Paris is preeminently the City of Pleasure. It is the cradle of the freshest thought, the newest fashion, and the latest luxury. Within its limits there is little else than sunshine, gaiety, and life. It is the paradise of pleasure-seekers. Each window is an exhibition of art ; each square the centre of some carnival; at every step we seem to hear the exclamations of the votaries of joy. -John L. Stoddard’s Lectures, 1898

“Paris is always a good idea.” -Audrey Hepburn, Sabrina, 1954

“The world has come to Paris and—through no fault of our own—so have we. I like to think of it as fate.”-Derek Saunders, 1889, The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen

Paris Souvenir Booklet 1889

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Exposition Universelle ran from May 5th to November 6th, 1889. Conceived to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution it attracted exhibits from around the world and more than 32 million visitors.

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from Gaglignani’s Illustrated Paris Guide for 1889

The main entrance to the exhibition is by the Pont de lena. From that point the eye can embrace the general plan of the buildings. Rising in front of him the visitor sees the great Eiffel tower. It may not be handsome, graceful or artistic ; but is vastly imposing, and forms one of the two great marvels of the exhibition, the other being the Machinery Hall.