Since 2015, Paris City Hall has been organizing a major "Paris sans voiture" day . This new and 9th edition, renamed the"Paris Respire" day, takes place this year on Sunday, September 17, 2023, i.e. during the famous Heritage Days.
For 7 consecutive hours, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., cars are banned from the whole of Paris (excluding the city's ring road), making way for bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, pedestrians and public transport users. Note that electric vehicles and motorized two-wheelers are also affected by this ban. Only emergency vehicles, buses and cabs are authorized to drive on this day, at 20 km/h maximum in the "Paris Respire" zones, and at 30 km/h maximum in the rest of the Paris zone. VTCs, meanwhile, will be prohibited in "Paris Respire" zones, but authorized to circulate in other areas of the capital, again with a maximum authorized speed of 30 km/h.
More concretely, this day dedicated to non-polluting traffic covers the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements, as well as the Champs-Élysées and all "Paris Respire" districts. Offenders are liable to a 4th-class fine of €135.
With this operation, Paris wants to take the time to live without incessant car traffic, and demonstrate the effects of traffic on pollution. According to AirParif, which monitors air quality, nitrogen dioxide levels are lower on these car-free days than on other Sundays. In 2022, for example, the drop was 20%.
Don't worry, there are exceptions if you need to go to hospital in Paris, or if you're coming home from the weekend, but you'll need to show proof of address.
Discover Paris without a car, enjoy the calm of the streets and stroll along the asphalt usually invaded by cars, with Parisians taking to the avenues for free entertainment - it promises to be a good time!
The Car Free Day program in Paris :
Pedestrianized Champs-Elysées: No Car-Free Day in January 2026
Pedestrianized Champs-Élysées: one Sunday a month, all year round! A perfect chance to experience the world's most beautiful avenue in a whole new way—and to snap a selfie in front of the Arc de Triomphe without a car in sight, just to enjoy the view. Note: there will be no pedestrian zone in January. The next event is scheduled for February! [Read more]
Pedestrianized Paris City Center: No Car-Free Day in the First Four Districts Throughout January
Once a month, Paris Breathes! Indeed, in addition to the Champs-Élysées avenue, the first four districts of Paris go green and car-free, temporarily removing motor vehicles for a full day. The next event is scheduled for February 2026. [Read more]
Pollution in the Île-de-France region: alternative means of transport in Paris without a permit
A pollution episode is hitting Paris and the Île-de-France region this week, so car traffic is restricted. Discover the alternative, no-license transport options available in Paris: perfect for enjoying the scenery on your commute! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On September 17, 2023
From 11:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Prices
Free
Official website
www.paris.fr
Pollution in the Île-de-France region: alternative means of transport in Paris without a permit
