The Enlightenment, with its enphasis on scientific reason and a critical approach to existing ideas and society, was centred on the city of Paris. In contrast, nepotism and corruption were rife at Louis XV's court at Versailles. Meanwhile the economy thrived, the arts flourished as never before and intellectuals, such as Voltaire and Rousseau, were renowned throughout Europe. In Paris, the population rose to about 650,000: town planning was developed, and the first accurate street map of the city appeared in 1787.

- Where to see Enlightenment Paris? The district around the rue de lille, the rue de Varenne and the rue de Grenelle has many luxurious town houses, or hôtels, which were built by the aristocracy during the first half of the 18th-century. Memorabilia from the lives of the great intellectuals Voltaire and Rousseau is in the Musée Carnavalet, along with 18th-century interior design and paintings.

- Churches were built throughout the Enlightenment: St-Sulpice was completed in 1776.

- Le Procope is the oldest café in Paris: it was frequented by Voltaire and Rousseau.

- Comédie Française: The Age of Enlightenment saw a burst of dramatic activity and new theatres opened, such as the Comédie Française. Today the Théâtre Français company is based there.

- The Catacombs: they were set up in 1785 as a more hygienic alternative to Paris's cemeteries.

- Madame de Pompadour: Although generally remembered as the mistress of Lous XV, sha was renowned as a patron of the arts and had great political influence.

French Revolution