 | Paris La Défense Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 131 |  |
The most western point of my trip to Paris is a visit to the biggest business district in Europe called La Défense. It is outside of central Paris, but easily reached by the metro. It's a place that attracted me for its abstract appearance. Clean large office buildings, lots of statues and modern art, and then there is of course this relatively new huge landmark: La Grande Arche!
La Grande Arche marks the end of the "Axe historique" that I mentioned a bit earlier on in my tips. The Axe Historique (or also known as the "grand historic axis", "Voie Triomphale" or "Triumphal Way") is an amazing nine-kilometre long linear route which dominates central and western Paris. This route is consists some of Paris' most famous landmarks like the Louvre with its Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe and ends up right her at La Défense with its Grande Arche.
The day was grey, the sun had disappeared and the clouds and an occassional drizzle of rain had taken over. This was not the day and not the weather to visit La Défense. The large office buildings were like huge chameleons, taking on the grey boring colour of the clouds. The sharp contrast between the blue sky and the glittering modern architecture was missing. La Défense was missing the sparkle I had hoped for. My camera clicked, but without a smile. It could have been so good, now it was just one big disappointment. La Défense is not the easiest attraction (if you can call it that) in Paris to enjoy. It does need the sun to shine! And you do have to love your modern art and architecture to enjoy this place. Leave a Comment Directions: Metro line 1: the end destination is La Défense, Grande Arche.Website: www.grandearche.com
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Although I'm not a big fan of modern architecture, I have to admit that I really liked La Defense.
In a huge contrast to the old historical part of Paris, I had the impression of being in another world, in other time. Or better in Besson's "The 5th element"...
Wearing the name of a monument commemorating the defense of Paris of 1871, La Defense is divided in 11 zones, with business offices, parks, sport facilities, a botanical garden and an open-air gallery. Directions: M: La Defense – Grande Arche (line 1)
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Although very modern, La Grande Arche in La Defense cannot be other then impressive.
The construction to this immense arch began in 1955 and is still developing.
Made of glass and white Carrara marble the arch is actually a huge cube (110m) in which the Notre-Dame Cathedral can fit easily.
The arch is housing offices of French government and international companies, but also galleries, a library and a restaurant.
From the top terrace a magnificent view of Paris can be admired. Directions: M: La Defense – Grande Arche (line 1)
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So why I hear you say, am I suggesting you go and visit a business district in Paris?
The best answer I can give is that it is like a modern open air museum. The architecture of the buildings is absolutely stunning. They are intermingled with sculptures. And to cap it all off, a new Arche was built in 1989 "La Grande Arche". If you like architecture, you have to come here.
The picture shows La Grande Arche on the right hand side and a sculpture by the famous Spanish (or Catalan - a region in Spain) artist Jean Miro. If you like his art, he has a very impressive foundation in Barcelona (Spain), which although I am not a particularly arty person, I thoroughly enjoyed. Leave a Comment
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Les Miroirs is placed in the center of the small square surrounded by Henri La Fonta's building.
Being also considered the largest mosaic in the world (2500 sqm), known as the Grande Mosaique, don't think (as we did) that you will see a huge area on the soil covered by mosaic.
It is actually consisting in 10 cylinders decorated with mosaics (see the pictures).
Poisson Tower that ca be admired from the patio has a giant clock-barometer giving the weather for the Paris region.
I've read that it also marks the hours with flashing lights, but guys, we've stared at it for half on hour before, at and after 21:00 and nothing happened.
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This is the more modern adaptation of the Arche de Triumphe and is in alignment with the previous. It was designed to commend those who fought in war after World War II. I apologize for the quality of the picture, but it is due to the primitive ability of my scanner. Still, I hope you get the scope and majesty of how Paris provides such wide, beautiful pedestrian venues where real estate values must be astronomical Still, it is a good investment as Paris is a unique city of destination and your views are reimbursed by the cost! Leave a Comment
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La Defense is a modern part of Paris, full of skyscrapers and apartmentblocks. If you like architecture, this is the place to be. Combined with outdoor art and indoor shopping, this is a great day out.
For all you need to know about the history of La Defense there is this tiny, but very impressive Espace Info Defense museum. It exhibits the original drawings, models of the area and documentation of all you need to know about this mega project.
Entrance is free. Address: 15, Place de la DefenseDirections: Based in the small buildings on the square by the blocked fountain. La Defense can be reached by RER A or Metro L1.
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I was pleasantly suprised when I visited this area. The enormity of the fantastic buildings reminded me of somewhere like New York, not Paris.They was a huge outdoor cinema showing the construction of the area over the past 15 years. If you stand at the great arch and look staight ahead you will see the Arc d'Triomph, in perfect line. Leave a Comment Address: End of La defence metro line
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Grande Arche is a building located in a modern business centre. Its location is very peculiar as it was build in alignment with L'Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elys?e and Place de la Concorde.
You can go to the top of the Grance Arche and you will have a magnificent view of the city (as you always get in Paris).
To see some really nice photos check my travelogue
http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/44989/#TL
; ) Leave a Comment Address: La D?fenseDirections: You can get there by many ways including the Metro Line 1 (yellow) and the RER A. For example, to go from L'Arc de Triomphe to La Défense by Metro takes about 15 minutes.
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The Grande Arche is a mainfeature at La Defense. A design by architect O. Von Sprechkelsen, it opened on the 14th of July 1989 (the date of the bi-centenary of the French Revolution).
It's 110meters in height and in straight line with Place de l'Etoile, Place de la Concorde, Jardin des Tuileries, the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. There are offices in this monument, but it's open to the public. There are glass capsules for lifts, taking you up to just under the roof. There you enter an exhibition area, a restaurant and a shop. A few stairs go up to the panorama-deck where you have a magnificent view over Paris.
Entrance fee: 7,50Euro Address: Place de la DefenseDirections: Metro L1 or RER Line A1/3/5 - stop 'Grande Arche de La Defense'Website: www.grandearche.com
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