Paris, Madrid and Berlin hotels

Jardin du Luxembourg

Address: Bordered on all sides by St Michel, rue de Vaugirard, rue de Medicis, rue Guynemer and Auguste-Comte
Arrondissement: 6th
 
Hours: 7:30am from 4:45 – 9:45pm depending on the day and month.
Tickets: Free

About Jardin du Luxembourg

The 224,500 square meter location known as Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most frequented and well known parks in Paris. The garden was began in 1612 at the same time that the Palais du Luxembourg, also on the grounds, was being constructed too. The palace and garden were built to honor Marie de Medici, the mother of Louis XIII. Because Ms. Medici was of the Italian Medici’s, the palace was built in grand Florentine style.

In 1794, after the royal family no longer resided in the palace, it was used as a prison during the French Revolution. The gardens were opened to the public during the 1800s and the palace was also used as the Luftwaffe headquarters during World War II. Today the building currently houses the French Senate.

Set dead center, the octagonal pond named the Grand Basin lies. This child friendly area allows kids to rent a boat to take out onto the water after which, they can watch the puppet theater located beside the pond. The garden also plays host to a number of statues, including the Statue of Saint Genevieve, the patroness of Paris. Two notable fountains call the garden there home. They are the baroque Fontaine de Medicis and the Fontaine de l’Observatoire.

The Jardin des Luxembourg offers enough space that you can bask in the sun with others or find a quiet nook of your own. It is one of the few public places in Paris that offers such a luxurious amenity. It is popular with tourists and locals alike.

Getting to Jardin du Luxembourg

Named after the Odeon Theater, the Odeon station is host to metro lines 4 and 10. You can easily get to the Jardin du Luxembourgh from this metro station.

Jardin du Luxembourg Hotels 

Here is a short guide to hotels near Jardin du Luxembourg.

Located at 9 rue des Ecoles, the Hotel Quartier Latin sits in the heart of its namesake. The three star hotel was renovated as recently as 2006 and features a traditional Parisian interior at every turn. Rates start at 197EUR per night for a Double or Twin Individual use room, which includes breakfast each morning. 

Located at 71 rue Monge, the Best Western Quartier Latin Pantheon offers three star comfort and an ideal locale. Settled into the famous Latin Quarter, it is close to the Pantheon, Botanical Gardens, National History Museum, Jardin des Luxembourg and Notre Dame. For 127EUR per night guests can opt for a twin sole use room or for 136EUR a single. Both sets include breakfast each morning.

Located at 4 rue Croix des Petits Champs, the Timhotel le Louvre has a prime location in Paris. It is close to the Louvre Museum, Les Halles, Palais Royal, Jardin du Luxembourg as well as many banks, fashion design houses and shopping districts. For 136EUR per night guests can book a single room and breakfast.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org

Jardin des Plantes

Address: 57 rue Cuvier, Paris 75005
Arrondissement: 5th
 
Hours: Summer Mon-Sun 7:30am – 8:00pm; Winter Mon-Sun 7:30am-5:30pm
Tickets: Free

WWW: Jardin des Plantes
Phone: +33 1 4079 3000

About the Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes has a long and notable history. It was first established in 1626 as a royal garden of medicinal plants and was designed by Guy de La Brosse, the physician of Louis XII.

In 1650, the garden, which had grown into disrepair over a short period, was rejuvenated under the loving eye of John Baptiste Colbert and was opened to the public. Towards the end of the 17th century, John Baptiste allowed Dr. Guy Crescent Fagon to continue the upkeep of the garden. Fagon chose some of the best botanists of the time to help him tend the plants and during this period, the garden grew to a grand size. From 1739 – 1788, the hand of the grand switched again, this time to Comte de Buffon. Buffon made additions such as the child-friendly maze that is still there today.

Today the immense and lush garden covers 28 hectares (nearly 69 acres) and is situated on the Left Bank, with parts overlooking the Siene. The city’s Natural History Museum is also located on the Jardin des Plantes grounds as well as a little zoo that houses small animals. A botany school can also be found here.

The garden itself is home to several tropical planthouses that can be found scattered among the grounds which include an Alpine garden, Art Deco wintergarten and rose garden.

Getting to Jardin des Plantes
 
The Jardin des Plantes can be reached by way of the Jussieu station, which is located in the Latin Quarter, of metro line 7 and metro line 10. The line is named after a famous family of botanists and historians, some of which are connected to the Jardin des Plantes. Jussieu’s metro line 10 is also linked to Gare d’Austerlitz station, which can also be used to access to the Jardin.

