Paris, January 8 – The city of Paris is advancing its ambitious greening strategy with the development of a new urban forest at Place du Colonel Fabien. This significant project, situated at the crossroads of the 10th and 19th arrondissements, is slated for inauguration in March 2026. It aims to transform a once car-dominated intersection into a vibrant, eco-friendly urban space.
A Greener, Cooler Paris
The urban forest initiative is a key component of Paris’s broader effort to combat urban heat islands and enhance biodiversity. Following successful implementations at Place de la Catalogne and the forecourt of Hôtel de Ville, Place du Colonel Fabien will host 43 large trees and 75 shrubs, creating a dense, refreshing green lung in the heart of the city. The project encompasses 1,760 m² of green spaces, including 1,460 m² of forest and 300 m² of planted strips, alongside 980 m² of pedestrian areas and over 400 meters of new cycle paths. [paris.fr]
Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, has championed these urban forests as a visionary tool to adapt the city to climate change, noting that they can create a temperature difference of up to 4 degrees Celsius. [leparisien.fr]
Benefits for Residents and the Environment
Beyond aesthetics, these urban forests offer multiple environmental benefits:
- Cooling Effect: The dense vegetation helps lower ambient temperatures, providing much-needed relief during hot summers.
- Carbon Capture: Plants naturally absorb CO2, contributing to cleaner air in the urban environment.
- Biodiversity Preservation: These green spaces foster a rich ecosystem, supporting a variety of plant and animal species.
The project at Place du Colonel Fabien will feature clearings accessible to the public, with a variety of tree species such as Burgundy oaks, serviceberries, Siberian elms, and common hornbeams. The design also includes circular planted areas with ferns, ivy, and other forest-like vegetation, honoring the architectural forms of the nearby Espace Niemeyer. [paris.fr]
Project Timeline and Impact
The redevelopment of Place du Colonel Fabien, initiated in January 2025, is now in its final phase of construction, focusing on planting, road resurfacing, and lighting upgrades. The total cost of this fourth urban forest is estimated at 6.7 million euros. [leparisien.fr]
While the construction has caused some disruption for residents over the past year, the completed space promises to be a more pleasant environment for families, with dedicated pedestrian zones and improved access to public transport, including the nearby Colonel Fabien metro station. The project, which originated from the Participatory Budget in 2016, involved extensive consultation with residents of the 10th and 19th arrondissements. [mairie10.paris.fr]
The inauguration in March 2026 will mark another milestone in Paris’s journey towards becoming a greener, more breathable, and more enjoyable city for its inhabitants and visitors alike.
Source: sortiraparis.com, paris.fr, mairie10.paris.fr, leparisien.fr, lemoniteur.fr
