Paris has unveiled plans to bring the forgotten Bièvre river back to the surface, marking a significant step in urban environmental restoration. The project, which aims to daylight a section of the river in the 13th arrondissement, revives a long-held dream to reconnect the city with its hidden hydrological heritage.
The Bièvre, once a tributary of the Seine, was gradually buried from the industrial revolution era until 1912, primarily due to pollution from tanneries and dye works that turned it into a sewer. Today, it serves as a key drain for Paris’s sewer system, but its historical significance and potential for ecological benefits have spurred renewed interest. Efforts to uncover the river have been ongoing upstream, with sections already daylighted in towns like L’Haÿ-les-Roses and between Arcueil and Gentilly, demonstrating feasibility and community benefits.
The current plan focuses on Parc Kellermann, where a consultation phase has begun, with feasibility studies set for completion by late 2027 and construction to follow shortly after. This initiative is part of a broader movement among cities worldwide to ‘daylight’ lost rivers, improving biodiversity, reducing urban heat, and enhancing public spaces. However, the project comes with substantial costs, with initial estimates for the Parc Kellermann section at €12.5 million, and previous work on similar sections costing around €10 million for 600 meters.
Technical challenges include clearing asphalt, rerouting utilities, and managing water quality, but proponents argue that the environmental and social rewards justify the investment. The city of Paris has budgeted €12.5 million for Bièvre-related projects, and downstream sites like Square René Le-Gall and Rue Censier are also under consideration for future daylighting. This effort aligns with other environmental initiatives, such as seeking legal personhood status for the River Seine, highlighting a growing commitment to river conservation.
The Bièvre’s history is deeply intertwined with Paris’s development, having shaped areas like the fountains of Versailles and left traces throughout the city, visible to those who know where to look. Rediscovering this river offers a chance to educate residents and visitors about urban history while addressing contemporary climate challenges through nature-based solutions. As cities face increasing pressures from urbanization and climate change, projects like this serve as models for sustainable urban planning.
Ultimately, the daylighting of the Bièvre represents not just an engineering feat but a symbolic reconnection with nature, promising to transform neglected spaces into vibrant, green corridors for future generations.
