France

Battle Over Closure of Paris Expressways

A political battle is brewing in Paris, where the city's mayor wants to close off sections of roadway along the River Seine, a move that President Nicholas Sarkozy is against.

June 28, 2010 - The New York Times

Bringing Bookshops Back to the Latin Quarter

Seeing a marked decline in the amount of bookstores in the traditional cultural center of Paris, the city began a program to actively lure them back.

June 8, 2010 - Guardian

Complaints Grow Over Increasing "Ugliness" of Paris

A press conference was held in Paris to draw attention to the problem of "increasingly large and unsympathetic buildings" cropping up around the City of Lights.

February 9, 2010 - INTBAU News

French Carbon Tax Dead

France's highest court dealt an 'unexpected and embarrassing blow' to French President Nicolas Sarkozy by ruling his carbon tax, set to take effect on New Year's, unconstitutional on Dec. 30.

January 4, 2010 - The Guardian U.K.

Europe's 'Capital of Sleep' Extends Party Hours

After being accused of being party-unfriendly, Paris and other French cities have been officially allowed to keep their dance clubs open as late as 7 a.m.

December 31, 2009 - Salon

All You Need is Louvre

A war-battered town in Frances will be the site of a new extension of the venerable Louvre museum, and locals hope the addition of the cultural site will revive the struggling city.

December 16, 2009 - The Washington Post

How to Un-Do Auto Dependence

After decades of auto-dependence, the French city of Strasbourg turned its back to the car and built a citywide tram system and street grid that reclaims roads from auto-dominance.

December 9, 2009 - Next American City

France Plans Electric Car Charging Network

The French government hass announced plans to install electric car charging stations throughout the country.

October 3, 2009 - The Wall Street Journal

First Bikes, Now Paris Wants to Share Cars

Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe has announced a plan to initiate a citywide car-sharing system, building on the success of the city's popular bike sharing program.

August 13, 2009 - Der Spiegel

Putting Stimulus Dollars to Work

Economic improvement projects funded by the stimulus are moving full steam ahead -- in France.

July 8, 2009 - The New York Times

Parkour Enthusiasts Rediscover The American City

While urbanists have long used the built environment as their playground, the French sport of parkour is connecting residents of America's cities to their surroundings in a new, if not extreme manner.

June 18, 2009 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Preserving Darkness

France is hoping to establish a "darkness reserve" by regulating street lighting in towns and villages near a mountaintop observatory.

April 6, 2009 - Discovery

Paris Bike System Plagued By Theft and Vandalism

Theft and vandalism have crippled the citywide bike rental system in Paris, leaving operator JCDecaux uncertain of the increasingly expensive program's future.

February 10, 2009 - BBC

European Bike Sharing Programs Transform Cities

Paris' bike sharing program is well-known, but not alone - these programs are flourishing throughout Europe. The key to their proliferation lies in the new technology they utilize. This article highlights the 'third-generation' Barcelona program.

November 11, 2008 - The New York Times

Paris 'Beach' Opens

The annual transformation of riverbanks to beaches has begun in Paris, where the River Seine becomes a widely visited outdoor public space known as Paris Plages.

July 23, 2008 - The Guardian

Happy Birthday, Quebec City!

While Americans celebrate the birth of their country, Canadians are celebrating the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, the first permanent settlement in New France. David Hackett Fischer reflects on the city's history and importance.

July 4, 2008 - The New York Times

Critical Mass on Eight Wheels

Streetfilms looks at the livable streets movement in Paris and a twice-weekly "critical mass" over roller skaters that often brings crowds of thousands.

April 26, 2008 - Streetsblog

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Top Books

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100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.