3 stylish walks to discover the capital from a different angle

Ha Paris! The City of Light, with its monuments, museums, refinement and Haussmann-style boulevards. So many features that make Paris one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. If not THE most beautiful for some. But there's more to the city than its urban planning, however beautiful it may be. Paris also has curious and unusual places where nature invites itself in, and where onlookers enjoy getting lost in the dense vegetation. To discover Paris in a different way, here are 3 unusual and bucolic walks in the heart of the capital.

The Coulée Verte in Paris

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The Coulée Verte, a hidden walk in the heart of Paris

Both far from the hustle and bustle of the city and right in the heart of the capital, the Coulée Verte offers a timeless space for a hidden stroll, away from prying eyes. Those who thought they had seen everything of Paris will be delighted to discover a little haven of peace winding its way through the city's avenues.

Walk along the Coulée Verte

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The Coulée Verte René-Dumond, as it is known in full, links the Opéra Bastille to Vincenne, a 4.5 km route featuring a succession of tree-lined walkways, suspended footbridges and water features, as well as unusual works of art created by Parisian artists. Local residents and tourists alike will enjoy strolling along this former railway line, which looks like a bucolic garden.

Practical information

📍 Location: it's here on Google Maps

👛 Admission: free

⏰ Opening times: every day from 7am to 9.30pm.

🚌 Getting there: metro lines 1, 5 and 8; stop: Bastille. Access to the Coulée Verte is via rue de Lyon via a staircase.

The inner ring road in the 15th arrondissement

Right in the heart of the 15th arrondissement lies a green treasure trove that is still little known to Parisians, let alone tourists. It's the Petite Ceinture du 15e, also known as the Promenade plantée. This linear park, 1.3 km long, links Parc George Brassens to Place Balard. As you walk along this path, you can still see the remains of the old railway, as the rails are still there.

Practical information

📍 Location: it's HERE/@48.8307485,2.2912168,16.65z/data=!4m15!1m8!3m7!1s0x47e67184a3444927:0x19d70b288af8ed86!2sLigne+de+petite+ceinture+de+Paris,+Paris!3b1!8m2!3d48.8216257!4d2.3391397!16zL20vMDlia3pj!3m5!1s0x47e67069dd8eb685:0x8489a7ba43686478!8m2!3d48.8322777!4d2.2920355!16s%2Fg%2F1n36g8wn3?entry=ttu) on Google Maps

👛 Price: free access

⏰ Times: the Petite Ceinture is open from 9am on weekdays and 9.30am at weekends. Closes at 4.45pm or 8pm depending on the season.

🚌 Getting there: access is opposite 99 rue Olivier de Serres, 75015. Get off at the Porte de Versailles or Convention stop.

A country atmosphere along the 18th arrondissement ring road

There are three emblematic sites along the Petite Ceinture in the 18th arrondissement: the Hasard Ludique, the Recyclerie and the Ruisseau gardens. All three offer a pastoral and bucolic face to this abandoned former railway line.

But creating a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere is not the only leitmotif of these three brands. Each in its own way, the three establishments aim to raise public awareness of eco-responsible values, all in a fun and positive way through unusual installations along the Petite Ceinture in the 18th arrondissement, such as an open-air cinema during the Gare aux Docs event.

La Recyclerie, in addition to its restaurant space, offers round tables, conferences, an urban farm and events on the old rails of the Petite Ceinture. In the same vein, Hasard Ludique offers a musical programme open to the world, as well as temporary exhibitions. Last but not least, the Ruisseau gardens need no introduction, as these shared gardens have been bringing local residents together since 2004.

🍴La Recyclerie

📍 Location : 83 Bd Ornano, 75018 Paris

⏰ Opening hours: the venue is open on weekdays from 8am to 12am. Fridays and Saturdays, it is open from 11:00 to 02:00 and Sundays, from 11:00 to 22:00. Closed on Tuesdays

🚌 To get there: Line 4, stop: Porte de Clignancourt.

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