Author and journalist Agnes Poirier takes us on a whirlwind tour of historical and contemporary Paris, illuminating some of its cultural and political landmarks and telling the story of its prominence as one of the great capitals of the world. Along the way we encounter the French Revolution, the building, burning and rebuilding of Notre Dame, the significance of the Eiffel Tower, the French resistance, religion and secularism, the rebirth of the city after the Nazi occupation, Coco Chanel, the Banlieue, the Left Bank and its personalities, the Catacombs, culinary tradition and, of course, a reputation for love.