Promenade Plantée: Paris on an Elevated Railway
The Promenade Plantée, officially the Coulée verte René-Dumont, is a free elevated park built on a disused railway viaduct that runs nearly five kilometres above the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It opened in 1993, years before New York's High Line, yet it stays remarkably peaceful.
jean-louis Zimmermann from Moulins, FRANCE · CC BY 2.0In Hidden Gems in Paris · 12th arrondissement · Last updated 2 June 2026
- A 4.7 kilometre green walk raised above the streets of eastern Paris
- The world's first elevated park of its kind, which inspired New York's High Line
- Free, open daily, with rose arches, ponds and rooftop views
- The Viaduc des Arts below, where the old arches now hold artisan workshops
What is the Promenade Plantée
The Promenade Plantée is a linear park laid out on top of an obsolete railway viaduct in the 12th arrondissement. It was inaugurated in 1993 as the Coulée verte René-Dumont, and it was the first project of its kind to turn redundant elevated rail into a public garden walk.
From the Bastille end it climbs onto the brick viaduct and runs east for about 4.7 kilometres towards the Bois de Vincennes, passing through planted borders, pergolas, water features and unexpected views over the rooftops and courtyards of Paris.
The walk and the Viaduc des Arts
The first stretch above the Avenue Daumesnil is the most striking, raised on the arches of the old viaduct. Below those same arches runs the Viaduc des Arts, a row of craft workshops and galleries where furniture makers, restorers and designers work behind glass fronts.
Further east the promenade dips down to street level and continues through gardens and a cutting, so you can join or leave it at several points. Allow an hour to walk the elevated section and browse the arches beneath.
Why it is still a hidden gem
While the High Line in New York draws huge crowds, its Paris ancestor stays calm. It is mostly used by locals out for a run or a stroll, so even on a sunny weekend it rarely feels packed.
Because it is free and open daily, it is one of the easiest ways to see a different, greener side of Paris, away from the museum queues.
Know before you go
- Begin at the Bastille end to walk the elevated viaduct section first.
- Drop down to the Viaduc des Arts to see the artisan workshops in the arches.
- Wear comfortable shoes, the full coulée verte is nearly five kilometres.
Where Promenade Plantée is
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Promenade Plantée: frequently asked questions
What is the Promenade Plantée in Paris?
It is a free elevated park, officially the Coulée verte René-Dumont, built on a disused railway viaduct in the 12th arrondissement. It runs about 4.7 kilometres across eastern Paris.
Did the Promenade Plantée inspire the High Line?
Yes. The Promenade Plantée opened in 1993, well before New York's High Line, and is widely credited as the inspiration for turning disused elevated railways into parks.
Is the Promenade Plantée free?
Yes, it is a free public park open daily. There is no ticket for the Promenade Plantée or the Coulée verte.
Where does the Promenade Plantée start?
The elevated section begins near Bastille and runs east above Avenue Daumesnil towards the Bois de Vincennes. The nearest metro stops are Bastille and Gare de Lyon.
How long does it take to walk?
Allow about an hour to walk the raised viaduct section. The full route is nearly five kilometres, and you can join or leave it at several points.
More hidden gems in Paris
Sources and further reading: Wikipedia: Coulée verte René-Dumont.