🚶‍♀️ The Petite Ceinture: Paris’s Abandoned Railway Walk

Tired of crowded streets and overdone itineraries? There’s a secret side to Paris that even many locals overlook — the Petite Ceinture, an abandoned 19th-century railway line reborn as a green urban escape. Hidden behind fences and quietly reclaimed by nature, it’s a place where wildflowers meet graffiti, and rusting rails run under leafy canopies.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best parts of the Petite Ceinture to walk, how to access it safely, and why it’s a must for urban explorers and curious travelers alike.

🌿 What Is the Petite Ceinture?

The Petite Ceinture (“Little Belt”) is a 32-kilometer circular railway that once connected the major train stations of Paris. Built in the mid-1800s, it was largely abandoned by the 1930s when the Metro made it obsolete.

Today, several sections have been repurposed into public green walkways, open-air art galleries, and community gardens — offering a unique blend of urban decay and wild beauty.

📍 Best Sections to Explore

Not all of the Petite Ceinture is open to the public — but here are some of the most interesting stretches:

1. 15th Arrondissement: Rue Olivier de Serres → Parc Georges Brassens

Features wild vegetation and hidden staircases
Peaceful, almost countryside-like atmosphere
Easy entry near Parc Georges Brassens
🟢 Great for: nature lovers, birdwatching

2. 16th Arrondissement: La Muette to Porte d’Auteuil

Elevated views and historic rail infrastructure
Well-maintained with benches and info panels
Entry near Rue du Ranelagh
🟢 Great for: first-timers, casual walkers

3. 20th Arrondissement: From Rue de Bagnolet to Rue des Pyrénées

Edgy, gritty, and full of graffiti and street art
Popular with photographers and street art fans
Less maintained — wear sturdy shoes
🟢 Great for: urban explorers, creatives

4. 14th Arrondissement: Parc Montsouris Area

Partially integrated into Parc Montsouris
Mix of open space and shaded tunnel areas
Entry near Rue Didot
🟢 Great for: families, picnics

🧭 How to Access the Petite Ceinture

Each open section has a dedicated access point (or two). Here’s how to find them:

Look for “Promenade de la Petite Ceinture” signs near metro stations and parks
Use Google Maps and search for Petite Ceinture + your arrondissement
Bring a GPS-based app to stay on track (see below)

✅ Affiliate Tip: Download a self-guided walking tour app → that includes the Petite Ceinture, or book a local eco-tour that explores the wilder urban edges of Paris.

⚠️ Safety Tips & What to Expect

Open sections are safe and maintained by the city, but avoid unofficial entry points
Wear comfortable walking shoes — surfaces can be uneven
Bring water and sunscreen — some areas lack shade
Best explored during daylight hours
Not all sections are stroller or wheelchair accessible

🎨 What You’ll See Along the Way

Wild plants growing through railway tracks
Murals, tags, and graffiti art that change constantly
Old rail tunnels and crumbling infrastructure
Locals gardening, jogging, or lounging in repurposed spaces

It’s part nature reserve, part street art gallery — and 100% off the beaten path.

🧺 What to Bring for Your Walk

Reusable water bottle
Small daypack
Headphones (if using an audio walking tour app)
Camera or smartphone
Light snack or bakery stop en route

✅ Affiliate Picks:

🌆 Why Walk the Petite Ceinture?

Because it shows you a different Paris — one that’s raw, wild, and quietly poetic. You’ll see where nature and industry meet, where artists claim space, and where the city breathes outside the spotlight.

Whether you’re a photographer, solo traveler, or couple seeking a unique stroll, this urban trail reveals the city’s forgotten edges — and they’re just as beautiful as its polished center.

🧭 Explore more offbeat Paris: