Last October, Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo announced her project of pedestrianisation of the right bank of Seine. Indeed, after the left bank pedestrianisation’s success (from Pont Royal to Pont de l’Alma), she decided to go on the conquest of these places for Parisians and tourists, in converting a part of the right bank in 2016. From last June to September, Parisians could choose between two options: a pedestrianisation on 2 miles from the tunnel des Tuileries (1^st) to the port de l’Arsenal (4^th), or from the place du Châtelet (1^st) to the Pont de Sully (4^th). The most ambitious scenario has been chosen: the pedestrianisation of the right bank of Seine will thus stretch from the Tunnel des Tuileries to the bassin de l’Arsenal. The low quays, which will be closed to the traffic after the Paris Plages edition, will host the visitors on a green pedestrian area of 4.5 hectares.

Berges de Seine left bank after refurbishment © Sophie Robichon / Mairie de Paris

New living spaces for the city-dwellers
Urban furniture, light sporting equipment, games for children and even refreshment areas will be set up. In addition to be a strolling zone, the tunnel will host cultural areas or a night club, on condition that light and reversible installations will be favoured in case of spate. Parisians and tourists will also have the opportunity to discover a floating market proposing organic local products, an open-air cafe and a co-working space, thanks to the diverse moored boats. Cars will continue to run on the high quays, as it is the case on the left bank since 2013. A project concerning the setting up of a tramway without rails or catenaries could quickly see the day. All this is done to create an area of “breathing, strolling and relaxation”, according to the Mayor of Paris.

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