Jardin des Plantes Hotels  

Here is a short guide to hotels near Jardin des Plantes.

Located at 54 rue Monge, the Hotel des Nations Saint German is situated in the Latin Quarter, close by the Jardin des Plantes. The classically designed interior is warm and welcoming and the hotel itself is situated close to a handful of metro lines so that guests can whisk around the city with ease. Rates for this three star stay start at 101EUR per night for a single room.

Located at 51 Boulevard Saint Marcel, Le Demeure hotel is just a moments walk from many Parisian gems such as the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Pres. The hotel has an old world glamour and the staff is there for your every need in the most discreet way. Rates start at 108EUR per night for a superior room in this three star hotel.

Located at 9 rue des Ecoles, the Hotel Quartier Latin sits in the heart of its namesake. The three star hotel was renovated as recently as 2006 and features a traditional Parisian interior at every turn. Rates start at 197EUR per night for a Double or Twin Individual use room, which includes breakfast each morning.

Photo of the Jardin’s Mexican Hothouse courtesy of Wikimedia.org

Parc Andre Citroen

Address: Along rue Balard
Arrondissement: 15th
 
Hours: Dawn to 6:00pm
Tickets: Free

About Parc Andre Citroen

Many of the parks and attractions in Paris are centuries old, however Parc Andre Citroen defies this notion and offers a fresh, modern spin on the Parisian park experience.

The 35 acres park is named after the French automaker Andre Citroen, whose auto factory used to reside on the location. The Paris government spent a pretty penny fixing the location after the factory closed and it has proven to be money well spent as it is a local and tourist hit.

The park is situated on the bank of the Siene and is based on four design themes: artifice, architecture, movement and nature; all of which are further divided in respect to their theme. As the center of the Parc are two modernized greenhouses. Made of glass walls and wooden frames, these attractive plant houses are surrounded by beautiful fountains.

The park is also divided into different garden segmentations. The White Garden is used as a recreational area and includes a dog facility, the only dog friendly location in the Parc. Dead across from the White Garden is the Black Garden where the plants all have dark foliage and is a more peaceful part of the park. Visitors are allowed to find a spot to read or rest in this section of the Parc. The Changing Garden is just what it says; this portion of the Parc changes with the seasons. Within this Changing Garden, the Les Jardins Seriels lay; each of which are said to represent the five senses. A different color and theme lay in each section. For example, the scent section boasts flowers in the same color family that are all predominantly fragrant in their own right. Lastly, the Garden of Movement contrasts with the Changing Garden. Plants grow as they wish and are generally uncultivated. Visitors may move around and use this segment however they like.

Although some claim that it is too formal, the Parc Andre Citreon has been a smashing success for the city of Paris since its inception.

Getting to Parc Andre Citroen

The Javel station’s name dates back to the small hamlet that sprang up here in the late 15th century. The station is home to metro line 10 and is situated extremely close to the Parc Andre Citroen. Visitors can also find the park via the Balard station on metro line 8.

Parc Andre Citroen Hotels

Here is a short guide to hotels near Parc Andre Citroen.

Located at 71 rue de Charonne, the two star Comfort Hotel Paris Bastille, offers a wonderful stay at a fine establishment for a low cost. This hotel offers guests prime location just minutes from the Bastille, Notre Dame, Parisian markets and shopping districts. For 83EUR per night, guests can get a single room with breakfast in this welcoming hotel.

Located at 11 rue Claude Terrasse, the two star Classics Hotel Tour Eiffel is situated in one of the most elegant districts in the city, which is reflected in the fine décor, yet offers a great price for budget conscious travelers. This hotel sits just ten minutes from the Eiffel Tower, Porte de Versailles, Roland Garros stadium and Parc Andre Citroen. Rates start at 59EUR per night for a single room with breakfast.

Located at 33 Avenue Edouard Vaillant, the Radisson SAS Paris Boulogne is a luxurious four star treat for any visitor. It has upscale, contemporary elegance throughout the entire interior but also has an inviting sense that can be seen in the cozy garden and inviting atmosphere. It is close to a number of attractions and offers a variety of amenities. Rates for a single room, including breakfast, start at 130EUR per night. 

