The Coulée Verte René-Dumont is a 4.5 km linear park and elevated walkway built along the route of the former Vincennes railway line in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, Île-de-France. Opened in 1993, it was among the earliest examples globally of converting a disused rail viaduct into a public greenway — predating New York's High Line by more than 15 years. The trail is also widely known by its earlier name, the Promenade Plantée, before being renamed in honour of French environmentalist René Dumont in 2013. The western starting point is Place de la Bastille, served by Métro lines 1, 5, and 8. The route ends at the edge of the Bois de Vincennes, served by Bus 46 or a short walk from Métro line 1 at Nation. No admission charge applies at any point. The elevated section, known as the Viaduc des Arts, carries the walkway 8 to 10 metres above street level for the first 1.5 km, passing above a series of artisan workshops and craft galleries housed in the brick arches beneath. The walkway then descends gradually to street level and continues as a landscaped ground-level path through a series of small parks, sunken gardens, and residential green corridors. The entire route is paved or timber-decked, fully flat, and requires no specialist footwear. Drinking fountains are available in the ground-level sections east of the Jardin de Reuilly. The Jardin de Reuilly — a large formal garden at the mid-point — provides open lawns, a pond, a shaded amphitheatre, and public toilets. Running on the trail is popular with local residents throughout the year. Access to the elevated viaduct section from street level is via staircases and lifts located at regular intervals along Avenue Daumesnil. The walkway closes at dusk each day, with exact times varying by season.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- 12th arrondissement, Paris
- Best season
- Year-round; spring blossom (April–May) is spectacular
What to bring
- Comfortable walking or running shoes
- No specialist equipment needed
Location
Start: Jardin de Reuilly, 75012 Paris (or Opéra Bastille end: Place de la Bastille, 75012)
48.8491, 2.4006 View on map
Highlights
- Elevated walkway above Paris rooftops — one of the world's first disused railway viaduct-to-greenway conversions
- Viaduc des Arts arches housing craft workshops and art galleries at street level, open Tuesday to Saturday
- Jardin de Reuilly mid-route park with lawned amphitheatre, ornamental pond, and shaded seating
- Spring blossom along the viaduct (April to May) — roses, wisteria, and ornamental cherry in full bloom
- Fully car-free 4.5 km route connecting Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes without a single road crossing
Tips for visiting
- Enter the elevated section via the staircase on Avenue Daumesnil just east of Place de la Bastille — the entrance is easy to miss at street level
- Walk west-to-east (Bastille to Vincennes) in morning hours for the best light; east-to-west suits afternoon walks
- The Viaduc des Arts galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday; a mid-week visit allows browsing the artisan workshops below
- Running the route on weekday mornings avoids the weekend tourist and stroller traffic that builds by mid-morning
- The elevated section gates close at dusk — check current hours on the Mairie de Paris website before a late-afternoon visit
When to visit
Spring (April to May) is the most scenic time to walk the Coulée Verte, when the planted viaduct gardens are in full bloom with roses, wisteria, and ornamental trees. Autumn (October to November) brings warm foliage colour. The trail is walkable and enjoyable year-round, and is a popular lunchtime route for Paris residents throughout the year.
Accessibility
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont is largely wheelchair and pushchair accessible. The ground-level sections from the Jardin de Reuilly eastward are fully flat and paved. Lifts provide access to the elevated viaduct section from street level at several points along Avenue Daumesnil. A small number of sections include steps without lift alternatives; visitors with mobility impairments should consult the Mairie de Paris accessibility map for the most current bypass routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Coulée Verte René-Dumont the same as the Promenade Plantée?
Yes. The Coulée Verte René-Dumont was originally named the Promenade Plantée when it opened in 1993. It was renamed in 2013 in honour of René Dumont, a French environmentalist and politician. Both names refer to the same elevated greenway between Bastille and Vincennes.
Can I run or cycle on the Coulée Verte?
Running is permitted and popular throughout the route. Cycling is not allowed on the elevated viaduct section, but cyclists can use ground-level alternatives along Avenue Daumesnil. The Bois de Vincennes end connects to an extensive cycling path network within the park.
How long does it take to walk the full length?
The 4.5 km route takes 1 to 1.5 hours walking at a comfortable pace, including brief pauses for views and garden sections. Runners typically complete the route in approximately 30 minutes.
Are there toilets along the route?
Public toilets are available at the Jardin de Reuilly mid-route and at the Bois de Vincennes end of the trail. There are no toilet facilities on the elevated viaduct section itself.
Is the Coulée Verte free to enter?
Yes. Access to the full trail is free of charge at all times, including the Viaduc des Arts elevated section and the Jardin de Reuilly. The artisan workshops and galleries in the arches below the viaduct are independent businesses with their own hours and entry policies.