Today, we’re taking a trip down memory lane as we uncover the fascinating story of the Petite Ceinture, a charming old railway line in the heart of Paris. Get ready to dive into a world where history mingles with nature, and forgotten tracks come back to life. Join us on this journey as we wander through the 12th, 13th, and 15th arrondissements,. Let’s hit the road, shall we?
The Petite Ceinture: Where History Meets Rails
Alright, folks, picture this: the Petite Ceinture, a vintage railway line that emerged in the late 1800s, curving around Paris like a well-kept secret. Imagine tracks snaking through 32 kilometers of history, built bit by bit between 1852 and 1869. Originally designed to be a clever way for cargo trains to bypass the city, it later turned hospitable to wanderlust-filled travelers like us.
Flash forward to 1900, and this railway was the star of the show, hustling and bustling for the Universal Exhibition, carting over 38 million folks around town. But life took a twist; the metro showed up, challenging our old friend’s status. Add in some wear and tear and irregular schedules, and by 1934, most of the tracks closed shop. Only the Auteuil line held its ground until 1985, waving farewell to freight traffic in the early ’90s.
Fast forward again, and today, the once-forgotten infrastructure is a lush playground for Mother Nature, claiming her territory. Some parts are off-limits, a sanctuary for street art aficionados, while others were reborn into green havens, breathing new life into Paris’ urban landscape.
Strolling the 15th Arrondissement Stint: A Glimpse into the Past
Get your sneakers on, because we’re kicking things off at 99 Rue Olivier-de-Serres for a 1.3-kilometer jaunt that even caters to those with wheels. Now, before you get too excited, the tunnel is a no-go zone, but fear not, there’s a whole lot more to feast your eyes on. Imagine the tracks mirroring the Boulevards des Maréchaux, running from Place Balard to Rue Olivier-de-Serres.
As we amble along, you’ll notice buildings making way for the Petite Ceinture like it’s a VIP guest. And check this out: kilometer markers are etched into the ground, like little milestones, reminding us how far we’ve come. To make things even cooler, educational signs keep the railway’s history alive.
On one side, we’ve got the southern track, still dreaming of occasional train chit-chats, while the northern side has transformed into a swanky pedestrian runway. They’ve even given a nod to versatility, making tweaks for rare train appearances. Keep an eye out for a stunning red-brick building—it’s the former Gare de Vaugirard. Oh, and the buzz is that Voie 15, a coworking and munching space, has set up shop here. How’s that for a makeover?
Adventures in the 12th Arrondissement Section: Where Diversity Reigns
Now, let’s pivot to the 12th arrondissement—a stretch of 1.6 kilometers that opens up a world of surprises. To kick things off, we’re entering through the magic gate known as Rue Daumesnil via the René-Dumont Greenway. And folks, prepare for a treat, ’cause this place is brimming with character.
We’re talking panoramic views of Paris’ main streets from a totally different angle. And oh, the street art scene here is off the charts—this place is practically a living, breathing gallery. Don’t miss the viaduct des arts, a revamped 1859 construction now home to cool crafty workshops. We’ll venture southeast, heading towards the woodsy embrace of Bois de Vincennes. Nature hugs us on both sides, and we’re practically window shopping for apartments—talk about a front-row seat to city life!
Hold onto your hats, because a colossal building topped with statues stands tall—it’s the central police station of the district, a surprise we never saw coming. The journey meanders through this urban maze, and we find ourselves in Parc de Reuilly’s embrace before descending to street level. After cruising through the Vivaldi passage, guess what’s waiting? A tunnel! And this time, it’s open for business, adorned with street art and even a bike lane. Our expedition wraps up at the spiraling staircase that leads us to Rue de Picpus.
Beyond Our Path: More Hidden Treasures Await
Hey, let’s not forget about the 13th arrondissement stretch—though it’s less flashy, it’s still got its own charm. Clocking in at just under 500 meters, it’s not bursting with tunnels or old stations, but you’ll find old rails, a touch of graffiti (some less pretty than others), and comfy lounge chairs begging you to chill and read.
By the way, you might be wondering about the other arrondissements, right? Well, guess what? There’s more! The Petite Ceinture pops up in the 14th, 16th, 17th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements, just waiting for you to unleash your explorer mode.
Pro tip: If you’re itching to dive deeper into the Petite Ceinture’s stories, the Sauvegarde Petite Ceinture association rolls out guided tours with savvy guides who’ll give you the scoop on its past and present. This hidden gem is kept alive by passionate souls, but guess what? Urban projects are keeping things interesting, trying to find the perfect balance between preserving history and embracing the future. Fingers crossed for more revitalized sections, but we’ll have to wait and see.