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La Petite Ceinture is likely one of the locations in Paris, that’s hardly ever visited by vacationers. It’s a bit off the middle, and never as thrilling because the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. However an ideal spot to discover in case you are eager on discovering probably the most outstanding off-the-beaten-track actions.
The deserted practice tracks in Paris are a tad troublesome to seek out, although. The entrances are largely hidden, however that’s what makes exploring the petite ceinture so thrilling. And in case you are up for this journey, then learn on. As a result of I’m sharing with you each element you should know for visiting these outdated practice tracks.
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The Petite Ceinture briefly: What’s it?
The petite ceinture is a 36 km lengthy railroad that spans round Paris. They have been used to transporting freight and passages, however the service shut down a long time in the past. Since then, the tracks have been deserted and closed to the general public till not too long ago.
Fast historical past of the Paris’ deserted railway
The outdated rails belong to the Chemin de fer de Petite Ceinture, a round railway round Paris that served as soon as as the primary city transport system. Completed in 1867, the railway turned rapidly an essential connection between the village-like components of Paris. Each for the transport of freight and as a passenger service.
With the launch of the primary Metro traces in 1900, its utilization declined slowly however steadily till the practice providers have been completely shut down in 1934.
Since then, the rails lay largely deserted and fallow
Till a number of years in the past. An initiative launched a number of tasks to rehabilitate the outdated chemin de fer, aiming to rework it into an city park. The venture was so successful, that the Metropolis of Paris and SNCF (the French railroad operator) hopped on the bandwagon and made increasingly sections accessible.
On the time of writing in June 2023, 9 rail segments are open to the general public. Some out of date former practice stations have been even remodeled into bars, eating places, or cultural areas. At the moment, there are plans for 8 extra sections, which can be presupposed to be transformed into public areas and opened by 2026.
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Biodiversity, tradition and concrete forests on the Petite Ceinture in Paris
The purpose of changing the outdated railways is to maintain the patrimony of the railway on one hand, but additionally to protect biodiversity on the opposite. And it’s going effectively. The rails are coated with wild flora, which is unbelievable to see in seasonal adjustments. By now, you’ll be able to already spot greater than 200 plant species.
But in addition animals really feel at dwelling on this small city jungle. Greater than 70 animal species have been counted to this point. I as soon as noticed a little bit lizard there, a species I’ve by no means seen in Paris earlier than.
If you happen to have been hoping to set off quickly for a wild hike following the tracks throughout Paris, I must disappoint you. Sadly, the railroads are solely partially open to the general public, and this gained’t change. As a result of some rails within the west are used in the present day by the Parisian suburb trains RER and most of the tunnels are sealed for security causes.
So visiting the deserted railways of the petite ceinture is extra of an on-off journey than a protracted Paris loop, however nonetheless a delight.
Nonetheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless go on a Paris loop by following the GR2024. It’s a mountain climbing path that leads you as soon as round Paris and allows you to go to numerous parks and all of the railroad sections on the way in which.
Learn how to go to the deserted tracks of the Petite Ceinture?
Not each little bit of the petite ceinture is accessible and open to the general public. Some sections of the deserted tracks in Paris are closed for security causes, and a few are utilized by the RER trains in the present day. However 9 (and counting) are rehabilitated and are a extremely cool place to go to.
Learn on to know the place precisely yow will discover the open route sections of the petite ceinture and when to go to them.
Opening instances of the petite ceinture
One thing to remember when planning to discover the deserted tracks in Paris is that the petite ceinture is operated as a public park. This implies it’s not open 24/7 and sure to quite strict opening hours and surveillance.
In Paris, public parks often open at 9h through the week and at 9:30h on weekends. The closing time will depend on the season:
- Could to August: 20:30
- September: 19:30
- October: 18:30
The place to seek out the 9 public sections of the petite ceinture in Paris?
With out additional ado, listed here are for you the precise addresses of the general public sections of the petite ceinture in Paris.
#1 Petite ceinture within the twentieth Arrondissement, PC20
Within the east of Paris, you discover the Petite Ceinture of the twentieth arrondissement. On the time of writing, this part is 220 m lengthy, nevertheless it’s deliberate to increase the stretch to 800 m sooner or later. Both means, it’s a cool spot to go to. Particularly in case you are eager on exploring Paris vibrant road artwork scene.
