Through archive images collected in museums, film studios and markets, Nicole Védrès resuscitates Belle Époque Paris, in a representation of the many facets of this society in the pre-war period. The documentary initially focuses on performances, celebrities and fashion, before moving on to themes such as the floods of 1910, strikes, wars across Europe and the departure of French soldiers in 1914. On release, Paris 1900 was acclaimed by the public and critics alike, catching the attention of young filmmakers such as Chris Marker, who would go on to use excerpts from the film in Level Five (1996).