Construction work in Paris: Denfert-Rochereau Square undergoing a major transformation, soon to be greened and pedestrianized.

As with many squares before it in the capital, Place Denfert-Rochereau in the 14th arrondissement of Paris is being reshaped, with more greenery and pedestrian-friendly space. The works are due to be completed in early 2027!

To tackle climate change, Ville de Paris is rolling up its sleeves to better green the capital and make it more pleasant. Cars will play a smaller role, notably with the creation of larger pedestrian and vegetated spaces at the four corners of the City of Light.

It's now the turn of Place Denfert-Rochereau to undergo major renovations aimed at making it greener, more pedestrian-friendly, and definitively more pleasant. A key crossroads in the 14th arrondissement, spanning four hectares, the square will welcome 800 m of bike lanes, new pedestrian spaces in its center, as well as no fewer than 107 new trees and 30,000 plants planted.

Nevertheless, residents will have to show a little more patience, as the fin des travaux is not expected before the beginning of 2027! On May 4, 2026, a new phase of the project also kicks off, with the center of the square closed to traffic, and public access shut to the Square Jacques-Antoine and the Abbé-Migne Square.

Among the other improvements planned, a 4,390 m² extension of pedestrian areas, 3,100 m² of green spaces, as well as new bus lanes and the accessibility upgrades for all stops.

Just steps from the Catacombes and the musée de la Libération, this square draws thousands of visitors each year and welcomes them with its famous lion de Belfort, a sculpture by Auguste Bartholdi. When the lengthy works are finished, the City says, they will enable:

Create a microclimate oasis and a space dedicated to biodiversity preservation
Bridge the green corridor between the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Cité Internationale Universitaire
Create a welcoming, livable hub in the heart of the 14th arrondissement
Welcome new uses within a protected, car-free space
Reorganize traffic to improve flow and reduce noise pollutants
Rebalance the public realm to favor pedestrians and slow modes
Showcase the architectural and plant heritage of the square

Also to note that in the future, the two pavilions housing the Catacombs and Liberation museums, along with the surrounding squares, will be linked to form a large central block, ideal for strolling. Pedestrians will enjoy a protected space down in the shadow of the Lion of Belfort statue. Similarly, square Georges-Lamarque will host a playful park for children, the boulevard Saint-Jacques landscaped square a dog-friendly area, and square Jacques-Antoine a little garden square.

So, see you in 2027 to discover the new face of Denfert-Rochereau Square!