Have you ever imagined a Parisian orchard thriving amidst the city’s bustle? Welcome to Les Vergers de l’Ilot a unique green haven in Fontenay-Sous-Bois. Les Vergers de l’Ilot isn’t just any orchard. It’s a 4000 square meter expanse of espaliered apple and pear trees. About 350 trees line up in rows some stretching up to 80 meters long. Many of the original trees from 2002 survived a significant restoration project. New ones were added to fill in the gaps.
Les Vergers de l’Ilot boasts more than just fruit trees. Think of a vibrant collection of cherries plums peaches a lone apricot tree and bushes brimming with raspberries currants and blackcurrants. Even a fig tree and kiwi vines thrive here. This isn’t just a place to admire fruit. It’s a living agricultural classroom.
Les Vergers de l’Ilot is a haven for animals too. A charming chicken coop houses various breeds of chickens ducks geese turkeys and guinea fowl. These feathered friends provide fresh eggs for the community. Nearby six hutches are home to rabbits of different breeds. Seven beehives situated atop the chicken coop produce honey. An experienced local beekeeper maintains them envisioning future educational projects. The grounds also shelter a diverse array of wildlife including hedgehogs weasels cats and various birds. It is a true sanctuary for nature lovers.
The site itself underwent a significant cleanup. Soil pollution from past agricultural practices needed remediation. To minimize contact with the contaminated soil pathways now feature layers of wood chips. Elevated planting beds allow for gardening activities without direct ground contact. Innovative phytoremediation techniques using plants like Japanese knotweed thyme and willow help clean the soil naturally. Mushrooms also assist in the cleanup. Les Vergers de l’Ilot is now a remarkable experimental site for universities. They are studying these innovative depollution methods.
Les Vergers de l’Ilot also showcases a collection of antique farming tools. These tools offer a glimpse into the agricultural past of Fontenay-Sous-Bois. A charming wooden chalet hosts weekly Amap gatherings. There’s even a unique dry toilet made from natural materials and an inviting communal kitchen area. A homemade yurt serves as an educational beehive space for school children. A renovated bungalow will soon become a permanent apiary and laboratory. A new greenhouse is planned. Les Vergers de l’Ilot truly is a testament to community spirit and environmental stewardship. It’s a place where history nature and education intertwine offering a unique Parisian experience unlike any other.