Paris Launches Its First Urban Cable Car Near the French Capital

Paris and its surrounding region have taken a major step toward modern urban mobility with the inauguration of the first urban cable car system in the French capital’s region. The new transport link aims to improve connectivity for underserved southeastern suburbs while offering a faster, cost-effective alternative to traditional transit infrastructure.

Gondolas Take to the Skies Over Paris Suburbs

On December 13, gondolas were seen gliding above the cityscape in the southeastern outskirts of Paris as officials formally unveiled the C1 cable car line in Limeil-Brevannes. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Valerie Pecresse, president of the Ile-de-France region, along with the mayors of towns connected by the new line.

The project marks a significant milestone for suburban commuters who have long struggled with limited access to metro and rail networks.

Route Details and Connectivity

4.5-Kilometre Line Linking Key Suburbs

The 4.5-kilometre cable car route connects Creteil to Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, passing through Limeil-Brevannes and Valenton. These areas previously relied heavily on road transport and buses due to the absence of direct metro or rail links.

The cable car connects isolated neighbourhoods to Paris Metro Line 8, significantly improving daily commuting options for residents.

Faster Commute for Daily Passengers

The full journey takes 18 minutes, including station stops. By comparison, the same trip would take around 40 minutes by bus or car, especially during peak traffic hours. Travel on the cable car requires a standard bus ticket or Paris metro travel pass, making it easily accessible to regular commuters.

Capacity, Safety, and Design Features

Passenger Capacity and Daily Usage

The cable car system is designed to carry approximately 11,000 passengers per day using 105 gondolas. Each cabin can accommodate ten seated passengers, ensuring steady flow during peak hours.

Accessibility and Safety Measures

Each gondola has been designed with inclusivity and safety in mind. Cabins can carry wheelchairs, bicycles, and strollers, making the service accessible to people with reduced mobility and families.

Inside each cabin, video surveillance systems and emergency call buttons have been installed, supported by on-ground staff at every station to ensure passenger safety.

A Cost-Effective Alternative to Metro Expansion

€138 Million Project Cost

Officials confirmed that the cable car project cost 138 million euros, making it significantly cheaper than building a new subway line.

Gregoire de Lasteyrie, vice-president of the Ile-de-France regional council in charge of transport, explained the financial constraints clearly:
"An underground metro would never have seen the light of day because the budget of more than billion euros could never have been financed."

Years of Planning and Local Engagement

Valerie Pecresse described the development process as "a 10-year obstacle course", highlighting the challenges involved in securing funding and public approval.

She added:
"We had to find the funding, convince local residents. For the inhabitants of Val-de-Marne, it's a sign of consideration."

Public Response and Local Impact

Residents Welcome Improved Transport

Local residents have welcomed the new transport option, especially those affected by daily traffic congestion.

Salimatou Bah, a 52-year-old resident of Limeil-Brevannes, said:
"This is a great step forward in terms of transportation. The roads are often congested in the morning."

Officials acknowledged initial concerns about public acceptance but expressed confidence in long-term adoption:
"We wondered if people would be hesitant, but I think it just takes a little time to adapt."

Addressing Urban Transport Gaps

Metin Yavuz, mayor of Valenton, described the cable car as a response to "urban divides", saying the connected neighbourhoods were "lacking in terms of public transport."

Cable Cars: A Growing Urban Transport Solution in France

Seventh Urban Cable Car in the Country

The Paris-region cable car is France’s seventh urban cable car, joining existing systems in cities such as Brest, Saint-Denis de La Reunion, and Toulouse.

France’s first urban cable car was built in Grenoble in 1934, at the foothills of the Alps. The city’s iconic cable car cabins, often called “bubbles,” have since become one of its most recognisable symbols.

A young local resident, Ibrahim Bamba, 20, summed up the experience humorously:
"It's like skiing!"
Valerie Pecresse echoed the sentiment, saying:
"It's the Alps on the Marne!"

Safety Record of Cable Car Transport

Cable cars are widely regarded as one of the safest modes of transport in the world. In France, the last fatal cable car accident occurred in 1999, in the Hautes-Alpes, when 20 people lost their lives. Since then, safety standards and monitoring systems have continued to improve significantly.