Photo : ville de paris
Plant-based transformations of historic Paris
The evolution of landscaping practices and public space in the heart of an old district.
Académie du climat (Paris 4th)
About
October 29, 10:30 AM Plant-based transformations of a historic district: from the banks of the Seine to the Hôtel de Ville
Formerly the town hall of the 4th arrondissement, the Académie du Climat is a center for experimentation, information, and documentation on climate change and its impact on daily life and biodiversity, primarily in urban areas.
As we explore the surrounding area, we will discover how this historic district is gradually transforming to address these challenges through various connected developments: an urban forest at the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, a cooling island that links up with the neighboring tree alignments and gardens.
The route will continue with the development of the Rives de Seine park, covering 10 hectares in the heart of the city, promoting sports activities and soft mobility, and finally, the creation of the memorial garden in tribute to the victims of November 13, 2015, on the square of the Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais church, a space of memory that also hosts birds, evoking the souls of the departed through a chosen and varied plant palette, bird baths in the stone hollows, and birdhouses in the trees.
Meeting point: Académie du Climat, 2 Pl. Baudoyer, 75004 Paris
Our take on this event
The historical heart of the city is turning into an open-air laboratory where urban life learns to harmonize with nature. Wander through budding forests and contemplative gardens to witness how concrete is giving way to greenery in the middle of Paris.
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, explore how Paris's historic center is adapting to climate change through a guided tour starting from the Académie du Climat. From 10:30 to 12:00, discover urban interventions such as the forest at the Hôtel de Ville, the 10-hectare Rives de Seine park, and the memorial garden at Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais church. This walk is designed for adults aged 18 and over and is fully wheelchair accessible. Meeting at 2 place Baudoyer in the 4th arrondissement, this event is free of charge, subject to conditions. Join this look at urban biodiversity and sustainable design.
Based at the former 4th arrondissement town hall, the Académie du Climat serves as a hub for understanding the impact of climate change on urban life. On October 29, 2026, participants are invited to witness how the historic heart of Paris is being transformed through interconnected green spaces designed to mitigate environmental challenges.
The tour traces a path from the urban forest on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville through the 10-hectare Rives de Seine park, known for its dedication to soft mobility and fitness. The visit concludes at the memorial garden near the Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais church. Created to honor the victims of the November 13, 2015, attacks, this site serves as both a place of reflection and a sanctuary for birds, featuring carefully selected vegetation and stone-carved bird baths.
This guided tour takes place between 10:00 and 12:00 and is open to participants aged 18 and older. The route is fully wheelchair accessible. Please note that while the event is free, attendance is subject to certain conditions. You are expected at the Académie du Climat, located at 2 place Baudoyer, 75004 Paris.
