Summary
In a recent ranking by the Canadian firm Resonance Consultancy, Paris has been heralded as the second most enjoyable city to live in Europe, right behind London and ahead of Berlin. This accolade paints the French capital as a vibrant metropolis that is not only captivating but also poised to mesmerize the world with its urban renaissance during the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Resonance Consultancy, known for its insights in tourism, real estate, and economic development, praised Paris’s integration of cycling into daily life under Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s leadership. With expanding bike lanes and strict speed limits for vehicles, the city has fostered an environment where approximately 70% of Parisians do not own cars. A stark contrast to the recent protests by frustrated drivers, this statistic showcases a communal shift towards greener transportation. The report notes that pedestrians too are cherished in this evolving cityscape, with 65% of local journeys being undertaken on foot—a figure that has blossomed by 12% from 2010 to 2020. Paris’s Metro system, boasting 800 kilometers of track across 16 lines, continues to evoke envy across the globe, seamlessly connecting the city with its suburbs like a silken thread through fabric. The City of Paris eagerly celebrated this ranking, highlighting its progressive urban innovations, climate-responsive planning, and a concerted effort to enhance public footpaths and gentle mobility. The municipality is transforming the landscape where automobiles once dominated, creating serene spaces for walkers and improving public transport accessibility for those with reduced mobility. “A city where life flourishes is also one that embraces inclusivity and kindness,” the administration concluded, drawing a clear parallel between community well-being and urban design. However, this uplifting narrative contrasts sharply with survey results indicating that only 26% of Parisians express strong satisfaction with life in the capital under Hidalgo’s management. This figure starkly diverges from the 41% satisfaction rate noted during the mid-term of her predecessor, Bertrand Delanoë. As Paris dances between worldwide admiration and local discontent, the true gauge of its livability might well be a story still in the making, penned by its people.
Original Source: www.lefigaro.fr
