The site redevelopment project around the Eiffel Tower, symbol of France and one of the most visited paid monuments in the world, will be reviewed on several points by the Paris City Hall in order to take into account the criticisms expressed during a consultation public.

The project aims in particular to reduce the space occupied by cars on either side of the Pont d’Iéna, called to become “the first green bridge in Paris”, as well as the creation of a “vegetated amphitheater” on the du Trocadéro, where traffic will be reorganized in a half-moon.

The electronic public participation conducted this fall was as “abundant” (more than 6,000 contributions submitted) as it was “confused”, with public meetings “marked by high tension”, underline the two guarantors who submitted their observations. .

“The vast majority of participants – mainly local residents – have massively expressed their opposition to the project”, they underline.

The fears of the opponents relate in particular to “excessive tourist frequentation, the deterioration of cleanliness and safety, increased constraints for travel, traffic and parking, the increase in the organization of events and nuisances associates”.

In response, the town hall replied that it “could adapt the project on certain points”.

Acknowledging that “the presence of many green planters on the Pont d’Iéna has been widely questioned”, the City led by the socialist mayor and presidential candidate Anne Hidalgo now intends “to study new furniture to enhance the promenade on the pedestrian bridge”.

It also undertakes to “improve car connections” and to “launch a site management plan” for major authorized events and the associated noise pollution, but also “cleanliness, maintenance of green spaces, as well as on security and the occupation of public space (street vendors, tuk-tuk, cap players, etc.)”.

The town hall reaffirms that the project will make it possible to obtain 17,000 m2 of additional green spaces, “including 16,000 m2 of open ground”, with 180 more trees.

But for the Friends of the Champ-de-Mars association, this is “misinformation to hide a reduction of around 20% to 35%” in green spaces accessible to the public.

The first transformations must be completed for the 2024 Olympic Games, during which the site will have a central role with the reception of the opening ceremony and several competitions.