Aparthotel near the Coulée Verte
The Coulée Verte, an elevated garden in the heart of Paris
Located alongaris’s 12th arrondissement, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is a truly unique planted promenade. This former railway viaduct, converted into an elevated garden, stretches for 4.5 km from Place de la Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. Opened in 1993, it inspired New York’s famous High Line.
Free to access, the Coulée Verte offers a unique view over the rooftops and Haussmann-style façades of the 12th arrondissement, away from the hustle and bustle of Paris’s main boulevards.
What to see and do along the Coulée Verte
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont unfolds through several different sections. The first part, along the Viaduc des Arts on Avenue Daumesnil, offers elevated views over the workshops of craftspeople and designers housed beneath the arches. Further along, the promenade descends to street level and passes through several gardens and squares before reaching the Bois de Vincennes.
Along the way, Square Charles-Péguy, Jardin de Reuilly and Lac Daumesnil are ideal places to stop, enjoy a picnic or observe urban wildlife. Château de Vincennes and the Parc Floral de Paris can also be reached by continuing to the end of the promenade.
Where to stay near Gare de Lyon? Appart’City Paris 12
Your ideal aparthotel between the Coulée Verte and Place de la Bastille
L’Appart’City Paris 12
Ideally located in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, the 4-star Appart’City Collection Paris Gare de Lyon aparthotel is the perfect place to stay near the Coulée Verte and Bastille. Just a 5-minute walk from Gare de Lyon and close to Daumesnil and Montgallet metro stations, this accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen provides quick access to the Accor Arena and the main attractions of eastern Paris.
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What to see around the Coulée Verte in the 12th arrondissement
- Le viaduc des Arts : beneath the arches of Avenue Daumesnil, craftspeople, galleries and designers have taken over the viaduct’s vaulted spaces for more than one kilometre.
- La place de la Bastille : the starting point of the Coulée Verte, a 10-minute walk from the aparthotel, where you can also see the Opéra Bastille and the July Column.
- Le lac Daumesnil : located in the Bois de Vincennes at the far end of the Coulée Verte, this artificial lake with two islands is one of Parisians’ favourite green spaces.
- Le marché d'Aligre : located on Rue d’Aligre, a 15-minute walk away, this is one of Paris’s most popular and affordable markets. It is open every morning except Monday.
Frequently asked questions about the Coulée Verte
Where does the Coulée Verte begin and end?
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont begins at Place de la Bastille, near Avenue Ledru-Rollin, and ends at the Bois de Vincennes by Porte de Reuilly. It stretches for 4.5 km through Paris’s 12th arrondissement.
Is the Coulée Verte free to visit?
Yes, access to the Coulée Verte is completely free. It is open every day from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm in summer and from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm in winter.
How do you get to the Coulée Verte from Gare de Lyon?
From Gare de Lyon, you can reach Place de la Bastille in 10 minutes on foot via Boulevard Diderot, or in 5 minutes by taking metro line 1 to Bastille. The entrance to the viaduct is accessible via the stairs on Avenue Daumesnil.
How long does it take to walk the Coulée Verte?
Allow between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours to walk the entire 4.5 km route without stopping. With breaks at the Viaduc des Arts, Jardin de Reuilly and Lac Daumesnil, plan for half a day.
Can you cycle along the Coulée Verte?
Cycling is permitted on certain ground-level sections of the Coulée Verte. The elevated viaduct section is reserved for pedestrians. Vélib’ bike-sharing stations are available on Avenue Daumesnil near the aparthotel.
Which Paris aparthotel should you choose to visit the Coulée Verte?
Appart’City Collection Paris Gare de Lyon, an aparthotel in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, is located on Avenue Daumesnil at the foot of the Coulée Verte. It offers 109 fully equipped 4-star studios and apartments, a reception desk open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is just a 10-minute walk from the beginning of the promenade.
Are there restaurants along the Coulée Verte?
Several cafés and restaurants can be found along the route, particularly beneath the arches of the Viaduc des Arts on Avenue Daumesnil. The Bastille neighbourhood and Rue d’Aligre also offer plenty of places to have lunch before or after your walk.