What better place to unwind after a long flight than a garden? Just a few blocks from our friends' apartment is an elevated walkway and garden called La Promenade Plantée (or the Couleé Verte). Built on an abandoned 19th century viaduct, the Promenade extends above the city from the Opéra Bastille to the Parc de Reuilly. One can stroll nearly 4.5 km along plantings of roses, lilacs and viburnum and under arches dripping with fragrant wisteria.
Near the Parc de Reuilly, Parisian families were picnicing on the grass while we passed through the gate to see tree peonies, hostas and climbing roses. A sweet-smelling clematis climbed up a cherry tree that had just finished flowering.
At street level, the viaduct has been restored and converted to house studios and galleries - known as the Viaduc des Arts. One can see artisans at work in their studios and purchase work from one of the many local galleries.
I miss the Lurie Garden and its wilder, more natural look. Paris' spring weather is ahead of Chicago by about two weeks, and I am hoping that I will return to the Lurie in time to see the tree peonies near the Cloud Plaza in full bloom.
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