But despite being home to one of Europe’s busiest metro systems, they would’ve found Paris still very much ruled by la voiture. Mayor Anne Hidalgo has prioritized pedestrians and cyclists in transforming Paris. This has gone down well with many of the millions of tourists who visit Paris each year. Close to a third of Parisians have started cycling more, with 9% now commuting on two wheels, In 2025, Paris was crowned Europe’s best cycling city in one ranking. “Paris is a 1,500-year-old city, there’s no urgency to change it all, he says.

Source: CNN March 21, 2026 15:13 UTC