Coulée Verte René-Dumont (Promenade Plantée)

An elevated tree-lined walkway on a former railway viaduct, the leafy 1990s Paris predecessor to New York's High Line. Free, calm, and a lovely escape from the crowds. A friend sends you for a quiet stroll. Caveat: it's a walk, not a 'sight,' and pretty rather than spectacular.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is it the same as the New York High Line?

It's the original inspiration, actually, Paris did it first, in 1993, more than a decade before New York's High Line. It's greener and more garden-like, less design-magazine polished.

What exactly is the Coulée Verte?

It's a 4.7km elevated linear park built on a disused 19th-century railway viaduct in the 12th arrondissement, opened in 1993. It runs from near Bastille toward the Bois de Vincennes, mostly above street level.

Is it free?

Yes, completely free, it's a public Paris park. Hours shift by season, opening at 8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends, and closing anywhere from dusk in winter to 9:30pm in high summer.

Is it worth going out of my way for?

If you love parks and quiet corners, yes; if you're chasing headline sights, it's a nice-to-have rather than a must. It pairs perfectly with a visit to the nearby Bastille and Marais.

How long does it take to walk?

The full length is about 45 minutes to an hour one way at a stroll. Many people just do the elevated Bastille-to-Daumesnil section, which is the prettiest part, in 30 minutes.

Where should I start?

Start at the western end near Bastille/Opéra Bastille for the elevated viaduct section, and walk east. That way you get the best stretch first and can bail whenever you like.

Is it crowded?

Refreshingly no, it's mostly locals jogging and strolling, even in summer. That calm is exactly the appeal after a morning fighting Louvre crowds.

What's underneath it?

The Viaduc des Arts, where the old railway arches now house artisan workshops and design boutiques. Walk the greenway up top, then browse the craft studios at street level on the way back.

Nearby in Ask Paris

• Le Train BleuRestaurant0.37 km · 5 min walk
• Marché d'AligreMarket0.58 km · 7 min walk
• Le Baron RougeBar0.6 km · 8 min walk
• BofingerRestaurant0.72 km · 9 min walk
• MoonshinerBar0.88 km · 11 min walk