Paris, France – The Félix-Eboué Square, located in the 12th arrondissement at the Daumesnil metro station, officially reopened on Saturday, January 31, 2026, following an 18-month transformation. The project, which prioritized pedestrians, cyclists, and green spaces over vehicular traffic, was inaugurated by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who lauded the initiative as a testament to the city’s commitment to public space revitalization.
From Roundabout to Public Square: A Vision for Paris
Mayor Hidalgo emphasized the shift in the square’s function, stating, “It was a roundabout; it has become a square. A square is a place where you can walk, let go of children’s hands, where people with reduced mobility can move around.” This redesign aligns with the outgoing municipal administration’s vision for urban transformation, focusing on ecological and social urgency.
The redevelopment significantly reduces the area dedicated to cars, expanding and securing spaces for pedestrians and cyclists. A total of 3,000 square meters are now accessible to pedestrians, with 1,000 square meters of new greenery, including a quarter of a lawn, 61 trees, and various groves. This new configuration is made possible by a horseshoe-shaped traffic plan, directing vehicles to the north of the fountain, while the southern part is reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles.
Local Residents React to the Transformation
Local residents, who had endured 18 months of construction, expressed relief at the project’s completion. Elisabeth and Nicole, two 83-year-old friends, shared their initial frustrations with traffic jams during the construction but ultimately praised the outcome. “We had time to watch the work being done on the square, now we can say it’s a beautiful job,” Nicole remarked, adding that the square is “rather pretty” and will become “a place where people can gather.”
The initial budget for the project, which was part of the program of the left-wing majority in the 12th arrondissement led by Mayor Emmanuelle Pierre-Marie (Les Écologistes), was 8 million euros. However, due to several extensions, the final cost exceeded 15 million euros.
Opposition and Future Outlook
Despite the celebratory inauguration, the transformation was not without its detractors. Two local residents’ associations had filed a lawsuit to annul the project, citing concerns about potential traffic congestion, degradation of the iconic Lions Fountain, and a decline in attractiveness for local businesses. The administrative court ultimately rejected their appeal.
During the inauguration, a small group of opponents also protested, displaying signs with messages such as “failed project” and “no to the horseshoe.” Emmanuelle Pierre-Marie acknowledged the opposition but maintained that “the announced disaster and chaos did not happen.” She confidently predicted that “within six months, once people get used to it, everyone will consider this new square as self-evident.”
The Félix-Eboué Square project represents a significant step in Paris’s ongoing efforts to create more sustainable and people-centric urban spaces. The city continues to explore similar initiatives, such as the planned “urban forest” at Place du Colonel Fabien, signaling a continued commitment to greening the urban landscape and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Source: https://actu.fr/ile-de-france/paris_75056/le-desastre-annonce-n-a-pas-eu-lieu-paris-decouvre-sa-nouvelle-place-felix-eboue-verdie-et-pietonnisee_63776507.html
