Beginning in the mid-1850s, at the orders of Napoleon III, Paris experienced a grand transformation - old, narrow streets made way for wider boulevards and thousands of gas lamps lit the streets at night. Other public projects were also worked on to thoroughly modernized the city. Charles Marville, a photographer employed by the city, was charged with documenting these changes. Below are some of his photos...

Beginning in the mid-1850s, at the orders of Napoleon III, Paris experienced a grand transformation - old, narrow streets made way for wider boulevards and thousands of gas lamps lit the streets at night. Other public projects were also worked on to thoroughly modernized the city. Charles Marville, a photographer employed by the city, was charged with documenting these changes. Below are some of his photos...