Paris, in many people's minds, is the epitome of the perfect city - beautiful, romantic and imbued with vitality and culture. It is a wonderful place to visit and to live. A 'pride of place' mentality has characterised Parisians for centuries: 'To be in Paris, is to be' enthused an anonymous correspondent as early as 1323. Packed with fact, insight and anecdote, the book offers a complete history of the city and the people who have shaped its destiny, from its earliest settlement as a Roman village with a few hundred inhabitants, to 21 centuries later when Paris is a city of well over 2 million, at the centre of a conurbation that exceeds 12 million - nearly one-fifth of the population of France. This will enrich every visitor's stay to the city.

'...an excellent resource...Robert Cole presents a complete picture of this historic city.' Small Press