Present Day Paris

The Centre Pompidou was built along with the ultra-modern Cite des Sciences et de l"Industrie Museum at Parc de la Villette.

The ancient market at Les Halles was demolished and replaced with an underground shopping mall, the Forum Les Halles. The old market was turned into a garden and pedestrian area and renovations were begun on the old St. Eustache Church.

The Tour Montparnasse skyscraper was built, the only skyscraper within Paris city limits.

The election of Fran�ois Mitterrand in 1981 saw further major changes to the city's appearance and politics. Mitterrand undertook a number wonderful public works projects.

The Louvre Museum was redeveloped and acquired its spectacular glass pyramid, while a futuristic new financial and residentail district was constructed just outside the city limits at La Defense.

The Op�ra Bastille and the Bibliotheque Nationale de France were also built adding greatly to the new infrastructure of Paris.

Jaques Chirac was elected as President in May 1995 and continues as French President as the country enters the newest phase of intergation into the European Union.

In March 2001, Paris Bertrand Delano� made history as the first left-wing mayor for 130 years. He is the first openly gay man to hold such a high public position in France. He is a highly respected and admired public figure.

As Mayor of Paris, he has initiated some very popular programs for the people of the city among which are the continuing support for the annual Fete de la Musique which has turned into a pan European event every 21st of June, the summer solstice.

Many of the permanent collections of the museums of Paris are now free to the public.

Every summer the banks of the Seine River and the Place Hotel de Ville are transformed into a beach scene that has become very popular and a welcomed event for the people of Paris. This is another event of Mayor Delanoe's which has caught on in many larger European cities and capitals.

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