An urban forest at the former EMGP site

The Parc des EMGP (Entrepôts des Magasins Généraux de Paris, or the Paris general stores warehouses) is part of the ongoing development in the Place du Village. This recently redesigned square boasts numerous amenities, including pétanque courts, bike racks, food stands, an urban farm, and more. Across from the Place du Village along the Rue du Grain, the new 1.5-hectare park is a regreened multi-use space, densely planted with vegetation. 

The park features two parts: the central part, located to the south of the Rue du Coton and facing the Place du Village; and the northern part. This rewilded space creates an urban forest in the city of Aubervilliers, complete with 1,489 trees of varying species (field maple, holly oak, wild cherry, rowan, etc.) and lush layers of undergrowth and groundcover plants.

The entire perimeter of the park is densely planted. Along the city side, this rich wooded band is irrigated with 40cm-deep trenches, planted over with groundcover and grasses. The trenches collect rainwater, cultivating wetland ecosystems that expand the park’s hubs of biodiversity.  

To the south, the central part of the park features a vast glade emerging from the densely planted perimeter. The glade comprises three raised, grassy fields of varying size, each framed by 40cm-high concrete walls. These raised fields offer visitors an abundance of seating areas and add playful elevation changes to an otherwise flat terrain. The thermophilic meadow, with its lush colors and textures, beautifies the glade and enriches the park’s ecosystems. Sandblasted concrete paths accompanied by gravel surfaces wind through the wide variety of landscapes, perfect for strolling and relaxing.