Presentation 

The recent opening of the Seine for swimming and the revitalisation of its quays have profoundly transformed Parisians’ relationship with their river. What if this revival heralded a new way of experiencing the city?

This lecture explores the evolving links between the Seine, architecture, urban planning and lifestyles. It shows how the return of new ways of using the river can become a powerful catalyst for change, inspiring a more sustainable Paris whilst revealing the richness of its heritage.

An invitation to imagine the Paris of tomorrow through a key question: how can we (re)ignite the imagination of life alongside the Seine in order to reinvent the spaces it shapes and make its heritage a driving force for a sustainable city?

Les traversées du Marais festival 

For three days, the Les Traversées du Marais festival returns to bring the streets, gardens and hidden courtyards of one of Paris’s most beautiful neighbourhoods to life. From 4 to 6 September 2026, more than 50 cultural institutions in the Marais will open their doors to offer the public unique artistic experiences: shows, concerts, performances, tours, workshops and screenings. This self-guided tour, taking place both outdoors and indoors, offers a unique dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary creativity. For this 12th edition, architecture takes centre stage as the theme of a festive, family-friendly and completely free weekend – the perfect opportunity to explore the cultural heart of Paris in a different way.