Facelift around Notre Dame part of a greening of Paris that will reduce traffic flow

Notre Dame reopens in Paris in December, and the city has plans to revitalise other monuments by integrating them with green space and trees

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Notre Dame Cathedral’s (above) surroundings and other Paris monuments will be undergoing a major overhaul in the next few years. Photo: AP

Published: 7:15pm, 19 Oct 2024Updated: 8:03am, 21 Oct 2024

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 forefront of the City of Light.

Beyond restoring the cathedral’s spire and medieval charm, the city announced plans this week to turn Notre Dame’s surroundings into a serene, green oasis at a cost of €50 million (US$55 million).

The project echoes a broader, post-Olympics eco-facelift that is reshaping Paris from its historic monuments to its bustling avenues.

Among the key elements of this broader transformation are the revitalisation of historic spaces like the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde, a redesign aimed at reducing traffic around the Arc de Triomphe, and green promenades connecting the French capital’s landmarks.

The rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is nearly finished, and will be followed by a revamp of the surrounding area. Photo: AP

The reopening on December 8 promises to be a historic moment for Paris, fulfilling President Emmanuel Macron’s vow made after the 2019 devastating fire for a five-year timeline.