Australian cities can learn a lot from Paris – and its gardens

Paris has become a beacon of urban greening, offering a blueprint for how cities worldwide—particularly Australian ones—can integrate nature into their built environments. At the heart of this transformation lies a new public garden nestled in the 4th arrondissement, strategically located near some of the city's busiest tourist attractions and just steps away from the Seine River. This garden, which opened last year, stands out for its unconventional design: it replaces former car parking and bare open space without the typical barriers or designated seating areas. Instead, it features chunky stone formations and sweeping Mediterranean shrubs and perennials that evoke a natural landscape, making visitors feel as though they're far removed from the bustling city.

The garden was created as a tribute to the victims of the coordinated terrorist attacks that struck Paris in November 2015, resulting in the deaths of 130 individuals and leaving the nation deeply shaken. Designed by Wagon Landscaping, the space is described as "life reborn" emerging from granite, symbolizing resilience and renewal. The garden serves not only as a memorial but also as a sanctuary where people can find solace, especially during the recent heatwaves that have gripped Western Europe. In response to the extreme weather conditions, many of Paris' public gardens remained open 24 hours a day, allowing residents and tourists alike to seek refuge from the sweltering heat.

Beyond this specific garden, Paris has seen a significant expansion of green spaces over the past six years. The city has implemented a comprehensive initiative aimed at increasing shade and reducing the effects of the Urban Heat Island phenomenon. As part of this effort, approximately 170,000 trees have been planted, and large sections of pavement have been removed to allow for more vegetation. This has led to the introduction of perennials, annuals, and grasses, contributing to efforts to preserve biodiversity. Greenery is now flourishing in unexpected locations, including footpaths, metro stations, newly pedestrianized streets, closed railway lines, and former car parking areas, transforming previously grey and hard surfaces into vibrant ecosystems.

One notable example of this trend is the new street planting in the 20th arrondissement, which blends loosely designed elements with the structured presence of meticulously maintained trees and shrubs. This juxtaposition highlights the city's ability to balance informality with order, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically engaging. Another striking contrast is found in the Palais-Royal courtyard, where French artist Daniel Buren's 260 striped marble columns, installed in the mid-1980s, continue to draw admiration. These columns, with their stark black stripes, reflect light off the 17th-century palace walls, creating a dramatic visual impact that complements the surrounding mature trees and horse chestnuts. Despite their minimalist appearance, the columns have become focal points of social interaction, with teenagers gathering around them and using them as platforms.

These developments underscore a broader shift in Parisian urban planning—one that prioritizes ecological sustainability and community engagement. By integrating green spaces into everyday life, the city not only combats environmental challenges but also fosters a deeper connection between residents and their environment. As Australia looks to adopt similar strategies, the lessons learned from Paris offer valuable insights into how cities can transform themselves into more livable, resilient, and beautiful places.