La Ferme de la Villette opens with 15,000 m² of nature, animals and workshops in the heart of Paris

This weekend, the Parc de la Villette inaugurates a new space dedicated to nature and animals. This 15,000 m² farm in Paris promises to become a popular breathing space in the capital. Parisians and visitors alike will be able to meet farm animals, stroll through wild meadows and observe urban biodiversity.

A natural space in the heart of the capital

Located at the western end of the park, the Ferme de la Villette covers an area entirely dedicated to biodiversity. At the entrance, families and the curious pass children planting their first seeds. Visitors stroll between meadows and vegetable gardens in this small world designed as a breathing space.

The Halle de Rouvray is the star of the show. This immense industrial hall dating from the early XXᵉ century has just been completely refurbished. Now, exposed bricks and metal structures give the site a raw, warm ambience.

Inside, there’s a modular space for workshops and meetings. There are also play areas for the very young. A number of long-eared residents have also taken up residence here.

“This new 15,000 m² space, entirely dedicated to biodiversity, promises to become one of the capital’s most exotic locations.

Farm animals to watch in peace and quiet

The real celebrities at this Paris farm are undoubtedly the animals. Donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and rabbits live peacefully in the large pastures surrounding the hall. Everything has been designed to enable you to observe these animals without disturbing them, and to understand their way of life.

For the opening weekend, the teams are organizing meetings with the caretakers. There will also be demonstrations of working with soil. There will also be workshops on how to feed the animals.

• Donkeys, goats and sheep in the pastures around the Halle de Rouvray
• Chickens and rabbits in close proximity
• Meet the groomers during the opening weekend
• Earthworking demonstrations
• Workshops to learn how to feed animals

A refuge for urban biodiversity

La Ferme de la Villette is much more than a mini educational farm. The project is part of a much broader ambition: to raise Parisians’ awareness of living things and biodiversity. Right next door, the Champ des oiseaux offers an almost wild space with a field of ancient wheat.

A flower meadow and a small urban woodland provide refuge for insects and birds. An observatory will soon enable visitors to observe the fauna without disturbing it. In this way, this farm in Paris becomes a genuine place of nature preservation.

The Passenger Gardens have been extended with new vegetable gardens. A greenhouse, a compost area and a dye plant garden complete the layout. These plants are used for dyeing workshops.

It’s an open-air laboratory for understanding nature’s cycles. As a result, visitors can learn without leaving Paris.

Workshops to reconnect with nature

This farm in Paris is more than just a place to stroll. It will become a permanent learning space throughout the year. Workshops will introduce visitors to gardening, beekeeping and vegetable dyeing.

Other activities focus on insect and bird watching. Some experiences involve spending a morning in the shoes of a farmer. Feeding the animals and cleaning the enclosures are all part of the program.

A new spot of greenery in the 19ᵉ arrondissement

The opening takes place on March 28 at 211, avenue Jean Jaurès. The Parc de la Villette is open Monday to Sunday, from 6am to 1am. From now on, this new green space could well become one of the park’s most popular spots.

Seeing the children running between the meadows while the adults bask in the sunshine, it’s easy to see just how attractive this place is. This farm in Paris offers a welcome breathing space for all those in need of nature. It’s a place to slow down and reconnect with life.

For further information, the Parc de la Villette can be contacted on +33 1 40 03 75 75. The site is rated 4.4 out of 5 by visitors.

• farm in Paris