Paris to Build Europe's Tallest Building; Will Include Hotel

Game on: The Telegraph is reporting that Paris will get Europe's highest building when a 1,059-foot-high two-tower complex is completed. The towers, the paper continues, will trump London's upcoming Shard by approximately 40 feet.

Planning permission for the French project, called the Hermitage Plaza, was granted by Paris officials this week. The two buildings—which will have offices, luxury apartments, a shopping complex and a five-star hotel—will rise in the western business district of La Defense, and will reportedly have 93 floors.

Work began on the Shard at London Bridge in February 2009, and it is already Europe's highest construction project at a cost so far of around $710 million. The 87-story building is scheduled to be completed in May, and will stand at 1,017 feet tall and offer uninterrupted 360-degree views of London for 40 miles in every direction. No word yet on whether or not an extra 41 feet can be added at this late stage in the game to hold on to the title.