Petite Ceinture de Paris

The Petite Ceinture (“little belt”) was a railway in Paris that connected the city’s main train stations, forming a loop around Paris. It opened in 1854 and passenger service ended in 1934. Parts of the railway were still in use for freight service until the 2000’s but it has stayed mostly closed to the public until recently, when parks that follow the tracks have opened in the 16th, 15th and 13th arrondissement of Paris. There are also community gardens in the 18th and 12th arrondissement and more sections are set for development in the coming years.

Petite Ceinture in the 16th arrondissement

The 1.2km path starts near Jardin du Ranelagh.

Petite Ceinture in the 15th arrondissement

The 1.3km path goes from rue Olivier de Serre, near Parc Georges Brassens, to Balard, near Parc André Citroën.

Above, the other side of the tunnel seen from Parc Georges Brassens. That section is not open to the public yet.

Above, the park is popular with runners.

Petite Ceinture in the 13th arrondissement

This section of the Petite Ceinture has only been open since the beginning of 2016 and is the shortest of the three. It starts near Parc Montsouris, in the éco-quartier of Rungis.

Above, modern architecture near the park.