Officials in Paris were forced to shut down rumors that the Eiffel Tower could be turned into a “giant tree” Wednesday after a wayward report in a French newspaper caused a mini-outrage.

Officials denied a report in Le Figaro which claimed an environmental group had agreed to cover the tower with 600, 000 plants as part of a green initiative. The project would have cost about $96 million, according to Le Figaro.

Jean-Bernard Bros, a city councilor who also serves as president of the Eiffel Tower, said that the report was false and that no such plans or studies had been discussed. He added that many people approach him every day with crazy ideas for the tower.

More than 7 million travelers arriving on flights to Paris visit the Eiffel Tower each year.

Source: National Post