More than 150 years ago, a railway line circled Paris: la Petite Ceinture. The railway is now out of service, but you can now walk there in peace.

Around 1900, millions of Parisians used la Petite Ceinture. However, the infrequent train service was overtaken by the metro and the bus. In 1934, the last passenger line circled Paris. The track was still used for freight transport until the 1990s, but then the curtain fell on that as well. The line fell into disrepair and nature reclaimed the site.

The majority of the railway line remains restricted territory (although some daredevils ignore this). Nevertheless, in certain arrondissements (the 12th through the 17th, as well as the 19th and 20th), you can find sections where walking is permitted. These are unique locations where nature triumphs over the bustle of Paris, featuring remarkable street art.

You will never forget that you are walking along an old railway line, as the tracks are still there. For years, there were plans to restore the line. Since the T3a and T3b trams follow more or less the same route, it is unlikely that a train will ever run on la Petite Ceinture again.

Many of the railway’s old station buildings still exist. Some have been converted into café-restaurants and are well worth a visit: le Hasard Ludique, la REcyclerie, la Gare Jazz, La Flèche d’Or, Le Poinçon, Brasserie Auteuil, and Restaurant La Gare.

Want to know exactly where the entrances to la Petite Ceinture are located? You can find them via this website.