Paris is no longer limited to traditional tourist routes. Many guests at the Hotel Montcalm—whether on a business trip or a leisure stay—are now seeking exceptional green spaces to maintain their morning or evening exercise routines. Located right next to the major thoroughfares in southern and western Paris, the Petite Ceinture de Paris stands out as a remarkable alternative to the city’s concrete streets: a former railway promenade converted into an ecological corridor completely sheltered from automobile traffic.

Construction of the Petite Ceinture began in 1852 with the opening of its first section in Batignolles; it is a 32.5-kilometer railway line that circles the heart of Paris. Its original purpose was to connect Paris’s major terminal stations to facilitate the transport of goods during the Industrial Revolution.

Starting in 1862, the line opened its network to passengers and enjoyed great popularity until the early 20th century. However, the emergence and rapid growth of the Paris Metro beginning in 1903, combined with competition from the Grande Ceinture, led to a gradual decline in ridership. Passenger service was permanently discontinued in 1934, while freight service continued on a limited basis until the early 1990s.

For several decades, the disused tracks have gradually been taken over by wild vegetation and a unique biodiversity. Still owned by SNCF Réseau, the line has been the subject of agreements with the City of Paris since the 2000s. Today, it is gradually being transformed into ecological walking trails open to the public and cultural hubs located in its former stations (such as La REcyclerie, Le Hasard Ludique, Poinçon, and Voie 15).

A Green Escape from Parisian Traffic

For runners, Paris’s Petite Ceinture offers unique advantages in an urban setting:

A 100% safe, pedestrian-only route: Sometimes running on a viaduct overlooking the streets, sometimes through a green tunnel, the path is completely separated from vehicular traffic, eliminating unnecessary stops at traffic lights.
A preserved natural environment: Nature has reclaimed the area over nearly sixty years, creating a biodiversity reserve with more than 170 plant species and a rich urban fauna.
A varied surface: Alternating between stabilized soil, soft gravel, wooden walkways, and grassy areas, the route is easier on the joints than traditional Parisian asphalt.

2 km of Foulées Continues

Located about ten minutes south of the Hôtel Montcalm, the 15th arrondissement section (PC15) is the longest and smoothest stretch of the entire Petite Ceinture.

Unprecedented continuity thanks to the tunnel’s renovation

Originally opened in 2013 along a 1.3-kilometer stretch between Place Balard and Rue Olivier-de-Serres, the section in the 15th arrondissement has reached a major milestone with the safety upgrades and opening of the 300-meter-long rail tunnel located beneath Rue Olivier-de-Serres. This achievement now provides a seamless connection between the Balard/Olivier-de-Serres area to the west and the Dantzig/Brancion area to the east. Runners now have a continuous 2-kilometer-long route that directly connects Place Balard (near André-Citroën Park) to Georges-Brassens Park.

Access Points and Measured Route

According to the official list of municipal parks and gardens, the walking trail has several strategic access points, making it easy to start from any hotel in the area:

Entrance at Place Balard / Rue Leblanc (across from No. 84 or 105) – The closest entrance to our hotel. Equipped with stairs and an elevator (accessible to people with reduced mobility).
Entrance at Rue Desnouettes (across from No. 75 or 82) – Accessible via a former railroad ramp with an elevator.
Access via Rue de Vaugirard (Nos. 397ter–399) – Located near the former Vaugirard-Ceinture train station.
Access via Rue Olivier-de-Serres (Nos. 99–101) – Equipped with stairs and an elevator.
Access via Rue de Dantzig / Parc Georges-Brassens (No. 47) – Near the apiary and the park’s vineyards.

A complete round trip along the western section (from Place Balard to Rue Olivier-de-Serres) covers a distance of approximately 2.7 kilometers. At a moderate pace, expect the walk to take between 16 and 22 minutes.

