Paris’s Promenade Plantée- also known as the Coulée Verte- is often compared to New York’s highline, as it is a lovely green stroll in the middle of the city. Spanning across the 12th district of Paris, the Coulée Verte reaches a total of 4.5 kilometers, all the way from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, following the old Vincennes rail line. Interestingly enough, the Promenade Plantée’s elevated park was the only one of it’s kind for many years when first constructed in the early 90′s (source).
Part of what is so unique about this flower walk are the ups and downs through buildings and parks and tunnels… with several different atmospheres, views and Parisian personalities…. all on one fantastic flowery walk!
I find this to be one of the most charming places in Paris. It is different than any other stroll, and you can see so many different landscapes of one beautiful city on a clearly laid out path. You can cross the entire thing, or you can start somewhere in the middle and wander either way, the choice is yours! The flowers will be ready to greet you and make you smile. When down in the tunnels you won’t feel like you’re in a city anymore, and when you cross the Jardin de Reuilly you’ll probably be urged to stop and have a picnic there on the seemingly fresh green grass contrasting so nicely with the beige Parisian buildings and the blue sky. It’s just wonderful.
The Promenade Plantée is open daily from 9am to 8pm or 9pm depending on the season.
Bonne promenade!
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