Recycling an Abandoned Paris Train Station into an Unconventional Café

La REcylcerie (all photographs by Ophelia Holt)

Located in an abandoned train station on the Petite Ceinture in Paris, La REcyclerie is a unique café which prides itself on being the product of upcycling and eco-friendly endeavors.

La REcyclerie is more than just a café, it’s a concept. Their motto “Réduire, Réutiliser, Recycler” (“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”) is evident in every aspect of their creation. It is very much a “Do It Yourself” approach and a work-in-progress, with many spaces of the recently opened structure not yet complete. The website boasts eight separate spaces, with plans of expanding an urban vegetable garden complete with chickens and goats, and even a bee farm. Home grown produce and honey are only just a portion of what goes on here though, the calendar is jam packed with events ranging from flea markets to children’s art classes to stress relief sessions and birdhouse making. 

It is a refreshing change from the postcard bistros and cafés of Paris, and the interior sticks to the reclaimed feel one gets from walking down the Petite Ceinture itself with plants bursting through the walls and many original railroad features left in all their shabby glory. The food is equally eclectic as the interior, trays of brunch at €22 may seem pricey but with unlimited coffee, a choice of juices and a never-ending plate of food — fear not. My less ambitious stomach went for the tartines and earl grey tea, and it was a pleasant change to get a decent cup of tea and breakfast for as little as €5. The hibiscus juice was wonderfully unusual, the coffee one of the better cups I have had in Paris, and the prices across the board are worth it. I spied a bar on the tracks outside, so I know for sure we will be returning for evening drinks. 

It is the antithesis of all the “Café Au Metros” in Paris, but still conveniently located, right across from Porte de Clignancourt — a perfect place to relax after trawling through Paris’s most famous flea market. 

La REcyclerie is located above the Petite Ceinture at 83 Boulevard Ornano, Paris, right by Métro Porte de Clignancourt.

All photographs by Ophelia Holt. Find more of her explorations on her blog. 

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