As Paris eagerly anticipates the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in December, the city unveiled an ambitious eco-revamp of its surroundings. Part of a wider initiative following the 2024 Olympics, the project aims to create a green oasis around the iconic site, a $55 million effort. Paris officials, including Mayor Anne Hidalgo, announced the plan at a recent news conference, highlighting a blend of natural integration and historical preservation. The renovation includes creating 20,000 square feet of green space, planting 160 trees, and revamping the underground parking area into a visitor-friendly zone.
Beyond Notre Dame, Paris is set to undergo a major ecological transformation. Historic sites like the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde will see redevelopment focusing on reducing traffic and enhancing green spaces. The Arc de Triomphe's roundabout will be redesigned to ease traffic flow, while the Eiffel Tower is embroiled in a political dispute between Hidalgo and Culture Minister Rachida Dati over the prolonged display of Olympic rings. Meanwhile, the Louvre Museum aims to embrace sustainability with the "Louvre 2030" project to accommodate growing visitor numbers.
As these plans unfold, the timeline is set with phase one of Notre Dame's surroundings, including public areas and riverfront promenades, targeted for completion by 2027. The rejuvenation of Square Jean-XXIII will finish by 2030, while Place de la Concorde's overhaul is scheduled between 2026 and 2027. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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