Audio GuideCoulée Verte René-Dumont

Coulée verte René-Dumont is a remarkable elevated park in Paris that transformed an abandoned railway into a lush green haven. This path was originally part of the Vincennes railway line, once serving as a significant transport route before falling into disrepair. In the early nineteen nineties, visionary landscape architect Jacques Vergely and architect Philippe Mathieux re-envisioned the site as a hub for culture and leisure. They overcame obstacles like updating the old infrastructure to meet modern standards while maintaining elements of its industrial heritage.

Sajath Akbar

The park begins near the Opéra Bastille at the Viaduc des Arts, where artisan shops continue to prosper within the historic arches. From this starting point, the path meanders eastward, rising approximately thirty feet before gently descending into tranquil garden areas and passing through thoughtfully designed tunnels. Opened in nineteen ninety-three, Coulée verte René-Dumont was the world's first initiative to transform a defunct railway into a green corridor, inspiring similar ventures such as New York City's High Line and Chicago's Bloomingdale Trail.

Silvio Casagrande

Today, the park is more than a simple walkway; it is a vibrant intersection of art, film—featured in the movie "Before Sunset"—and day-to-day life. With accessible stairways, ramps, and lifts, the park exemplifies modern urban development. Its fusion of historical conservation and innovative design sets a benchmark for sustainable urban revitalisation, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Paris.

Elisa

Martha Wilson