Vouloir dans le passe'.

Question

Could you please explain why we use "J'ai toujours voulu visiter Paris" - and for example "Hier je voulais visiter le musee"?

What is the grammatical explanation please for the two different tenses?

Merci ! :)

Jim Jones · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Laurie-May
"J'ai toujours voulu visiter Paris"  --> An unfulfilled eternal desire.
"Hier je voulais visiter le musee"  --> Background information concerning your current trip, but with the possibility of the visit still to be made.
Normally, we expect the passé composé to express an historic completed action.
The imparfait would normally express the scenario background information or an habitual action or an action desired but that has not yet taken place.
I hope that this will help.
Bonne journée 
Jim

Céline Pickard · Answer

Bonjour Laurie-May,
Jim's answer is great! 
Just to add a bit more about "J'ai toujours voulu visiter Paris":
Using the adverb "toujours" with Le Passé Composé adds a sense of eternity or continuity to the "action" being described. Here, it makes it feel like a lasting intention throughout life.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !