IV. WHY IS THE CITY SO GRAND?

PARIS HAS NO MOUNTAINS, NO SEACOAST AND ITS RIVER IS UNIMPRESSIVE: ITS ALLURE COMES FROM THE ROYAL IMPRINT AND FEAR OF INSURRECTION.

This chapter explores majesty on a human scale, forgotten gift of kings. Their innovations culminate in a straight line created toward 1675 that by connecting the Louvre palace with the horizon, symbolizes the endless power of kings. Capitals built later copy it.

        Claude Abron

The story of the monarchy's collapse will be familiar, with one exception. The rest is new.

The royal model

• A parade route changes course

• The milestones' meanings

• A design inconceivable elsewhere

• The royal imprint blossoms

• The curtain falls

• "I have no tears left to cry"

• A modern royal city

• Have the kings become subversive? 

*     *     *

Next,
4.1. 

A parade route changes course