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Paris Capitale vous accompagne dans la compréhension de la démarche de Napoléon III sur la transformation de Paris durant le Second Empire (1852 - 1870). Nous vous invitons à découvrir le Palais Garnier Napoleon III At the start of the Second Empire (1852 - 1870) Napoleon III undertook to modernize Paris. Napoleon III by Franz Xaver Winterhalter Under the influence of Napoleon III, Paris Capital underwent a radical metamorphosis thanks to the joint efforts of Baron Haussmann and Adolphe Alphand. The modernist ambition of Napoleon III and the lasting impact of the town planning work carried out by Haussmann and Alphand. They remodeled the appearance of the city, creating large boulevards, green spaces and emblematic places, while increasing the surface area of Paris through the annexation of neighboring municipalities. The meeting of 4 exceptional men Baron Haussmann Napoleon 3 Adolphe Alphand The architect Davioud The architect Gabriel Davioud left a significant mark on the urban landscape of Paris in the 19th century. His work left its mark on the city through various achievements, a large part of which still survives today. Among his creations, we find benches, baskets, kiosks, fountains, candelabra, display posts, grilles, balustrades, exedra, piers, various shelters and guard houses. His creations also transformed the decor of Parisian streets, with fountains such as the Saint-Michel fountain and that of the Garden of the Great Explorers. Davioud designed the Théâtre du Châtelet (built between 1860 and 1862) as well as the Théâtre lyrique, which later became the Théâtre de la Ville. He also participated in the design of the Bois de Boulogne, Buttes-Chaumont and Montsouris Park. In short, Gabriel Davioud was at the same time urban planner, landscaper and architect. Its street furniture, its fountains and its theaters contributed to giving Paris its unity and its quality of use, leaving a lasting imprint on the city to the present day. The Davioud bench, first presented at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1855, is an iconic example of its innovative and elegant design.

Le Parc des Buttes Chaumont est un jardin à l’anglaise qui imite un paysage de montagne : rochers, falaises, torrents, cascades, grotte, alpages, belvédères. Avec une superficie de 24,73 hectares, le parc des Buttes-Chaumont est le cinquième plus grand espace vert de Paris, après le bois de Vincennes, le bois de Boulogne, le parc de la Villette et le jardin des Tuileries. Parc des Buttes Chaumont Inaugurated on April 1, 1867 during the last years of the reign of Napoleon III, it is one of the most spectacular achievements of the Second Empire. The Buttes-Chaumont park, located in the north of Paris, is one of the largest green spaces in the city, covering almost 25 hectares. Parc des Buttes Chaumont Temple of the Sibyl Adolphe Alphand was the chief engineer responsible for overseeing the entire project. He led the design and construction team, coordinating the efforts of other experts. His role was crucial for the planning, work management and construction of the park. The engineer Adolphe Alphand brought together the landscaper Édouard André, the horticulturist Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps and the architect Gabriel Davioud to the project. Édouard André was a renowned landscaper of the time. He contributed to the artistic design of the park, particularly in the staging of natural features such as waterfalls, streams and plantations. His expertise made it possible to create a harmonious and aesthetic landscape. Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps was an experienced horticulturist. He played an essential role in the selection of plant species to be planted in the park. His expertise contributed to the beauty and botanical diversity of the park. Gabriel Davioud was the architect responsible for the design of some of the park's iconic elements. He designed the Temple of the Sibyl, located at the top of the island, as well as other structures. His architectural work added an artistic and monumental dimension to the park. By combining their skills, these professionals have created an exceptional green space that continues to delight visitors and residents of Paris. The work lasted four years (1863 to 1867). Parc des Buttes Chaumont The design of the lake at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont presents several remarkable features The 2 hectare lake is dominated by a central island. This island, half natural, half reconstructed, imitates the landscape of Étretat with its peaks and its arch. At the top of the island is the Belvédère, a construction designed by the architect Gabriel Davioud. It is a reproduction of the Temple of the Sibyl in Tivoli, near Rome, offering a panoramic view from 32 meters high. To supply the lake, a steam engine was used to pump water from the Ourcq to the La Villette basin. This ingenious solution ensured a constant supply of water for the park. The island is connected to the rest of the park by a masonry bridge. This bridge is nicknamed the “Suicide Bridge” because of the number of people who threw themselves from the top of its parapet. A metal walkway suspended 23 meters above the water also provides access to the island. By combining these elements, the designers created a unique lake which contributes to the beauty and originality of the Buttes-Chaumont park Rosa Bonheur Gustave Eiffel footbridge Parc des Buttes Chaumont 1863

