European Heritage Days 2024: come celebrate the 165th anniversary of the Daumesnil Viaduc

Septembre 21-22, 2024  Viaduc des arts (1-129 avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris) and the Coulée Verte René Dumont

On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, on 21st and 22nd September 2024 from 11 am to 7 pm, the Viaduc des arts, in partnership with Art en Balade, will invite Parisians and visitors to enjoy a wonderful experience that blends art, history, and nature.

A celebration of heritage and art in Paris

This event marks the 165th anniversary of the inauguration of the Daumesnil Viaduc, which has now been transformed into a vibrant hub of fine craftsmanship and urban walking.

A range of activities will immerse you in the fascinating history of this iconic monument:
• Storytelling tours recounting the compelling history of the viaduc, from its construction in 1859 to its transformation into the Viaduc des arts,
• A musical and poetic stroll,
• A craft workshop for both young and old themed around the rose,
• An artists' trail along the Coulée Verte René Dumont and outdoor artistic performances,
• And other surprises to come.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the heritage and creativity of Paris.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the heritage and creativity of Paris.

Practical information

Saturday, 21st September
• Location: Viaduc des arts
• Meeting point: 1 Avenue Daumesnil, Paris 12th, from 11 am
• Free and no reservation required - accessible to all

Sunday, 22nd September
• Location: Promenade Plantée
• Meeting point: At the Bastille entrance, at the top of the stairs, from 11 am
• Free and no reservation required - accessible to all

The Viaduc Daumesnil: a happy transformation

The Viaduc Daumesnil, an architectural gem of the 12th arrondissement of Paris, celebrates its 165th anniversary.
Erected in 1859 under Napoleon III, this colossus of 1,022 metres with its 75 majestic arches embodies the railway innovation of the Second Empire. It was an essential link in the network connecting Paris to its eastern suburbs, notably for the legendary "Train des Roses" and Sunday escapes to the riverside guinguettes.

The closure of the line in 1969 could have condemned this iconic structure. However, the City of Paris decided to preserve this unique heritage. In 1994, architect Patrick Berger undertook a bold rehabilitation, led by Semaest (now called SEM Paris Commerces), which transformed the former arches into workshops for fine craftsmanship, giving birth to the Viaduc des arts.

At the same time, Semaest is carrying out the development of the old railway line, which has become the Promenade Plantée, a 4.7 km suspended linear park designed by Philippe Mathieux and Jacques Vergely. Inaugurated in 1993, it offers a unique green haven from the Viaduc des arts to the Bois de Vincennes. Today, the Viaduc des arts and the Promenade Plantée form a remarkable ensemble, combining craftsmanship, nature, and urban innovation. From its bold construction to its transformation into a planted promenade, the Viaduc Daumesnil is a testament to the evolution of transport networks and urban planning in Paris.

In 2004, the City of Paris transferred ownership of the Viaduc des arts to Semaest for an initial period of 18 years, extended until 2048. Semaest is therefore responsible for maintaining the site, renting the arches to artisans and promoting it alongside the association of artisans of the Viaduc.

The 41st edition of the European Heritage Days 2024, themed « Heritage of routes, networks and connections » provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight this engineering masterpiece.

Two exceptional storytelling tours will allow the public to discover the fascinating history of the Viaduc and its role in the development of eastern Paris.

Discover the complete programme

Join us for an unforgettable weekend on the occasion of the European Heritage Days.

Saturday, 21st September

Festivities will take place along the Viaduc des arts, where the public will have the opportunity to (re)discover the craftsmanship of fine artisans.

• 11 am - Storytelling tour by Philippe Colin in front of the arch of Tzuri Gueta (1 Avenue Daumesnil, Paris 12th)
An artist and the initiator of the artists' trail on the Promenade Plantée, presented in four stops.
Duration of the tour: 1 hour 30 minutes.

• 3 pm - Storytelling tour by Philippe Colin in front of the arch of Tzuri Gueta (1 Avenue Daumesnil, Paris 12th)
Second chance to enjoy this sharing of stories.
Duration of the tour: 1 hour 30 minutes.

• 3 pm - Workshop for children in front of the Ithemba shop (67 Avenue Daumesnil, Paris 12th)
Discover the world of roses with Maria Geraldes, a floral landscape artist from the Marché aux fleurs Reine-Elizabeth-II.

• 3:30 pm / 5:30 pm - Musical stroll along the Viaduc des arts
Wander while being carried away by enchanting melodies.

• 5:30 pm - Meet in front of the Ithemba shop (67 Avenue Daumesnil, Paris 12th)
For lovers of the history of the 12th arrondissement of Paris. Memories, photos, anecdotes, and many other surprises await you.

Sunday, 22nd September

Artists will take over the Promenade Plantée of the Coulée Verte René Dumont. This celebration will highlight the remarkable transformation of this former railway infrastructure into a space dedicated to creativity and nature, symbolising Paris's ability to reinvent its heritage.

• 11 am - Opening of the artists' trail on the Promenade Plantée
Welcoming visitors and an introduction to the artistic trail at the Bastille entrance, at the top of the stairs, followed by a guided walk along the Promenade Plantée.
Meet the artists and hear anecdotes about the creation of the Promenade Plantée.

• 2 pm - Artistic performances along the Viaduc des arts
Poetry, readings, and painting to celebrate creativity in all its forms.

• 3 pm - Guided walk along the Viaduc des arts
Second chance to enjoy this unique stroll.

• 5 pm - Artistic performancesalong the Viaduc des arts
Poetry, readings, and painting to celebrate creativity in all its forms.

• 7 pm - Closing of the celebration

We look forward to welcoming many of you to experience these memorable moments together!

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