Haussmann: Baron destroyer, death of old Paris, birth of the Grands Boulevards (Vendôme, Capucines, Opera)

On this tour we will stroll through Baron Haussmann's Paris, grand boulevards designed to the millimetre by a man who fulfilled the Emperor's will and set out to offer us a city like we had never seen before. … But at what price?

Did he save or kill old Paris? Why was he called “The Destroyer Baron” or “The Ripper Attila”? How did he shape a city like Paris in just 17 years and what happened to the Parisians?

This story tells us of a disproportionate greatness and a unique legacy in the world acquired in the midst of horror and destruction.



What is the historical context?

Narrow, poorly lit streets, rubbish in the streets, a river full of waste - this was the face of Paris in the past: a huge city, inadequate for its growing population, suffering from epidemics of plague and cholera, robberies and murders, where a nauseating smell of a terrible past reigned permanently.

Although change was necessary, no one expected to witness the most spectacular and expensive transformation in history, constructing thousands of buildings in just 17 years and destroying more than 65% of old Paris, which will die to be reborn and make way for the most modern city in the world.



What monuments will we see?

- PLACE VENDOME
- CAPUCINES BOULEVARD
- OPERA BOULEVARD
- OPERA GARNIER

Included in the tour:

- Walking tour outside the monuments.
- Information about the monument.
- Anecdotes
- Recommendations

Our advice:

- Wear comfortable shoes and check the weather to dress accordingly, in Paris it changes often ;)

- This tour requires a minimum number of participants to start. If you make a reservation for just one person, please note that we need to reach a minimum of 4 participants to keep the session open.

I'm already there, only you are missing! How many will accompany you on this adventure?