Park & nature · Quinze-Vingts
Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont
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The Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont, also known as the Promenade Plantee, is a pioneering elevated park built on the old Vincennes railway viaduct. Stretching 4.5 kilometers from the Bastille area to the Bois de Vincennes, it features a lush walkway lined with roses, bamboo, and ivy, with the lower level housing the Viaduc des Arts, a series of artisan workshops and galleries. Visitors can stroll above the streets of the 12th arrondissement, enjoying unique perspectives of Parisian rooftops and tree-lined avenues. The park is a peaceful escape from city bustle, with benches, water features, and sections that dip into gardens. It inspired New York's High Line and remains a beloved spot for joggers, families, and those seeking quiet greenery. The experience is distinctly Parisian, blending urban life with nature in a way that feels both historic and modern.
Don't miss
- Walk the full 4.5 km from Opera Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes
- Browse artisan workshops in the Viaduc des Arts beneath the park
- Admire the rose garden and bamboo groves along the route
- Spot the unique views of Parisian rooftops and the Montparnasse Tower
- Relax in the Jardin de Reuilly, a sunken garden section of the park
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont
You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inEternelle Notre Dame: Notre-Dame Virtual Reality Tour4.3★ · 53 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$6 per personSee dates →
Most bookedMontmartre Hill French Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour4.8★ · 2,709 travelers3-4 hoursFrom$140 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleMontmartre Tour Paris5★ · 35 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$131 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Getting there
Know before you go
- The park closes at dusk; check sunset times to avoid being locked in.
- Wear comfortable shoes, the full walk is 4.5 km with no shortcuts.
- The Viaduc des Arts shops are open Tuesday–Sunday, typically 11am–7pm.
- Public toilets are available near the Jardin de Reuilly and at the Bastille end.
A bit of history
Opened in 1993, the Coulee Verte was one of the first elevated parks in the world, transforming a disused 19th-century railway viaduct into a public green space. The viaduct itself dates from 1859, part of the line connecting Paris to Vincennes.
Common questions
Is the Coulee Verte dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are allowed on leashes throughout the park.
Can I bike on the promenade?
Bicycles are not permitted on the elevated section, but you can walk your bike. The ground-level paths in the Bois de Vincennes are bike-friendly.
Are there food stalls or cafes along the route?
There are no permanent cafes on the park itself, but several cafés and bakeries are nearby on Avenue Daumesnil.
Is the park crowded?
It can be busy on weekends and sunny afternoons, but it's generally less crowded than central Paris parks like the Tuileries.
How does it compare to the High Line in New York?
The Coulee Verte is older (opened 1993) and feels more rustic, with a narrower path and more varied plantings. It's less commercialized than the High Line.
Can I access the park from the Bastille end?
Yes, the western entrance is near the Opera Bastille, at the intersection of Rue de Lyon and Avenue Daumesnil.
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