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Associated Press

As Notre Dame gears up to reopen its doors in December, Paris is on the verge of a remarkable eco-revival, bringing nature back to the forefront of the City of Light.
Beyond restoring the cathedral’s spire and medieval charm, the city announced plans this week to turn Notre Dame’s surroundings into a serene, green oasis at a cost of €50 million (US$55 million).
The project echoes a broader, post-Olympics eco-facelift that is reshaping Paris from its historic monuments to its bustling avenues.
Among the key elements of this broader transformation are the revitalisation of historic spaces like 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.

The reopening on December 8 promises to be a historic moment for Paris, fulfilling President Emmanuel Macron’s vow made after the 2019 devastating fire for a five-year timeline.
While the cathedral’s spire and oak-framed roof have been restored to their pre-fire glory, Paris City Hall’s plans for the area around Notre Dame are bringing something new.
The ambitious project will create 1,800 square metres (around 19,300 sq ft) of green space and plant 160 trees, according to Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
Hidalgo said the redesign would integrate nature and the Seine more fully into the area. Hidalgo emphasised that this transformation aims “to better highlight our beautiful cathedral and do it justice, while respecting its history”.

The redesign includes transforming the underground parking area into a visitor space complete with services and amenities. Additionally, the Seine’s adjacent quays will be revitalised, offering a new promenade along the river.
A belvedere will provide panoramic views of the Ile Saint-Louis and the Seine, further enhancing the visitor experience.
The project will unfold in two phases, with the first, focusing on the parvis [open area in front of the cathedral] and surrounding streets, expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The second phase, which will include the renovation of Square Jean-XXIII and other nearby areas, is set to finish by 2030.
At 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 officials have enlisted the input of a dozen architectural experts to envision how to preserve its rich history, while aligning the plaza with the city’s modern green ambitions. Expect more greenery and less traffic as the revamp balances historical significance with a fresh eco-friendly design.
Paris’ Champs-Elysees, sometimes called “the most beautiful avenue in the world”, is receiving a €30 million facelift, beginning with the renovation of its pavements, tree bases, and gardens that began in preparation for the Olympics.
With 150 proposals to “re-enchant the Champs-Elysees” over the coming years, this project aims to add even more green spaces and revive its historic charm, reinforcing its reputation as the world’s most beautiful avenue.
Changes to the Arc de Triomphe’s bustling roundabout are designed to reduce traffic flow and calm the surrounding environment.

Traffic lanes encircling the famous monument will be trimmed, while the central ring will be widened, allowing for a quieter, more accessible space.
Leading from the Arc de Triomphe to the Bois de Boulogne, the Avenue de la Grande Armée is also getting the green treatment.
Authorities plan to recreate a historic green promenade, transforming this major traffic artery into a lush, tree-lined boulevard that reconnects the avenue with the nearby forest, which was converted into a public park in the 19th century under Napoleon III.

Paris’ Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited, will undergo its own transformation under the “Louvre 2030” project.
Although specific details remain sparse, the project aims to address the growing influx of visitors, with a significant redesign of Place du Louvre planned to help manage the crowds and provide a more tranquil, green environment for visitors.


US$55 million plan for eco-facelift around Notre Dame a part of major Paris revitalisation

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The busy Arc de Triomphe roundabout in Paris. Changes are planned to reduce traffic flow. Photo: Instagram/@barcelona.travelers

Notre Dame Cathedral’s (above) surroundings and other Paris monuments will be undergoing a major overhaul in the next few years. Photo: AP

The rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is nearly finished, and will be followed by a revamp of the surrounding area. Photo: AP 

The Arc de Triomphe roundabout in Paris, where a reduction in traffic is planned. Photo: Instagram/@barcelona.travelers

Paris’ Place de la Concorde will undergo substantial renovation in 2026 and 2027. Photo: Shutterstock

The Champs-Elysees is getting a cosmetic makeover, and traffic around the Arc de Triomphe will be reduced, in the renovation plans. Photo: Shutterstock

The Louvre Museum and Pyramid in the Place du Louvre. Renovation of the museum will start in 2030. Photo: AFP

Mesmerising cathedral mosaics made with 2 tonnes of gold return to former glory in Sicily

A mosaic of Christ Pantocrator is seen inside the Monreale Cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site, in Monreale, Sicily, Italy, on August 25, 2024. The mosaic is one of many in the church that have undergone restoration work to return them to their former glory Photo: Reuters

Mosaics cover the walls and ceiling at the Monreale Cathedral in Monreale, Sicily. Photo: Reuters

The restoration work was slated to cost US$1.2 million. Photo: Reuters

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Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat in the Atlas Mountains. Photo: Shutterstock

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High Atlas Mountains, Morocco – Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat. Photo: Shutterstock

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Protesters in Barcelona demonstrate against the America’s Cup being held in the city this year. Photo: AFP

Madrid residents demand lower housing rental prices and better living conditions during a protest in the Spanish capital on October 13. Photo: Reuters

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Frédéric Arnault poses with Blackpink’s Rose, Jisoo, Lisa (second from right) and Jennie backstage at their concert in Los Angeles. Photo: Instagram/@frederic.arnault

Lifestyle

Travel & Leisure

Notre Dame reopens in Paris in December, and the city has plans to revitalise other monuments by integrating them with green space and trees


Notre Dame reopens in Paris in December, and the city has plans to revitalise other monuments by integrating them with green space and trees.


France

Green living