The square in front of Paris City Hall is being transformed into an urban forest. What will it look like?

Place de l'Hôtel is being transformed into an island of freshness. Work began on October 16 to give the area a completely new look. We'll have to wait 8 months- around June 30, 2025, if all goes well - to enjoy this transformed space once again.

Why transform the forecourt into an urban forest?

This greening is part of a vast plan to combat global warming and urban heat islands. The project was designed to bring freshness to a busy, mineral space, while at the same time enriching Paris's biodiversity. By redesigning the forecourt, Paris City Hall is pursuing its objective of making the city more climate-resilient, while offering a pleasant living space for Parisians and visitors alike.

What does the greening project involve?

The planting project will cover 2,500 square meters, including 1,000 square meters of open ground. On completion of the work, the forecourt will be home to around 90 large trees, including local species resistant to climate change, such as oak, hornbeam, honey locust and Julian's hackberry. These trees will be accompanied by over 20,000 plants, including shrubs and ferns to create a forest atmosphere. Wooded copses will be installed on either side of the forecourt to provide cool, shaded areas.

Will fountains disappear?

No, the historic fountains on the Hôtel de Ville forecourt will be integrated into the project. They will be surrounded by vegetation, providing a balance between architectural heritage and the new urban forest. These watering holes will remain places for visitors to sit and rest, while adding an aesthetic touch to the transformed space.

How will this project affect activities and events on the square?

The parvis de l'Hôtel de Ville is an important gathering place, particularly for events such as Paris Plages and the commemorations of the Liberation of Paris. The center of the parvis will remain unobstructed, enabling major events to continue to be held there, although the space will be slightly reduced to accommodate the new landscaping. The Christmas market, however, will have to be relocated, due to limited space for facilities such as toboggan runs and climbing towers. The Place de la Concorde will undoubtedly be the place to look for the Paris 2024 Christmas Village.

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What technical constraints have been taken into account?

The presence of an underground parking lot beneath the forecourt represents a major technical challenge. To ensure the viability of this project without modifying the existing structure, the trees will be planted on the two available areas of open ground. The substrate and root systems of the trees have been specially adapted to ensure good growth despite these constraints. An optimized watering system will also be installed to maintain the health of these new green spaces.

When will this new green lung be inaugurated?

Completion is scheduled for summer 2025, when Parisians will finally be able to enjoy this new urban forest. Following on from the inaugurations of Place de Catalogne and Bois de Charonne, this project marks an important step in Paris's greening policy, aimed at creating islands of freshness in the capital and improving the quality of life in urban environments.

What makes this urban forest unique?

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this urban forest embodies a strong commitment to sustainability and climate adaptation. Thanks to the species chosen for their resilience, this green space will provide a breath of fresh air for local residents, offering a soothing, verdant setting right in the heart of Paris. This project is a symbol of the ecological transition underway in the capital, providing a glimpse of an urban future where green is back in the limelight.

In line with town-planning requirements, notably to preserve views of the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral, the south side of the square will open onto a vast clearing, offering an unobstructed view of the edifice. Once this new planted area is completed, a fourth urban forest should be created on Place du Colonel-Fabien, following on from those on Place de Catalogne and Bois de Charonne.