This is one of the busiest streets for Parisians and visitors alike. No wonder—rue Poissonnière, stretching between Boulevard Poissonnière and Rue de Cléry, is lined with all sorts of shops: cafés, restaurants, bars... The rue Poissonnière also runs alongside the legendary Grand Rex. This iconic Art Deco cinema, established in 1932, hosts a variety of premieres, screenings, as well as shows and concerts throughout the year. As a result, crowds gather frequently around the theater, making it a challenge to navigate the narrow sidewalk on this busy street.
In response, the City of Paris has decided to take proactive steps by redesigning part of the neighborhood. As part of the initiative “Beautify Your District”—covering the Grands Boulevards and Opéra areas—a section of Rue Poissonnière and Rue Notre-Dame-de-Recouvrance are now pedestrianized. However, it’s important to note that only the stretch of Rue Poissonnière that runs alongside the Grand Rex has been transformed for pedestrians.
The City of Paris has announced new paving, a pedestrian zone, and bicycle racks along this section of the street. Dubbed a "mini pedestrian heart" by the city, this redesign aims to provide Parisians and visitors with "a calmer, more pleasant space, designed as a true breathing space for residents, visitors, and the 1.2 million cinema-goers who pass through here every year," according to a statement.
Pedestrian Champs-Elysées: the world's most beautiful avenue car-free this Sunday for Lunar New Year
The pedestrianized Champs-Elysées is open to pedestrians one Sunday a month throughout the year! It's a great chance to experience the world's most beautiful avenue differently and to snap a selfie in front of the Arc de Triomphe without cars disrupting the view. Note, there will be no pedestrian zone in January! The next opening will be in February! [Read more]
