The Port–City–River Relationship in Paris: The Challenge of Mixed-Use Development

Abstract

The relationship between Paris and the Seine has been undergoing a process of reconnection. Since the first decade of the twenty-first century, the development of new public spaces along the river has been a central focus of municipal policy. This shift marks a recreational and ecological turning point in the city–river dynamic, characteristic of the postindustrial river city. Nevertheless, a few urban ports remain in operation, managed by a port authority that negotiates with the municipality and industrial stakeholders to better integrate these sites into the urban fabric. Based on selected examples, this article considers the challenges of integrating these ports within the city and the coexistence of economic and urban functions in light of sustainability objectives.