The inauguration of the first phase of the ‘Bois de la Part-Dieu’ on January 6th, 2026, by Lyon’s ecological administration, has quickly become a focal point of criticism and mockery. What was presented as an ambitious ‘urban forest’ project in the heart of Lyon’s Part-Dieu district has, for many, materialized as little more than a collection of sparse saplings amidst frozen earth, fueling skepticism about the city’s environmental commitments and planning prowess.
The Discrepancy Between Promise and Reality
The Métropole de Lyon had grand visions, promising a ‘landscape revolution’ for the Rue Bouchut. However, the reality, as observed by many, paints a different picture. Instead of a lush urban forest, visitors are greeted by expansive patches of soil, plants struggling against recent frosts, and a mere 73 slender saplings. This stark contrast between the alluring visuals presented by the city and the current state of the site has led to widespread disillusionment.
Dr. Antoine Dubois, an urban planning expert from the University of Lyon, commented, “The concept of an ‘urban forest’ implies a certain density and maturity of vegetation. What we see here, at this initial stage, is more akin to a nascent arboretum, not a forest. The public’s reaction is understandable, as expectations were set very high.”
A Greenwashing Accusation?
The opposition has been quick to seize on the opportunity to deride the project. Pierre Oliver, Mayor of the 2nd arrondissement and a vocal critic of the ecologists’ policies, sarcastically remarked, “And here, a small geranium,” echoing a famous French comedic line to highlight the perceived inadequacy of the planting. This sentiment is widely shared, with many questioning whether the term ‘urban forest’ is a misnomer for what appears to be a modest collection of trees.
An online commenter aptly noted, “I would call it a thicket rather than a forest.” This observation underscores the public’s perception that 73 trees hardly constitute a forest, especially when compared to the 400 trees in the more extensive Place Bellecour, which no one refers to as the ‘Bois de Bellecour.’
Financial Outlays and Public Outcry
The controversy is further exacerbated by the project’s cost. The first phase alone has reportedly cost 2.7 million euros, a figure that many find exorbitant given the current visual outcome. Adding insult to injury, a video circulating on TikTok by ‘Voix de Lyon’ showed plants left unattended in their pots, with some even being taken by passersby. This scene has sparked outrage on social media, with citizens questioning the management and oversight of such a costly initiative.
Ms. Sophie Martin, a local resident and environmental activist, expressed her dismay: “To spend millions on a project that looks so underdeveloped and then to see plants neglected like that… it’s disheartening. It makes you wonder if this is truly about ecological transformation or just a superficial attempt to appear green.”
The Role of Weather and Future Prospects
While some argue that recent frost and snow, which fell on January 8th, have hindered the growth of the newly planted vegetation, critics suggest that this merely highlights a lack of foresight in the project’s timing and execution. The current state of the plants, far from thriving, seems to confirm these concerns.
Looking ahead, the Métropole de Lyon aims to plant an additional sixty trees by 2026, with a goal of achieving “2,600m2 of densely planted surfaces.” However, the timing of this second phase, especially with upcoming elections, raises questions about political motivations. The decision to inaugurate an ‘arboreal space’ before any significant growth has occurred has been interpreted by many as an act of political expediency rather than genuine environmental commitment.
The actions of Bruno Bernard, a prominent ecological figure, who was reportedly seen at the site without acknowledging the work of his agents, further fuels the narrative of a dogmatic approach. The true impact and success of the ‘Bois de la Part-Dieu’ will only be known in the coming years, but for now, it stands as a symbol of the tension between ambitious ecological rhetoric and the practical realities of urban development.
Lessons from Other Initiatives
This situation in Lyon draws parallels with other urban greening efforts, both successful and contentious. While the intent to create more green spaces is commendable, the execution and communication surrounding such projects are crucial for public acceptance and genuine environmental benefit. The ‘Bois de la Part-Dieu’ serves as a case study in how a well-intentioned project can become a magnet for criticism if it fails to meet public expectations or appears to be poorly managed.
Ultimately, the ‘Mini World’ forest in Part-Dieu is more than just a planting project; it’s a litmus test for the ecological administration’s ability to deliver on its promises and navigate the complexities of urban planning and public perception. The verdict, as the saying goes, will be delivered by time and, perhaps more importantly, by the trees themselves.
