A cohesive, greened, and heritage-conscious landscape runs from the banks of the Seine to the historic town hall buildings, with improved pedestrian crossings

The sidewalks lining Rue Maurice Berteaux, a historic and commercial downtown thoroughfare, are expanded and enriched with plantings. Sidewalks feature sandstone pavers and limestone curbs, a common pairing in numerous historic Île-de-France towns including Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Fontainebleau. The avenue slopes gently upward from the banks of the Seine to the town hall, running along a backdrop of striking buildings. Pathways and stairways open onto the hillside, creating stunning views. Their paving mirrors the sidewalks, enhancing the coherence of these adjoining spaces and optimizing accessibility for pedestrians.

At the town hall, the uniform hardscape plaza joins together Place Jean Moulin and Place du Général Leclerc, creating a new central square that connects the upper town and the large Parc du Prieuré (Priory Park). Stairs are added to enable visitors to move through the different spaces. Hanging gardens at each of the three Terraces (bottom, middle, and upper) combine simple composition with a wide variety of vegetation in rich textures and colors.

Trees throughout the project site include species found in the town’s parks and gardens (Judas tree, linden, field maple, etc.), drought-tolerant species (elm, strawberry tree, crape myrtle, etc.), and species well-suited to above-ground planting in both the raised planters on Rue Maurice Berteaux and the hanging gardens. Where underground conditions allow, trees are planted in-ground both along the avenue and throughout the town hall plaza. Beneath the varied tree layer, low-growing evergreen plants are combined with perennial bulbous plants and flowering shrubs, boosting biodiversity and maintaining lush greenery year-round.

Each seasonal change, be it blooming flowers, vibrant fruiting, or fall foliage, dances along Rue Maurice Berteaux and echoes throughout the hanging gardens.