Jardin de Bouvines : a new green space inaugurated in the 11th arrondissement with free activities

The garden on Avenue de Bouvines, in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, grew up on the site of a former parking lot that’s been transformed into a green space of more than 1,500 square meters. And the good news is that it will be inaugurated this Saturday, June 20, 2026, by Emmanuel Grégoire and David Belliard, with a brass band, a plant swap, and free distribution of seeds and compost.

The Garden of the Avenue de Bouvines, in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, officially opens its paths this Saturday, June 20, 2026. Just a stone’s throw from Place de la Nation, this former parking space makes way for a a neighborhood garden of more than 1,500 m², planted with trees, flower beds and pedestrian paths. Emmanuel Grégoire, mayor of Paris, and David Belliard, mayor of the 11th arrondissement, will inaugurate it in the late morning.

This new green space grew out of the Rue aux écoles initiative, spearheaded by the City of Paris to give more room to children, families, and pedestrians. Located on the fringes of several schools, the site was redesigned with input from neighborhood residents, following a consultation conducted with local stakeholders.

Where asphalt once dominated, there are now plantings, convivial gathering spaces, and shaded spots to catch your breath. These developments boost biodiversity and create a precious oasis of cool, as the city works to adapt to the effects of climate change. This transformation is part of a wave of new green spaces anticipated in the capital.

What does the inauguration program for the Bouvines garden include?

The gathering is set for Saturday morning for a festive, convivial moment, punctuated by a toast. Here is the rundown of the official sequence:

11:00 AM: a stroll with Emmanuel Grégoire and David Belliard in the garden
11:15: remarks
11:30–11:45: end of the official segment

On the activities front, the district embraces spring colors with a participatory program:

Duranti Conservatory Brass Band
Seed, bulb and compost distribution
Plant fair organized by the Neighborhood Council

The event is gratuit and open to everyone, with no registration required. We’ll meet from 11 a.m. on Avenue de Bouvines, by Place de la Nation, to celebrate together the transformation of this avenue. All information is being shared by the mairie du 11ᵉ arrondissement and the City of Paris.

What will the weather be like for Saturday's inauguration?

A point not to be neglected: this Saturday is shaping up to be sweltering. According to Météo-France, temperatures could climb to 36 °C in Île-de-France as part of an early heat wave. We advise bringing water, a hat, and taking advantage of the shade offered by the new plantings.

To track how the fortes chaleurs are evolving and to know the right precautions against the canicule, check out our weekly weather briefing and the spots to cool off in Paris.

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.