Soon fences all around the Champ-de-Mars?

A few weeks ago, we learned with a bit of surprise that Rachida Dati, a candidate for the Paris mayoralty in 2026, was leading the polls for the first round. This position raises eyebrows and makes us wonder: what would the City of Light look like if she took the helm? Among the ideas from this right-leaning candidate is the plan to completely redefine the appearance of the Champ-de-Mars, much to the dismay of some Parisians.

A Long-Awaited Project

The first time Rachida Dati, already the mayor of the 7th arrondissement, mentioned the possibility of enclosing the large park at the Eiffel Tower was back in 2022, in the columns of Le Parisien. Since then, attacks, thefts, and other scams have reportedly increased in this area, which has more tourists than rats per square meter, further strengthening the resolve of the authorities.

Je sécuriserai le Champ-de-Mars par des grilles.
Fermées la nuit, elles permettront le jour de lutter contre les trafics, les vols et agressions de toutes sortes.
Comme pour chacun de mes projets de réaménagement, ce sera l’occasion d’une reconquête patrimoniale & esthétique👇 pic.twitter.com/edOJStIgcD

— Rachida Dati ن (@datirachida) December 16, 2025

To achieve this, the Minister of Culture (because yes, she collects titles like others collect stamps, apparently) wants to set up barriers all around the Champ-de-Mars, aiming to close it at night, but also to better monitor it during the day. To further minimize risks, she would like to establish a “dedicated police unit with an equestrian brigade.”

Nuances in the Statements

However, this project has some limitations. The installation of barriers would hinder the movement of the approximately 20 million people who visit the Iron Lady each year, pushing the crowd toward less suitable routes. Similarly, the fences would cut off the connection between the 7th and the 15th districts, and could .