Posted on February, 10 2009

Paris heads a list of 28 French cities and towns intending to join the world in making a visual vote for decisive action on climate change during WWF’s Earth Hour 2009.

As well as Paris – famed as the City of Light – the lights will go out for an hour on 28 March in France’s second and third largest cities of Marseille and Lyon, as well as the major centres of Nantes, Le Mans, Bordeaux, Montpellier, St Etienne, Gap and Grenoble.

The Eiffel Tower is set to fade into darkness between 8:30pm and 9:30pm along with other Parisian landmarks such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame, l’Elysée, the President’s residence, the Senate and the National Assembly.

These iconic buildings will be joining some of the most recognised landmarks on the planet in switching off their lights for Earth Hour, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Merlion in Singapore, Sydney Opera House, CN Tower in Toronto and Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

“Earth Hour is a plateau for change, an opportunity for all citizens to speak out and let it be known that they want action on climate change,” said the WWF-France Director General, Serge Orru.

“The French people are eager to embrace this act of social activism and have their voices heard alongside those of others from around the globe.”

Earth Hour Executive Director, Mr Andy Ridley, welcomed the addition of France to the burgeoning WWF campaign.

“It is imperative that we present a united stance on a global scale on 28 March. These 28 French cities join 377 other cities in 74 countries world-wide committed to being part of the greatest voluntary action the world has ever witnessed.”