Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Futuristic district of Paris
- Amazing view from the steps of the impressive Grande Arche
Time required: 45 minutes
Web site: http://www.ladefense.fr/
Public transport:
- Metro Line 1: La Défense station
- RER A: La Défense station
Address:
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Paolo Margari
Things you need to know:
- La Défense is Paris' financial district with skyscrapers
- 14 out of the 72 glass and steel buildings are higher than 150 meters
- It was purposely built to the west of the city to keep the centre free of skyscrapers
- La Défense is Europe's largest purpose-built business district
- More than 150.000 people work here
- Paris' Historical Axis ends here, a 10 km long imaginary line that connects the city's main historical sites (Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Grande Arche)
- Grande Arche is 100 meter tall and large enough to hold Notre-Dame in the middle
What to do there:
- Leave the metro station and head to the Grande Arche
- Have a look at the surrounding skyscrapers
- Enjoy the view from the steps of the Grande Arche. You can see the all the way down the Champs Elysees past the Arc de Triomphe and to the Louvre
Tips & Insights:
- Lots of shopping possibilities around