Photo of the Parc’s modern promenade courtesy of Wikimedia.org

Grand Palais

Address: 3 Avenue du General Eisenhower, Paris
Arrondissement: 8th
 
Hours: Every day, Tuesdays aside, from 10:00am to 8:00pm and Wednesday until 10:00pm
Tickets: 7.62EUR with reservation and 8.69EUR without, reduced rates also available

WWW: Grand Palais 
Phone: 33(0)1 44 13 17 17
Email: Fabien.escalona@rmn.fr

About the Grand Palais

In the late 19th century much of Paris got a needed facelift. Thousands of people would be coming into the city in 1900 for the World’s Fair and the citizens and government wanted to ensure that their guests saw the most beautiful Paris possible.

Several new structures went up around the city under the watchful eye of infamous Parisian architect Charlest Girault; including the Grand Palais, its neighbor Petit Palais and the Pont Alexandre III, one of the most exquisite bridges in the world.

The Grand Palais is a very recognizable point in Paris because of its large frame and stunning domed roof made completely of glass. It is a perfect combination of a classic stone exterior combined with art nouveau ironwork, popular to the era it was built and glass. Having said that, it is certainly the largest iron and glass structure on the planet. It is filled with 9,400 tons of steel, 5,000 square meters of iron/zinc roofing and a stone exterior complete with mosaics and sculpture.

In 1993 the Grand Palais needed a facelift of its own after a large glass ceiling tile fell down the ground. It was closed down until the new millennium when a segment reopened in 2004 and the rest in 2007. Everything was made new again including the framework, the glass roof and the exterior sculptures and mosaics.

The Grand Palais is still used today in much the same manner that it was intended for when it was constructed. There is a main gallery, Galeries National du Palais, that displays contemporary art although it still plays host to a number of events including fashion shows by Parisian designers like Dior, Chanel and Yves Saint Lauren to extensive antique shows. The other two halls are the Palais de la Decouverte, which doubles as a science museum and Nef du grand Palais, which plays host to grand events in the city.

Getting to Grand Palais

You can find Grand Palais via two stations; Champs Elysees-Clemenceau which lies on Metro lines 1 and 13 and whose access tunnels are beneath the infamous Avenue des Champs Elysees, or Franklin D Roosevelt which coincides with Metro lines 1 and 9 and is named after the American president who was a close French ally in World War I.

Grand Palais Hotels  

Here is a short guide to hotels near Grand Palais.

Located at 5 rue Ponthieu, the Hotel Elysee Park is a three star stay that has access to all of the favorite Parisian locations along the infamous Champs Elysees, including the extensive shopping area. This hotel is relatively new, built in the 1980s, and is situatioed in the elusive Golden Triangle district yet is situated in a very quiet setting for being in the heart of Paris. The Franklin Roosevelt Metro line is also just around the corner. Rates start at 77EUR for breakfast and a twin sole use room.

Located at 3 rue de Ponthieu, the three star Hotel Mathis Elysees Matignon is just as elegant as its name might suggest. It features 23 elegant rooms and a cozy atmosphere, just the place to rest ones weary head after a long day in its busy surrounding district. It also features amenities that cater to guests with a leisure stay in mind as well as ones with a task at hand. A superior rooms rates starts at 111EUR.

Located at 12 rue Marignan, the four star Hotel Marignan Champs-Elysees is a near perfect spot to stay in the city. It is situated just off of the Champs Elysees and Avenue Montaigne, in the heart of Paris. Formerly a privately owned Art Deco mansion, the rooms were redesigned by Christine G Rondeau and all 73 are uniquely decorated. The hotel is also home to a favorite restaurant in the area, Spoon Food and Wine. Rates for a twin sole use start at 168EUR per night.

Photo courtesy of Bac Maeva.
 

Petit Palais

Address: Avenue Winston Churchill
Arrondissement: 8th
 
Hours:
Tickets: Free for all owned exhibits; a small fee that varies for temporary exhibits

Phone: 01 53 43 40 00

About the Petit Palais

In the late 19th century much of Paris got a makeover. Thousands of people would be flooding into the city in 1900 for the World’s Fair and the citizens and government wanted to ensure that they saw the most beautiful Paris possible.

Several new structures went up around the city under the watchful eye of infamous Parisian architect Charlest Girault; including Petit Palais, its larger neighbor Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III, one of the most exquisite bridges in the world.

The Petit Palais was only meant to stand through the World Expo, however the people of Paris couldn’t bear to see the eclectic building come down and it is easy to see why. The iconic Beaux Arts style building features ionic columns in a classic exterior, however the twist comes in with the mixture of Great and Roman forms and overhaul of ornamentation on the face, which makes quite the combo!

