One of the most famous boulevards in Paris, the Champs Elysees, will undergo a major change. It will be transformed into a pedestrian space with a huge garden.

The Champs Elysees, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, is currently home to eight lanes, connecting the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. Under the new plans, vehicle traffic will be cut in half, while pedestrians will be able to enjoy wider sidewalks and more greenery.

The transformation aims to attract more visitors to an area that, before the pandemic, had begun to lose its luxurious luster, especially after sometimes violent demonstrations. More than two-thirds of foot traffic comes from tourists, and Parisians account for just 5 percent of total traffic.

The first stage of the project will involve the renovation of the Place de la Concorde, which will take place before Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics, with the rest of the boulevard to be completed after the games. Additional details on the plan will be announced next week.

Paris authorities are also working on a broader revitalization plan ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Abandoned, disused and obsolete spaces will be given a second life as new dining destinations, themed hotels, museums and entertainment venues. Some of the projects were selected as part of the city’s “Urban Reinvention” urban renewal campaign, first launched in 2014. These include a major cleanup of the River Seine and the greening of the Eiffel Tower.