Paris is a magnificent city that has been constantly evolving for centuries. Whether the Louvre or the Arc de Triomphe, its monuments have also aged and evolved over time. Let’s discover these monuments and the streets of the capital over the centuries through both old and new photos.
Arc de Triomphe
While the Arc de Triomphe itself hasn’t changed since it was completed in 1836, traffic has certainly increased since then.
The vegetation has also increased, but the buildings remain unchanged, retaining their original style.
This consistency shows the attention that France gives to its monuments, conserving this quintessential Parisian landmark over decades.
Place Vendôme
The Place Vendôme, begun in 1686, is the symbol of luxury in the city of fashion.
The square has become much more pedestrian-friendly over the years. Now, there is only a small stretch of road devoted to cars,unlike 100 years ago.
We can also assume that there are more tourists, as the first photo seems to show Parisians going about their business, whereas the recent photo shows a crowd of tourists.
The public has certainly changed over the last hundred years!
Eiffel Tower, view from the Trocadéro
Parisians wanted to demolish this legendary monument after the Paris Exhibition of 1900. Such was the fate met by the Galerie des Machines, a huge exhibition hall used to display all kinds of machinery, which was demolished 20 years later to clear the way for the construction of the Champs de Mars.
The Eiffel Tower is now an essential part of the Parisian skyline, and it would be impossible to imagine Paris without it.
Hôtel de Ville
The heart of municipal life in Paris, the city hall has undergone many changes over time, from its initial construction in 1357 to its reconstruction in 1882 following a fire.
We can see that a fountain has been built in front of the building and that the road has been widened to facilitate the movement of larger vehicles.
Place de la Concorde
Since 1763, the Place de la Concorde has been part of the five royal squares of Paris.
At 7.56 hectares, the Place de la Concorde is the largest in the capital. The road has been paved and even widened over time, making it easier for cars to drive on.
La Madeleine
One of the most famous churches in Paris since its construction in 1842, La Madeleine is one of the capital’s most unusual monuments.
Its architecture is reminiscent of the Greco-Roman temples of antiquity.
You can see from both pictures that the road has expanded and that the lampposts in the center of the road have been removed and installed on the sidewalks in place of the trees.
Passage des Panoramas
The Passage des Panoramas is the oldest covered passage in Paris!
Built in 1799, the passage has been home to traditional shops for centuries, and as you can see from both pictures, there aren’t that many differences.
Lanterns add to its characteristic picturesque style, and the luxury shops, bootmakers, goldsmiths, toy sellers, and booksellers have given way to a number of small restaurants, stamp and postcard shops, antique shops, and exhibition and art events.
Moulin Rouge
Opened in 1889, The Moulin Rouge is one of the most famous cabarets in the world!
You can see how its façade has changed over time: its iconic windmill has been simplified, and buildings around it have been redesigned so that they no longer have windows, changing the picturesque nature of the building on the left of the picture.
The cabaret’s entrance has also been modified and is now a little brighter than before.
The Louvre
The Royal Louvre Palace, built around 1190, was the largest royal palace until the construction of the Palace of Versailles.
The squares of the Cour Napoléon were removed to build the Louvre Pyramid in 1989, creating a new central entrance for the Louvre Museum.
The historic squares had become parking lots for the museum’s employees and officers, making the appearance less distinguished.
Rue de l’Abreuvoir
The Rue de l’Abreuvoir is not only one of Paris’s most ancient streets (named around 1325) but is also one of the most picturesque in Montmartre.
You can see that the buildings have been modernized and lampposts and concrete blocks have been added to make the road safer.
The charm of the street hasn’t been damaged by this modernization!
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay has transformed remarkably since its origins as the Gare d’Orsay, a train station built in 1900 to welcome travelers into Paris.
While the station once bustled with activity, it eventually became ill-suited for the larger, modern trains of the mid-20th century and fell into disuse by the 1970s.
Rather than demolish the striking structure, France chose to preserve its grandeur, reimagining it as an art museum.
