Located in the 12th arrondissement is one of Paris’ hidden gems. The Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumont (tree-lined walkway en Anglais), is an exquisite promenade that stretches just under 3 miles (around 4.7 kilometers) spanning from the Bois de Vincennes to Place de la Bastille, via the old Vincennes rail line.
Having walked across New York’s High Line last October, I was convinced that it was unique to the American city. However, Paris’ Promenade Plantée was in fact the very first green space constructed to form a public park/promenade, as it was inaugurated in 1993. Similar to New York’s High Line, the Promenade Plantée was erected from a disused railway line
The entire promenade is aligned with a variety of beautiful flowers, plants and trees. It was almost like walking through a perfumery – the sheer amount of different plants was not only aesthetically magnificent, but also nice on the nose!
The Promenade Plantée offers a variety of wonderful sights and experiences. Part of the promenade follows the route across a wooden bridge. This bridge reveals fantastic views of the Jardin de Reuilly. In this park, many Parisians had gathered to picnic and bask in the beautiful spring weather.
As we reached the end near the Bastille (which may be the beginning for others!), the promenade rises 10 m above the surrounding area. Now located above the Viaduc des Arts, underneath the promenade one can find a variety of arts and crafts shops, which are all located in the arches of the former elevated railway.
The Promenade Plantée offers walkers an amazing experience, something truly unique to Paris. Often off the beaten-track for tourists, the promenade provides visitors with expansive views of the city – you become one with the various buildings and architecture, yet remain a flâneur simultaneously. During the walk, one also encounters beautiful landscaped areas of parks, secluded from the modern metropolis. It is a surreal experience – hardly do you find a place within a capital city wherein you feel totally separated from the buzz and rush; but whilst uniquely being right in the middle of it.
Overall, the Promenade Plantée enables those visiting an enjoyable experience. Whether jogging, walking or just enjoying the landscape and views; the Promenade Plantée offers the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of Paris. A definite must.
This is a great illustration that shows the route of the promenade (Image taken from http://www.messynessychic.com)
Róisín Astell 
This looks amazing Roisin, a “must do” when we are over in a few weeks time. I wonder are there any others in the world?! Mum x
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Thanks Mum! In fact, I’ve found another promenade near Montmartre that needs a visit soon! x
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Beautiful pictures & great info in the text. Clearly its time I went back 😉
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Thank you so much! I will definitely be heading back soon, once summer has officially arrived 🙂 x
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HI Roisin Exquisite!I loved all the seats.I walked up to get the paper & did not find a single resting [place in Cressington Park,otherwise it is very colourful here. We went with the retired doctors yesterday to the Wirral, a beautiful estate, with a model railway in a huge barn. afterward a meal in the the FOX!!! Your Dad & myself have had a virus, intestinal hurry!!Also John when he was here at the weekend.Hopefully we are on the mend.Are you well Roisin?& all the family Lots of love Gran & granpaxx
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Wow, this is incredible! I’ve been to Paris quite a few times but I’ve never even heard of this place. And I was there just recently, if only I’d discovered your blog earlier, I could have visited myself. Oh well, I guess I can visit next month when I’m back for a weekend! 🙂
http://ablogbyrobert.com
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Hey Robert, thanks for dropping by! I’m not going to lie, I was pretty dumbfounded when I had heard of the Promenade Plantée, as I had no idea about it. So glad I do! Yes it will have to be a definite must on your next trip here 😀 I have actually found a similar promenade (not as long though) in Montmartre, which I hope to visit soon. So watch this space! 🙂
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Beautiful place and beautiful photos! It must be really lovely to take a walk here in the Spring. I love finding peaceful locations in the middle of a bustling city. You’re right, it really does make for a surreal experience!
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Thanks Kim! Yeah it’s a fantastic place to go and visit, especially on a beautiful spring day like the one I had. I will definitely have to go back during the summer (it’s a bit cold and rainy here at the moment sadly. Where has the sun gone!?) Can I just say that I am in love with your blog, it’s so beautiful and your photos are incredible! 😀 x
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