This was a strong decision from the Paris Prefect made a few days after the lockdown began. The riverbanks (Left and Right), the pitch of the Esplanade des Invalides and of the Champ de Mars were shut from March 20th. Initially planned for the weekend, it has been extended up to the end of containment.
This Monday May 11th, Parisians can now enjoy the Seine riverbanks and green areas of the Esplanade des Invalides and the Champ-de-Mars to have a walk or work out on their own. In a press release from the Paris city hall, we can read that the Police Prefect and the Paris city hall "want to hail efforts made by all Parisians since the confinement has started. These efforts enable to contain the spread of the epidemic and make sure patients could be taken care of at the hospitals".
In an interview fro Le Parisien on May 5th, Paris Mayor already talked about it. She said to the daily that she hoped that parks, gardens and woods in Paris "could be places of walk and breathing". Yet, Anne Hidalgo warned that "it was out of question to allow picnics or collective sports".
The socialist mayor also said that playgrounds will remain shut after May 11th.
