How would you like to discover Paris’ 12tharrondissement from a different angle i.e. starting 10 meters above ground? The "promenade plantée" also known as "Coulée verte René-Dumont" (or "Coulée verte" for short) forms a 4.5 km green belt that will take you from the Place de la Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes in an hour to hour-and-a-half walk. The first chunk of this walk begins behind the Bastille Opera House and runs towards the lusciously green Jardin de Reuilly above the avenue de Daumesnil on the Viaduc des arts.
The itinerary follows the former railway line linking the Bastille station (which was demolished to build the opera) to La Varenne-Saint-Maur from 1853 to 1969. As a matter of fact, the Jardin de Reuilly still has its former railway station! Work started in 1988 to rehabilitate the old railway infrastructure and ended in 1993, resulting in a beautiful green pathway above the 71 arcades of the viaduct that now houses over 50 art shops.
The Viaduc des Arts is situated close by to the Gare de Lyon so if you happen to have a bit of time on your hands before catching a train there or if you are feeling in need of a good dose of fresh air after a long journey, why not make the most of it and discover Paris from above (and below through the tunnels and trenches on the way!).
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"Librairie Galignani" in Paris is a bookshop with a long history and is without a doubt one of the city's most beautiful!
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"La Ferme d’Alexandre" is a cheeseshop like no other in Paris. With their over 350 types of cheeses, they've made it all the way to the Elysée Palace...
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"Théâtre de La Huchette" in Paris is known for its Spectacle Ionesco, which has hosted performances of the famous Romanian playwright since 1957...
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The Marais in Paris is best known for its second-hand clothing shops, but "Chercheminippes" and its six shops have been innovating for half a century...
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"L’Atelier Geneviève" is a 'ceramicafé' - here you can decorate your own ceramics w/ a coffee or breakfast. They even have kintsugi workshops!
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"Land & Monkeys" in Paris makes 100% vegan croissants & other French staples. Is such a thing possible, you ask? Oh yes...
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"Des Gâteaux et du Pain" was the first place that sprang to my mind when listing my top spots in Paris. They completely changed my croissant habits...
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The "Grand Palais Éphémère" in Paris is set to host the Grand Palais' events while the latter is being renovated. Who knows, it might even stick around!
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"Tomo" in Paris serve a variety of delicious Japanese pastries known as wagashi. Try them with the best-selling matcha and black sesame daifuku...
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168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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