The greenest cities in France let us in on their secrets: want to know where you can get your fill of nature in Angers, Nantes and Strasbourg? Or what eco-friendly tips these cities can give us?
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“Make the city a garden” proclaims the city of Nantes, which is constantly expanding its green spaces. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to settle down or a weekend getaway that’s both urban and eco-friendly, here are three cities in France where nature is gradually taking centre stage!
Angers, the city of plants
Angers has set an example for the rest of the country by ranking as the most eco-friendly city in France since 2017 by the UNEP. With a green space less than 500 m from every inhabitant, it’s difficult to compete with this eco-champion — it even has a park with cows in the heart of the city!
Angers’ eco hack: to keep its place on the podium, the city has launched a major revegetation process in public places. Residents are also encouraged to plant small gardens and groves, or place flowerpots along their pavements. What a great way to get local people involved in their green city!
Make the most of nature in Angers and take a stroll down the new and improved Avenue Jeanne d’Arc, 600 m of which has been planted. Crocuses, linden trees, grass and fruit trees line this reinvented path which is dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. Continue on to Promenade Jean-Turc, at the foot of the castle, to cool off in the shade of the maple trees between the water jets and the play areas.
Nantes, the garden city
The second greenest city in France confirms its ambitions with the slogan, “Make the city a garden” and its large-scale eco project.
Within a few years, the “Green Star of the Nantes valleys” will connect the large parks and green spaces of Nantes, collectively offering a 42 km network of urban walks along the Loire and other rivers! It’s a completely unique project in France which almost makes us forget how close we are to the city.
Where could you indulge in the city’s green spaces before the arrival of the Green Star? In the Japanese garden on Île de Versailles — the perfect place to escape from the city! Why not rent a small electric boat or canoe to explore the river Erdre? According to King Francis I, it is the most beautiful river in France.
- Île de Versailles
- Quai Henri Barbusse
- 44000
- Nantes
- France
Strasbourg, the zero-waste city
And finally, the third greenest city in France is Strasbourg. It is the very first city in France to make its parks and gardens non-smoking areas. It’s also the fourth most bike-friendly city in the world. In Strasbourg, you pedal, you breathe and you pick up your rubbish.
In order to achieve its green city title, the capital of Alsace got involved in a “zero rubbish/zero waste” initiative which aims to reduce its waste to less than 7%. It’s an ambitious challenge that may help the growing number of organic shops and ecotourism options.
Where can you surround yourself with nature in Strasbourg? The Urban Natural Park offers a new way of connecting the city to nature and extends over more than 300 hectares. You can cycle or walk along the charming, bucolic river.
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Where to find it: south-west of Strasbourg, in the districts of Koenigshoffen, Montagne-verte and Elsau.