Coulée Verte René-Dumont
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Coulee Verte - by Wowo2008 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The Coulée verte René-Dumont is a tree-lined / green elevated walkway of nearly 5km and is the result of the reconversion of an old railway infrastructure. It starts next to Opéra Bastille with the elevated Viaduct des Arts, heading eastward along the old Vincennes railway line and passing through several tunnels until it ends with a spiral staircase at the city's ring road (the boulevard Périphérique), 500m from the Bois de Vincennnes and the zoo.
Access & Transport
The western end of the footpath is at the start of Av. Daumesnil, besides the Opéra Bastille, 250m southeast of Place de la Bastille (métro lines 1, 5 and 8 stop there). There are also bus stops along Av. Daumesnil and rue de Lyon and parking available at the Opéra. Access there is not possible for wheelchair users until access #3 at the corner with Rue Hector Malot. The eastern end is at the Square Charles Peguy or just north of the Centre Sportif Alain Mimoun (there are 2 branches). Both are close to the Tram 3A stop of Montempoivre, 500m north from Porte Dorée métro station (8).
Instructions & Recommendations
Best to wear comfortable shoes, some water and pick a non-rainy day. This activity is best combined with a visit to the Bois de Vincennes (although that makes for a fair bit of walking) or to the Bastille neighbourhood.
Environmental & Social
An excellent exemple of green reconversion. Socially neutral
Conclusion
This green corridor is perfect for a differently themed walk but not really a tourist highlight, so we would recommend it to residents and those who have already been to Paris a couple of times and don't have any time pressure. It gets unfairly compared to the New York Highline for which it was the inspiration, so the latter could build on and improve the original instance. That being said, it could do with a little upgrading and a mix of street art and contemporary art along the way.
Key positive
A ground-breaking (at the time) reconversion of a disused rail track
An enjoyable urban walk
Key negative
Some of the sections are not exciting
The eastern end takes a bit of time to get to
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. Not fully accessible for wheelchair users - the westernmost section requires going up / down a staircase
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY07:00 - 20:30
TUESDAY07:00 - 20:30
WEDNESDAY07:00 - 20:30
THURSDAY07:00 - 20:30
FRIDAY07:00 - 20:30
SATURDAY08:00 - 20:30
SUNDAY08:00 - 20:30
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY08:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY08:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY08:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY08:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY08:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY08:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY08:00 - 18:00