Jardin on the Champs Elysees
A public garden down the Champs Elysées, surely not? That’s right, move over public transport, move over after-work traffic and make space for a few kilometers of luscious vegetation and lavender plantations. We decided (Sarah and her Frenchman!) to go along to check it out…along with tens of thousands of other Parisians and tourists all wanting a glimpse at the city’s new attempt at being eco-friendly.
We spent a lovely afternoon strolling down the avenue hand-in-hand, the sun beating down upon us, admiring the 8000-odd plantations of herbs, flowers, vegetables, and trees. There were also plentiful stalls as well displaying everything from a pyramid of organic fruit and vege to eco-friendly chocolate and beer. Yes, I kid you not, Heineken makes its move into the realm of Green-ness!
But hats off to the organizers, this new eco initiative attracted people of all ages and shapes and sizes. Paris is certainly making baby steps to becoming just that little bit greener, especially after the introduction of the Velib programme (public bicycle rental) in mid-2007.
So next year, trot along to le jardin aux Champs Elysées to show your true colours. Or you could just play eco-friendly like my flatmate and put a worm farm in your bathroom. Over to you!
You can learn more by visiting http://www.naturecapitale.com
(Thanks to my daughter Sarah)