Paris delegates redesign of two streets near Champs-Elysées to Louis Vuitton
The City of Paris has assigned Louis Vuitton to oversee the refurbishment of Bassano and Galilée streets adjacent to its upcoming flagship store.
In a recent council vote, Paris handed over the management of works on Bassano and Galilée streets to Louis Vuitton, the luxury brand owned by LVMH, as part of the development of its new flagship on the Champs-Elysées. The company will fund and execute the upgrades, which include extending sidewalks, installing bicycle stands and planting boxes. Thomas Chevandier, deputy mayor for public space, explained that the brand’s construction footprint extends onto these streets, obliging it to restore the area after completion.
Several councilors, including Catherine Lécuyer and Séverine de Compreignac, warned that this could set a precedent for private control of public thoroughfares. Emile Meunier of La France insoumise expressed fears of a broader shift toward privatization, while Emmanuel Grégoire defended the decision as a pragmatic way to secure additional resources for urban improvements.
Why it matters
The deal raises questions about private influence over public urban spaces in a major capital.
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