Coulée verte René-Dumont, Urban park and elevated footpath in 12th arrondissement, France.
The Coulée verte René-Dumont is an elevated footpath and green space about 4.7 kilometers long in the 12th arrondissement, running on a former railway line and connecting gardens, tunnels, and bridges at various heights. The path moves through different neighborhoods and provides stairs and elevators at various points for access, while the eastern section also welcomes cyclists.
This green space was created on the route of the Vincennes railway, which ran from 1859 until its closure in December 1969, connecting Bastille station to Verneuil-l'Étang. After years of planning, the footpath opened in 1993 and became the world's first project to transform an abandoned railway into a public green space.
The name honors environmentalist René Dumont, and beneath the elevated path you find artisan workshops and galleries housed in restored archways of the Viaduc des Arts. These studios shape the character of the place and draw visitors who want to watch local craftspeople at work.
The best way to explore this place is to visit during daylight hours when all areas are clearly visible and the artisan shops beneath the arches are open. Keep in mind that the elevation changes significantly, and some sections are quite steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
Beneath the green path, the viaduct arches house over 100 artisan studios in a living art scene often overlooked in typical Paris guides. These hidden workshops display traditional and contemporary craft techniques visible as you walk past.
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