Audio GuideCoulée Verte René-Dumont

Coulée verte René-Dumont is a unique elevated park in Paris that transformed an abandoned railway into a vibrant green oasis. Originally part of the Vincennes railway line, this pathway once served as an important transit route before being left to decay. In the early nineties, visionary landscape architect Jacques Vergely and architect Philippe Mathieux reimagined the area as a cultural and recreational space. They faced challenges like adapting an old structure to modern standards and preserving elements of its industrial past.

Sajath Akbar

The park starts near the Opéra Bastille with the Viaduc des Arts, where artisan shops still thrive within the historic arches. From there, the path winds eastward over about ten meters of elevation before gracefully descending into quieter garden areas and under thoughtfully integrated tunnels. Opened in nineteen ninety-three, Coulée verte René-Dumont became the world’s first project to convert a disused railway into a green corridor. Its impact has inspired similar projects, including New York City’s High Line and Chicago’s Bloomingdale Trail.

Silvio Casagrande

Today, the park is more than a walkway; it is a meeting point for art, film—featured in Before Sunset—and everyday life. With accessible stairways, ramps, and elevators, the park reflects modern urban planning. Its blend of historical preservation and innovative design stands as a model for sustainable urban renewal, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Paris.

Elisa

Martha Wilson