Since its opening in 1986, the Musée d’Orsay has become a treasure trove of 19th and early 20th-century masterpieces, featuring works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
This evolution reflects France’s dedication to honoring its heritage by giving new purpose to its architectural landmarks.
Les bouquinistes
Along the banks of the Seine, the ‘bouquinistes’ have been part of Parisian tradition for centuries, selling rare books, old postcards, posters and charming souvenirs from their famous green boxes.
Rue Félix-Ziem
Rue Félix-Ziem, located in Montmartre, is a quiet and picturesque street that reflects the charm of this historic Parisian district.
Flanked by traditional buildings and surrounded by the artistic ambiance Montmartre is known for, it offers a serene escape from the bustling city.
Named after the 19th-century French painter Félix Ziem, the street pays homage to Montmartre’s rich artistic heritage, making it a fitting part of this storied neighborhood.
Passage Cottin
Passage Cottin, nestled in the heart of Montmartre, is a haven of tranquillity that reveals the discreet charm of this historic district.
Lined with picturesque staircases and little houses with flower-filled facades, it embodies the timeless, bucolic atmosphere of Montmartre.
This typically Parisian passageway offers an enchanted interlude away from the hustle and bustle, while testifying to the authenticity and unique character of this emblematic corner of the capital.
Rue Sainte-Rustique
Rue Sainte-Rustique, in the heart of Montmartre, is one of the oldest and most charming streets in the district.
With its ancient cobblestones and typical façades, it seems frozen in time, offering an authentic and picturesque atmosphere.
Lined with cafés and small shops, it links Place du Tertre to Saint-Pierre de Montmartre church.
This street, steeped in history, perfectly embodies the timeless charm of Montmartre, where every corner seems to tell a story.
Opéra Garnier
The Opéra Garnier, one of Paris’s most emblematic monuments, is a masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts style.
Built between 1860 and 1875 by the architect Charles Garnier under the reign of Napoleon III, it embodies the elegance and refinement of Parisian architecture.
With its richly ornate façade and sumptuous interior, the Opéra Garnier bears witness to the prestige of its era, while continuing to amaze with its grandeur and timeless splendour.
Passerelle Debilly
At the 1900 Universal Exhibition, Paris was transformed by large temporary pavilions representing nations such as the United States, the Ottoman Empire and Germany.
Set up along the Seine, these spectacular structures, visible in the first image, were demolished after the event.
The Passerelle Debilly, built for the occasion, still stands as a reminder of that era.
In the background, the former Palais du Trocadéro, which once dominated the hill of Chaillot, has since given way to the current Palais de Chaillot.
The Opéra Garnier under the German occupation
This is the Opéra Garnier, photographed in 1941 during the German occupation of Paris, and today.
In 1941, this majestic building was decorated with Nazi flags for a music festival organised by the occupiers.
Events such as concerts, including one given by the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Herbert von Karajan, aimed to promote German culture in the occupied capital, marking a dark chapter in the history of this emblematic venue.
Place du Caire
Here is the Place du Caire, located in the 2ᵉ arrondissement of Paris, photographed in 1914 and today. Named after Cairo, it bears witness to Napoleon’s Egyptian expedition in 1798.
In 1914, the square was bustling with merchants selling signs and bakery products.
At the top of the image is a public urinal, typical of the Parisian landscape until the 20ᵉ century.
The two advertising columns, symbols of old Paris, were removed in 2006 despite numerous protests.
Boulevard Saint-Martin
Boulevard Saint-Martin, as it appeared around 1900, is one of Paris’s famous Grands Boulevards.
A symbol of Haussmannian elegance, this boulevard embodies the dynamism of Paris at the turn of the 20ᵉ century, offering a glimpse of the capital’s effervescence and timeless charm.
Théâtre de la Renaissance
The Théâtre de la Renaissance, built in 1873, stands out on the Boulevard Saint-Martin for its Italian Renaissance-style architecture, inspired by the Opéra Garnier.
