Get in touch with nature in the Petite Ceinture and the Parc Montsouris

How about making the most of your holiday in Paris by staying at the Hotel Sophie Germain? Right now we won’t tell you about the excellent services and amenities we have awaiting you. Instead, we’ll let you know about a couple of places we recommend highly. You might like to take the opportunity to discover how nature has reclaimed a former railway line, so that today the Petite Ceinture de Paris is a preserve for rare species! Then you can continue communing with nature in the lovely surroundings of the Parc Montsouris, which is intersected by a stretch of the aforementioned Petite Ceinture.

From railway to linear park

Despite having a name that tends to minimise its scope, the Petite Ceinture (Little Belt) was once a railway system that was anything but small. This double-track railway line passed through the Boulevards des Maréchaux to serve the whole of Paris, effectively looping around the city. The system was established in the mid-19^th century, when the need arose for an efficient means of transporting goods and passengers around the capital. Last used in 1934, the rails, cuttings and embankments of the Petite Ceinture have since been invaded by a rich biodiversity, combining two hundred plant species with nearly a hundred animal species. But it wasn’t until 2007 that a first section of 1,500 metres was officially opened to the public in the 16^th arrondissement, between the Gare de la Muette and the Porte d’Auteuil. Six years later, another 1.5 km portion was made accessible to walkers, this one having an entrance at 99 Rue Olivier des Serres. Then, in 2015, the section of trackway between the Jardin Moulin de la Pointe and the Jardin Charles Trenet was also made officially accessible to visitors looking for an unusual experience in Paris. Search out this green linear park and be embraced by its tranquil charm.

The Parc Montsouris, an alluring green space

While still remaining in the domain of nature, the Parc Montsouris, a large, urban public park, offers a different type of greenery. Recognised as one of the most imposing and lovely green spaces in Paris, it has plenty to offer those who choose to explore its 15.5 hectares of beauty. Chances are you'll be utterly seduced! Opened in 1869, during the Second Empire reign of Napoleon III, its proximity to the Cité Universitaire made it a favourite place for students. Today it is as popular as ever due to its numerous charms, including a wealth of superb sculptures in bronze and marble, a lake that is home to a variety of water fowl and whose smooth waters soothe the spirit, and a collection of more than 1,400 well-established trees, some of which have passed their first century! So, if you’re in the mood for a little relaxation, the dappled shade of the trees and the soft grass of the lawns offer an invitation to nap that’s hard to resist. Or if you prefer to indulge in a snack or a meal after a few hours of exploring the park, the Restaurant Pavillon Montsouris will serve you some carefully prepared specialties. And if you’re lucky enough to visit the Parc Montsouris before September, why not enjoy one of the free concerts on the bandstand?

Photo Credit : Mbzt

Hôtel Sophie Germain *** Paris Rive Gauche