Madame Hidalgo had promised it, and now it’s a reality: a veritable urban forest of over 2,500 square meters has finally seen the light of day on the Hôtel de Ville forecourt. It has to be said that this immense space of more than 9,000 m² was really very mineral and needed a real change to bring more freshness to Parisians… We tell you all about it!
A veritable urban forest on the Hôtel de Ville forecourt
It may seem unreal, but the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville has been planted! This wonderful 2,500 m² space has completely transformed this iconic square, steeped in history…
The tree species were carefully selected for their resistance to an urban environment particularly exposed to pollution, for the density of their foliage, their color and their resistance to heat. Some of them are already 10 meters tall, and over 30 years old… In all, 49 trees and shrubs have found a new home on the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, in two groves nestled on either side of the square.
Of course, everything has been thought of so that you can enjoy it. You’ll be able to stroll through the tree-lined alleys, and enjoy the freshness of the surroundings. In all, more than a quarter of the square’s surface is entirely planted.
The square has not been completely transformed, however, as part of it has been deliberately left bare to host various events throughout the year: sporting gatherings, concerts, [trackLinklink_url=”https://parissecret.com/expositions-paris/”]exhibitions[/trackLink] etc…
A square that has changed face several times
While most of us know the parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville as a large pedestrian square, it wasn’t always so. Indeed, until the late 70s, it was a huge traffic circle, with cars and horns invading the urban space.
In the 1800s, it was covered with sand and gravel, and used as a landing stage for goods transported from the Seine.
Today, this mythical square is writing a new page in its history, once again becoming an environmentally-friendly meeting place. What do you think?