I don't know what it does during the winter in your zone but Heuchera (Coral Bells). I have it growing in a very shady location under a blue atlas cedar and pretty much ignore it and it does surprisingly well. Whenever it rains, it gets a growth spurt. The leaves come it many different colors too but I've found the common green do best. Also Vinca minor would do very well & gets pretty flowers but might be invasive so check on that first. Another that would do well is Ivy~ I don't know if the variegated is as invasive but even if you mulch, you're going to get weeds so I'd plant something.

Might be the first 'dog vomit fungus' sighting of the year. Almost all fungi in the garden in the mulch are vital decomposers. Dan

I second catbird on the epimedium. Just started growing them this summer. They take DRY shade, I'm told, and so far, the one I bought is faring well. If nothing else, you can always grow mint! LOL. Also, I have variegated gold and green ivy. It's not as invasive as the common ivy. Also, liriope, which comes in the regular green, green & gold, and green & white. The regular green is much more invasive than the varigated ones. None of these plants mind the tree roots. I have dry shade and tons of trees all around the perimeter of my yard. If you want, you can also grow moneywort, chameleon plant (invasive nature), and most ferns don't mind tree roots either. That is where they mostly grow naturally is under the canopy of trees. A truly pretty one is the Japanese Painted fern. Hope this helps and good luck. Susan

I've never planted anything between my pavers, there just isn't space. However, violets, alyssum and erigium (seaside daisy) have planted themselves in large numbers. Even some helleborus orientalis!They soften the look of the pavers and if they're in the way I either pour boiling water on them (not any more with the drought though) or use the blade of the spade to discourage them. Lucky you in Corsica as we shiver in a Canberra winter!