Paris Embraces Green Transformation as Notre Dame Gears Up for Reopening

PARIS – As Notre Dame prepares to reopen its doors in December, the City of Light is on the verge of a remarkable eco-revival, bringing nature back to the forefront of Paris.

Beyond restoring the cathedral’s iconic spire and medieval charm, the city announced plans on Tuesday to revamp Notre Dame’s surroundings into a serene, green oasis. This project, costing 50 million euros ($55 million), echoes a broader, post-Olympics eco-facelift that is transforming Paris from its historic monuments to its bustling avenues.

This eco-revival includes revitalizing historic spaces like the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde, redesigning the Arc de Triomphe’s surroundings to reduce traffic, and creating green promenades connecting the city’s landmarks.

Here’s a look at some of the key plans:

Notre Dame:

• Green Oasis: The area surrounding Notre Dame will be transformed into 1,800 square meters (around 20,000 square feet) of green space with 160 new trees.
• Underground Transformation: The underground parking area will be repurposed into a visitor space with amenities and services.
• Seine Promenade: The Seine’s adjacent quays will be revitalized, offering a new promenade along the river.
• Panoramic Views: A belvedere will provide panoramic views of the Ile Saint-Louis and the Seine, enhancing the visitor experience.

Place de la Concorde:

• Historical Preservation with a Green Twist: This historical plaza will undergo a significant overhaul between 2026 and 2027, aiming to preserve its rich history while incorporating more greenery and reducing traffic.

Eiffel Tower:

• Olympic Rings Controversy: A debate has erupted between Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Culture Minister Rachida Dati over whether the Olympic rings should remain on the Eiffel Tower.
• Historical Monument Status: Dati has proposed classifying the Eiffel Tower as a full historical monument, which would add bureaucratic protection and potentially block Hidalgo’s plans.

Champs-Elysees:

• Re-enchanted Avenue: This iconic avenue is receiving a 30-million-euro facelift, including sidewalk, tree base, and garden renovations.
• More Green Spaces: Plans are in place to add even more green spaces and revive its historic charm.

Arc de Triomphe:

• Traffic Reduction: Changes to the roundabout surrounding the Arc de Triomphe aim to reduce traffic and create a calmer environment.
• Green Promenade: The Avenue de la Grande Armee, leading from the Arc de Triomphe to the Bois de Boulogne, will be transformed into a lush, tree-lined boulevard.

Louvre Museum:

• Louvre 2030 Project: This project will address the growing influx of visitors, with a redesign of Place du Louvre to manage crowds and provide a more tranquil, green environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Paris is embracing a significant eco-revival in line with its post-Olympic goals.
• The city’s green transformation encompasses iconic landmarks and major avenues.
• The revitalization of the Notre Dame area includes creating a green oasis and enhancing visitor spaces.
• The Champs-Elysees is receiving a facelift to include more green spaces and restore its historic charm.
• The Eiffel Tower is at the center of a political debate over whether the Olympic rings should remain.