France: Uncertain future for historic Ile-de-France allotments
Expanding Paris is threatening gardens which, for over a century, have been oases of green
By Mike Diliën
The Connexion
Nov 12, 2020
Excerpt:
To the north of Paris, in an area mostly known for high rises, the town of Stains is surprisingly green, with its allotment gardens and fields.
When I visit, gardeners gathered around a decorated table in front of an allotment cabin are sharing the proceeds of a modest collection.
Despite the pandemic, which has led to the cancellation of a local parade, everyone is discussing one topic: the renovation of the historic allotments, a project Stains started in 2019.
Most allotments border the cemetery. Tall sunflowers, bulging tomatoes and giant courgettes are trying to catch every ray of sun.
From spring to autumn, the gardens and cemetery give the area a serene character. Besides vegetables, they boast fruit trees and grapevines – Stains used to be renowned for its winegrowing.
All gardens are to be standardised
Nearly all vegetation, including old trees, will be razed. The area under renovation looks bleak. Cabins and cisterns stand on bare soil.
“There used to be a pear orchard,” said one gardener, pointing at an empty spot. “And where they’re building a ‘village’ there once stood a cherry grove.”
