As Notre Dame prepares to reopen its doors in December, Paris is on the cusp of a remarkable ecological renaissance, bringing nature back to the forefront of the City of Light, French media reported.
As part of a citywide transformation, the surroundings of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will be transformed into an ecological oasis with 1,800 square metres of green space and a bouquet of new trees, Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced on Tuesday.
In addition to restoring the cathedral’s iconic spire and medieval charm, the city announced plans Tuesday to redevelop the Notre Dame neighbourhood – to the tune of 50 million euros ($55 million) – into a serene green oasis.
The project echoes Paris’ broader post-Olympics eco-renewal, which is reshaping the city from its historic monuments to its busy avenues.
Key elements of this sweeping transformation include the revitalisation of historic spaces such as 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.
Notre Dame reopening as a historic moment for Paris
The reopening on December 8 promises to be a historic moment for Paris, fulfilling President Emmanuel Macron’s promise of a five-year deadline following the devastating 2019 fire. While the cathedral’s spire and oak roof have been restored to their pre-fire splendour, Paris City Hall’s plans for the area around Notre Dame carry something new.
According to a press conference at City Hall addressed Tuesday by Paris officials including Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the ambitious, future-oriented project calls for the creation of 1,800 square metres (about 20,000 square feet) of green space and the planting of 160 trees.
Hidalgo said the redevelopment will better integrate nature and the Seine river into the neighbourhood. She also emphasised that this transformation aims to “better highlight our beautiful cathedral and do it justice by respecting its history.”
What’s in the new project
The redesign includes the transformation of the underground car park into a visitor space equipped with services and amenities. In addition, the embankments adjacent to the Seine will be renovated to create a new promenade along the river. The belvedere will offer panoramic views of the Ile Saint-Louis and the Seine, further enhancing the visitor experience.
The project will be realised in two phases, the first of which, dedicated to the parvis and surrounding streets, is due to be completed by the end of 2027. The second phase, which includes the redevelopment of Place Jean-XXIII and other surrounding neighbourhoods, is scheduled for completion by 2030.
In the heart of Paris, the Place de la Concorde, home to the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk, will undergo a significant overhaul between 2026 and 2027.
Paris authorities have enlisted a dozen architectural experts to devise a plan to preserve the square’s rich history and bring it in line with the city’s modern green ambitions. Expect more greenery and less traffic as the renovation balances historical significance with a fresh, eco-friendly design.
