Sentier des Merisiers, trail in Paris, France
The Sentier des Merisiers is a narrow pedestrian path in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, stretching about 100 meters with a width of just 1 meter, winding through the Bel-Air neighborhood. The trail connects Boulevard Soult to Rue du Niger and is lined with small houses, gardens, and old walls.
The path was established around 1857 and formally became part of Paris in 1863 when the city incorporated the nearby village of Saint-Mandé. Until the 1980s, it remained poorly lit at night and was considered unsafe, until improved lighting was installed.
The path takes its name possibly from wild cherry trees that once grew here or from an old place name on historical maps. Today, locals and visitors appreciate this hidden corner for its quiet character and the sense of discovery it offers within the neighborhood.
The path is easily accessible by tram line 3a, which stops at Alexandra David-Néel station and connects to other parts of the city. A walk through takes just a few minutes since the path is only 100 meters long, making it suitable for a brief stop or photography.
This is one of the narrowest paths in Paris, measuring just 87 centimeters in some sections, making the walk a tight squeeze. The confinement is enhanced by old buildings and hidden gardens behind the houses that give the place a secret quality.
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