An elevated linear park on a converted 19th-century railway viaduct stretching 4.5 km from Bastille (Avenue Daumesnil, 75012) to the Bois de Vincennes. Completely free, entirely traffic-free, and missed by the vast majority of first-time visitors. The viaduct arches below house artisan workshops (Viaduc des Arts). Best on a clear morning.
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont, also known as the Promenade Plantée, is an elevated linear park in Paris's 12th arrondissement that runs about 4.7 kilometres along a former railway viaduct, from near Place de la Bastille at Avenue Daumesnil to the edge of the Bois de Vincennes. The railway line, built in the 1850s to carry trains from Bastille to the eastern suburbs, closed in 1969, and the park opened in stages from 1993, making it the first elevated park in the world and a model for the High Line in New York. Visitors climb stairs or take lifts at several points to a path planted with roses, lavender, bamboo, cherry trees and hedgerows, passing alongside the apartment buildings at eye level with their upper windows. Beneath the viaduct arches, the Viaduc des Arts houses artisan workshops, galleries and furniture makers, which can be browsed from the street. The route passes through the Jardin de Reuilly, where it descends to ground level, and continues as a green walkway toward the Bois de Vincennes. A walk takes one to one and a half hours at a gentle pace, and the path is also used by joggers. The park is quiet by Paris standards, with few tourists, and is calmest on weekday mornings; weekend afternoons are busier with locals. Photographers favour the views down the tree-lined stretch between Bastille and Gare de Lyon, the viaduct arches from the street and the planted tunnels. The park is open during daylight hours and closes at dusk, with times varying by season. Benches line the path for resting, and cafés are nearby on Avenue Daumesnil. The park is named after René Dumont, a landscape architect and agronomist, and the design work was led by the landscape architect Jacques Vergely and the architect Philippe Mathieux. Along the route, the path passes through a tunnel of greenery near Rue de Charenton and runs past modern buildings, including the Opéra Bastille end, before reaching quieter residential streets, and the contrast between the dense city and the planted walkway is a feature of the walk.
| Typical visit | 1–1.5 hours walking; 30 min running |
|---|---|
| Address | Start: Jardin de Reuilly, 75012 Paris (or Opéra Bastille end: Place de la Bastille, 75012) |
Location
Start: Jardin de Reuilly, 75012 Paris (or Opéra Bastille end: Place de la Bastille, 75012)
Highlights
- First elevated linear park in the world, on a former railway viaduct
- Planted path with roses, lavender and bamboo at rooftop level
- Viaduc des Arts workshops under the arches
- Jardin de Reuilly mid-route
- Quiet route toward the Bois de Vincennes
Tips for visiting
- Start from the Bastille end and walk east, or begin at Jardin de Reuilly for a shorter section.
- Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest walk.
- Browse the Viaduc des Arts workshops at street level before or after.
- Note that the park closes at dusk, with seasonal times.
- Bring water, as there are few facilities along the elevated section.
- Cycling is not allowed on the elevated walkway.
When to visit
A clear weekday morning in spring or early summer, when the planting is in bloom and the path is quietest.
Accessibility
The elevated path is flat and suitable for wheelchairs, with lifts at several access points, though some entrances are stairs only. Visitors with reduced mobility should check the lift locations before starting.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the walk take?
About one to one and a half hours at a gentle pace for the full length, or 30 minutes for a short section.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, the car-free path is safe and pleasant for children, though there are stairs at some access points.
Is it free?
Yes, the park is free and open daily during daylight hours.
Where does the park start?
The elevated section begins near the Opéra Bastille on Avenue Daumesnil, with stairs and lifts at several points.