With its elegant facades and architectural refinement, it embodies Paris’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, adding to the timeless charm of the Grands Boulevards.
Notre-Dame de Paris forecourt
Here’s a comparison of the Notre-Dame forecourt between 1960 and what it should look like in 2027.
This emblematic space, located opposite the cathedral, is being transformed to become more welcoming and climate-friendly.
The new forecourt will incorporate shaded areas thanks to the planting of 160 trees, a fine sheet of water to cool the air on hot days, and limestone paving to highlight Notre-Dame’s iconic façade.
In the basement, the former car park will give way to a cultural space with a bookshop, café and access to the archaeological Crypt.
Place Saint-Michel
Place Saint-Michel and its eponymous fountain form one of Paris’s iconic landmarks.
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, this lively square is dominated by the Fontaine Saint-Michel, a monumental 19thᵉ century work depicting the Archangel Michael striking down the devil.
A symbol of Haussmannian elegance, this space remains a popular meeting point, where Parisian history and dynamism come together harmoniously.
Rue de l’Abbaye
This is Rue de l’Abbaye in Paris, a quiet street close to the iconic church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
With its peaceful atmosphere and typical buildings, this street evokes the discreet charm of the district, offering a soothing contrast to the bustle of the neighbouring streets.
Rue de la Montagne-Sainte-Geneviève
This is the Rue de la Montagne-Sainte-Geneviève, a historic street in the Latin Quarter of Paris, shown here in 1914 and today.
This street, which retains its character of yesteryear, bears witness to the evolution of the district while preserving the authentic atmosphere that makes it such an emblematic part of Paris.
Pont Alexandre III
The Pont Alexandre III is one of the most beautiful and famous bridges in Paris.
Built between 1896 and 1900, it links the Champs-Élysées district to the Invalides.
The bridge is named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia, symbolising the friendship between France and Russia.
It is renowned for its breathtaking decorations, with gilded statues, elegant lamps and sculptures of angels, which give it a unique charm and majesty, contributing to the splendour of the Parisian landscape.
Printemps Haussmann
Located on Boulevard Haussmann, this temple to shopping embodies Parisian elegance and luxury.
Since it opened in the early 20ᵉ century, it has evolved while preserving its refined architecture, with an iconic glass dome, still attracting visitors looking for high-end products in a historic setting.
École Polytechnique in Paris
Here’s a look at the Rue de l’École Polytechnique in Paris, comparing 1870 and today.
Once lined with horse-drawn carriages and old-fashioned shops, this street is now bustling with modern cafés and restaurants.
Located in the Latin Quarter, a historic area renowned for its student life, it has retained its charm while adapting to contemporary life.
Hôtel Regina
In 1918, the building was decorated with American flags to celebrate the end of the First World War.
At the time, it housed the headquarters of the American Red Cross.
Today, the same building has become the Hotel Regina, standing proudly next to the gilded statue of Joan of Arc.
Louvre’s Grande Galerie
During the First World War, the Louvre’s Grande Galerie was emptied to protect its treasures.
Paintings, including masterpieces, were packed up and sent to Toulouse for safekeeping.
Later, during the Second World War, many works of art were moved to châteaux in the Loire Valley, such as the Château de Chambord.
Today, this magnificent gallery exhibits Italian masterpieces dating from 1250 to 1800, welcoming visitors from all over the world.
Les Halles
Les Halles, in the heart of Paris, was once the city’s main food market, packed with merchants selling fresh produce, meat and seafood.
Nicknamed the ‘belly of Paris’, it supplied the entire capital.
In 1969, the market was moved to the suburbs (to Rungis), and the area was transformed.
Today, it is a modern commercial and cultural centre with a park and the Forum des Halles, a huge underground shopping centre.
The atmosphere is still lively, but the place has changed completely since the days of the market.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais is a magnificent historic building in Paris, built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition.
