Coulee Verte | A Romantic Promenade in Paris

Paris is full of museums, art, history and architecture. A quiet little walkway through the 12th arrondissement of Paris is a relaxing break from the popular Champs Elysee. The Coulee Verte is similar to New York City’s Highline, and after strolling it with my wife during our Paris vacation, it’s something we recommend to anyone visiting the City of Love.

Here are a few of the features you can enjoy as you walk hand in hand with your significant other on the elevated walkway.

Background on the Coulee Verte

The Coulee Verte goes by a few different names: Coulee Verte (green walkway), Coulee Verte Rene Dumont, or Promenade Plante. It was built in 1988, using an abandoned elevated railway in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.

The 2.9-mile path begins just south of the Opera Bastille. A short stairway takes you to the elevated walkway. The walkway is only elevated for about the first mile. After that, the path is at street level and has a few tunnels under roadways until it finishes a few blocks from the Bois de Vincennes (Forest of Vincennes).

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At various access points along the elevated path, there are stairs providing access to the streets below. The Viaduct des Arts is a series of high quality art and craft stores built under a portion of the elevated walkway.

The pathway is used by runners, walkers and families taking their children for walks (with or without a stroller). During our excursion, it was so crowded that people were bumping into each other, so the mixed use wasn’t a challenge. The first portion of the pathway does not allow bikes. But the latter half does and makes for a nice little ride.

Flowers and Gardens Galore

My wife is notorious for taking time to stop and smell the roses. The flowers along the Coulee Verte didn’t disappoint. There were several types of flowers, including a few variations of roses, fuchsia, hibiscus and more. There’s a reason they call it the Coulee Verte – because verte in French is green, and there’s plenty of green along the path.

One portion of the path includes a pond. Not one that anyone should be wading or swimming in. It’s just a serene part of the path to enjoy.

As a photographer, I enjoyed capturing some of the colorful flowers and beauty of the garden pathway.

Views of the Streets Below

One of the wonderful features of Paris is the architecture. The rows of buildings with flowers hanging out of many windows. The style of the rooftops. At various points along the Coulee Verte, you can look down long roads and admire the architecture of the city.

It’s also a wonderful opportunity to people watch.

Relax and Repose on the Coulee Verte

When my wife and I were in Paris, we were non-stop. We wanted to see as much of every museum in the city as we could. We were often so busy, we were only eating two meals a day. So breaking away from the hustle and bustle of being a tourist, we enjoyed being a local and slowing down a little.

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The Coulee Verte has great spots to just sit and enjoy some time. We found a section with several individual benches and different works of art in the background. It was nice to get off our feet and enjoy some people watching.

Parks and Bike Paths

Along the way, you’ll find access points to various parks in Paris. The first major park we came to was Jardin de Reuilly – Paul Pernin. We saw families enjoying a picnic in the park. A group of teens was playing soccer, while couples were enjoying a stroll.

After walking through the first tunnel of the pathway, you’ll find a small playground for kids. It’s a nice park to let the kids get out their energy. As if walking the pathway wasn’t enough. 😉

If you’re looking to enjoy the path by bicycle, you can. But you have to start at the Jardin de Reuilly – Paul Pernin, where the pathway continues at street level. Paris is a great city for cycling, and something I hope to enjoy during a future visit.

Summary

I’ve never been to the Highline in New York City, but it’s on my list for the next time I visit. If it’s anything like the Coulee Verte, I know I’m in for a treat. The pathway is a great escape from the stress of being a tourist, and definitely worth taking an hour or two for a relaxing stroll down a magical promenade.

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