Page 32 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Paris

30  INTRODUCING P ARIS

Paris in the Age of Enlightenment

The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on scientific reason and a
critical approach to existing ideas and society, was centred on the
city of Paris. In contrast, nepotism and corruption were rife at Louis
XV’s court at Versailles. Meanwhile, the economy thrived, the arts
flourished as never before and intellectuals, such as Voltaire and
Rousseau, were renowned throughout Europe. In Paris, the
population rose to about 650,000; town planning was developed, Extent of the City
and the first accurate street map of the city appeared in 1787. 1720 Today

Nautical Instruments
As the science of navigation advanced,
scientists developed telescopes and
trigonometric instruments (used for
measuring longitude and latitude).

The auditorium
with 1,913 seats, was
the largest in Paris.

Comédie Française
18th-Century Wigs The Age of Enlightenment saw a burst of
These were not only a mark
of fashion but also a way of dramatic activity, and new theatres
indicating the wearer’s class opened. Among them was the Comédie
and importance. Française (see p130), still one of the most
prestigious theatres in the world.

1734 Fontaine des 1748 Montesquieu’s L’Esprit
Quatre Saisons built des Lois (an influential work
about different forms of
government) published
1720 1730 1740 1750
1751 First
1733 Voltaire’s Lettres volume of c.1760 Place de la
1722 City’s Philosophiques published Diderot’s Concorde, Panthéon
first fire brigade Encyclopedia and Ecole Militaire built
founded Fireman published

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