Coulée Verte René-Dumont

Everyone has heard of the New York High Line; but many do not know that Paris was the original inspiration for that project. The Coulée Verte René-Dumont opened in 1993, earning the title of the world's first elevated park. This green corridor, built on an abandoned railway line, has since become both a part of Parisians' daily lives and a hidden gem for visitors wanting to see the city from a different perspective.

Although the park's official name is Coulée Verte René-Dumont, it is also known as Promenade Plantée. The route starts from Bastille and extends approximately 4.7 km to areas near Bois de Vincennes. You don't have to walk the entire line; you can descend at any point and take a break at neighborhood cafes.

The best time to visit the park is during April and May. During this period, rose bushes, lavender, and seasonal flowers bloom along the route, turning the walk into almost a botanical tour. In October-November, the yellow-orange leaf tones create a different atmosphere.

During the summer months, the park can be quite crowded. If you want a quiet experience, come before noon on a weekday. On weekends, especially the Bastille side, it is bustling with runners and families.

The most practical option is to take Metro line 1 or 5 and get off at Bastille station. After exiting the station, follow Avenue Daumesnil; you will see the stairs leading up to the top of the Viaduc des Arts. Alternatively, you can take RER A to Gare de Lyon and walk from there. If you come by car, paid parking is available nearby, but public transport is much easier.

The classic route is to walk east from Bastille. In the first section, you pass over the Viaduc des Arts; this part is the most iconic section of the park and the most productive area for photography. After about 1.5 km, the route descends to ground level and connects to the Jardin de Reuilly. This is also a pleasant resting spot for families with children.

If you don't want to walk the entire line, after completing the Viaduc des Arts section, you can descend to Daumesnil Avenue and browse the workshops and galleries on the ground floor of the Viaduc des Arts. This way, you can plan a compact visit of about 45 minutes.

The best photo spot in the park is the first 500-meter section over the Viaduc des Arts. Here, Paris rooftops and the Bastille Opera appear in the background. Around 9:00 AM, the light comes directly, and the play of shadows and light yields beautiful results.

Further along the route, narrow tunnel passages and paths surrounded by greenery offer different composition opportunities. The blooming sections in spring are ideal for macro photography.

There are small cafes in the arch spaces of the Viaduc des Arts, just below the park. Along Avenue Daumesnil, there are also brasserie and bistro options. If you are looking for a more comprehensive meal, the restaurants around Bastille Square cater to every budget.

There is also a small cafe near the Jardin de Reuilly in the middle of the park; a good spot to take a break in the middle of your walk. For those who want to picnic, there are seating areas in some parts of the park.

The entire park is not a flat line; there are stairs and ramp transitions in some sections. It may be difficult to navigate the entire line with a wheelchair or stroller. Although elevators are available at certain points along the route, access is not guaranteed throughout the entire line.

As it is a popular route for runners, pedestrians are expected to walk on the right side during busy hours. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Opening hours may vary by season, so confirm from an official source before visiting.