The Petite Ceinture is teeming with superb spots, well hidden from distracted passers-by, right in the heart of Parisian nature. These little corners of greenery have reclaimed their rights from human creation, and offer true havens of peace. On the former railway line in Paris's 18th arrondissement, you'll find a lovely stroll along the tracks, and two third-party places that are a must for local life: Hasard Ludique and the REcyclerie.
Two spots that share a love of ecology and nature, which they strive to preserve as much as possible. These former train stations, which have been completely transformed, have become real places of life, culture and art, and host numerous festive events throughout the year.
Let's start our stroll near the Porte de Saint-Ouen, in a still urban environment, at Le Hasard Ludique.
Here you'll find a convivial bar-restaurant,"La cantine de Léon", a small, welcoming terrace, as well as an auditorium and a workshop. And of course, it's possible to go down to the quays of the old railroad line, where regulars come to sunbathe and have a drink, on the many tables and deckchairs provided, until 10pm.
First an independent cinema, then a bazaar, the Avenue Saint-Ouen station has always been a cultural venue, after traffic on the Petite Ceinture was halted in 1934. From 1863 to the middle of the 20th century, millions of passengers passed through the station, which still retains its distinctive architecture. Keep an eye on the program all year round, as the multi-purpose venue regularly offers activities for everyone: markets, DJ sets, participatory clean-ups, balls, themed evenings and concerts of all kinds.
After this amazing discovery, it's off to La REcyclerie! It takes about 15 minutes on foot to reach the site, following the route of the Petite Ceinture, giving you the chance to see some lush vegetation, surprising for the capital. Once you've reached the junction with rue du Ruisseau, you can enter directly via the Jardins du Ruisseau, a community garden on the rails! Founded in 1998 by a group of residents, these small vegetable gardens are educational and shared, and help raise awareness of the environment and the preservation of biodiversity.
Heading up towards Clignancourt, by the rails or from the outside, you finally arrive at the REcyclerie, a former railway station offering an exceptional setting, combining salvaged materials and old-world charm. The motto of this third place: REduire, REutiliser, REcycler! The whole place is designed to raise public awareness of eco-responsible values, from the catering offer to the cultural program and the furniture.
For just a few dozen euros a year, you can become a member and benefit from the full range of REcyclerie services: repair your small electrical appliances at theAtelier de REné, borrow items, do-it-yourself on site, take part in the vegetable garden or borrow books for young and old from the committed library. On the menu: learning and sharing!
At the heart of the Urban Farm, nature is enhanced over an area of almost 1,000m2 and is accessible to all. There are several spaces: an edible forest, a plant jungle, a chicken coop, a collective vegetable garden and beehives, all of which provide numerous benefits and reduce waste in the heart of Paris. Even the REcyclerie café-canteen is committed to healthy, local and sustainable food, with varied, seasonal menus!
A small, free exhibition in partnership with INA and the Musée du Vivant showcases the front pages of the newspaper "La Gueule Ouverte", which in the 1970s was ahead of its time in talking about ecology. Some of the plates are particularly disturbing because they are so topical, as if society hadn't changed in all those years.
A guide to walks on the Petite Ceinture in Paris, for walks in the heart of nature
Do you know the Petite Ceinture? This abandoned railway line, 32km long, encircles Paris and offers nice green spots, far from the Parisian tumult. Shall we go for a walk off the beaten track? [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts July 28th, 2022
Location
La REcyclerie
83 Boulevard Ornano
75018 Paris 18
Access
Porte de Clignancourt
Prices
Free
A guide to walks on the Petite Ceinture in Paris, for walks in the heart of nature
