In the workshop space of the Halle de Rouvray, CP and CM1 students from Jomard school, accompanied by their teachers Sébastien Lumier and Laurie Chalureau, are discovering their 'educational land area'. This field-based educational initiative, supported by the OFB (French Office for Biodiversity), aims to raise environmental awareness among young city dwellers.
After occupying a plot in 2025, the classes moved in spring 2026 near the sculpture Bicyclette ensevelie by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen. On over 400 m², the children come each week to observe, touch, and record nature, under the guidance of Nicolas Boehm, environmental project manager for Ferme et Jardins.
The program, funded by the OFB for two years, includes six workshops such as 'The Secrets of Plants' and 'Making an Herbarium'. The students also benefited from cultural outings. Despite the weather, the vegetation has thrived, offering a display of sage, roses, grasses, and buttercups.
“"They enjoy being outside anyway. Discovering, touching, smelling, fiddling with their hands in the earth fascinates them; they are little urbanites."
Teacher Sébastien Lumier notes a real evolution in his students' knowledge, as they recount and draw their observations in class. Discussions are underway with Amanda Coutouzis, cultural action coordinator, to arrange outdoor classroom spaces.
Learning continues with the discovery of Provençal herbs like hyssop and santolina, as well as sainfoin and lavender. The enthusiastic children share their discoveries with their families, as evidenced by Gabriel's mother. They will soon be brainstorming a joint action to encourage biodiversity.
The new president of La Villette, Claire Landais, wishes to perpetuate these educational actions, convinced of the establishment's key role in 'transmitting sensitivity to the living' and 'reintroducing nature into our imaginations'.
