Paris had to give up the renovation of the Eiffel Tower after environmentalists protested against 20 trees

The socialist mayor of Paris has given up plans for new buildings around the Eiffel Tower after months of protests by environmentalists and one of almost 150,000 people.

According to the original plan, about 20 old trees would have been felled, while four new buildings should be built with a café, shops, toilets and a luggage delivery.

"I cancel that we cancel all construction projects at the foot of the tower, but we will be retained the redesign of the landscape," the deputy mayor Emmanuel Gregoire told the Journal du Dimanche.

A top -class action for the rescue of the trees, including protests and objections from residents, had already prompted Anne Hidalgo to fell the trees in May.

On Monday, Mr. Grégoire confirmed that the four new buildings would also be scrapped.

A much larger project for the reorganization of the room around the tourist attraction is promoted. Roads and public areas are planted with grass and bushes.

"We do not give in to the pressure, but we want the project to not be overshadowed by controversy. Let's just say that we will remove some of the friction," said Mr. Grégoire.

An area of ​​133 Acres around the tower, which is currently crossed by several streets, is largely left to pedestrians and "gentle means of transport" such as bus and bike paths.

The city administrations in the city of the lights have set themselves the goal of completing as much as possible from the huge renovation in time for the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.

In total, seven million people visit the Eiffel Tower every year.

During the high season in summer, an estimated 150,000 people visit the tower every day, including the 20,000 to 30,000 that climb the tower itself.

The activists were delighted that the plans for new buildings were dropped and the trees were saved.

"We are satisfied for the time being, but we will remain vigilant," said Thomas Brail from the National Surveillance Group for Trees (GNSA), who took part in a coalition of groups that were against the plans.