Ever felt the gentle nudge of a goat’s head? At the Bergerie des Malassis you will. This isn’t just any petting zoo. It’s a Parisian oasis a haven of urban farming nestled in Bagnolet. The Bergerie des Malassis began as a dream. Gilles Amar a shepherd at heart envisioned bringing his flock to the city. He co-founded the Sors de Terre association. Their mission was simple: create community gardens and educational workshops.
In 2011 that dream blossomed into the Bergerie des Malassis. A wooden structure arose on unused land. It became home to goats and sheep. More than just animals they became community members. Children from the neighborhood knew Petit Pois the shepherd. He shared stories while teaching them to plant seeds. He even integrated his work into the local schools.
The Bergerie des Malassis wasn’t just about goats and gardens. It was about creating community. Neighbors gathered. They shared stories and milk. They connected over shared experiences. They formed bonds strengthened by the presence of animals. The presence of animals in the Bergerie des Malassis broke down barriers. It fostered conversations. It became a melting pot of cultures. People from various backgrounds united under a shared appreciation for this unique urban farm.
Children played. Families came together. The Bergerie des Malassis became a vibrant hub. It was a testament to the power of community. It showed how urban spaces could embrace nature. It was a place where people found a sense of belonging a shared sense of purpose. But the Bergerie des Malassis’s future is uncertain. In 2018 it was slated for demolition to make way for expansion of a nearby school.
A fight ensued. Locals rallied to save their beloved Bergerie des Malassis. They launched petitions. They organized protests. They highlighted the unique community it fostered. This wasn’t just a farm. It was a symbol of hope a symbol of resilience in the face of urban development. The Bergerie des Malassis was a place where unlikely friendships formed. It showed that even in a bustling city pockets of nature and community could thrive. It was an extraordinary example of how people and animals could coexist.