The City of Paris is transforming the Butte Montmartre to make it a peaceful and sustainable space. Since November 18, 2024, work to create an open pedestrian area around the Sacré-Cœur has been underway. This redevelopment, which will be completed on August 31, 2025, removes parking spaces, limits speed and improves access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Since November, the city of Paris has launched work to redevelop the Butte Montmartre. This emblematic place, popular with tourists and Parisians, will change radically. This work, which will last until August 31, 2025are part of the program “ Beautify your neighborhood », an ambitious project launched in 2021 by the City of Paris to rethink urban spaces for the benefit of quality of life. Montmartre, selected from the start of this initiative, now benefits from a series of developments which mark a new stage in the metamorphosis of the district.
The objectives are clear: Increased vegetation, expanded pedestrianizationaddition of cycle paths and replacement of street furniture. Among the key measures is the permanent removal of parking lots on the Buttea decision which sparks debate, but is part of the desire to reduce the role of cars in favor of soft mobility. Added to this is the installation of new signage, the creation of specific parking spaces for bicycles and the implementation of ground markings.
The news “ open pedestrian area “, marked by blue and white signs with the inscriptions “Traffic prohibited except local service” and “Ride in step”, illustrates Paris's desire to reduce the space for cars in favor of soft mobility.
A perimeter dedicated to tranquility
Around the Sacred Heartall parking spaces, except those for people with reduced mobility (PRM), are gradually disappearing. Drivers who must travel in the area must now “drive at walking pace”, at a maximum speed of 6 km/h. This measure is reinforced by ground markings and rotating barriers in several streets.
Pedestrianized streets:
- Rue de l’Abbé Patureau
- Rue de l’Abreuvoir
- Rue Becquerel
- Rue de la Bonne
- Rue du Cardinal Dubois
- Rue Cortot
- Rue Gaston Couté
- Rue Girardon
- Rue Lamarck (from n°1 to n°16)
- Rue Maurice Utrillo
- Rue du Mont-Cenis
- Rue Norvins
- Rue d'Orchampt
- Rue Paul Féval
- Rue Poulbot
- Rue Sainte-Éleuthère
- Rue Saint-Vincent
- Rue des Saules
- Place Jean-Baptiste Clément
Some of these streets will be closed to traffic with swing gates, while others will remain accessible with restrictions. Deliveries, home care and access for local residents remain possible, but transit traffic is prohibited.
More spaces for pedestrians and cyclists
In addition to removing 40% of parking spaces, the project plans:
- The widening of sidewalks, particularly on the rue d'Orseltransformed into a street with schools.
- The creation of meeting zones where pedestrians have priority, with a speed of 20 km/h for cars.
- The reconstruction of sidewalks and the addition of vegetation to beautify and refresh public spaces.
Cyclists will benefit from new secure paths and dedicated parking lots, in line with the desire to promote alternatives to the car.
A lasting transformation
The redevelopment of the Butte Montmartre reflects a broader ambition: to make Paris a city where soft mobility, conviviality and respect for the environment coexist with its historical heritage. With these changes, the Butte Montmartre becomes not only greener, but also more accessible and pleasant for its inhabitants and visitors.
