From a small tribal encampment to what the Romans called Lutetia Parisorum to the City of Light, Paris has always been enchanting. The site of excitement and fantasies, its history receives a dramatic retelling that brings to life every tyrant vanquished, revolution won, and artistic and literary talent inspired. The Capetian Dynasty, Cardinal Richelieu, La Belle Epoque, Hitler's occupation, and the work of Georges Pompidou: all these major political, cultural, and architectural shifts are discussed, accompanied by sketches, maps, royal decrees, letters, and more.