There are over 300,000 dogs in Paris. The city used to have a reputation for having dog poop all over the sidewalks. Paris may have Sanisettes all over the city, but the poor Parisian doggies can’t push the button to get in and use them.
There are signs all over the city urging residents to pick up after their pooches. “I love my neighborhood. I pick up.” And right under these same signs you see evidence that Paris dogs might be bien élevé (well-behaved, well-raised), but their owners aren’t.
But these days you’ll find a big difference. You’ll notice low tech methods with non-potable water used to clear the gutters after the street cleaners have brushed the sidewalks clear.
The wide boulevards use more high tech approaches. I like this one man sidewalk scrubber, seen on Champs Elysées.
The streets are cleaned daily and a wide variety of approaches are used.
Cynthia Tuttelman (aka "Tut") is a writer, family doctor and quilter who lives in Northern California and part-time each year in Paris, France. Follow along and explore the wonders of Paris.