Dozens of trees planted as part of Nice's ambitious urban greening scheme remain in temporary pots years after the project was launched, with their long-term future now unclear following a change of mayor.
The trames vertes — green corridors designed to bring shade, vegetation and cycle paths to some of Nice's busiest streets — were one of the flagship environmental projects of former mayor Christian Estrosi's final term in office. The scheme was intended to create shaded walkways and cooler urban spaces across several major roads in the city, reducing the heat island effect that makes Nice's summers increasingly uncomfortable for residents and visitors.
But according to France 3 Régions, many of the trees installed under the project remain in their original pots, placed hastily and never properly planted into the ground. The trees are alive but temporary, and it is not yet clear whether the current city administration intends to complete the planting, relocate the trees or abandon the corridors altogether.
The situation has taken on new relevance following the recent heatwave, which kept the Alpes-Maritimes under orange alert for more than a week and prompted renewed debate about urban cooling, shade provision and the city's long-term adaptation to rising temperatures.
Nice is not alone in struggling to deliver on urban greening commitments. Across France, ambitious tree-planting and green corridor schemes have faced delays, cost overruns and political changes that have left infrastructure projects in limbo.
Source: France 3 Régions