Paris plans a new green zone at the Notre-Dame Cathedral for 50 million euros

Paris - While the Parisian cathedral Notre-Dame aims to reopen its doors in December following the fire, the French capital is preparing extensive restoration of its urban greenery. The city announced this week plans to transform the area around Notre-Dame into a tranquil green oasis. The project, valued at 50 million euros (1.2 billion crowns), reflects a broader ecological restoration following the summer Olympic Games that Paris hosted and is changing the face of the French capital from historic monuments to busy streets. This was reported by the AP agency.

Key elements of the broader transformation include the revitalization of historic sites such as the Champs-Élysées boulevard and Place de la Concorde, modifications aimed at reducing traffic around the Arc de Triomphe, and green promenades connecting the monuments of the French capital. Part of the reconstruction near the Notre-Dame cathedral is also the transformation of an underground parking lot into a visitor space with amenities and facilities. In addition, authorities plan to modify the adjacent banks of the River Seine, which will offer a new promenade.

The Parisian Champs-Élysées, sometimes referred to as "the most beautiful avenue in the world," will also be renovated at a cost of 30 million euros, starting with the renovation of sidewalks, tree bases, and gardens. Modifications have already begun as part of the preparations for the Olympic Games.

The reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris, which was ravaged by flames on April 15, 2019, is scheduled for December 8. The cause of the fire has not yet been fully clarified. The disaster could have been caused by a fault in the electrical system or a cigarette butt.

The landmark, protected by UNESCO and made famous by Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, was visited by around 13 million people annually before the fire. More than 250 companies and hundreds of experts have been involved in the reconstruction of the cathedral. In the final phase before reopening, work is particularly focused on the interior.