Méridienne verte, Monument along Paris Meridian, France

The Méridienne verte is an artistic project by architect Paul Chemetov for the 2000 celebrations, marking the Paris Meridian from Dunkerque to Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste with trees and metal medallions set on one-metre concrete posts. The line crosses 20 departments and 336 communes. At Ayrens in the Cantal, where the meridian meets the 45th parallel, trees are planted in two perpendicular rows.

Artist Paul Chemetov created this project as a monument for the year 2000 celebrations along the Paris Meridian line. That line had been essential in the 18th century for establishing the meter standard and continues to define French geography.

The name Méridienne verte, green meridian, refers to the trees planted along the Paris Meridian for the 2000 celebrations. On 14 July 2000 a picnic was held along the whole line, and in Paris two green lasers, one at the Observatory and one at the Senate, lit the 6th and 14th arrondissements for three nights, from 13 to 15 July.

The monument extends from northern France to the southern Pyrenees, so visitors can explore various regions along the way. The route passes through different landscapes, so good footwear and planning according to your chosen section are helpful.

In Ayrens in the Cantal region, specially planted trees form a cross marking where the line meets the 45th parallel. This spot lies exactly halfway between the North Pole and the Equator and was intentionally designed as a work of art.