And, just like the Grand Palais across the way, the Petit Palais was renovated and reopened in the new millennium, 2005 to be exact. It functions as the Musee des Beaux Arts, which translates to the Museum of Fine Arts, and it is often compared to the Louvre, only on a smaller scale. The works inside span many centuries, from antiquity to today, and are nearly all from a donation made by Frenchman Auguste Dutuit, who left the Petit Palais enough money to build its extensive collection. The museum owns and holds nearly 12,000 of its prints, tapestries, sculpture, rare objects and manuscripts. It also has an infamous collection of works by French artists such as Monet, Renoir, Courbet and Delacroix.

Unlike most museums, the Petit Palais is not only free but welcomes children! There are child friendly activities planned during guided tours, however, you can also choose to walk the museum alone, sans tour guide.

Getting to Petit Palais

You can find Grand Palais via two stations; Champs Elysees-Clemenceau Metro and Franklin D. Roosevelt Metro. Champs Elysees Clemenceau lies on Metro lines 1 and 13 and its platform beneath the infamous Avenue des Champs Elysees. The Franklin D Roosevelt metro station coincides with Metro lines 1 and 9 and is named after the American president who was a close French ally in World War I.

Petit Palais Hotels 

Here is a short guide to hotels near Petit Palais.

Located at 38 rue du Faubourg Saint Honore, the four star Hotel de Castiglione rests in the heart of its district close by the Petit Palais, Grand Palais, Louvre Museum, Paris Opera and Champs Elysees. Considered one of the most prestigious hotels in Paris, the hotel features 121 comfortable rooms and, although it was built in the 1930s, is renovated and redecorated in fresh styles on a regular basis. Rates start at 91EUR for breakfast and a single room.

Located at 6 rue du Colisee, the Best Western Le Colisee is a three star stay that boasts a relatively low price for its esteemed setting. Situated in the epicenter of the fashion, art, entertainment and restaurant worlds, the hotel is also near many attractions too; including the Petit and Grand Palais’, the Louvre and Orangerie. Rates start at 78EUR for a single room.

Located at 37 rue Francois, the four star Claridge Belle rests in the heart of the city, Paris world renown first arrondissement. It is close by many, many entertainment, shopping and culture sights, including the Petit Palais. The top notch Claridge Belle allows guests to feel relaxed and comfortable, although there is much to-do just beyond the hotel walls. Rates start at 163EUR with breakfast and twin sole room usage.
 

Hotel des Invalides

Address: Esplanade des Invalides, 75507
Arrondissement: 7th

Hours: April – September 10:00am-6:00pm; October – March 10:00am-5:00pm; Closed first Monday of each month.
Tickets: 8EUR; reduced ticketes available but varied

WWW: Hotel des Invalides
Phone: 01 44 42 37 72

About the Hotel des Invalides

The Hotel des Invalides was home to thousands of war torn veterans for many years. Today it stands as a museum and a celebrated tomb of many infamous Frenchmen.

In the beginning, this massive structure wasn’t intended to be so… massive. Only several barracks were to be built. However, King Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, reneged on the original plans and choose the design by architect Liberal Bruant. The King fell in love with Bruant’s plans of an remarkable building, royal courtyard and beautiful church.

Completed in 1676, the structure faced the Seine with its glorious 196 meter length. It also featured 15 courtyards, the largest of which was used for military parades. Nearly 4,000 war veterans moved in immediately upon completion.

Soon after it was finished, King Louis XIV requested the church construction begin. Architect Jules Hardouin Mansart built the annex by following Bruant’s complex plans. First known as Pensioners’ Choir, the church opened in 1679. The name quickly changed to the Soldiers’ Church and soldiers that lived here were made to attend a daily mass.

The church was an annex and in connection with the Royal chapel, a section of the Hotel des Invalides that was exclusive to the royal family. To further specialize this part of the structure, the renown Dome des Invalides was erected in 1708. Plans to solely bury the deceased of the Royal family here were maintained until Louis-Phillipe turned it into a veteran’s cemetery as well and in 1840 had the remains of Emperor Napoleon moved there from St. Helena. Other notable militant buried here are Turenne, Vauban and Foch.

Today the Hotel des Invalides still stands as a brilliant structure, tomb to top military Frenchman and also plays home to three museums. The Musee de l’Armee is a military museum and rightfully so. It holds many objects from the Stone Age to World War II. The Musee des Plans-Reliefs is an architectural vault that houses military models of French fortresses and cities dating back to the 16th century. And last but certainly not least, the Musee de l’ordre de la Liberation is in dedication to the liberation of France during World War II and celebrates the leader of the time, Charles de Gaulle.

