1853–1870 · Paris
Haussmann's Great Works
Boulevards
The newly created boulevards, wide and airy, become the heart of Parisian life. They attract strollers and merchants, giving the city a new dynamic.
Modern Sewers
The sewers, true innovations, allow for the sanitation of the city. Cholera epidemics, previously common, decrease significantly thanks to these infrastructures.
Opéra Garnier
The Opéra Garnier, a symbol of Parisian grandeur, begins to take shape. Its baroque façade and sumptuous interiors become meeting places for the elites.
Parks
Parks such as Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are created to provide relaxation space for city dwellers. These green spaces, full of life, bring a breath of fresh air to the capital.
Controversies
The works provoke controversies. Expropriations force many residents to leave their homes, generating discontent and social tensions.
Modernity
The transformation of Paris represents a model of modernity. Architectural and urban innovations inspire other cities around the world.
Legacy
By 1870, Haussmann's works leave a lasting legacy. Paris has become a modern metropolis, and its layout continues to influence contemporary urban planning.