Treat yourself to a green stroll in the heart of Paris on the Coulée Verte René Dumont, formerly known as the Promenade Plantée, a free elevated linear park built on an abandoned railway line. Picturesque and charming, it offers many delightful surprises along the way.
A new life for an old railway line
The Coulée Verte René Dumont (René Dumont green corridor) begins behind the Opéra Bastille. Situated in the east of Paris, it crosses the city’s 12th arrondissement via an obsolete railway infrastructure that has linked the Place de la Bastille (current location of the Opera) to the Varenne-Saint-Maur since 1859. Just over 4.5 km long, this green beltway is comprised of alternating stretches of wild vegetation and contemporary landscaping. Designed by architect Philippe Mathieux and landscaper Jacques Vergely, this elongated green space has been a much-loved part of the city since 1993 and is a great place for casual strolling, sporting activities and relaxation.
An enchanting journey through an extraordinary park...
The route of the Coulée Verte René Dumont takes you from its start at 44 Rue de Lyon to the Bois de Vincennes. This scenic path passes over viaducts and bridges, below street level and through tunnels, taking you high and low. You’ll find a shopping area in the Allée Vivaldi before reaching the Porte Dorée, the Bois de Vincennes and the park’s terminus in the Square Charles Peguy urban park. In the Avenue Daumesnil, you’ll find yourself level with the foliage of the surrounding trees and privy to intriguing architectural elements of the nearby buildings that can’t be seen from below. This incredible walk lined with climbing plants, a multitude of trees and flowers, fountains and waterfalls reveals at various places along the way some unique panoramas of the 12th arrondissement!
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Crédit photo : Coulée Verte René Dumont © Paris Tourist Office - Photographe © Studio TTG
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