EDLA does Paris…
Paris is renowned for its beauty, particularly in the Spring. However, it also exudes so much charm during the summer, despite the scorching heat we experienced during our trip. So why did we embark on this adventure and decide to take our team away? (Or rather those who could make it, Jo and Richard were certainly missed.
Simply because our team deserved it. We had been through a demanding period of project work and it has been a strong year for us. This trip was our way of saying thank you and allowing the team to pause, recharge and reconnect. In this era of remote working and as we now operate from multiple locations, we feel it is important to get the team in person, in one place.
The trip was also an important chance for the team to recharge their imaginations and draw inspiration from Parisian urban design and thinking. The maintenance of Parisian parks and the thoughtfulness they put into their street materiality is impressive and something for the UK to learn from. And given how quick and easy it is to travel to Paris on the Eurostar, this beat most other options in the UK for us.
Our team explored, meandered and observed and came back feeling refreshed, thoughtful and energised.
Here’s a glimpse of what unfolded during our trip:
We arrived in Paris at 11:30 am, greeted by a light drizzle. Undeterred, we made our way to the enchanting Passage des Panoramas, a collection of covered arcades adorned with exquisite shops, art galleries, and delightful eateries and cafes. En route, we couldn’t resist stopping at Donald’s favourite patisserie, Carton, near Gare du Nord, renowned for winning the prestigious “Best Croissants 2022” award. Sipping coffee and savouring pastries under the canopy, we indulged in people-watching and soaking up the cultural vibe.
Next on our itinerary was a leisurely stroll through the Passage des Panoramas. Succumbing to the lure of culinary delights, over a typically French lunch set menu (you know the type that is accompanied by baskets of sliced baguette…) we took the time to connect with each other. Afterwards, we decided to meander towards Pigalle, where we visited the basketball court open to all- a vibrant collaboration between Pigalle and Nike. After exploring Pigalle further, we made our way back to the hotel.
We chose Paris for our team away destination partly because of its aim to become the ‘greenest city in Europe’, with an ambitious tree planting scheme and the creation of three urban forests in the east of the city by 2030. An aim launched in 2019 by the re-elected Council.
It’s always fascinating to see and be inspired by how other cities are responding to the global emergency. By 2030, the authorities want 50 per cent of the city to be covered by planted areas, whether parkland or green rooftops. Including a target of 170,000 new trees, including 20,000 on inner-city streets.
So, it was very interesting for the team to see how much this green vision had become a reality and to learn of some of the challenges and oppositions to it, most notably from motoring organisations and some residents.
Paris’s famous allure lies in its meandering streets, where hidden squares, charming parks, and exquisite churches await discovery.
Although there is much still to do, the changes are evident and we felt the city boasts a harmonious approach to biodiversity and green spaces, evident through its integrated planting schemes and informational boards designed for both residents and tourists.
Following a brief rest at our hotel, just minutes away from Notre Dame, we gathered for a drink before embarking on a stroll along the Seine, taking in the scenic Parc Rives de Seine. We enjoyed the talented buskers playing along the riverbanks at sunset. After dinner, some of us then ventured to a jazz club, descending into a small basement adorned with exposed brick walls, where we spent the rest of the evening being entertained by some very upbeat jazz.
Paris’s famous allure lies in its meandering streets, where hidden squares, charming parks, and exquisite churches await discovery.
The following morning, we stumbled upon a cosy breakfast spot next to the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens, where French toast was specially served for our Graduate Landscape Architect, Jaya, a first-time visitor to Paris!
We then proceeded to explore the grandeur of Jardin du Luxembourg, an impressive formal garden, before continuing our journey to the Promenade Plantée. This former viaduct transformed into a lush linear park offered a unique and inspiring experience for all the team. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/jun/07/paris-promenade-plantee-free-elevated-park-walkway-bastille-bois-de-vincennes
After a few delightful stops for ice cream and refreshing iced coffee, our trip culminated at the Tuileries Gardens. With a couple of hours of free time at hand, everyone pursued their own interests—whether it be sightseeing, sketching, renting a bike, or more sightseeing.
Ultimately, we reconvened on the Eurostar, rather hot and slightly sunburned(!), arriving back in the UK a more exhausted but relaxed team, with lots of inspiration for our own projects.