La Tour Eiffel demeure un symbole de l’ingéniosité humaine et de la grandeur culturelle française. La Tour Eiffel s’élève à une hauteur de 330 mètres. La Tour Eiffel dispose de trois niveaux accessibles au public. Le troisième niveau se trouve à 276 mètres et offre une vue imprenable sur Paris. Elle est devenue un symbole de Paris et une attraction touristique majeure. Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is linked to a competition for the project to raise an iron tower on the Champs de Mars, with a square base, 125 meters on sides and 300 meters in height for the Universal Exhibition of 1889. Among the 107 projects presented, the selected project is that of Gustave Eiffel, entrepreneur, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, engineers and Stephen Sauvestre, architect. The two main engineers of the Eiffel company, Émile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin, had the idea in June 1884 of a very tall tower, designed as a large pylon formed of four lattice beams spaced apart at the base and meeting at the top , linked together by metal beams arranged at regular intervals. The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887 and 1889. It took only 5 months for the foundations and 21 months for the assembly of the metal structure. It was built for the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition, celebrating the centenary of the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower was designed by architect Stephen Sauvestre and built by Gustave Eiffel, Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier. The Eiffel Tower rises to a height of 330 meters and is located northwest of the Champ de Mars park, along the Seine, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. The tower has three levels accessible to the public. The third level is at 276 meters and offers breathtaking views of Paris. It is the highest observation deck in the European Union and the second highest in Europe, after the Ostankino Tower in Moscow. It has become a symbol of Paris and a major tourist attraction. In 2023, the Eiffel Tower welcomed 6.318 million visitors, an increase of 8% compared to 2022. Since its opening to the public, the Eiffel Tower has welcomed more than 300 million visitors. Often called “the Iron Lady”, the Eiffel Tower remains a symbol of human ingenuity and French cultural greatness. Its fascinating history reflects unwavering determination and mathematical precision, with every aspect of its design having been carefully considered, including its shape to resist the forces of the wind. The Eiffel Tower is both a spectacle and a witness to the passage of time, making it an irreplaceable and emblematic monument.

L’hippodrome de Longchamp est situé dans le Bois de Boulogne, c’est un monument du galop. Réputé pour le Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe en octobre. Ré ouvert en 2018 après rénovations, conçu par l’architecte Dominique Perrault. L’hippodrome d’Auteuil proche de la porte d’Auteuil demeure le lieu de référence pour les courses d’obstacles. Des Courses de haies et steeple-chase y sont organisées. Ces deux sites font partie de l’histoire équestre parisienne ! Auteuil and Longchamp racecourses These two racecourses have marked the history of horse racing in Paris and continue to attract enthusiasts of the equestrian world. Longchamp Racecourse Inaugurated in 1857, the Longchamp racecourse is a horse racing track located southwest of the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. It was built by the architect Antoine-Nicolas Bailly on the grounds of the royal abbey of Longchamp, destroyed during the French Revolution. Prestigious races such as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe take place there . Longchamp Auteuil Auteuil Racecourse Created in 1873, the Auteuil racecourse is located near the Porte d'Auteuil in Paris. It is the mecca of obstacle races in France, with tracks dedicated to hurdles and steeplechase races. He plays an essential role in the selection of French jumping horses, which are exported in particular to the British Isles .

L’Hôtel Lutetia est un palace niché sur la Rive gauche de la Seine au 45, boulevard Raspail Paris 6ème dans le quartier de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Ce palace 5 étoiles, ambassadeur de l’art de vivre à la française, a reçu la distinction Palace en 2019. Ce lieu parisien de renom propose 184 chambres, dont 40 suites et 7 suites signature. Le spa de l’Hôtel Lutetia, appelé Akasha, est un havre de bien-être. La piscine d’Akasha est située dans un espace élégant. Expériences culinaires inoubliables Hotel Lutetia The Lutetia Hotel is a palace nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine at 45, boulevard Raspail Paris 6th in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. This 5-star palace, ambassador of the French art of living, received the Palace distinction in 2019. This renowned Parisian venue offers 184 rooms, including 40 suites and 7 signature suites. The Lutetia Hotel spa, called Akasha, is a haven of well-being. There you will find a full range of treatments, relaxing massages, facials, and much more. The ambiance is calming and luxurious, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing in Paris. Akasha's swimming pool is located in an elegant and bright space. You can swim a few lengths or simply relax by the water. The view of the interior garden adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Take advantage of the wellness facilities, including the hammam and sauna, to purify your body and mind. If you want to maintain your exercise routine, Akasha's fitness room is equipped with modern equipment. Unforgettable culinary experiences Restaurant Le Saint-Germain This restaurant offers contemporary French cuisine in an elegant setting. You can enjoy refined dishes highlighting local and seasonal products. Bar Joséphine A chic and friendly place to sip creative cocktails, fine wines or quality spirits. The atmosphere is perfect for an aperitif or an evening with friends. Salon Saint-Germain Ideal for afternoon tea or an indulgent breakfast, this lounge offers a relaxed and bright atmosphere. Lutetia Brewery A classic Parisian brasserie where you can enjoy traditional French dishes, seafood and delicious pastries. Fountain Pavilion Located in the hotel's interior garden, this restaurant offers light and fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for outdoor lunches.

La basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre est à la fois un hommage spirituel et un symbole de l’unité nationale, incarnant la foi, la réconciliation et la protection divine. Sa situation à 130 mètres d’altitude près de l’un des points culminants de Paris et son dôme qui s’élève à 83 mètres la rendent visible de très loin. Son emplacement sur la butte Montmartre offre également une vue panoramique sur Paris, symbolisant ainsi l’élévation spirituelle et la réconciliation. The Sacred Heart In 1871, Alexandre Legentil and Hubert Rohault de Fleury expressed a wish to build a sanctuary dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in recognition of divine protection and in response to the tumultuous events of the time. The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) France suffered a defeat at the hands of Prussia, resulting in the loss of Alsace and Lorraine. This created tensions and divisions within French society. The Paris Commune (1871) After the war, the Paris Commune broke out, a period of uprising and political conflict. This wish was accepted by the Catholic Church and led to the construction of the basilica. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica was designed in part to ease these tensions and symbolize reconciliation. Thus, the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur of Montmartre is both a spiritual tribute and a symbol of national unity, embodying faith, reconciliation and divine protection. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica of Montmartre, also known as the National Vow, was built between 1875 and 1914 by the architect Paul Abadie. The choice of architect Paul Abadie gave birth to a remarkable building, characterized by its eclectic style, mixing Romanesque and Byzantine influences. The basilica has a large circular dome surrounded by four small octagonal domes topped with lanterns and flanked by turrets. Its location at an altitude of 130 meters near one of the highest points in Paris and its dome which rises to 83 meters make it visible from very far away. Before the construction of the Sacré-Cœur basilica in Montmartre, the site was occupied by a monastery. In the 9th century, the existing building had deteriorated to become a ruin. Until the French Revolution, the monastery was occupied by Benedictine sisters devoted to the Virgin Mary. Its location on the Montmartre hill also offers a panoramic view of Paris, symbolizing spiritual elevation and reconciliation. With nearly 11 million pilgrims and visitors per year, it is the second most visited Parisian religious monument after Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.

Le Bois de Boulogne, situé dans le 16e arrondissement de Paris, est un vaste territoire forestier de plus de 800 hectares. Il représente le double de Central Park à New York et le triple de Hyde Park à Londres. Il est aujourd’hui un parc public prisé par les Parisiens. Bois de Boulogne Under Napoleon III, the development of the Bois de Boulogne in Paris was an ambitious project. Bagatelle Grande Cascade The Bois de Boulogne is located to the west of Paris. Its area is 845 hectares, or 2.5 times larger than the area of Central Park. In 1852, Napoleon III ceded ownership of the Bois de Boulogne to the city of Paris. The city was responsible for developing this green space in four years and entrusted the work to the architect Jacques Hittorff and the landscaper Louis-Sulpice Varé . The emperor wanted a river similar to the Serpentine in Hyde Park in London. Varé forgot the 6 meter difference in height in his project, which would have dried up the upper part and flooded the lower part. Adolphe Alphand, engineer, took over and remodeled the floors and reliefs. He teamed up with landscaper Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps to transform the Varé river into two lakes. Alphand created an English-style landscape with winding paths, ponds, artificial rivers and groups of rockeries. The Bois de Boulogne has become an emblematic green space of Paris thanks to these carefully carried out developments.

