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The Saint-Denis and Saint-Martin gates soon to be renovated?

undefined undefined 11 mars 2025 undefined 09h30

The Editor

© oscar garces / Shutterstock

On March 23rd, Parisians will have the chance to participate in a citizen vote to share their opinions on various district projects. For the residents of the 10th arrondissement, the potential restoration of the iconic Saint-Denis and Saint-Martin gates, located along the Grand Boulevards, will be at stake. These two majestic buildings have not seen a proper cleaning since the end of the 20th century.

At the border between the 2nd, 3rd, and 10th districts of Paris, there are two splendid arches that have witnessed the trials of time. And for good reason, they have been overlooking the Sébastopol and Strasbourg boulevards for over 350 years. On one side stands the Saint-Denis gate, and on the other, the Saint-Martin gate, located less than 200 meters apart. Yet, both seem to have lost some of their former glory. This is understandable, as they have been worn down by the passage of years, Parisians, pollution, and the elements, and they haven't enjoyed a thorough cleaning in quite a while.


Revamping the image of these two triumphal arches

It's a term you must be quite familiar with by now if you follow our articles: greening. This is what the 10th District Town Hall proposes to restore « this space of .

the doors are very worn », according to the admission of Alexandra Cordebard, mayor of the district. This willingness is not new, as numerous discussions had already taken place about the future of these two doors, which have been classified historic monuments since 1862.

This time, however, the people behind this project really want to step it up by making a concrete proposal to the neighborhood residents, so they can take part in the decision-making during the upcoming citizen vote. To achieve this, they aim to establish smart work and initiatives that take into account the needs of both the capital and its residents and shopkeepers.


A greener and less polluted space

To successfully carry out this transformation, the mayor specifically proposes to green up and completely pedestrianize the two squares at the foot of the gates. This process would allow, according to her, to "restore these buildings to their former glory." The implementation...and instead of greenery, it would also help to create cool islands, perfect for tackling the rather hot summers that are looming in the capital.

A project that, if approved, is expected to come to life by 2030, and seems to appeal to the locals. However, some people do have a few reservations, mentioning the potential risk of an increase in terraces, which are already quite common in the area, leading to new noise disturbances. Some shopkeepers are also worried about future delivery issues if traffic routes are removed. But we, simple strollers of the neighborhood, think it’s a wonderful idea.