Coulée verte René-Dumont
An elevated garden walk on the old viaduct, above the city.
The story of the place
Beneath the plane trees runs an old railway. From 1859, trains on the Vincennes line left the Bastille station for the suburbs and the banks of the Marne, carried above avenue Daumesnil on a viaduct. The line was abandoned in 1969 and the station demolished in 1984 to make way for the Opéra Bastille. Landscape designer Jacques Vergely and architect Philippe Mathieux turned the old trackbed into a planted walkway, opened in 1993; beneath the arches, the Viaduc des Arts houses workshops. Since 2013 it has borne the name of the agronomist René Dumont.
Getting there
Nearest metro station: Daumesnil (6/8). The spot is in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. Open walking directions.
The light
Decent golden hour (3/5): the golden light works, but surrounding buildings can cut it short depending on the season.
Where to go after the shoot
A few addresses within a short walk, to make the moment last.
Fabrice Le Bourdat's bakery-pâtisserie beside square Trousseau: glazed madeleines and croissants, a five-minute walk from the viaduct.
A 1907 brasserie with its original zinc counter and mouldings, open every day and serving all day: step down from the viaduct and sit.
Barrel wine bar by the Aligre market: a glass at the counter, no reservations taken; oysters on Saturdays and Sundays, from mid-September to late April.
Addresses checked in 07/2026. Places change — check opening hours before you head out.
Photo spots nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Coulée verte René-Dumont?
Nearest metro station: Daumesnil (6/8). The spot is in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.
When is the best time to photograph Coulée verte René-Dumont?
Decent golden hour (3/5): the golden light works, but surrounding buildings can cut it short depending on the season. Long, receding views above Avenue Daumesnil.
Can I book a photographer for a shoot at Coulée verte René-Dumont?
Yes. SnapSpot Paris connects you with Paris-based photographers who know the location. A single session can cover several nearby spots — the photographer adapts the route to the light of the day. Rue Crémieux, Place des Vosges, Fresques XXL Vincent-Auriol, Marché des Enfants Rouges.