Jardin Serge Gainsbourg

You are standing atop a significant piece of Parisian infrastructure that doubles as a vibrant public space. This park is built entirely over the Périphérique, the busy ring road that encircles the city. By constructing this six-acre garden directly over the highway at the Porte des Lilas, planners managed to bridge a physical and psychological gap between two neighboring communities that had previously been severed by the roar of eight lanes of traffic. The name of the park pays tribute to one of France's most iconic and provocative artists, the singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. The choice of location is a deliberate nod to his famous song, Le Poinçonneur des Lilas, which tells the story of a man who spent his days punching tickets at the local metro station. By naming this specific garden after him, the city honors the connection between the artist and this corner of the twentieth arrondissement, where his music still resonates deeply with the local identity. The design of the park prioritizes sustainable urban living in an area defined by heavy transit. It features a sophisticated system for rainwater collection, storing runoff in an underground tank to irrigate its greenery. Meandering paths and elevated viewing platforms offer a perspective on the highway below, transforming what was once an unsightly barrier into a post-modern vantage point that locals use for everything from quiet reading to casual socializing.