As Notre Dame gears up to reopen its doors in December, Paris is on the verge of a remarkable eco-revival, bringing nature back to the heart of the City of Light.
Beyond restoring the magnificent medieval cathedral after the disastrous fire in April 2019, the city has announced plans to revamp Notre Dame's surrounding area - to the tune of 50 million euros ($55 million) - into a serene, green oasis.
The project echoes a broader eco-facelift that’s underway to reshape Paris's historic monuments and bustling avenues. Among the key elements of this broader transformation are the revitalization of historic spaces like the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde, a redesign aimed at reducing traffic around the Arc de Triomphe, and new green avenues and promenades connecting the French capital's landmarks.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo has been the main driving force behind the city's gradually evolving transformation into a greener and more pedestrian-friendly environment. Here's a look at some of the eco plans for Paris in the coming years:
Notre Dame: The reopening on 8 December promises to be a historic moment for Paris, and is the precursor for a green revamp of the surrounding area, with lots more trees, and the redesign will integrate nature and the Seine more fully into the area, including a new promenade along the river. Hidalgo emphasized that this transformation aims “to better highlight our beautiful cathedral and do it justice, while respecting its history.” All to be complete by 2030.
Place de la Concorde: At the heart of Paris, the Place de la Concorde - home to the 3,300 year old Luxor Obelisk - will undergo a significant overhaul between 2026 and 2027. Expect more greenery and less traffic as the revamp balances historical significance with a fresh eco-friendly design.
Champs-Élysées: Sometimes called “the most beautiful avenue in the world,” the avenue is receiving a 30 million euro ($33m) facelift, beginning with the renovation of its sidewalks, tree bases, and gardens that began in preparation for the Olympics.
Arc de Triomphe: Changes to the monument’s bustling roundabout are designed to reduce traffic flow and calm the surrounding environment. Leading from the Arc de Triomphe to the Bois de Boulogne, the Avenue de la Grande Armée is also getting the green treatment. Authorities plan to recreate a historic green promenade, transforming this major traffic artery into a lush, tree-lined boulevard that reconnects the avenue with the nearby forest, historically converted into a public park in the 19th century under Napoleon III.
Louvre Museum: The world’s most visited, will undergo its own transformation under the “Louvre 2030” project. Though specific details remain sparse, the project aims to address the growing influx of visitors, with a significant redesign of Place du Louvre planned to help manage the crowds and provide a more tranquil, green environment for visitors.