At the Hôtel de Ville, an interesting installation is illustrating how green spaces can pop up even in the middle of a major city. The Hôtel de Ville is the city hall of Paris, but it is more than just an administrative building. With its beautifully ornate exterior, the Hôtel de Ville is often a must-see stop on the itinerary of visitors to Paris. Guests staying at the Hôtel Louvre Marsollier can find this spot right in the center of Paris, not very far away from their rooms.
Until July 12, 2013, visitors have yet another reason to see the Hôtel de Ville. That is because this monument is currently presenting the ‘Jardins Ephémères’ (the ‘Ephemeral Gardens’). The theme of the event is ‘New Landscapes of the Metropolis,’ and it will include children’s workshops, guided visits, and photo exhibitions, among other things.
The ‘Jardin Ephémères’ installation happens every year at the Hôtel de Ville, and this year is no exception. The purpose of the event is to provide inhabitants and visitors of Paris with a little bit of green space in an unexpected area — right in front of the city hall.
Both wild and manicured vegetation is showcased during this time, accompanied by educational workshops and fun conferences. Professional landscape artists and gardeners will be present to offer free guided tours of the installation. Those who want to know more about these kinds of careers will be able to find out how such professionals spend their days.
In this way, city dwellers are able to appreciate how flowers and other plants enrich their lives on a daily basis. By providing a space for relaxation, leisure and beauty, such green spaces offer social, psychological and ecological benefits.