Europe counts several grand capital cities which reflect empires from the past and powerful centres of cultural influence on the entire continent and beyond, but there is none like Paris. Not because it is more monumental or larger than its 'competitors', but because of its flair, its style of lightness, its way of life. In the middle of all the urban excitement and buzz, Montmartre has kept a certain clout of village atmosphere where life flows by cozily in the cafés in which Dalida, Charles Trenet and Charles Aznavour did more than their bit for 20th century, yet still contemporary French cultural identity. Even the monumental 'Place de la Concorde' and the 'Arc de Triomphe', Napoleon's display of military supremacy are connected by an avenue, of which the peculiar character is so well captured in Joe Dassin's joyful song 'aux Champs-Élysées'. The Tour Eiffel is not only the landmark by excellence of Paris, it is above all also proof that already in the late 19th century this city had the guts and insight to push the limits of architecture and rock the boat, planting a very controversial and revolutionary steel construction right next to the conventional monuments solemnly breathing French history. In Paris, tradition is not a static thing. No surprise then that this same Paris was the cradle of the French Revolution of 1789 which eventually marked the entire Western civilisation until today, and the student revolts of May 1968, which triggered something similar nearly two centuries later. Paris, uniquely combining the solemn architectural reflection of history and the vitality of vibrant renewal, questioning and challenge, the City of Light in many ways, a fascinating city to discover.