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Why is it going to be a mess in Paris this Sunday?

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The Editor

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We all know that driving around Paris is a nightmare. And one thing is for sure, it’s not going to get any better this Sunday, February 1, 2026, because of two very special events. On one hand, there’s the monthly pedestrianization of part of the capital. On the other, the amazing 10 km race on the Champs-Élysées, a spectacular run on the most beautiful avenue in the world.

A few months ago, the capital received the title of the second best city in Europe for doing sports. And clearly, it has decided to live up to this reputation by organizing as many races as possible. Marathon, half marathon, 10km of l’Étoile, 10K Adidas, 10km of the 9th, and more. Not to forget, of course, the 10 km of the Champs-Élysées, which will bring together several thousand running fanatics this Sunday, February 1st, all ready to whip out their Strava to break records. Unfortunately, for everything to go smoothly, it requires a certain number of security measures, along with the disappearance of cars, just like every first Sunday of the month!


Paris without cars

This Sunday, as every first Sunday of the month for quite a few years now, the ... The most famous avenue in the world will be completely closed to traffic. From 10 AM to 5 PM, no motor vehicles will be allowed to drive up or down, in an effort to make Paris a more eco-friendly city, reduce the astronomical CO2 emissions in the area, and give a beautiful space back to gentle mobility.

As part of the "Paris Respire" project, since 2018, the first 4 districts have adopted the same way of operating, keeping all cars and motorcycles away for a few hours (from 10 AM to 6 PM, to be precise) on the first Sunday of each month. This covers an immense area, bordered by the quays, the Tuileries, the Opéra Garnier, République, and Bastille. And this Sunday, hold on tight, a special event will expand this already impressive number of streets.


An Exceptional Race

Indeed, on February 1st, the 10 km of the Champs-Élysées will take place, the first of the four Paris Masters Circuit 2026, races around the most beautiful spots in the capital. For this occasion, an incredible route has been designed, passing through the Champs-Élysées.Yes, of course! The Place de la Concorde and Parc Monceau to the north. Parking and traffic will be banned throughout the entire race perimeter, starting at the crack of dawn (from 4 AM for some streets) until around 1 PM. Except for the Champs-Élysées, which will be closed until 5 PM. This is especially important since they will also host an exceptional Lunar New Year parade starting at 2:30 PM. Overall, about twenty streets, boulevards, and other avenues will be inaccessible, creating a true pedestrian area. In the meantime, we invite you to check out the complete list of all affected roads right here!