Sponsor a Paris park bench
IT’S SUCH a British form of immortality. A park bench under a shady tree. An inscription. A thought, a memory….
“For Ted. Loved and missed.”
“May this bench bring joy to all who pause to enjoy its view.”
In London, it’s perfectly natural to see public benches with small brass plaques dedicating them to someone or something. Inscriptions are often intriguing, touching or thoughtful (check out Stephen Emms’ long-running benchpoetry blog for inspiration.)
And now this practice seems to be taking off in France. This month, the Jardin des Plantes is inviting members of the public to leave their mark on one of 255 smart new benches currently being installed among the gravelly avenues of plane trees. It’s all part of a gentle lifting – sorry, facelift – entailing new information and cafe kiosks and the renovation of the Kew-style greenhouses.
Within earshot of the squeal of the Metro, the Jardin des Plantes
At upwards of 1,800 euros (depending on whether you plump for the single or deluxe double-sided model, pictured), sponsoring a bench doesn’t come cheap.
But then, what price immortality – and in one of the most atmospheric parks in Paris?
- Jardin des Plantes, Paris 5e arr.
- Left your heart by the dahlias? Email parrainez-un-banc@mnhm.fr to sponsor a bench.
