An ambitious... and thrilling project. Inspired by La Rambla, the transformation of the Richard-Lenoir and Jules-Ferry boulevards, right in the heart of the 11th, is set to create a spacious green promenade between Bastille and Stalingrad, extending from the Saint-Martin canal. The goal: more nature, fewer cars, and a priority on soft mobility.
However, since its announcement in 2023, the project championed by Anne Hidalgo's majority has sparked opposition. High costs perceived as excessive, fears of a “touristification” similar to Spain, and worries about safety: for some residents, it's tough to swallow.
The famous “grilles” as a symbol of local conflict
At the heart of the disagreement: the grilles surrounding the squares in the central median. Their...
Withdrawal, planned to open up space, has become the breaking point. Opponents see it as a threat to children's safety and a setback for biodiversity.🌳STUPEUR ! Des affiches apposées hier annoncent le début des travaux boulevard Richard Lenoir malgré l’opposition des conseils de quartier ! Aucun #projet précis n’a été débattu ni #concerté avec les #Parisiens. Une décision autoritaire qui ne passe pas. #DémocratieLocale #Paris pic.twitter.com/8D8We0TWKX
— Dominique Dupré-Henry (@DuprDominique2) July 20, 2023
Mobilized, some local residents have created the association “Let’s Save Jules and Richard”, while appeals have been filed, notably by France Nature Environnement Paris. The result? Work has been halted in the 11th district following a court decision, despite authorized activity continuing elsewhere.
On site, the atmosphere remains mixed: between regulars who cherish this hidden green space and supporters of a more open transformation, the boulevard has turned into an open-air debate ground.
#Ramblas Square du Bd Richard Lenoir : suspension ds travaux ! Le saucissonnage du projet pour ne pas réaliser une étude d'impact environnemental n'est pas passé ! 👏🏻🌳 #SaccageParis #AuxArbresCitoyens https://t.co/9OEx2XyrXk
— Natacha Quester-Séméon Salomon (@NatachaQS) May 28, 2024
A renewed discussion, without taboos?
The new key figure in the district, David Belliard, aims to ease tensions while staying true to ecological ambitions. “No topic should be off-limits,” he says, ready to reconsider the project’s details without abandoning its core philosophy. Facing him, the opposition, notably represented by Delphine Goater (Horizons), advocates for a simple renovation of the existing structure rather than a “monumental” undertaking. Even from the engaged residents’ side, the tone is shifting: less outright rejection, more desire to co-create.
One major question remains: Will the City agree to revisit sensitive issues like the railings? After years of tug-of-war, the future of the “ramblas” in Paris could very well hang in the balance.
This new phase of dialogue.