Inside Anne Hidalgo's office at the Paris City Hall, November 25, 2024. ADRIENNE SURPRENANT/MYOP FOR LE MONDE
A Parisian returning to the city after a 12-year absence since 2014 would hardly recognize it. With streets converted to pedestrian zones, squares remodeled and mini-forests planted in front of the Hôtel de Ville and on Place de Catalogne, Paris's public space has undergone major changes during the two terms of outgoing Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Supporters say the city is now more accessible and greener; detractors, however, highlight poor road conditions and a greening effort they see as mere public relations.
Contrary to her stated environmental goals, the opposition has even denounced a trend toward "concreting over" the city, citing as examples Place de la République and Place de la Bastille, which remain largely paved and stone-covered after their renovations. Yet, overall, this increase in artificial surfaces is not supported by the data, as shown by mapping work from the Paris Region Institute.
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