The Champs-Elysées to Be Closed to Cars Once a Month
Posted February 16, 2016 by Aeon Tours
On January 6, 2016, Paris’ city council voted the most famous street in Paris, the Champs-Elysées, will be closed to all vehicles on the first Sunday of each month beginning May 1.
Said Paris’ mayor Anne Hidalgo:
“Parisians and the lovers of Paris will be able to take advantage of the Champs-Elysées [pedestrianization] the first Sunday of the month”
The Champs-Elysées, lined with luxury shops and some of Paris’ most expensive real estate, is one of the most beloved in Paris. The idea to close the 10 lane avenue was first tested in September of 2015, and was hailed as a huge success as thousands of Parisians enthusiastically took part.
As part of Paris’ commitment to being more environmentally friendly, the monthly event is part of a larger plan for a ‘greener’ Paris, with the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 75% before 2050. Under the plan, Paris will build more pedestrian walkways and bike paths, use solar panels on new buildings, and add more green areas throughout the city.
The environmentally friendly closure coincides with the monthly ‘free museum” day in Paris, when nearly all of the city’s museums are free to the public. While some of our guests don’t necessarily want to visit museums on the free day due to the extreme crowds, spending a sunny afternoon outdoors on the Champs-Elysées is a fantastic alternative.
Let us show you the Champs-Elysées on a custom Private Paris Tour!
