The Grands Boulevards form an arc on the right river bank starting at the Madeleine and ends up in the
Bastille, by switching by the Opera, the Porte Saint Denis, the Porte Saint Martin and the Place de la Republic.
The Grands Boulevards area experienced its heyday in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, it was the heart of Paris, lively and active. That's why it illustrates the major redevelopment of Paris earned during the Second Empire (1850-1870) by Baron Haussmann.
Military victories of Louis XIV and Napoleon I are ubiquitous on the Place Vendome and the Place des Victoires. Ancient Greece is the inspiration of several buildings made under Napoleon I. The Stock Exchange, the Madeleine which is a temple to the glory of the Grand Army and the Opera which is one of the finest achievements of the Second Empire.
The Grands Boulevards host numerous department stores, restaurants, theaters and concert halls. They are very lively throughout the day and late into the night. The Boulevard des Capucines and the Boulevard des Italians have kept a lot of prestige. Hotel Drouot is the Mecca of Parisian auctions. The Boulevard Montmartre welcomes the Grevin Museum and wax figures. This boulevard is extended by the Boulevard Poissonniere and the Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle to the Porte Saint Denis. By continuing you arrive at the Republic Square. Finally, beyond a series of boulevards you can reach the Place de la Bastille.
Bringing together the ten most famous streets of Paris, the Grands Boulevards are still a privileged place for walking and are appreciated by all. There are many symbols of the Paris and many tourist activities in the district, like the Opera Garnier, the Folies Bergere, the Olympia, the Grand Rex and also many theaters.
It is a perfect base for exploring the main attractions of Paris.
