The face of Paris as we know it today is the result of a spectacular transformation in the 19th century, led by Prefect Haussmann under the orders of Napoleon III.
Since the Revolution, Paris had remained a largely medieval city, far removed from the emperor’s vision of modernity. He therefore called upon Haussmann’s genius to renovate the capital. Between 1853 and 1870, Haussmann undertook a titanic project, mobilizing thousands of workers and hundreds of architects. 63 kilometers of new roads, 40,000 buildings, 600 kilometers of aqueducts, 380 kilometers of sewers… as well as iconic landmarks such as the Palais Garnier. A true epic that required immense technical, human, and financial resources.
Through 3D imagery, experts interviews, reconstructions, and archives, this documentary plunges us into the heart of one of the most symbolic – and most controversial – construction projects in French history.
Direction: Stanislas Kraland
Production: La Famiglia for RMC Découverte