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Why does the transformation of the Concorde pose a problem for pedestrians?

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The Editor

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It has been almost 2 years now, since the end of the Olympics, that the Place de la Concorde has been partially closed to traffic. This situation is likely to become permanent very soon as part of major renovations to transform the square once and for all. One question remains: what about the role of pedestrians in this new setup?

In June 2024, a specially appointed committee was drawing up a list of criteria and objectives to be met by the future architect in charge of the transformation of Place de la Concorde. After several months of studies and 5 proposals made by enthusiastic agencies, it was Philippe Prost and his team who were fortunate enough to be selected to breathe new life into one of the capital’s most famous squares, whose potential has sadly been a bit wasted. However, even though the work won't start for several months, the design is already sparking debate.


A transformation more than necessary

Currently, Place de la Concorde is far from winning the hearts of Parisians, whether they are... Cyclists, pedestrians, or drivers. The intersection, which closed its doors on June 1, 2024 in anticipation of the Olympics, now feels more like a taste of hell than a jewel of the capital. And at the same time, with over 5000 cars, 3000 bikes, and 3000 pedestrians using it every day, it's definitely a bit chaotic.

A genuine waste for this place with a truly fascinating history, listed as a historical monument since 1937, and of unprecedented importance to the image of the French capital. Let's not forget it houses the oldest monument in Paris, even older than the city itself: the obelisk. On top of that, its unique charm lies in its proximity to the Seine and the Tuileries, along with the many beautiful buildings that surround it.


A controversy to resolve

Not surprisingly, and according to the specifications that were provided, the main priority for Philippe Prost's team has been to give pedestrians their space back, by imagining a whole area dedicated to them.

to the east of the square, entirely dedicated to walkers and strollers. The left side, on the other hand, will be shared between cars and cyclists. The latter will have to navigate, in one direction, around the arrival of the Champs-Élysées, and in both directions with the continuous flow of the square and Rue de Rivoli. This situation is not without displeasing the Parisian pedestrian and cyclist associations, who are already warning: the pedestrian zone could be overrun by bicycles ready to defy the law to avoid chaos. A catastrophic situation for everyone, which the City of Paris has been informed about, and we hope it will be changed before the start of the construction in 2028!