It is already one of the world’s most iconic cities, but this incredible collection shows how much Paris has changed over the course of the past century. The collection, by French photographer Julien Knez, shows Paris in the 1940s against a backdrop of how the same places look today. Knez says he put the striking collection together to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the city’s liberation from Nazi control in August 1944. Here: Soldiers outside the Hotel De Ville in the 1940s. (Photo by Julien Knez/Caters News)

A Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupe is displayed during an exhibition of vintage and classic cars by Bonhams auction house at the Grand Palais during the Retromobile week in Paris, France, February 8, 2017. (Photo by Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

The Mercedes Vision EQ Silver Arrow is displayed at the Auto show in Paris, France, Tuesday, October 2, 2018, 2018. The one-seater vehicle is an homage to the record-breaking W 125 car from 1937. (Photo by Thibault Camus/AP Photo)

The Toyota FCV Plus fuel cell concept car is displayed on media day at the Paris auto show, in Paris, France, September 29, 2016. (Photo by Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

Gold medallists of China perform Synchronised Swimming Free Combination routine at the Munhak Park Tae-hwan Aquatics Center during the 17th Asian Games in Incheon September 23, 2014. (Photo by Tim Wimborne/Reuters)

Shoko Ota of Japan celebrates winning the Women's Standing 10km Individual Cross Country during day one of the Winter Games NZ at Snow Farm on August 13, 2011 in Wanaka, New Zealand. (Photo by Camilla Stoddart/Getty Images)

In this November 26, 2018 photo, men run during 100 meters athletics competition of the second edition of the Panamanian indigenous games in Piriati, Panama. These games were held in the Embera town of Piriati, some 55 miles (90 kilometers) east of Panama City. (Photo by Arnulfo Franco/AP Photo)

A Border Collie competes in the Flyball during The World Dog Games at Acer Arena on October 31, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)