Coulée verte René-Dumont

Welcome, urban explorers and lovers of landscape architecture, to the Coulée verte René-Dumont. Often referred to colloquially as the High Line of Paris, this remarkable linear park is a masterclass in urban regeneration. …

We begin our journey near the historic Bastille area, standing atop the grand brick arches that form the foundation of this park. This section is known as the Viaduc des Arts. …

As we continue eastward, the nature of the park begins to change. We encounter the first of several pedestrian footbridges that carry us seamlessly over busy intersections. …

Prepare for a sudden and dramatic shift in atmosphere as we enter the Reuilly tunnel. The bright, open air environment abruptly transitions into a cool, shadowed enclosure. …

Emerging from the tunnel, the historical roots of our path become overtly visible. Look down and you will see the deliberate preservation of the old iron train tracks embedded within the landscaping. …

As we move into the second half of the Coulée verte, moving further away from the dense center of Paris, the landscape undergoes a final, wild transformation. The structured, formal gardens of the Bastille end disappear. …

We have finally arrived at the eastern terminus of the Coulée verte René-Dumont. The elevated pathway gently ramps down, depositing us back onto the standard elevation of the Parisian streets near the Boulevard Périphérique. …

As we conclude our promenade along the Coulée verte, it is important to reflect on the global impact of this specific pathway. Long before New York City opened its famous High Line to international acclaim, Paris had already…