The Champs-Elysées set to become a "strolling zone" in 2025

By

Lucile Deprez

Published
Nov 2, 2015

According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the renovation of the Champs-Elysées' could turn the boulevards into a strolling zone with pedestrian areas, while the buildings' rooftops could host theatres, cinemas and bars. Also, the celebrated Parisian avenue will be earmarked for new art galleries.

The idea of creating an area at least partially reserved for pedestrians took hold after the success of 27th September, the day when the circulation of motor vehicles was forbidden. Cycle paths will have to be created instead of the two quadruple carriageways, the traffic flow will have to be altered, in adjacent streets too, and the pavements will need renovation. Terraces must also be harmonised.

"The Champs-Elysées must not be a tourist destination alone, it must also appeal to Parisians and Île-de-France residents," Jean-Louis Missika, deputy to Anne Hidalgo in charge of Urbanisation, told Le Parisien.

As for culture, the projects being evaluated are for the Champs-Elysées to become alive with bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and even rooftop art galleries.

Jean-Noël Reinhardt, the President of the Committee for the Champs-Elysées, stated: "Three-quarters of the people come to the Champs-Elysées for a stroll, to have a drink or go to the cinema... Only 25% of them are here for the shopping."

This study on the future of what is often referred to as the world's most beautiful boulevard has been called for by the Committee for the Champs-Elysées, wishing to sustain the area's image and prestige.

The Paris Urban Planning Agency will reveal a summary of the studies by all the players concerned by the end of December/early January.