals in the Île-de-France were granted to private banking firms.

[2] As compensation for their large outlays, the bankers were permitted to collect tolls on the canal for a term of ninety-nine years.

Additionally, the new canal would expedite navigation by avoiding the Seine's meandering turns.

The city of Paris agreed to purchase the land and surrender the tolls for 99 years in order that the firms build the canals.

Between 1890 and 1895, the canal was reconstructed and enlarged in order to permit the passage of wider-beamed barges, and the number of locks was reduced from twelve to eight.

It is the busiest of the three canals in Paris, passing through predominantly industrial suburbs, with numerous private quays used by commercial barges.

In a study by the architect, Michel Corajoud, the canal has been recognized as a unifying factor in the Parisian urban area.

Recently, the following improvements to the canal network have been undertaken: Most of the plans, inaugurated at the Seine nautical festival in 2006, have been fulfilled.