‘Changing a city is complicated’: Anne Hidalgo looks back on 12 years as Paris mayor

Political veteran says she faced ‘French misogyny and machismo’ while making Paris greener and more peaceful

On a sunny spring morning, the highway along the right bank of the Seine is packed with joggers, cyclists, families out for a stroll, roller skaters, dog walkers, picnickers and others taking the air.

In a few months, sand will be spread along a stretch to create the annual artificial Parisbeaches, enjoyed by all but especially city dwellers struggling to make ends meet and unable to afford the real thing.