Hoarding seems a humane nature, everyone collects something. Mine is garden visiting, always trying to visit as many gardens as possible wherever I go, that’s how I come across this park. It’s a green, 10 meters above ground, magical walk; plants and scenes changing with time and seasons. People seem more relaxed on this walk, usually greeting each others with smiles or nods.
Question: Describe “Promenade Plantée” in Paris.
ChatGPT:
The “Promenade plantée” in Paris, also known as the Coulée verte René-Dumont, is an elevated park built on a disused railway line. It stretches for about 4.7 kilometers (approximately 2.9 miles) in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. The park was inaugurated in 1993 and is known for its lush greenery, beautiful walkways, and unique perspective of the city.
It begins at the Opéra Bastille and continues eastward towards the Bois de Vincennes. The walkway is lined with various plants, flowers, and trees, creating a serene and picturesque environment in the midst of the urban landscape. The Promenade plantée is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a peaceful escape and a unique way to experience Paris. It has also inspired similar projects in other cities around the world, such as the High Line in New York City.
Question: Describe the archways underneath the promenade.
ChatGPT:
The archways underneath , known as the Viaduc des Arts, are a distinctive feature of this area. The viaduct itself is a former railway structure that supports the elevated walkway above. Beneath the promenade, the arches of the viaduct have been transformed into a series of art galleries, artisan workshops, and boutique stores.
These arches, each uniquely shaped, provide a fascinating architectural contrast to the greenery above. They are made of stone and have a robust, classic appearance, reflecting the historic architectural style of Paris. The spaces within these arches are home to a diverse range of craftspeople, artists, and retailers, offering a wide array of goods and services ranging from furniture and interior design to fashion, jewelry, and culinary arts.
This combination of the Promenade plantée above and the Viaduc des Arts below creates a unique cultural and recreational space, blending nature, art, and urban regeneration in an innovative way. The area attracts visitors who are interested in both the tranquility of the elevated garden and the artistic and commercial offerings within the arches.
Question: Any interesting cafe or “Salon de the” nearby?
ChatGPT:
Yes, there are several interesting cafés and “Salon de the”(tea rooms) near the Promenade plantée and Viaduc des Arts in Paris, offering a range of atmospheres and culinary experiences. A few notable ones include:
Café de l’Industrie: A charming café known for its classic Parisian ambiance, located not too far from the Bastille area. It offers a variety of French dishes and is a great spot for a casual meal or a coffee break.
- Le Baron Rouge: Although more of a wine bar than a café or salon de thé, Le Baron Rouge is a popular spot near the Aligre market, known for its excellent selection of wines and lively atmosphere.
- Bleu Olive: A cozy café offering a range of homemade pastries, sandwiches, and a selection of teas and coffees. It’s a great place to relax after a walk on the Promenade plantée.
- L’Arrosoir: A quaint salon de thé with a lovely selection of teas, cakes, and light lunch options. It’s known for its warm, welcoming environment.
- Le Jardin de l’Arsenal: Situated near the Port de l’Arsenal along the Seine, this café offers a beautiful setting and a menu with a variety of options, from coffee and pastries to more substantial meals.
These are just a few examples, and the area around the Promenade plantée and the Viaduc des Arts is rich with a variety of cafés, bistros, and salons de thé, each offering its own unique charm and selection of food and beverages.
Question: Any interesting artisan shops around?
ChatGPT:
Yes, the area around the Promenade plantée and the Viaduc des Arts in Paris is renowned for its artisan shops, particularly those located in the arches of the Viaduc des Arts. These shops showcase a wide range of artisanal crafts and unique creations. Some of the interesting artisan shops in this area include:
- Artisanal Furniture and Interior Design: Several shops under the arches specialize in bespoke furniture, interior design, and home decor. These artisans often combine traditional techniques with modern design, creating unique and high-quality pieces.
- Art Galleries: There are art galleries that feature the work of both emerging and established artists. These galleries often host exhibitions and events, providing a platform for artistic expression and discovery.
- Jewelry Designers: The area is home to a number of jewelry designers who craft unique, handmade pieces. These range from contemporary designs to more traditional, intricate creations.
- Fashion and Textiles: Several artisans focus on fashion and textiles, offering custom-made clothing, accessories, and textile art. These shops often feature sustainable and locally sourced materials.
- Musical Instrument Makers: Some of the artisans specialize in making and repairing musical instruments, offering a unique glimpse into the world of music craftsmanship.
- Ceramics and Pottery: There are also shops dedicated to ceramics and pottery, where artisans create a variety of items from functional tableware to decorative pieces.
These artisan shops not only sell unique products but also represent the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Paris. They provide a wonderful opportunity for visitors to find one-of-a-kind items and to see artisans at work in their studios. The Viaduc des Arts is a must-visit for those interested in arts and crafts, and it adds an extra layer of charm and creativity to the already beautiful setting of the Promenade plantée.
Question: List some similar walks around the world.
ChatGPT:
There are several elevated walkways and urban green spaces around the world similar to the Promenade plantée in Paris, each offering a unique blend of nature, art, and urban renewal. Some notable examples include:
- The High Line, New York City, USA: Perhaps the most famous example, the High Line is an elevated linear park built on a historic freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side. It features landscaped gardens, art installations, and panoramic views of the city.
- The 606, Chicago, USA: Also known as the Bloomingdale Trail, this is an elevated linear park and trail system built on a former railway line. It offers green space, art installations, and recreational opportunities in Chicago’s urban environment.
- Seoullo 7017, Seoul, South Korea: This is a sky garden and urban walkway created from a former highway overpass in Seoul. It features over 24,000 plants and provides a unique pedestrian experience in the heart of the city.
- Hofbogen, Rotterdam, Netherlands: This project involves the transformation of a former railway viaduct into a space for urban development, including green spaces, shops, and cultural venues.
- Goods Line, Sydney, Australia: A linear park and pedestrian walkway that repurposes an old railway line, featuring landscaped areas, public art, and spaces for performances and events.
- Rail Park, Philadelphia, USA: Inspired by the High Line and the Promenade plantée, this park is being developed on a historic elevated railway line, aiming to provide green space and recreational areas in the city.
- Harsimus Stem Embankment, Jersey City, USA: A project in development to transform a historic stone railroad embankment into an elevated park, offering green space and connectivity in an urban setting.
Each of these projects repurposes former industrial or transportation infrastructure into vibrant urban green spaces, providing residents and visitors alike with unique experiences of nature and culture within the cityscape.
