This study examines Paris in the 19tb century - and up to 1914 -, focussing in particular on the period after about 1840, taking in various perspectives from the arts and social history. Initially, 1 present and examine “Old Paris” with particular reference to the city’s infrastructure and politics, emphasizing also those developments and innovations, especially in the areas of health and hygiene, affecting the day-to-day lives of Parisians. I proceed to examine how the demolition and reconstruction of the capital, orchestrated by Haussmann (1853- 1870), impacts on Parisians from all socio-economic backgrounds. In particular, it will be shown that the introduction of gas for houses and streets, the construction of city parks, the extension of railways and the arrival of new ways of shopping and purchasing are all manifestations of the new ethos underpinning the city: “Paris embellished, Paris extended, Paris cleansed”. I focus subsequently on how the social activities of the city’s population change and develop in response to the city’s topological metamorphisis. At this time, Paris starts to become a bohemian city: cafés and cabarets become more common and a range of distractions covering all tastes become available. I also consider here the evolving relationships between men and women, the role of prostitution and fashion trends, and their impacts, for both sexes. Finally, I consider the sense of loneliness created by life in the megalopolis and the problems created by the increasing availability of alcohol from about 1870. In particular, we will see how contemporary medicinal advancements supported the creation and work of the “Ligue Antialcoolique”. The latter part of this thesis gives greatest focus to the “Belle Epoque” (1871- 1914). This period of great social and artistic change was interrupted by the First World War, leaving behind the “New Paris” and memories of Paris at its peak.