Unfinished project anecdote: paris guide

Monumental Pyramid at Père-Lachaise: An Ambitious Project That Fell into Obscurity

Did you know that a massive pyramid could have stood proudly in the heart of the Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris? Here's a look back at a little-known architectural project from the 19th century.

Did you know? There was almost an elephant instead of the Arc de Triomphe.

On the Place de l'Étoile, at the top of the Champs-Élysées, stands now one of Paris's most iconic monuments: the Arc de Triomphe. But this legendary site almost looked very different — a former proposal by an architect envisioned a massive elephant as the centerpiece for the city's royal axis. Here’s the story.

Did you know? An airport was almost built on the Ile aux Cygnes, in the heart of Paris.

In the 1930s, plans were made to build an airport right in the middle of the capital, in front of the Eiffel Tower! It would have made a great landing spot, but for logistical reasons, the project was quickly abandoned.

Did you know that? A bronze elephant should have adorned the Place de la Bastille

Do you know the story of the mysterious bronze elephant on the Place de la Bastille? We tell you about this monumental project wished by Napoleon I, but which will never see the day in Paris.