France began broadcasting high definition television from the PTT building in Paris in 1935 using a 180 line mechanical camera. In 1936 they moved the transmitter to the Eiffel tower. A 1936 article describes an electronic receiver for the 180 line standard. An article in the January 1936 issue of Television and Short-wave describes the French 180 line transmitter. Later, electronic cameras were used and the standard was changed to 455 lines. After Germany invaded France the Paris television station was changed to 441 lines in 1942. The German standard. TV sets were placed in military field hospitals so that wounded soldiers could watch programs. This was the primary function of the German-run Paris station. The soldiers usually saw cabarets and newsreels.

The above pictures are from April, 1935 and show the mechanical camera

The studio at the Eiffel tower (1936). Note the air handlers.

(courtesy of John Pinckney)