We will have a three hour (not including the hour I've left for transit and checking in) layover in Paris between crossing the Chunnel and the night train to Rome. We will be there between 4:00 and 7:00 pm on a Thursday in June. As we will stop on our way back for a full week in Paris, I'm not looking for a way to take in one of the big sights like Notre Dame in a rush to and from the stations. What I would like is something done easily from the station. As we will have just been on a 2 1/2 hour train ride and about to board a nine hour one, parks, gardens, or scenic walks might be best. We are a family of four with a 12 year old and a 14 year old daughter.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
The Promenade Plantee and Viaduc des Arts are only a few blocks from Gare de Lyon and ideal for leisurely strolling. Here is Wikipedia's article, with links to other sources. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_Plant%C3%A9e The stretch along Avenue Daumesnil headed west towards Bastille is the most interesting part of the four-kilometre route. The elevated park, on a former railroad viaduct, is a good example of the studied French approach to gardening. On street level, the old brick arches shelter boutiques and workshops for artists and craftsmen. Your kids can peer through the big windows and perhaps see china being hand-painted or other such activities. My favourite shop is one devoted entirely to music stands. There are a few bistros and terraces for refreshment.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10627 posts
After your walk on the Viaduc, I'd suggest stopping in the Brasserie l'Europeen across the street from the Gare de Lyon.
Posted by
OP
Salem, Oregon, USA
209 posts
Thank you both. The park in particular sounds lovely. We are bringing folding push scooters (the kind children play with, not the motorized kind) to use like folding bikes. The idea of spending couple of hours scooting around a park before the night train sounds heavenly. But chocolate is always a grand thing.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I agree about the Promenade Plantee a beautiful walk in either direction from near Gare de Lyon. Another nice walk might be alongside the boat basin between the Seine and Place de la Bastille. Look at all the different kinds of barges and other craft, people enjoying the long evening. You could go along the Promenade Plantee to Place de la Bastille then return via the boat basin, or vice versa. Three hours should be enough for that, but of course get to Gare de Lyon first and check your bags there if you can. Lots of nice cafes and restaurants opposite the station entrance, watching the travelers coming and going, if you want to have a snack or early dinner before boarding. Sounds like a great trip.