“Paris’s best-kept secret” is what some call it. The Chemin de la Litte follows a section of the abandoned railway known as La Petite Ceinture.
La Petite Ceinture meaning “the Little Belt” was a 32 km railway line. It circled Paris. The railway developed during the Second Empire. That was from 1852 to 1869. Originally, they built it to transport materials. These goods went from depot yards to the core of Paris. Le Chemin de Fer Petite Ceinture became a passenger service in 1862. At its peak, steam trains charged in each direction six times per hour.
The construction of the Parisian Metro in 1900 caused La Petite Ceinture’s decline. As a result, passenger service stopped in 1934. This happened when the metro reached its maturity. Freight traffic drastically fell at the end of the 1970s. This was due to the disappearance of slaughterhouses. The cattle station of La Villette and the relocation of factories also contributed. La Petite Ceinture Paris stopped operating.
Today, some sections of La Petite Ceinture have become public green spaces. They are in Paris 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.
It is not possible to circumnavigate Paris on the Petite Ceinture without interruption. Some kilometers are reused by RER trains. Some tunnels are sealed. To tour, combine walks on railroad tracks with bike rides.
The Petite Ceinture in Paris 17 is a recent section that opened to the public. It is a short but pleasant trench walk. Here, you can discover plant and animal species.
The Chemin de la Litte and the Petite Ceinture offer a unique experience. They blend history, nature, and urban exploration. Remember to respect the environment. Enjoy the unusual charm of this hidden Parisian treasure.