The Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris is getting a $305 million green makeover.
One of the world's most recognizable thoroughfares will be made greener and more pedestrian friendly with the renovation, Paris authorities say.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo approved the renovation this week. It will include changes to the avenue - a popular shopping street running between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle, site of the Arc de Triomphe.
The plans by French architect Philippe Chiambaretta and his company include a reduction of the street's eight lanes. Footpaths will be widened and more greenery will be planted - and called "planted living rooms."
Chiambaretta's company said two-thirds of daily pedestrian traffic is tourists while around 5% is residents.
The first phase will include renovations to the Place de la Concorde and surrounding areas. This will commence before the city hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Paris officials will announce additional details next week.
The renovation hopes to attract more tourists and locals. The area has in the past been scarred by demonstrations and attacks. These incidents reduced the area's attraction and officials hope to restore this with the makeover.
The Champs-Élysées committee said the overhaul was long overdue.
"The mythical avenue has lost its splendor over the past 30 years. It has been progressively abandoned by Parisians and has suffered a number of crises: the yellow vests demonstrations, strikes and the health and economic crisis," the committee said.
The makeover is the city government's standout urban project for this decade. The renovations are part of an urban renewal campaign called "Reinventing Paris" - which includes a cleanup of the Seine and improvements to the public areas around the Eiffel Tower.
