The city capital was reshaped by the grandiose work ordered by Napoleon III and carried out by Haussmann. Cut out in medieval Paris, large thoroughfares were created, among them the Grands boulevards with their numerous theatres and cafés.
"The Grands Boulevards! So much life in two words !" marvels André Warnod.
Sarah Bernhardt ran the Théâtre de la Renaissance where Hugo and Musset works were performed.