'People come from all over the world to see our little street' in France
How a retired Nice resident accidentally created a potted-plant photo spot and tourist attraction on his doorstep
Jean-Jacques Wanner has spent thousands of euros filling his street with greenery and decorations to discourage antisocial behaviour
Photo: William Upton
A retiree in the south of France has found a novel way to discourage antisocial behaviour outside his home – he has spent thousands of euros and countless hours putting plants and decorations along his street.
The resulting ‘green’ street lured hundreds of admiring tourists every day last summer.
Jean-Jacques Wanner, 67, has lived on Rue de l’Ancien Sénat, in Nice, for 25 years and says that five years ago, the narrow street was often frequented by drunk people from around 15.00 to 05.00 every day. He said it followed the closure of a nearby homeless shelter.
He contacted the police, who would try to disperse the drinkers, but they would often evade the officers and return to the neighbourhood.
The power of plants
“The smell of drugs and discarded rubbish was intolerable,” said Mr Wanner, adding that the homeless people would set up chairs in the narrowest parts of the street so it was often impossible to pass them.
“I decided to put some potted plants out and I heard them say ‘We can’t sit down because of these plants’. It suddenly clicked what I could do,” he said.
He began to fill the small space with pots and greenery, and eventually the homeless people stayed away for good. He admitted, however, that it has been a slow process.
At the beginning, they would kick the plants over and destroy them. Then, the city installed a camera and many tourists came to see the street. Since then, the problems have disappeared.
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Growing a year-round tourist hotspot
“I go to all this effort because I like doing it, but what really makes it worthwhile is hearing people say how beautiful it is,” he said.
“People come from all over the world to see our little street. The more tourists that come, the happier I am. If I had 10 cents for every photo of the street I would be a multimillionaire.”
The street has been the subject of numerous articles and videos. After it appeared on TV, one couple drove 45 minutes from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) that same night to see it.
Mr Wanner estimates that he has spent up to €8,500 on hundreds of plants. He also decorates the street for Halloween and Christmas.
In winter, other than the decorations, caring for the plants is low maintenance. In spring and summer it is a different story, but the municipality gives him access to the city’s water supply to prevent the plants from drying out.
Mr Wanner has vowed to maintain the plants in his street for the foreseeable future.
“I love where I live and I have no desire to move away. As long as my health allows it, I will keep this street green.”
He also has a new green project planned for 2025, although he is not divulging details for now.
Read also: Career change in France: from police officer to gardener
