In France, cities take turns presenting their energy sobriety plan. In Paris, for example, the municipality will turn off illuminated advertisements in its streets at night from December 1. The most famous of Parisian avenues will review its lighting to reduce its energy consumption.
Day and night, the illuminations and the windows of the big brands make the Champs Élysées shine. But this winter energy sobriety requires, the avenue will be less lit. ” To 10 p.m., the shops turn off their lights. 11:45 p.m., the illuminations of the Champs Élysées stop. And a quarter of an hour after closing, all those who work at night will stop, too “, describes Marc-Antoine Jamet, who chairs the Champs Élysées Committee, bringing together 180 brands.
The Christmas lights will also be removed a week in advance. The objective, to transform the avenue into a symbol. ” It’s a mirror, the Champs Élysées. It is a mirror of French society and nation. This mirror reflects a true image of France, an image of France making collective efforts. The Champs Élysées make collective efforts », continues Marc-Antoine Jamet.
Lead by example
The signs of the avenue also seek to lead by example. This is the case of the Sephora store which will set the heating at 19°C, and turn off its lights as soon as it closes. ” As it is our big shop in France, it serves as a test shop. But it is a plan that is applied in all our stores in France “, explains Cécile Debever, marketing director of the brand.
This transformation of the Champs Élysées is well received by tourists. It is a necessary effort. ” It’s not What a visual! It is better to have an avenue at half mast during the Christmas holidays and be a little careful with the planet », Estimates Stéphane Passini. Exceptions will be made on December 24 and 31, days when the avenue will shine until late at night.
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