The tracks are close to the Belleville neighborhood, a hotspot for artists, individualists, and various life. This dynamic vibe is very current on the petite ceinture of the twentieth. This small stretch is roofed in paintings. From small items to huge graffiti. Hopefully, you’ll be able to even see a number of artists at work. Otherwise you depart your personal creative footprint by becoming a member of a graffiti workshop.
Entry: 79 Rue de Menilmontant or 11 Rue de la Mare (accessible to individuals with diminished mobility)
#2 Petite ceinture within the nineteenth Arrondissement, PC19
If you happen to’re seeking to set off to discover a classy and non-touristy a part of Paris, head to the nineteenth arrondissement. As a result of there’s lots to see and do: La Villette, the Cité de Science, the attractive Butte-Chaumont, plus even 2 sections of the Petite Ceinture to stroll on. In complete, the railway stroll within the nineteenth is 800m lengthy.
One part begins close to the RER Station Rosa Parks, on 95 Rue Curial, and leads south course Metro Station Corentin Cariou. This stretch is a small part of only a few hundred meters, nevertheless it holds one thing particular for you: the jazz membership Le Gare / Le Gore
The 2nd part of the petite ceinture within the nineteenth begins only a bit additional down the highway on the pedestrian bridge Passerelle des Ardennes. From right here you’ll be able to cross the Canal de l’Ourqc and stroll midway to the Butte-Chaumont.
Otherwise you stroll down the Canal and hop on a ship that brings you thru the locks of the canal and thru the vault beneath the Bastille again to the middle of Paris. You will get additional particulars on this unbelievable channel tour right here.
Entry: 30 rue de Thionville for the first part and 177 Avenue de Flandre for the 2nd part
#3 Petite ceinture within the 18th Arrondissement, PC18
The petite ceinture within the 18th arrondissement is particular. As a result of opposite to the opposite rail sections, this one didn’t begin with opening the tracks for recreation, however the station. Two of them, even.
The constructing that when was the Ornano Practice station is in the present day LaRecyclerie. It’s a cultural assembly place devoted to sustainability and ecology. Right here you discover upcycling tasks, markets, an city farm, and seasonal occasions, but additionally a bar, a restaurant, and loads of fascinating workshops. It’s for my part, one of many trendiest eating places in Paris.
A number of hundred meters down the tracks, you might have the previous Station of the Avenue de St.Ouen, which is in the present day dwelling to Le Hasard Ludique. It’s a spot not a lot completely different from the Recyclerie, with tasks and themes round nature, ecological duty, workshops, concert events and, in fact, a bar, and a restaurant.
Sadly, on the time of writing, you’ll be able to’t merely stroll from one to the opposite utilizing the tracks of the petite ceinture. There’s a lengthy tunnel in between each eating places, that’s locked up. Nonetheless, on some uncommon events and particular occasions, they open the gates and you may cross.
For the top of 2023, it’s deliberate to rehabilitate additional sections of the out of date tracks of the petite ceinture within the 18th arrondissement.
Entry: 83 boulevard Ornano (Recyclerie) and 128 Av. de Saint-Ouen (Hasard Ludique)
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#4 Petite ceinture within the seventeenth arrondissement, PC17
Since 2019, the 700 m lengthy part within the seventeenth arrondissement is open to the general public. This stretch is similar to the one within the 14th: a straight monitor surrounded innately, with out a lot human intervention, and greater than 170 plant and animal species.
It’s one of many sections that lies below road degree, which makes the plush nature much more omnipresent.
Entry: 2 Boulevard Péreire
#5 Petite ceinture within the sixteenth arrondissement, PC16
This part is 1.2 km and one of many longer stretches of the petite ceinture. Opposite to another components, the rails obtained eliminated on this part and the previous railway is now a protracted walkway via a really inexperienced house, that resembles partially extra a forest than a former railway.
Entry: 77 Boulevard de Montmorency, 27 and 61 Boulevard de Beauséjour, and throughout Rue de Assomption
#6 Petite ceinture within the fifteenth arrondissement, PC15
The previous rail tracks within the fifteenth arrondissement are a few of the largest stretches of the petite ceinture which you could entry in the present day. It’s positioned between the Parc André Citroen and the stunning flea market at Porte de Vanves.
