France

All You Need is Louvre

A war-battered town in Frances will be the site of a new extension of the venerable Louvre museum, and locals hope the addition of the cultural site will revive the struggling city.

December 16, 2009 - The Washington Post

How to Un-Do Auto Dependence

After decades of auto-dependence, the French city of Strasbourg turned its back to the car and built a citywide tram system and street grid that reclaims roads from auto-dominance.

December 9, 2009 - Next American City

France Plans Electric Car Charging Network

The French government hass announced plans to install electric car charging stations throughout the country.

October 3, 2009 - The Wall Street Journal

First Bikes, Now Paris Wants to Share Cars

Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe has announced a plan to initiate a citywide car-sharing system, building on the success of the city's popular bike sharing program.

August 13, 2009 - Der Spiegel

Putting Stimulus Dollars to Work

Economic improvement projects funded by the stimulus are moving full steam ahead -- in France.

July 8, 2009 - The New York Times

Parkour Enthusiasts Rediscover The American City

While urbanists have long used the built environment as their playground, the French sport of parkour is connecting residents of America's cities to their surroundings in a new, if not extreme manner.

June 18, 2009 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Preserving Darkness

France is hoping to establish a "darkness reserve" by regulating street lighting in towns and villages near a mountaintop observatory.

April 6, 2009 - Discovery

Paris Bike System Plagued By Theft and Vandalism

Theft and vandalism have crippled the citywide bike rental system in Paris, leaving operator JCDecaux uncertain of the increasingly expensive program's future.

February 10, 2009 - BBC

European Bike Sharing Programs Transform Cities

Paris' bike sharing program is well-known, but not alone - these programs are flourishing throughout Europe. The key to their proliferation lies in the new technology they utilize. This article highlights the 'third-generation' Barcelona program.

November 11, 2008 - The New York Times

Paris 'Beach' Opens

The annual transformation of riverbanks to beaches has begun in Paris, where the River Seine becomes a widely visited outdoor public space known as Paris Plages.

July 23, 2008 - The Guardian

Happy Birthday, Quebec City!

While Americans celebrate the birth of their country, Canadians are celebrating the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, the first permanent settlement in New France. David Hackett Fischer reflects on the city's history and importance.

July 4, 2008 - The New York Times

Critical Mass on Eight Wheels

Streetfilms looks at the livable streets movement in Paris and a twice-weekly "critical mass" over roller skaters that often brings crowds of thousands.

April 26, 2008 - Streetsblog

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

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The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

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A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.