Paris’s Hidden Railway Park

Discover the Green Heart of Paris

“The earth has music for those who listen” – George Santayana

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

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The “Chemin de Fer de Petite Ceinture” ring railroad was a 32 km long line that circumnavigated Paris and connected the stations 1852 - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:

• Paris’s Hidden Railway Park

• Experience: - Hop on and off in Paris

• Around The Web: How and Where to Celebrate Bastille Day, The Free Artists' Squat; The Loire’s Timeless Heart and more

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Calais lighthouse in the north of France

• Mange: Traditional French-Style Peppercorn Sauce

• Xtra: The Forgotten Railway of Paris – Life Along the Petite Ceinture

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Paris’s Hidden Railway Park

The Petite Ceinture in Paris is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique, green escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This former railway line, now a lush path surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, stretches around the city within the boulevards des Maréchaux. Opened to walkers in various sections since 2007, it is home to more than 200 plant species and 70 animal species. Former stations along the route have been repurposed into cultural venues, bars, and restaurants. Visitors can access the Petite Ceinture from multiple points across different arrondissements, with sections suitable for people with reduced mobility. The walk provides a peaceful journey through Paris’ lesser-known, rural past, offering spectacular views and a quiet respite, all while exploring a historic and ecological treasure. Don't miss out on this enchanting, off-the-beaten-path experience!

The site of the abandoned ring railroad (ft. la petite ceinture) - Shutterstock

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Make sightseeing in the French capital easy with a Big Bus tour of Paris. Enjoy the convenience of hop-on hop-off access at any stop along the route, and soak in the views from an open-top, double-decker bus. See sights like the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge cabaret club, and the iconic Eiffel Tower as you listen to informative audio-commentary, available in various languages.

Read more about Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise -

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Around The Web

How and Where to Celebrate Bastille Day

Bastille Day in France is a national holiday marking the Storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789, a major event in the French Revolution. Formally known in French as Fête nationale française (French National Celebration), it is celebrated on July 14 each year

The Free Artists' Squat

The Marais district, at once chic and avant-garde, a little chill and a little offbeat, is one of those Parisian spots that makes everyone agree. It takes us to the heart of a laid-back, trendy Paris, and shares with us the atmospheres that contribute to the capital's folklore

The Parc des Buttes Chaumont

The Parc des Buttes Chaumont, in north-east Paris, is one of the largest green spaces in Paris (25 hectares) and one of the most original. It was built on quarries, which explains its steepness and impressive gradient. It is very hilly, offering great views over the capital, particularly over the Montmartre district

Where To Find the Sinking House of Paris

Over the past year, Instagram has inspired travel to new places, like Cinque Terre, and even prompted me to explore parts of cities I’d already visited. During research for a recent trip to Paris, I came across a photo of the "sinking house" – an optical illusion I had walked past several times

A Cannonball Stuck in The Wall of Hotel de Sens

Walking through the streets of the Marais district in Paris, you might stumble upon a curious sight on the facade of the Hôtel de Sens: a cannonball embedded in its stone wall, just above an inscription that reads 28 Juillet 1830

The Loire’s Timeless Heart

The Loire Valley is more than a scenic stretch of France—it’s a storybook brought to life. Here, castles rise above gentle rivers, tapestries tell tales of intrigue, and medieval towns still hum with market day chatter. It’s where Joan of Arc heard her calling, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, and where French royalty left behind legacies of grandeur and tragedy. This region rewards the curious. From vineyards that once served kings to turreted châteaux that look straight out of a fairytale, every turn offers a glimpse into France’s most elegant past. Whether you’re exploring ancient cathedrals or sipping wine by the river, the Loire’s quiet beauty lingers long after the journey ends

Loire Valley, Chenonceau Castle reflected in the River Cher at sunset in Touraine region - Shutterstock

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

From Social Media

Calais lighthouse in the north of France

Mange

Traditional French-Style Peppercorn Sauce

Xtra

The Forgotten Railway of Paris – Life Along the Petite Ceinture

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