Paris’ legendary label as the “City of Light” may lose some of its luster.
The French minister for energy and environment unveiled last week a proposal for lights in and outside shops, offices, and public buildings, including the flagship Louis Vuitton store and the Lido cabaret house on Paris’ Avenue des Champs Elysees, to be turned off between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. starting in July. The plan, to be applied across French cities, towns and villages, is aimed at saving energy and money and showing “sobriety,” Minister Delphine Batho said.
The move has provoked an outcry from merchants, who say the government is insensitive to France’s image as the top tourist destination.
News Tribune news services
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