Jardin d'Acclimatation railway

The Jardin d'Acclimatation railway is a narrow-gauge train line that travels about eight hundred meters through the Bois de Boulogne. The track connects Porte Maillot to the Jardin d'Acclimatation, carrying passengers on a slow, gentle journey through the woodland park.

Paul Decauville built this railway during the 1878 Paris World Exhibition, making it France's first passenger narrow-gauge line. This opened a new chapter for transportation innovation in the country.

This small railway has become a cherished family outing in Paris, where visitors of all ages enjoy the gentle journey through greenery. The ride feels like a step back in time, offering a simple pleasure that locals return to year after year.

Electric trains run daily during the garden's opening hours, maintaining a top speed of fifteen kilometers per hour for comfortable observation. This gentle pace lets passengers see the park at leisure without missing any details.

The track width measures only fifty centimeters, making it one of Europe's narrowest railways in operation. This miniature gauge allows the train to wind through tight passages of the park that standard railways could never navigate.

Location: 16th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1878

Official opening: 1878

Website: https://jardindacclimatation.fr/attractions/le-petit-train

GPS coordinates: 48.87803,2.26888

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45