The 5 km Combined Route: The “Grand Tour of the 15th”

For hotel guests wishing to take a complete 5-kilometer loop that combines historic sites, the Seine, and green spaces, the City of Paris’s sports department has developed a tried-and-true route that connects the two largest parks in the arrondissement.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Course

Start (Mirabeau Bridge & Port de Javel): The route begins on the Mirabeau Bridge, follows the Seine along the Port de Javel for about 500 meters, and then enters André-Citroën Park.
Crossing André-Citroën Park: The diagonal crossing of the park features a gentle incline that’s ideal for cardio training, with plenty of water fountains available to cool off.
Junction with the Petite Ceinture (PC15): Upon exiting the park at Place Balard, you’ll climb the steps to reach the elevated Petite Ceinture. The run continues over Rue Lecourbe, Rue Desnouettes, and Rue de Vaugirard in an elevated, sun-drenched setting.
Georges-Brassens Park & Final Santé: At the exit of the underpass on Rue Olivier-de-Serres, the route opens up into the wooded setting of Georges-Brassens Park. Leaving the park to the north via Rue des Morillons, you’ll reach Square du Clos-Feuquières, which features a new street workout area—perfect for your final stretching session.

Route Characteristics	Hiking & Technical Data
Total distance	5.0 km
Elevation gain	39 meters
Pedestrian crossings	Only 2 crossings along the entire route
Surface Materials	Asphalt (along the Seine), grass (in parks), stabilized gravel (Petite Ceinture)
Highlights	A sense of security at heights, lush greenery everywhere, a dedicated stretching area

Practical Recommendations for Runners

To ensure an optimal experience that respects the site, here is the essential information compiled by the Association Sauvegarde Petite Ceinture (ASPCRF).

Seasonal Opening Hours

Access to the Petite Ceinture is subject to the official opening hours of the City of Paris’s parks and gardens. The gates open at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and at 9:00 a.m. (or 9:30 a.m., depending on the entrance) on weekends and holidays.

Season / Period	Hours (Weekdays)	Hours (Weekends)	Closing Time
Winter (Oct. 25 – Feb. 28)	8:00 a.m. / 9:00 a.m.	9:00 a.m. / 9:30 a.m.	4:45 p.m. (15th) / 5:00 p.m. (16th)
Spring / Fall (March & Oct.)	8:00 a.m. / 9:00 a.m.	9:00 a.m. / 9:30 a.m.	6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Summer (May 1 – August 31)	8:00 a.m. / 9:00 a.m.	9:00 a.m. / 9:30 a.m.	Until 8:30 p.m.

Site Rules and Facilities

Etiquette and Courtesy: The Petite Ceinture is an eco-friendly walking path shared with pedestrians and families. It is recommended that you run at a moderate pace and reserve high-intensity interval training for municipal track facilities.
Pets: Dogs are strictly prohibited, even on a leash (under penalty of a fine), with the exception of the designated dog park located above the track in the 16th arrondissement.
Water Stations and Amenities: The City of Paris’s fact sheets note that there are no restrooms or drinking fountains directly along the Petite Ceinture tracks. Runners are advised to bring their own water bottles or use the water stations in nearby parks (André-Citroën or Georges-Brassens).

Recovery and Socializing: The Renovated Stations

One of the unique charms of the Petite Ceinture lies in the transformation of its former passenger stations into community spaces, cafés, and cultural venues.

Voie 15 (15th arrondissement): Housed in the former Vaugirard-Ceinture train station (397 rue de Vaugirard), this restored space features a café-restaurant with a large terrace set up on the old platforms, as well as a coworking space.
Poinçon (14th arrondissement): Located at 124 Avenue du Général-Leclerc in the Montrouge-Ceinture train station, this cultural café welcomes visitors in a carefully preserved historic setting.
Brasserie Auteuil & Restaurant La Gare (16th arrondissement): Located in the former Auteuil-Boulogne (78 rue d’Auteuil) and Passy (19 chaussée de la Muette) train stations, respectively, these establishments offer elegant terraces for a post-race lunch.
Le Hasard Ludique & La REcyclerie (18th arrondissement): Must-visit spots located in the train stations on Avenue de Saint-Ouen and Boulevard Ornano, renowned for their terraces overlooking the tracks and their eco-friendly approach.