Paris (AFP)

As every year, the Louvre launched a call for donations on Monday as part of its “All Patrons” initiative, which will benefit the Tuileries Gardens and will aim to renovate the “Grande Allée” which goes to Place de la Concorde.

This alley, in line with the Champs-Élysées, was designed in 1665 by André Le Nôtre, creator of the "French-style" gardens of Louis XIV.

A Tuileries revegetation program is planned over five years, and should allow "the garden to regain all its beauty and historical richness," said the Louvre.

92 elms must be replanted this winter, in two alignments along this alley, said the museum, which has launched an appeal to raise a minimum of one million euros before January 15.

The renovated driveway is slated to open in the spring.

Elms, once planted in abundance and adapted to the soil of the Tuileries, had almost disappeared from this park, victims of several factors, including a disease, Dutch elm disease, in the 1970s.

As every year, an "ambassador" has been appointed to carry the project.

It will be Stéphane Marie, presenter of the program "Silence, ça push" on France 5.

Last year “All Patrons”, sponsored by photographer Nikos Aliagas, financed the restoration of a bronze statue, “Apollo citharède” found under the ashes of the eruption of Vesuvius in Pompeii.

Since 2010, the campaigns have made it possible, for example, to complete the funds for the acquisition of the Three Graces by Lucas Cranach, to complete the restoration of the Arc du Carrousel or the Winged Victory of Samothrace, or to reconstitute the Mastaba of Akhethétep. .

In the Tuileries, the restoration of the "Bosquet des Oiseaux", a haven of greenery of 3,000 m² at the crossroads of the Feuillants esplanade and the Allée de Diane, has also just been completed, the first stage of the revegetation program of five years of the park.

The plantations were carried out with a desire for sustainable management and diversification of the plant range.

Due to the advanced age of some trees, soil compaction and low biodiversity, this royal garden today presents an impoverished appearance.

In the 16th century, 71% of its surface was planted.

It is now only 42%.

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