Just outside the city of Paris, on a straight line from the Louvre, up the Champs-Elysées and through the Arc de Triomphe, is the business district called La Défense, built on the site of a battle that was fought during the Franco-Prussian War. The statue that commemorates the "defense of Paris" was preserved near its original location.
I took this photo from the top of the Arc de Triomphe in 2009. Since then, several other high-rise buildings have been added to the district. Many French companies are headquartered there along with other businesses, government offices, hotels, shopping, and residential neighborhoods.
At the western end of the district rises the Grande Arche de la Défense, a 35 story office building with a large viewing platform on its roof. On a clear day, it's worth the trip up the glass elevators in the center of the cube to take in the view.
I love the contrasts in styles. And just look at that traffic! Evening rush hour?
ReplyDeleteMy immediate thought was the elevator ride, worth the trip in itself
ReplyDeleteI keep longing to see Paris; it would takes weeks to see all I want to experience.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know why it's called La Défense. Now I do, thanks.
ReplyDeletemitch, I don't think it's rush hour. The time stamp on the photo says 13h31, mid-day.
ReplyDeletetravel, it was pretty cool when I did it way back in the 90s.
michael, a good retirement goal!
emm, :)