Renowned for its incredible glass roof, it hosts art exhibitions, fashion shows and various events throughout the year.
With its blend of classical and modern architecture, it remains one of the city’s most iconic cultural monuments.
Les Halles and the Saint-Eustache church
The Halles district, with its emblematic Saint-Eustache church.
In the heart of Paris, this area retains its historic charm, with the church of Saint-Eustache, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, still an essential landmark in the midst of the district’s modern transformations.
Rue de Venise
This is the Rue de Venise in Paris, in the Marais district, photographed around 1905 and today.
Once known as ‘one of the last medieval alleyways’, its narrow layout remains a testament to Paris’s historical past.
Place de Catalogne
The Place de Catalogne, in the 14ᵉ arrondissement of Paris, has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Originally a circular stone-paved square designed by Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill in the 1980s, it has been reinvented as an urban forest.
By 2024, more than 470 trees will have transformed this square into a veritable green lung in the heart of the city.
Pont Bir Hakeim
This emblematic bridge, which crosses the Seine, has preserved its historic charm while adapting to the changing face of the city.
Known for its metal arches and its role in a number of films, it remains a symbol of Parisian architecture, offering unbeatable views of the river and the capital.
Rue Saint-Dominique
Rue Saint-Dominique and the view of the Eiffel Tower – a timeless image of Paris!
More than a century has passed, but this charming street still captures the magic of Paris, with its welcoming cafés like Le Recrutement and that perfect view of the Iron Lady in the background.
Avenue Foch
Avenue Foch in Paris, a wide, elegant boulevard, is one of the capital’s most prestigious avenues.
Lined with sumptuous Haussmann façades and private gardens, it is the epitome of Parisian luxury, with breathtaking views of the Arc de Triomphe.
This quiet, refined avenue remains a symbol of chic, historic Paris.
Le Lapin Agile
This photo captures Le Lapin Agile, an iconic cabaret nestled in Montmartre, Paris.
Since the 19th century, it has served as a vibrant hub for creativity, drawing renowned artists, writers, and musicians.
Figures like Picasso, Apollinaire, and Renoir once gathered within its walls, exchanging poems, songs, and ideas.
Le Lapin Agile remains a testament to Montmartre’s artistic legacy, preserving the spirit of a bygone era while continuing to inspire those who visit its historic space
Rue Volta
The building at 3 Rue Volta, nestled in the Marais district of Paris, stands as a striking relic of medieval architecture, dating back to the 14th century.
Its timber-frame structure, adorned with wooden beams and small windows, offers a rustic charm that contrasts with the more modern surroundings.
Once believed to be the oldest house in Paris, later research revealed that a building on Rue de Montmorency holds that title.
Still, 3 Rue Volta remains a captivating glimpse into the city’s medieval past, preserving its unique character amidst the ever-evolving urban landscape.
The View from Arc de Triomphe
The view from the Arc de Triomphe is truly unforgettable! The view from the top of the Tour Montparnasse is one of my favorites.
In these pictures, you can see that some buildings have been modified over the years and a metro station has been built, seen on the left of the central building in the picture.
The sidewalks have also been reduced to widen the traffic lane.
In the other two photos, you can see that the vegetation is more lush and some buildings have been renovated The Ferris Wheel from the 1900 Paris Exhibition, which was destroyed in 1920, is also visible in the image.
Rue Soufflot with the Panthéon in the background
November 11th, 1920 on the Rue Soufflot was a solemn occasion!
As you can see, it was decorated for Armistice Day, with stone pedestals along the street to commemorate the death of Léon Gambetta and the Unknown Soldier, who were later laid to rest in the Panthéon and under the Arc de Triomphe, respectively.
Today, the Panthéon can be admired from the street, adding some cachet to the place.
Place des Pyramides
The Place des Pyramides, formerly known as Place de Rivoli because of its location, was inaugurated in 1801.
Between these two pictures, you can see that the buildings have been renovated and look cleaner, and the road has been paved, making it easier for cars to get around.
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