Paris is preparing for a new urban shift: 500 streets will gradually be closed to car traffic to make room for pedestrians, cyclists, and green spaces. The decision stems from a consultative referendum held on March 23, in which 66% of voters supported the project promoted by Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Despite a low turnout — only 4% of eligible voters participated — the mayor announced the immediate launch of feasibility studies, marking yet another step in the city's ecological transition.
The plan involves interventions in each of Paris’s 20 arrondissements, with 6 to 8 streets closed per district and an estimated 10,000 parking spots to be removed. These will be replaced by new public green areas, bike lanes, and pedestrian zones. The works are expected to take three to four years, with an investment of about €500,000 per street.
This initiative fits into the broader urban vision Hidalgo has pursued since taking office in 2014, inspired by the “15-minute city” concept: an urban model in which residents can access work, school, services, and recreation within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.
Recent public consultations—ranging from the ban on rental e-scooters to increased parking fees for SUVs—reflect a clear policy direction: less space for private vehicles, more livability. Still, criticism persists. Opponents argue that the city pushed the referendum without providing clear details on the impact it would have on traffic, particularly for suburban residents and commuters. The “no” vote prevailed in a few conservative central districts, such as the 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissements.
Despite opposition, the transformation of the Ville Lumière into a “Ville Pédestre” is moving forward. Yet Paris still lags behind other European capitals in terms of permeable infrastructure: only 26% of the city’s surface area is occupied by parks, tree-lined streets, and water features, compared to the European average of 41%.
Even with her term ending in 2026 and her stated intention not to run again, Hidalgo appears determined to leave a lasting mark on Paris’s urban fabric.
Opening image: Paris, France. Photo Datingjungle via Unsplash