Georges-Eugène Haussmann

Georges-Eugène Haussmann was a French administrator and urban planner who transformed Paris in the mid-19th century. Appointed by Emperor Napoleon III, he led large-scale renovations that modernized the city. His projects included wide, straight boulevards, improved sanitation, new parks, and better transportation routes. These changes improved public health, safety, and the city's appearance, making Paris easier to navigate and more aesthetically appealing. Although sometimes controversial for displacing neighborhoods, Haussmann's work laid the foundation for the city's modern look and significantly influenced urban planning worldwide.