A thunderous announcement has just shaken Bordeaux: the city center will be completely off-limits to cars starting January 1, 2026. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the city hall, aims to radically transform traffic in the city, putting a definitive end to the era of motor vehicles in the historic heart of the Gironde capital.
The Definitive End of Engines in Bordeaux
In two years, the center of Bordeaux will become a vast pedestrian zone, accessible only to public transport, bicycles, and pedestrians. The streets of Bordeaux, which have already seen some experimentation in recent years, will be completely redesigned to offer a safer and more pleasant space for both residents and visitors.
The total cost of the project is estimated at 450 million euros, a sum that includes the installation of new transport infrastructures, amenities, and more.
land beneficial for everyone." Pierre Lemoine, the deputy mayor of Bordeaux, emphasizes that "this initiative is part of a long-term plan to give our neighborhoods more breathing space, improve quality of life, and reduce pollution. Bordeaux must reinvent itself and become a model city for sustainable mobility."A newly developed city center in stages
The project will gradually be implemented starting in June 2025, with the first phases focusing on areas around Place Pey-Berland. Shopping streets like Rue Sainte-Catherine will be among the first to enjoy this new configuration. The planning for future zones is currently underway.
The implications for the people of Bordeaux are significant. Marie Legrand, a shopkeeper on Rue du Loup, is optimistic: "This could change a lot, but in the long run, I believe it will be beneficial for everyone."cute;nice for everyone. More pedestrians, more cyclists, fewer cars: it's a future I can't wait for."
In Bordeaux, the car is therefore definitely giving way to soft mobility, and by 2026, the people of Bordeaux will be able to enjoy a quieter and more eco-friendly city center.
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