Why name a garden after an anthropologist? Here at the Jardin Françoise Héritier, the answer blossoms with every flower. This green space in the 14th arrondissement of Paris isn’t just a park. It’s a tribute to Françoise Héritier.
Françoise Héritier was no ordinary intellectual. She succeeded Claude Lévi-Strauss at the Collège de France. She was a figure in the fight for equality between women and men. Héritier was against all discrimination. She even left her mark on the Conseil National du Sida, becoming its first president.
The Jardin Françoise Héritier wasn’t always named this. Originally, it was called Jardin de la ZAC Didot. In 2019, the city renamed it to honor Héritier. The decision wasn’t made by politicians alone. Parisians petitioned to give Françoise Héritier this honor. The local city hall quickly agreed to welcome the idea.
The Jardin Françoise Héritier is more than just a place of remembrance. It’s a community hub. The garden features shared gardening plots. This reflects Héritier’s lifelong study of human relationships. It is a place for life and sharing.
Michelle Perrot knew Héritier from the Conseil National du Sida in 1989. She spoke of Héritier’s appreciation for life. This was despite her fragile health. Perrot recounted how Héritier defended this life during a time when HIV was even more problematic. Under Héritier’s leadership, the CNS achieved a major victory. Healthcare for prisoners was brought under the Ministry of Health.
An anthropologist noted Héritier’s rare combination of intelligence and humanity. Her stance on the Weinstein affair and the #metoo movement showed her dedication to women’s rights. She famously said, “Finally, shame has changed sides.”
Carine Petit, the mayor of the 14th arrondissement, was inspired by Héritier. She believed that awareness is possible at any age. This applied to equality and accepting differences. The Jardin Françoise Héritier embodies this spirit.
Created in 2004, the Jardin Françoise Héritier offers a green haven in a dense neighborhood. It was designed as a promenade connecting Rue Raymond-Losserand and Place de la Garenne. The central part of the Jardin Françoise Héritier is open day and night.
Here, you’ll find a 670 square meter lawn open to the public. A path leads to the back of the Jardin Françoise Héritier. The path features a pergola. A wisteria plant was preserved. It is a reminder of the private gardens that once existed here.
In the back, discover a theater of greenery. A wooden stage hosts events. The audience can sit on the lawn. There are also dedicated play areas for children.
The Jardin Françoise Héritier is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It’s a place for everyone to enjoy. The Jardin Françoise Héritier also provides practical amenities. These include drinking water, toilets, and even Wi-Fi.
Take a moment to appreciate how this space embodies Françoise Héritier’s values. It promotes community, equality, and the celebration of human connection. As you leave the Jardin Françoise Héritier, consider how you, too, can cultivate a more equitable and understanding world.