The story of La Coulée Verte
The Renée-Dumont Coulée Verte, formerly known as the "Promenade planée", is a park located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris which is 4.5 kilometres long.
It was built in the footsteps of an old railway line, the "Vincennes line" and is a walk solely for the use of pedestrians and cyclists. This railway line was decommissioned in 1969, before being redesigned in the 1980s. Part of the line remains abandoned, the section extending from Bastille to Montempoivre gate. The aim of exploiting the remainder of the railway line led to the founding of the Coulée Verte in 1988, and the architect Philippe Mathieu and the landscape designer Jacques Vergely were key figures in its creation. It has been open to the public since 1993.
Different walks to enjoy along La Coulée Verte
The walks you can take in the heart of La Coulée Verte can either be walked or cycled according to the designated routes. There are many different trails along the 4.5 kilometres of greenery.
First, a walk along the Viaduc des Arts, which leads to the Jardin de Reuilly. During this first "aerial" stroll, you walk about 7 metres above the Dausmenil Avenue! Then, take the Diderot boulevard, crossing a bridge. If the height does not appeal to you, you could walk along the viaduct by the pavement, where you will find lots of art shops under the arches, and then rejoin the main route. You arrive at the level of the Jardin de Reuilly, which you cross by way of a suspension bridge. The exit of the bridge is the starting point of the second walk that takes place on the Vivaldi alley. Once you have crossed this alley, take the tunnel passing under the Rue de Reuilly, which is full of rocks and waterfalls. This one leads to a second route, this time, under the roads, finishing at the Charles Péguy square. In addition to the garden of Reuilly and the Charles Péguy square, La Coulée Verte also takes in the Jardin de Reuilly station and the Hector-Malot square. Throughout your walk, you will be able to admire a rich and varied habitat, breathe clean air away from cars and pollution, and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Other lovely green trailways
For lovers of picturesque walks, the 16th arrondissement has also built a green space on a former disused railway track (part of the Auteuil line) and the walk takes place between the Porte d'Auteuil and La Muette. Likewise, you will find in the 17th arrondissement the promenade Pereire, which again follows the route of the old line of the Petite Ceinture. Finally, in the suburbs, Colombes (92) has also built its own Coulée Verte.
Read also : The architectural gems of Paris
