Paris is famous for its wide boulevards, stately stone buildings, and bright open squares. The city, however, did not always look this way. In the mid-1800s, much of Paris was crowded, dark, and unplanned, with narrow streets that blocked sunlight, rife with unsanitary living conditions.
Under Napoleon III, city planner Georges-Eugène Haussmann began a major redesign that reshaped the city from the inside out. His work brought new roads, parks, and modern utilities, along with a uniform building style that still defines Paris today.
This gallery explores the history, the architectural features, and the lasting impact of Haussmann’s transformation. Curious to know more? Click on.