Have you ever heard of a fake city? It sounds like something out of a dystopian novel, but in fact, there is a replica of Paris located just outside the Chinese city of Hangzhou.
This copycat city, known as Tianducheng, features its own Eiffel Tower and Haussmann-style buildings. But did you know that France also built a fake Paris?
Yes, you read that right. France built a replica of its own capital city.
But why? The answer lies in the country’s colonial history.
In the 19th century, France colonized Algeria and sought to transform its capital city, Algiers, into a mini-Paris. The French government poured millions of francs into building grand boulevards and neoclassical buildings reminiscent of those found in Paris.
However, after Algeria gained independence in 1962, many French people fled the country and left behind their beloved colonial architecture. In an effort to preserve this heritage, the French government decided to build a replica of Algiers’ historic district in Marseille.
The project was called “Le Petit Paris” (The Little Paris) and aimed to recreate the charm and beauty of Algiers’ Old Town while providing affordable housing for low-income families. The replica was built in the 1990s and features narrow streets lined with colorful buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies.
But why build a fake Paris instead of simply preserving the real thing? It’s important to note that Le Petit Paris was not intended to replace or compete with the original Paris. Instead, it served as an homage to Algeria’s colonial past and as a way to preserve its architectural heritage.
In recent years, Le Petit Paris has become somewhat of a tourist attraction with visitors flocking to see this unexpected slice of France in Marseille. However, some have criticized the project for romanticizing colonialism and ignoring the problematic history behind it.
In conclusion, France did indeed build a fake Paris, but for a different reason than Tianducheng’s replica. Le Petit Paris was built as a tribute to Algeria’s colonial past and as a way to preserve its architectural heritage. While it may be controversial, it serves as a reminder of the complex histories and legacies that shape our world today.
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