Paris Revisited: Its importance for French Cultural Life

Come and enjoy this presentation centred on recently-taken photos of Paris, Since the Medieval period Paris has been at the centre of French cultural life and its outstanding architecture reflects this role. The recent renovations of some of the city’s iconic buildings, notably the Cathedral of Notre Dame, emphasises this. Surprisingly, part of the city’s medieval and pre-19th century heritage is not well known, and there are intriguing and unexpected survivals from before Baron Haussmann redesigned the city. Paris had many superb buildings before Baron Haussmann – it is part of the city scape.

DELIVERY MODE

• Hybrid (F2F & Online simultaneously)

COURSE OUTLINE

• Paris today – the restoration of Notre Dame – the present no 1 tourist attraction
• Unexpected survivals from the pre-Haussmann era – lanes and arcades
• The numerous great buildings and beautiful parks of the city

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Distinguish the major outstanding architectural features of Paris and the necessary ongoing work of preservation and restoration
2. Appreciate the changes in philosophical outlook and taste exemplified by the varied architecture of the city