Following this summer’s Olympic Games, it seems the green Paris pedestrian zones are here to stay.
In fact, even more are planned, in a bid to make our city cleaner and greener for those who live here.
For 56Paris blog readers, here’s the latest on the planned environmental improvements.
The ‘greening’ of Paris
We last reported on this green scheme back in 2019, when the Paris Olympics were still in the planning stages.
Back then, the planned green Paris pedestrian zones were the Eiffel Tower park, adding gardens either side of the famous monument.
But five years on, and with the Olympics a success, the ‘greening’ of Paris is continuing in earnest.
This eco-transformation is part of the broader vision championed by Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris. She has long advocated for reducing the dominance of cars in our city.
These plans aim to transform some of Paris’ iconic spaces into pedestrian zones. And one of the most notable changes is happening at Place de la Concorde, at 7 hectares (17 acres) the largest of the city's five royal squares.
Here, much of the 18th century historic square will permanently close to vehicles, creating a continuous pedestrian route from the Tuileries Gardens up to the famous obelisk.
This aims not only to reduce pollution, but also to reclaim space for people to walk, cycle and enjoy the beauty of central Paris without the noise and stress of cars.
It’s a bold move, if slightly controversial. One that demonstrates a commitment to becoming a more sustainable, forward-thinking modern city.
Fewer cars, more pedestrians
In most major cities around the world, traffic congestion is an ongoing issue.
And for Parisian motorists, the pedestrianization of the city’s streets is a point of contention. Some drivers argue that closing streets to traffic causes unnecessary congestion and frustration.
But there’s another change coming too – on the main Paris ring road the speed limit is being reduced from 70km/h (44 mph) to 50km/h (31 mph) according to the Mayor.
From a broader perspective, these changes aim to make significant improvements in the city’s overall quality of life. It’s not just about aesthetics. The green pedestrian zones aim to be quieter, less polluted and more pleasant for everyone who lives in or visits Paris.
A reimagined Place de la Concorde
So what will this new, reimagined Place de la Concorde look like?
Closed to traffic since the start of the Olympics, when it reopens, two out of the four lanes will remain shut.
Then the greening will begin, with areas planted and landscaped. This will join up other parts of central Paris such as the Trocadéro, the Pont d’Iéna bridge and the Champ de Mars – where new green spaces have already made the area around the Eiffel Tower more peaceful and attractive for visitors.
Altogether, it will be part of a network of 50 hectares (124 acres) of pedestrian and planted spaces for walking.
In addition, 60 kilometers (37 miles) of new cycle paths will replace the current road lanes, with the aim of encouraging people to use their bicycles rather than cars.
More green Paris pedestrian zones
The greening project is masterminded by London-based landscape architects Gustafson Porter + Bowman.
Another major part of their initiative is transforming more spaces along the Seine. This includes a new pedestrian pathway, allowing residents and visitors to stroll along, taking in the city’s most famous sights in a tranquil, car-free environment.
The next stages to re-green the city include the pedestrianization of the Place de Varsovie and the Pont d’Iéna, along with new gardens planted along the Quai Branly.
It seems Paris is slowly going to be turning greener and greener.
Are you looking to buy or rent in Paris?
The new green Paris pedestrian zones are just the beginning of a broader plan to become one of the greenest cities in the world.
If you’re interested in purchasing or renting a second home here, why not get in touch with the 56Paris team today?
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Photo: Luc Mercelis