What changes did Baron Haussmann make to Paris under Napoleon III?

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Portrait of Napoleon III in a dark military uniform with gold epaulettes, a red sash, and medals, set against a deep red background. Painted by Hippolyte Flandrin. — Napoleon III Napoleon III, detail of a portrait by Hippolyte Flandrin, 1862; in the Versailles Museum.

Under the direction of Napoleon III, Baron Haussmann transformed Paris from a medieval city into a modern metropolis through an extensive program of public works. His primary interventions included:

Urban Layout: He replaced chaotic, narrow streets with wide, straight, tree-lined avenues to improve traffic flow, facilitate the movement of goods, and prevent the construction of rebel barricades.1
Infrastructure: Haussmann modernized the city by installing new water supply and drainage systems, while increasing the number of sidewalks and streetlights.1
Public Spaces: He introduced English-style parks, such as those at Boulogne and Vincennes, and fostered the development of sidewalk cafés and kiosks.1
Architecture and Landmarks: He oversaw the construction of the Opéra and the central marketplace, Les Halles, while reshaping the Île de la Cité into an administrative and religious center.1

These changes were made possible by the autocratic nature of the regime, which allowed Haussmann to secure significant long-term funding for urban planning projects.1