La Coulée Verte de Paris, the unusual and hidden walk from Bastille to Vincennes

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Published by My de Sortiraparis, Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on December 27, 2023 at 10:31 a.m.
Paris's Coulée Verte René-Dumont, formerly known as the Promenade Plantée, is a beautiful, little-known walk for Parisians, taking us on a verdant journey from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes over the Viaduc des Arts. It's an unusual and shady way to discover Paris, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You've heard of Bastille and Vincennes, but what about the Coulée Verte? Did you really think you'd seen it all in Paris? Since you're so keen to discover new things, we'd like to take you on a tour of a beautiful promenade that's often overlooked except by local residents. Head for the 12th arrondissement for a stroll along the Coulée Verte.

La Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à Vincennes

For the record, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, formerly known as the Promenade Plantée, is over 4.7 km long, stretching from theOpéra Bastille to the boulevard périphérique at Porte de Montempoivre (at the junction of boulevard Carnot, avenue Émile-Laurent and rue Édouard-Lartet). The Coulée Verte follows the route of a former railway line, immersing you in a verdant landscape that can even make you forget the hustle and bustle of the capital.

La Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à Vincennes

Here, you'll discover unspoilt wild flora, and you'll love the flower-filled ponds where you can catch a glimpse of the fish that live there.

La Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à Vincennes

On this bucolic path, you'll see a different side of the capital. Here, nature has reclaimed its rights over this relic of the industrial era. From the Opéra Bastille, access the promenade via the rue de Lyon, climbing the stairs leading to the Coulée Verte. But you can also access it a little further along, at the level of the boutiques and artists' studios now housed on the Viaduc. From tulips in spring to roses and jasmine in summer, you'll be seduced by the pretty stroll that presents itself as a garden to be explored.

La Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à Vincennes

You'll pass over the Boulevard Diderot, a major thoroughfare in the 12th arrondissement that was built by Baron Haussmann in 1853 to link the Seine to the Place de la Nation via the Gare de Lyon, but also over the Jardin de Reuilly, where the passageway is transformed into a suspension bridge .

La Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à Vincennes

Along the way, don't miss the chance to discover the works of the street artists who have taken over the site. Take, for example, Caroline Laguerre's paintings at the 12th arrondissement police station.

La Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à Vincennes

La Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à Vincennes

There are four gardens to discover: Jardin de Reuilly, Square Charles-Péguy, Jardin de la Gare-de-Reuilly and Jardin Hector-Malot.

La Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée verte, la promenade insolite de la Bastille à Vincennes

In short, if you'd like to discover another face of Paris, take a lovely green stroll through the scents of flowers and fountains to refresh yourself before settling down in one of the beautiful gardens along the way, this is a great free discovery for you.

Discover the Paris Coulée Verte map

La Coulée Verte de Paris, la promenade ombragée insolite de Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée Verte de Paris, la promenade ombragée insolite de Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée Verte de Paris, la promenade ombragée insolite de Bastille à VincennesLa Coulée Verte de Paris, la promenade ombragée insolite de Bastille à Vincennes

Discover the Coulée Verte on video :

Practical information

Location

Coulée verte René-Dumont
75012 Paris 12

Route planner

Access
Bastille metro station (lines 1, 5 and 8)

Prices
Free

Recommended age
For all

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