The renovation of Les Halles in Paris
 

Anyone curious about the current destruction of the Les Halles park in Paris can see the new project with the completely restuctured shopping mall in this video: http://www.parisleshalles.fr/

I remember the original Les Halles when it was a market, from when I worked in Paris in the mid 60's. I used to love the stalls and tiny cafes that were in the old market.

I suppose that this is progress and nothing lasts forever, but somehow I still look back those days with a lot of nostalgia.

Wow...definitely an improvement over what I'd walked through on my trips over. By 2006, the gardens were looking really shabby and littered and I remember not feeling terribly safe. Do you happen to know when the project will be completed?

That looks like a very extensive project, but what a needed improvement. We went through there a few years ago and couldn't wait to get away from the area. As 1travelbug posted, we didn't feel safe, and it was very dirty.

We'll be happy to visit Les Halles again when it is finished. Another beautiful outside space in Paris will be welcome and making the underground shopping light and new will be inviting.

My favorite part of the renovation is the removal of all the people from the escalators. I don't think there were any more than 6 simulated people on the escalator which seemed to be exiting Porte Lescot. It seems they've done the same thing in the Cour Carée as well. Yes, removing all the people as part of the renovation will be a much needed improvement.

Is the huge round rock still there? I took a picture of my then 9 years old grandson sitting on top but this was seven years ago.

The sculpted head was supposed to be removed (and certainly relocated), but there was such an outcry that it will remain in place.

How are they going to keep pigeons (and pigeon poop) off the canopy (and the people underneath it)?

Looks promising. Who's funding it?

Hi, I'm a Luddite I object to any change from nature (a park) to artificial man made environment. I say leave Les Halles park alone. As for "the gardens were looking really shabby and littered..." the authorities always let a district 'run down' before selling the people the idea of re-development.

Too late for that! Speaking of which, I went to the Pavillon de l'Arsenal yesterday, which is the architectural information site for the city of Paris, and one of its current expos is "Les Halles" with all sorts of models and computer animations.

While the head will still be there, the environment around it will change completely -- no fountain, no rounded forum. That upsets me, since I have used it as a meeting place for so many years.