Passage du Bourg-l'Abbé Le Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé is located at 3, rue de Palestro and 120, rue Saint-Denis - 75002 Paris. The Bourg-l’Abbé passage was inaugurated in 1828. It was built by the architect Auguste Lusson between the Passage du Grand-Cerf and the Passage de l’Ancre (which still exists but is not covered). Inspired by the Saucède passage, which disappeared with the opening of the rue de Turbigo, the Bourg-l'Abbé passage was once larger. During the construction of Boulevard de Sébastopol in 1854 and the opening of Rue de Palestro, the passage has been shortened. The current entrance decorated with caryatids symbolizing commerce and industry is the work of architect Henri Blondel. The caryatids were sculpted by Aimé Millet. The passage is topped by a luminous glass roof and has colorful facades and wooded windows. It measures 47 meters long and 3 meters wide. It is open Monday to Saturday between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Le Jardin des Luxembourg est un lieu emblématique qui allie nature, science et Histoire. Le Jardin des plantes réunie un zoo d'exception, la Galerie de Géologie et de Minéralogie, la Galerie de la Paléontologie et d'anatomie comparée, la Grande Galerie de l'évolution ainsi que des serres abritant une variété de plantes exotiques et tropicales. Luxembourg Gardens The Luxembourg Gardens, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, was created in 1612 at the request of Marie de Medici. The Jardin du Luxembourg covers 23 hectares (21 of which are open to the public) and is decorated with flower beds and sculptures. Its main entrance is located at Place Edmond Rostand Paris 6th (facing the Pantheon). Luxembourg Garden Senate The garden was restored during the First Empire by the architect Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin. Today it belongs to the domain of the Senate. In 2022, it was named the most beautiful garden in Europe and the third most beautiful garden in the world, after the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech . The name of the garden and the palace comes from the old mansion on which they were built: the Hôtel de Luxembourg. The latter belonged to François de Piney-Luxembourg, who had it built and lived there before selling it to Marie de Medici. The garden is colloquially nicknamed “Luco”, an abbreviation of Lucotitius, the name given in Roman times to the suburb of Lutèce where the current garden is located. The Luxembourg Gardens is an emblematic place in Paris, combining history, art and nature, and offering visitors a space for relaxation and contemplation in the heart of the City of Lights. Luxembourg Garden Pavillon Davioud Iconic monuments and statues of the Luxembourg Gardens The Luxembourg Palace is a remarkable monument that was built in the early 17th century and today houses the French Senate. The Medici Fountain located in the southern part of the garden, was commissioned by Marie de Medici. It is decorated with sculptures representing Greek and Roman deities. The Delacroix Monument erected in homage to the painter Eugène Delacroix is located near the main entrance to the garden. The Vaneau Monument located at the north end of the garden pays tribute to General Louis Lazare Hoche, also known as Vaneau. The Statue of Sainte-Geneviève - patron saint of Paris is located in the central path of the garden. The Verlaine Monument erected in honor of the poet Paul Verlaine is near rue de Vaugirard. The Statue of Marguerite de Navarre , sister of Francis I, is represented in a statue located in the northern part of the garden. The Monument to André Theuriet pays tribute to the writer and poet André Theuriet. Jardin du Luxembourg The orangery

Passage des Panoramas The Variety Theater on the left and on the right the two rotundas of the panorama built by James W. Thayer with the entrance to the passage in 1829. The Passage des Panoramas connects 1-13, boulevard Montmartre to 151, rue Montmartre - 75002 Paris. It was inaugurated in 1799. The passage was created by architect François Jean Delannoy and combines neoclassical aesthetics with modern elements of the period. The Passage des Panoramas was built to connect two famous rotundas housing panoramic paintings. This is where the passage takes its name from. The first American involved in this project was shipowner William Thayer, who purchased the Montmorency hotel. The second American, Robert Fulton, was a painter of miniatures based in England. He discovered the first panoramas and imported this novelty to France in 1799. Fulton sold the import patent to his compatriot Thayer, who immediately built two imposing rotundas at the end of his hotel garden. Each of the two rotundas had a diameter of 17 meters and 7 meters in height. Inside, they housed trompe-l’oeil landscapes, which spectators could admire from the center of the room. Originally, these rotundas housed panoramas, paintings depicting landscapes of Paris, Rome, Jerusalem and other famous major cities. These landscapes were renewed over time and attracted many visitors. Unfortunately, after a few years, the craze for panoramas passed and the two rotundas were gradually deserted. They were finally dismantled in 1831. The Passage des Panoramas is 133 meters long and 3.2 meters wide. It is open every day from 6 a.m. to midnight.