The old stations of the inner Parisian suburbs ("Petite Ceinture," or "Little Belt") are reborn: this railway line, a jewel of Parisian heritage, that once encircled Paris has about 30 stations. Destroyed or abandoned, the city of Paris has decided to “put them back on track!" Artsy, eco-responsible, jazzy or gourmet: here's a quick tour of these cool new places.
The most hybrid: Hasard Ludique in the 18th arrondissement
Near the gate of Saint-Ouen, this former train station has become one of the hottest spots in the 18th district—metamorphosed into a "hybrid and cultural place," with a bar, a restaurant and a 300-seat auditorium! The inner Parisian station-turned-hotspot welcomes concerts and themed music evenings, like electro nights offering very eclectic programming with workshops yoga, sophrology, modern calligraphy and more.
-Le Hasard Ludique— 128 avenue de St-Ouen - 75018 Paris
The most vintage : the REcyclerie, Ornano station
A few meters from the Porte de Clignancourt metro, the former Ornano station is getting a new lease on life! Now the REcyclerie, this "an eco-responsible third party" which opened its doors in 2014, is a small haven for greenery at the gates of Paris. Its concept is to honor DIY (Do It Yourself) and other best practices in daily life to be more green.
Explore the REcyclerie and discover an eco-responsible canteen, a trendy bar and an urban farm where you can practise gardening. The theme is eco-friendly leisure with programming focused on recovery and recycling.
- La Recyclerie — 83 boulevard Ornano - 75018 Paris
The most jazzy : the Pont de Flandres station
Since 2017, the former Pont de Flandres railway station has been transformed into a friendly jazz bistro, offering a varied and specialized program. Plainly called "La Gare", the former hole-in-the-wall called "La Gare aux Gorilles" is now based on a simple concept: "offer free jazz concerts to inspire smiles every night."
With 2,000 m2 (21527 ft2) of terraces and gardens, a concert hall with a capacity of 300 people and drinks available at very affordable prices (1€ per coffee and 2,60€ for a demi-tasse), the station has everything it needs to attract a very eclectic clientele. FYI: every evening, the station offers a free jazz concert.
- La Gare - 1, avenue Corentin Cariou - 75019 Paris
The most clubb-y : the Mines station
The Station, located just a stone's throw from the Porte d'Aubervilliers, has become one of the trendiest spots in the capital, and a reference of the Parisian alternative scene, attracting night revellers from all horizons. Inaugurated in 2015, the former mining station has been transformed into a huge open-air stage with a dance floor, container bars, food trucks and a space exhibition in the basement to showcase the artists of the moment. Opened by the MU collective, the Station offers a program as rich and varied as its and eclectic: visual arts workshops, conferences & round tables, cinema and more.
- La Station — 29 avenue de la Porte d’Aubervilliers - 75018 Paris
The finest - Passy La Muette station
Transformed into a restaurant in the 1990s, the Passy La Muette station has become a must-see of the 16th arrondissement. Since its reopening in 2019, Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio has been at the helm. This refined place, with Mediterranean and Latin inspirations, reflects his cuisine: lively and colorful. The interior designer Laura Gonzales has totally rethought the decoration of the place, taking inspiration from the theme of travel and of cultural fusion. A chic spot, which has retained its railway soul, the DNA of the neighborhood—and also one of the most beautiful terraces in Paris!
- Restaurant La Gare — 19 chaussée de la Muette, 75016 Paris
The most cultural : le Poinçon at Montrouge
The old Montrouge-Ceinture station is getting a makeover! Freshly inaugurated, this bastion of life and culture is the new trendy spot in the 14th district. The initiators of this project: Renaud Barillet and Fabrice Martinez, who already claim La Bellevilloise cultural center to their credit. In this "contemporary space with a warm and welcoming décor." you can eat and drink and discover a palette of artists. In short, it's a festive and cultural place which offers a rich and varied program with exhibitions, talkbacks, concerts and so much more.
- Le Poinçon Avenue du Général Leclerc - 75014 Paris
Other ongoing projects
The Paris City Hall taking back the Little Belt! The development of more than 6.5 km (4 miles) of stations is planned in 2020, an area of 16 hectares of green spaces that will be open to the public. Among the projects in progres:
- Rehabilitation of the Old Masséna station (13th arrondissement)
- "Georges Brassens station" (15th arrondissement)
- A portion between the Bel Air villa and rue des Meuniers (12th arrondissement)
- A section between Place de Wagram and rue de Saussure (17th arrondissement)
Find out more :
- [Prepare your trip to Paris] (https://www.parisinfo.com/ "Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de Paris")
By Fatima Haim
A freelance journalist with a passion for culture, always ready to explore new horizons!
