The inimitable French style comes to life in a beautiful volume that covers not only the rich art, architecture, and history of the world's most popular tourist destination, but brings you into jazz clubs, through public gardens, onto film sets, and around the surrealists' playground of the 1920s.
Twenty centuries of revolution, artistic genius, and daily toil have forged Paris as we know it today. The specialist authors, all Parisians by birth or inclination, offer personal insights into all facets of their city: from Paris's turbulent and bloody history and the gritty reality of medieval life on the streets, to the magnificent architectural plans of kings and emperors, daring urbanists, and modern architects. Paris is a celebration of the capital's cultural riches-sculpture, painting, literature, and cinema-and the ambiance and savoir faire of this elegant city.
Original photographs capture the essence of Paris. From behind-the-scenes at the Louvre to cobblestone pedestrian markets, and from battles in barricaded streets to the sinuous windings of the Seine, this book takes the reader into the soul of this magical city.

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A sumptuously illustrated book for travelers who want to find and keep alive the Paris beyond that which can be found in a travel guidebook. "Paris is the first stop in "The Grand Collection," a major series of elegant travel references to Europe's great capitals, written with an engaging insider's perspective and presented in a lavish format.
Each chapter in The Grand Collection's "Paris covers a theme such as the city's early history; its architectural riches; and of course great art treasures. Each theme is developed in text and in lavish illustrations: discover how the Louvre chateau developed into the glorious art temple it is today; unmask the layers of architecture to identify how Paris, the modern capital, resembles the city that existed during the Revolution of 1789. Enticing ideas and itineraries for walks around the city present the chance to make the most of these inspirations. Excerpts from authors who captured their Paris in prose extend the sense of the city across time.
"Paris opens the doors to the grandest city of all with comprehensiv

Editor Gilles Plazy is a journalist, photographer, and art historian who lives in the heart of Paris. He worked for Radio France and has written numerous books, including The Traveling Gourmet (Flammarion, 2001).