Patch by patch, plot by plot, Paris is gradually getting greener. Just last week, we reported on the city’s plans to plant four new ‘urban forests’ next to major landmarks. And now just take a look at this.
The world’s largest urban farm has opened on top of the Parc des Expositions building in the 15th arrondissement – and it’s already providing fruit and veg to homes and restaurants across the city’s Left Bank.
Photograph: Nature Urbaine
Following a two-month delay due to lockdown, the 14,000-square-metre Nature Urbaine farm partially opened to the public in May. As of July 1, the complex is fully open, along with a bar and restaurant run by the popular Perchoir chain of rooftop venues.
The farm will eventually produce around 30 different species of plant, including tomatoes, strawberries, aubergines, basil, radishes and chard – served in a farm-to-table menu on site and distributed to businesses across the capital. Once all of its patches are planted, it will be able to produce around 2,000 pounds of fruit and veg a day.
Photograph: Nature Urbaine
Many of the plants are being grown vertically through aeroponic farming, a sustainable technique that uses nutrient-rich mist and rainwater to nourish produce (cutting water usage by 90 percent compared with traditional soil-based farming).
Members of the public can access the farm both on educational tours and team-building workshops for firms. And for €320 a year, locals can get hold of one of 140 – no doubt very sought-after – allotment plots. Here’s to seeing some juicy Paris-grown greens on a menu near you sometime soon.
Photograph: Nature Urbaine
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