The most famous boulevard in the French capital has gone car-free for a day. It is part of the “Paris Breathes” anti-pollution campaign to raise awareness of climate change.

The city had a similar event last year. A survey showed that nitrogen dioxide emissions had been cut by 20 percent to 40 percent on that day.

The Champs-Elysees was off-limits to cars on the first Sunday of May. The avenue was taken over by cyclists, joggers and families with pushchairs.

From now on, cars will be banished from the two kilometer-long street on the first Sunday of every month. Nine new routes will also be pedestrian-only every Sunday and public holiday. Thirteen are already subject to traffic restrictions.