Capital city, subject of legends and myths, Paris also has its own special atmosphere. It is undoubtedly among the most beautiful of all cities thanks to its many celebrated monuments and buildings -- the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and indeed Sacre Coeur. Author Veronique Lafleche traces the historical development of Paris before taking us on a trip through the streets and the different areas of this unique city. Halting every now and then to provide us with details on the history of different buildings, famous and not so famous, she makes us aware of the throbbing pulse of Paris life, enabling us particularly to relish its little finesses -- to drink mint tea on the patio of the mosque, perhaps, or to amble casually along the paths of the Jardin du Luxembourg. A return ticket between the past and the present, this book is concerned above all to describe the city as it is today -- in a process of constant change, of constant renewal.