If you wish to see Paris from a unique angle, visiting the outdated rails is unquestionably one of many distinctive non-touristy issues to do in Paris.
The petite ceinture stretches 1.5km alongside the south of the fifteenth arrondissement. The park is a robust distinction to the neatly maintained Parisian parks – its pure biodiversity holds greater than 200 species of untamed crops and 70 species of animals. To protect this piece of city nature, the park shouldn’t be artificially illuminated or planted.
My tip: Enter the park on the Balard Metro station and stroll east. From right here, go to the Park Georges Brassens and proceed east till you attain the Part of the 14th arrondissement. It leads you nearly to the Catacombs and the excellent (free) Museum of the French Resistance.
Entry: 99 Rue Olivier de Serres or Place Robert Guillemard
#7 Petite ceinture within the 14th arrondissement, PC14
The petite ceinture part within the 14th arrondissement is by far my favourite one. It’s a straight line of rail tracks beneath road degree that permits you to simply neglect that you simply’re in Paris. You stroll via lush and untouched vegetation, hear birds chirping, and see numerous artwork installations and artworks alongside the way in which.
This part connects Rue Didot with Rue du Général Leclerc and obtained not very a lot modified. It even nonetheless incorporates the outdated practice station platforms and the outdated practice station constructing itself. The partitions of the constructing are used as canvas for graffiti artists that exhibit their expertise. Relaxation assured, it’s not simply tags.
If you’re thirsty (or hungry!) after your stroll, cease by Poinçon Paris. This bar and restaurant is positioned within the outdated practice station of the petite ceinture. In addition they have a really good outside seating space!
Entry 124 avenue du Général Leclerc and 96 bis rue Didot
#8 Petite ceinture within the thirteenth arrondissement, PC13
This part is 500 m lengthy and belongs to the backyard Poterne-des-Peupliers within the south of Paris. If you’re within the space, I counsel you additionally go to the Parc Montsouris. A beautiful inexperienced house with wild parrots and a few of Paris lovelies streets simply across the nook. You can also head to Avenue d’Ivry or Avenue Choisy to go to the Parisian Chinatown.
My Tip: The Banh Mi from Tang Gourmand
Entry: 9 Rue Augustin Mouchot, 26 Rue de l’Interne Loeb, Jardin de la Porte des Peuiliers
#9 Petite ceinture within the twelfth arrondissement, PC12
This final stretch of the petite ceinture is completely positioned to discover two off-the-beaten-path sights in Paris directly. As a result of the railway tracks which can be referred to as the petite Ceinture are branching off the Coulée-Verte-René-Dumont, also referred to as the excessive line of Paris.
My tip right here is to get off the Metro at Bastille and stroll from there alongside the Coulée Verte till you attain the Metro Bel-Air. Right here you retain proper to merge into the petite ceinture.
For a break alongside the way in which, I like to recommend making a cease at Floor Management. It’s a cultural middle with eating places, bars, exhibitions, and pop-up shops positioned in a constructing that belongs to the Gare de Lyon practice station. We’re consistent with our theme right here: trains, tracks, and stations.
Entry: Villa du Bel Air or Charles Pèguy Sq., additionally rue des Meuniers and rue du Sahel
Voilà, Paris’ deserted practice tracks. I hope you’re within the temper now to set off to those lesser recognized components of Paris and to see town from a really completely different perspective. The petite ceinture shouldn’t be a primary sight, and it gained’t depart you speechless, nevertheless it’s a great begin to discover Paris off the overwhelmed path.
And if non-touristy issues are what you’re in for, then you’ll benefit from the petite ceinture for positive.
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FAQ Petite Ceinture, Paris deserted railway
The petite ceinture is an outdated railway loop round Paris. Therefore, to enter the completely different sections, you must go to the outskirts of Paris. On the time of writing, 9 sections of the petite ceinture are accessible to the general public. Within the twentieth, nineteenth, 18th, seventeenth, sixteenth, fifteenth, 14th, thirteenth and twelfth arrondissement.
The petite ceinture has a complete size of 32,5 km. Nonetheless, solely round 7 km are open to the general public.
The deserted tunnel that you simply usually see in photos belongs to the petite Ceinture in Paris. It’s a railway belt round Paris, that was used within the nineteenth century and lies deserted for nearly a century. For a number of years, sections of the tracks have been rehabilitated and opened as public gardens and walkways.
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