Uses and expectations of visitors to the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes woods - Analysis of survey results carried out during the summer of 2019 by the City of Paris

Surveys on user satisfaction are regularly carried out by the City of Paris. They mainly target parks and specific events. In 2019, the City of Paris Department of the Environment and Green Spaces and Apur wished, in addition, to have more general data on the behaviour and expectations of all visitors to the two woods.
These data are mainly intended to enhance further thinking on the evolution of the woods which was began by Apur in the context of its 2019-2020 work programme.
The survey took place between the months of June and the beginning of August 2019 both in the field and online. Apur was involved in drawing up the questionnaire and undertook complementary processing of the database made available to them.

The comparison with similar surveys carried out at the beginning of the 2000s, brought to light a considerable drop in the use of cars being driven to the woods and other constants such as city dwellers’ need for contact with nature.
Surveys carried out have concentrated mostly on natural areas and the water ways. Walking, resting and relaxing, picnicking or doing sport freely were at the top of the list of people’s activities. The need to be in contact with nature was evident in the opinions and expectations expressed in people’s responses to the survey, as was their desire to be informed about biodiversity and the fauna, to have easier access to practical information and facilities and to be more connected to thoughts about the redevelopment and management of the woods, particularly in the Bois de Vincennes.

The 2019 survey was also an opportunity to underline the woods’ weak points: prostitution, upkeep and cleanliness, too much car traffic and parking. Answers to the open question “What are all your other ideas for improving this site?” was given special attention because although visitors are on the whole satisfied by their visit, they also have many things to say. These answers form very rich complementary material and at this stage, Apur proposes a thematic summary drawing upon it and illustrated by quotes from those questioned.