Well, maybe not the romantic cafés, Grands Boulevards, Eiffel Tower, a barking mad Marlon Brando (haven’t we all seen Last Tango …), and the buzzling city life, that springs to our minds every time we hear the name. But nevertheless … This is La Défense. The high tech, futuristic, sci-fi-ish financial district west of the city.
La Défense covers 1,6 km² and consists of stunning architecture, skyscrapers, odd angels, glass and metal. 180 000 people have their daily work here. Ending at La Défense, Paris historical axis, crosses the river, l’Arc de Triomphe, and follows Champs-Élysées to Place de la Concorde, before reaching its starting point at Louvre. It’s served by Metro line 1, RER A and Transilien trains, as well as buses and trams. It’s one of Paris’ largest transport hubs. The railway station is huge!
This shot was taken, a couple of weeks ago, facing the city. It gives us a sense of the dimensions, I think. Between the buildings, in the middle, you can even spot l’Arc de Triomphe about 4,5 km to the east.
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