Paris plans to give the Champs-Elysées a makeover including New York-style roof terrace cafes, pedestrianised areas and fountains, amid complaints the "world's most beautiful avenue" has lost its soul to big brands and bling.
Paris officials have been warning for years that Les Champs-Elysées' transformation from "the world's most beautiful avenue" into a characterless "shopping arcade" is imminent.
Now, they intend to act to retain its still-massive pull that sees it attract 20 million tourists each year.
Under plans leaked to La Parisien, the capital’s daily newspaper, the prestigious avenue is about to see its first serious makeover in 25 years when then mayor Jacques Chirac widened and spruced up the 1.9km-long street.
Paris town hall asked an urban planning body to run a task force on changes that will be conducted over the next decade. Among its suggestions are to part pedestrianise the avenue and its side streets and create proper bike lanes. There are plans to open fountains around the Arc de Triomphe and a massive green area from the Arc to the Place de la Concorde.
Given the sky-high real estate prices along the avenue, the world’s third most expensive, architects have proposed taking inspiration from New York, London and Tokyo to create rooftop bars and restaurants. They also suggest adding theatres, art galleries and cinemas.
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor, has reportedly expressed a wish to ban cars that choke the avenue several times per year in a bid to lure Parisians back to an area almost exclusively visited by tourists.
“The torrent of cars makes its hard to breath along the avenue,” said Jean-Noel Reinhard, president of the Champs-Elysée committee, which represents 170 stores along the avenue.
He said it was essential to cater to more than mere shoppers. "Three quarters of people who come to the Champs-Elysées come to stroll, have a drink go to the cinema," he said.