Sunday, September 17, 2023 will be a very complicated day for those who want to travel to Paris. Here are all the details to anticipate.
On Sunday, September 17, 2023, Paris will be the scene of an event that risks sowing chaos in the French capital. The 9th edition of the “Paris Respire – car-free” Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and this initiative could seriously disrupt the mobility of Parisians and visitors. Like every year, this day transforms Paris into a car-free city, reserved only for non-polluting modes of transport such as bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, as well as pedestrians and public transport users. While this initiative aims to promote environmentally friendly alternatives to the car, it could also lead to major inconveniences for those who depend on their vehicle for their daily trips for professional or personal reasons.
The “Paris Respire” Day covers the entire Parisian territory, with the exception of the ring road. In the districts of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements, as well as on the Champs-Élysées and in areas designated as “Paris Breathe”, reinforced security measures will be put in place. Motorized vehicles will be strictly prohibited from circulation from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., including two-wheelers and electric vehicles. Violators will risk a 4th class fine, accompanied by a fine of €135.
In the “Paris Respire” perimeters, only buses, emergency vehicles and taxis will be authorized to circulate, at a maximum speed of 20 km/h. Outside these zones, buses, emergency vehicles, taxis and VTCs will be able to circulate, but at a speed limit of 30 km/h. Residents of the capital returning from the weekend will have to present proof of address to access Paris, thus encouraging Parisians to leave their motor vehicle in the garage. The City of Paris will deploy several hundred agents at the gates of the city and in the “Paris Respire” areas, in particular in the center of Paris and on the Champs-Élysées, to guarantee compliance with these traffic measures.
However, to alleviate these inconveniences, the City of Paris offers free activities during “Paris Breathe” Day. Additionally, Sunday September 17th coincides with European Heritage Days, held on September 16th and 17th. It is therefore recommended that everyone take their precautions, use alternative modes of transport and plan their trips in advance to avoid any inconvenience.