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In Paris, this forgotten old station has turned into a secret restaurant

undefined undefined 13 février 2026 undefined 18h00

The Editor

@ Poincon Paris

Tucked away in the 14th arrondissement, this historic Petite Ceinture station has lived a thousand lives before coming back to life in a totally unexpected way. Abandoned for decades, the Montrouge-Ceinture station is now home to Poinçon, a unique and timeless restaurant that’s still largely unknown to Parisians.

Inaugurated in 1867 during the World's Fair, the Montrouge-Ceinture station was part of the legendary Petite Ceinture network, one of the first circular railways in Paris. By the end of the 19th century, it played a key role in helping Parisians get around, connecting neighborhoods well before the metro arrived.

But in 1934, passenger traffic came to a halt. While a few trains occasionally continued to run, the station gradually lost its primary function. Throughout the 20th century, it hosted various businesses, before slipping into obscurity. In the 2000s, the building was even threatened with demolition. It took the mobilization of local residents and the neighborhood council to save this precious piece of Parisian heritage.


The Unexpected Renaissance of a Historic Place

After several years of contemplation, an ambitious transformation project finally takes shape in the 2010s. In 2019, the station is reborn under a new identity: Poinçon, a cultural and dining space that preserves the spirit of the place while grounding it in the Paris of today.

The restaurant now occupies nearly 400 m² completely renovated, featuring a stunning 250 m² terrace that overlooks the Petite Ceinture. It offers a spectacular setting, almost suspended in time. The name Poinçon gives a playful nod to the tool that was once used to punch train tickets. Here, it’s not tickets that get stamped, but rather delightful seasonal dishes.


A must-visit hidden gem!

On the culinary side, Poinçon focuses on fresh ingredients and a menu that changes with the seasons: beet tart for starters, yellow pollock fillet or knife sausage for the main course, and an ultra-indulgent chocolate mousse for dessert… This place is delightful to enjoy whether it’s lunchtime, dinner, or Sunday brunch.

But Poinçon is much more than just a restaurant. Concerts, exhibitions, cultural events: the old train station has become a truly vibrant gathering place, open to everyone. A perfect spot for an original evening or to impress your partner on Valentine's Day, away from the usual crowded places.