Paris has some amazing public parks and gardens, the Tuileries, the Jardin des Plantes, and Luxembourg Gardens among them. Of course, there is the Champ de Mars and little pocket parks off the Champs Elysees. Paris also has the famous passages couverts, alleys housing little shops and cafes such as the famous Passage des Panoramas. But this “passage” is a green space three stories above the street, the Promenade Plantee, built on the old railway to Vincennes. We were fortunate enough to have good weather and time to take this high road.

The Promenade invites one to wander along through leafy bowers.

It is easy enough to find the start of the Promenade Plantee near Bastille or even at the other end near Vincennes. In between, one must be a bit adventurous or follow Google Maps very closely as there is a network of paths incorporating other parks and even some community gardens. So if you go, make sure you zero in on Google Maps and follow the thin green line of the Coulée verte René-Dumont. We walked about 5 km and wandered off the track a bit, but it was so enjoyable to have an urban trek like this on a sunny day. All that was missing was a coffee bar. As Ric said, if this was in Italy, there would have been a dozen places to stop for an espresso! Luckily, not too far from the official endpoint, one can find a bus, tram, or Metro to return to the reality of the city.

Herewith, some pictures, with captions, about our walk.

A water feature graced by gorgeous, perfect irises. The space is immaculately maintained.

Little flowers pop up here-and-there.

So many roses, just starting to bloom! Imagine how it will look in a few weeks!

In some areas it is wider, and usually with a separation of pedestrians and cyclists.

There are a few tunnels, lighted, safe. In the case, divided for bikes on the other side of the barrier.

Friday morning Tai Chi in an open space by the Promenade Plantee.

Carytids on the police precinct buidling overlooking the PP.

Apartment buildings overlook the PP in many places.

A Hausemann building overlooks the PP. So elegant!

There is little graffiti, some arty cartoons.

This is a “push me/pull me” chair. One side you push your entire body weight (which I am trying to do without much success) and the other side you pull.

These dog walkers had about 15 dogs, some leashed, some not. On a per hour basis, billings should be pretty good!

The end of the Promenade Plantee, or the beginning if you start at the eastern end.