Haussmann's renovation of Paris was a vast public works program commissioned by Emperor Napoléon III and directed by his prefect of the Seine, Georges-Eugène Haussmann,
between 1853 and 1870. It included the demolition of medieval
neighborhoods that were deemed overcrowded and unhealthy by officials at
the time; the building of wide avenues; new parks and squares; the
annexation of the suburbs surrounding Paris;
and the construction of new sewers, fountains and aqueducts.
Haussmann's work was met with fierce opposition, and he was finally
dismissed by Napoleon III in 1870; but work on his projects continued
until 1927. The street plan and distinctive appearance of the center of
Paris today is largely the result of Haussmann's renovation
