Green corridor in Paris
Stroll along the Promenade Plantée or Coulée Verte, which runs through the 12th arrondissement of Paris. We suggest following this route by bike.
Estimated duration of the route: 1h30
Estimated distance of the route: 4.5km
1 -
From the Opéra Bastille, take Rue de Lyon and then the stairs on your left next to the parking entrance. You will be above Avenue Daumesnil, on the VIADUC DES ARTS.
The beginning of the green walkway is located above the Viaduc des Arts, but it is entirely possible to start the route by discovering the art shops located under the arches and then join the planted promenade a little further on.
The old viaduct was built in 1859 to support the railway line that connected the gare de Paris-Bastille to Vincennes, along the current Avenue Daumesnil. In 1990, the site was rehabilitated and transformed into a Parisian conservatory of craftsmanship. The viaduct now houses several artist studios; each arch is a place of expression for a particular talent and know-how. There are thus more than fifty artists nestled under the arches of the viaduct. The place is very popular with Parisians for sunny weekend strolls.
2 -
Continue straight ahead, you will cross the BOULEVARD DIDEROT.
The Boulevard Diderot is a major thoroughfare in the 12th arrondissement that was created by Baron Haussmann in 1853 to connect the Seine to the Place de la Nation via the Gare de Lyon. The road was renamed in honor of Denis Diderot, a great French writer, philosopher, and encyclopedist.
3 -
Cross the JARDIN DE REUILLY by taking the suspended bridge.
Covering an area of 15,200 m², the Reuilly garden is one of the largest green spaces in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, along with the Bois de Vincennes and the Parc de Bercy. The majority of the garden consists of a large gently sloping lawn of 4,200 m², around which small themed gardens are arranged. The Reuilly footbridge runs high across the entire garden.
A curiosity can be found at the entrance of the Reuilly park, delighting passersby especially on hot days: a public fountain provides free tempered water, fresh water, but above all, sparkling water. It is currently unique in France.
4 - Then continue straight to take the VIVALDI ALLEY.
5 - At the end of Vivaldi Alley, take the REUILLY TUNNEL located under Reuilly Street, which is directly in front of you.
You are now starting the second part of the walk, where a bike path joins the pedestrian path. The tunnel is quite dark and has been transformed into a kind of cave decorated with rocks and small fountains.
"6 -
Upon exiting the tunnel, continue straight to resume the PLANTED WALKWAY."
7 -
Continue straight ahead to pass near a CART, REMNANT OF THE OLD RAILWAY LINE.
It follows the route of an old railway line that ceased operations in 1969. The terminus station was at Bastille at the current location of the opera, and the trains went as far as Boissy-Saint-Léger, where the RER A now operates.
8 - Turn right onto Marie Laurencin Street to arrive at SQUARE CHARLES PEGUY.
With its magnolias, groves, and beautiful fountain, Square Charles Péguy is one of the most beautiful and peaceful squares in Paris. In the middle of this terraced garden, a children's rope play area is surrounded by flowers and a catalpa – a tree native to North America – whose branches are covered with heart-shaped white leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers, clustered together.
There is also a more mineral space that harmoniously contrasts with the denser vegetation characterized by heather plants and conifers. A maze of stairs and paths with varied relief makes up the space, appreciated by summer strollers who enjoy lounging in the shade of birches, pines, and oaks.