Kosher walk in Paris 12: Bastille and the Coulée verte

A kosher walk in Paris 12 can bring a major square, an elevated garden and lunch into one easy outing. Start at Bastille, look at the Viaduc des Arts from street level, then follow the Coulée verte towards Reuilly. The idea is to see the neighbourhood from two heights without turning the day into a hike. This route ends on Avenue Daumesnil; it does not follow the entire promenade to the Bois de Vincennes. Allow half a day to walk, pause and eat without rushing.

Distances and times are route estimates. Indoor visits are optional and may require separate reservations under each venue’s admission conditions.

1. Bastille: get your bearings

Begin on the opera side of the square. Before setting off, locate Rue de Lyon and Avenue Daumesnil on your map: that is the direction of the promenade. Take in the square, then leave the busy junction behind. If you are travelling with children, agree on one precise meeting point; the metro exits spread around the square are not a sufficiently clear place to meet.

2. Viaduc des Arts at street level

Walk beside the arcades on Avenue Daumesnil before looking for a way up. Looking through the windows gives a different perspective on the structure you will soon follow overhead. Choose a detail to spot again from the promenade: a façade, a line of trees or a side street. Entering a workshop is an optional extra; the route works entirely from public spaces, even when doors are closed.

3. Coulée verte: a change of height

Use an open entrance and continue towards Reuilly. Once above the street, alternate walking with pauses to look beyond the planting at the city. There is no need to reach the end of the Coulée verte: this outing covers only its first section. If an entrance is closed or stairs do not suit your group, stay on Avenue Daumesnil and approach the garden by street. Adapt the route instead of trying to force a passage.

4. Reuilly: back down for lunch

Near Jardin de Reuilly, take a final break before returning to street level. Choose your exit according to your lunch address: the two options below are at numbers 136 and 158 Avenue Daumesnil. Do not automatically keep walking east. Check the remaining route on your map, then head to your chosen table. A quick look now avoids overshooting the useful exit and having to double back.

Where to stop for a kosher meal

Plan the meal after the elevated section. The cards below help you choose an address and read the available kosher evidence. Confirm directly that lunch is possible, then set your departure time accordingly. Walking time is an estimate and excludes the meal and longer stops beside the arcades.

These places come from Keila’s published catalogue. Each card explains its evidence. Confirm the kosher certificate and service with the restaurant before travelling; Shabbat and holidays may affect opening.

Before you go

Check entrances and lift status on the municipal page that day; outages are reported, including on Rue de Lyon.
With a pushchair or reduced mobility, prepare a street-level alternative rather than assuming every lift works.
Check garden and restaurant hours before leaving, especially on Fridays and around Shabbat.