A highlight of Paris’ Bastille quarter is the Viaduc des Art, a jewel of urban renewal. Once supporting an elevated railway, the Viaduc des Art runs along the grand Avenue Daumesnil, away from the Place de la Bastille. The art studios, shops and elevated “walking garden” have made the area surrounding the Avenue Daumesnil coveted by residents and visitors worn out by the hubbub of left-bank Paris. As usual, New York Habitat has the neighborhood covered.
Streets of Paris aroound Viaduc des Art
On the street level, the converted viaduct features dozens of artisan shops and studios. Large windows allow pedestrians to admire the workmanship of the art restorers, book binders and craftsmen hard at work. Above the viaduct, where railroad tracks once carried commuting Parisians is the Promenade Plantee. Perhaps Paris’ best kept secret, the Promenade Plantee offers one of the most unique walks in the city. Visitors are able to admire both the manicured gardens of the promenade and a view of the city just above its tree tops. Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke walked the garden in the film Before Sunset, capturing the essence of the Promenade Plantee; Intimacy among the trees of Paris. For great tips on what to do and see on the Viaduc des Art checkout gridskipper’s review.
Of course, New York Habitat has plenty of accommodations near the Viaduc des Art. For example, this quirky 1-bedroom rental apartment in Bastille, Pere Lachaise-Nation (PA-3420) is big on details and just around the corner from the Viaduct. For more room, look no further this stately 2-bedroom rental apartment in the Bastille, Pere Lachaise-Nation district (PA-1916).
Can you name the Paris mayor who initiated the renovations on the Viaduc des Art? Comment below.
If you want to expirence a similar expirence in New York check out the new High-line project designed after the Viaduc des Art.
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
December 4th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I love Before sunset, in this movie the character lives in rue des petites écuries and have just seen an apartment which is so nice and located just here : PA-3485. It could be fun to rent the apartment and make the same tour of Paris as they do in the movie !
December 6th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Was it Jacques Chirac?
December 12th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Hi Bruno,
You are correct. Jacques Chirac was Paris’ mayor from 1977 to 1995 before becoming President in 1995.
Brian
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Before Sunrise and Before Sunset are really nothing special; both are chatty, pretentious films. But I found Julie Delpy’s film 2 Days in Paris to be quite funny. But the Viaduc des Arts and the Promenade are wonderful ideas for those of us who have already went down the well-trodden path.