Getting to Hotel des Invalides

The Hotel des Invalides metro stations include Varenne Station via metro line 13 and La Tour Maubourg via metro line 8. Both stations are named after the streets on which they reside.

Des Invalides Hotels

Here is a short guide to hotels near Hotel des Invalides.

Located at 31 rue Vaneau, the three star Hotel de Suede Saint Germain is situated in the center of the residential district, which makes it a quiet yet ideal location. The classically designed hotel follows its settings ideas and features garden views, spacious rooms and comfortable seating areas throughout. Rates for a standard double/twin room start at 87EUR per night.

Located at 54 rue Saint Dominique, the two star Hotel Le Pavillion offers a welcoming and affordable stay for budget conscious travelers. Its charm lies within its warm staff and cozy Parisian atmosphere. Its fantastic location is no more than 15 minutes from many wonderful attractions such as Hotel des Invalides, the Eiffel Tower and Musee d’Orsay. Rates start at 64EUR for a single room per night.

Located at 16 Avenue de Tourville, the four star Hotel Tourville is filled with warm colors so that guests can snuggle up in a homely atmosphere after a long day at nearby attractions including the Hotel des Invalides, Eiffel Tower and military academy. Rates for this knockout hotel start at 122EUR for a two person standard room per night.

Photo of Hotel des Invalides Royal Church courtesy of Wikimedia.org

Forum des Halles

Address: Les Halles Metro Station
Arrondissement: 1st

About the Forum des Halles

Paris’ Forum des Halles has a unique 800 year history. From 1200 through 1500, the area was a thriving marketplace which specialized in tasty foods and a variety of businesses. Parisian’s came here to mill about, shop and enjoy food and friends into the wee hours of the morning. 

However, as the city grew larger the congestion that Halles created became too much for the citizens of Paris. In the 1960s the cafes and stalls were moved to Rungis, a suburban area near the Orly Airport.

As much as Parisian’s thought that the move of Halles was for the best, they were equally appalled at the disgraceful hole left behind from a marketplace that had thrived in their city for centuries on end. It was dubbed “le trou des Halles” which translates to the hole of the Halles. So the city did them one better and filled in the gaping fissure with yet another place that Parisian’s could come to mill about, shop and enjoy food and friends into the wee hours of the morning.

The site, now appropriately named Les Halles again, is more than meets the eye. Above ground it appears the area has been filled in as a pretty park. But if you look closely, or simply take the metro to Les Halles, you will find an underground subway station in the depths, topped by an underground shopping mall and finally on ground level, the mentioned park. Each is functionable in its own right; the world’s largest underground metro whisks locals and tourists alike around the busy city; the mall is filled with anything one’s heart could desire such as shopping, restaurants, clubs, museums and move theaters; the park provides a lovely place to sunbath and enjoy a picnic lunch.

The newness has worn off in recent years and the Les Halles area has slowly been declining. The area felt unsafe and big name stores began to leave the mall in search of a more profitable location. To keep the centuries old Les Halles tradition alive, the city of Paris, has recently (as of 2006) chosen French architect Mangin to revive the entire area.  

Getting to Forum des Halles

Les Halles is a station of the Paris Métro. The first station was opened in 21 April 1908 to serve Les Halles when it was still a marketplace. It was rebuilt in 1977 to interchange with the new Châtelet – Les Halles RER station and the renovated Les Halles area.

Forum des Halles Hotels 

Here is a short guide to hotels near Forum des Halles

Comfort Hotel Saint Martin offers an affordable price in a rather cosmopolitan area of Paris; perfect for the budget conscious traveler who wants to stretch their money. It is situated near Notre Dame, the Les Halles quarters and the Boulevard des Grands, all of which have fantastic access to the metro, cinemas, theaters and discounted shopping retailers. Rates for this 3 star diamond in the rough start at 47EUR per night, which includes a breakfast to get your day started.

The Pavillon Opera Grands Boulevards  is set in a distinctive location, perfect for any shopaholic or theater buff; Folies Bergres, Opera Comique Montmartre, Galeria la Fayettes and Opera Garnier are all close by. Each room follows opera house-esque standards with hand made tiles and modern facilities that are bright, clean and elegant. It true Parisian style there is even a bar and coffee shop right in the lounge. Rates for this classic Parisian 3 star stay are begin at 83EUR for a twin room or 91EUR for a standard, including breakfast.

The 4 star Westin Paris might be as fine as some of its surroundings, which include the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Place de Concorde, Eiffel Tower and Les Halles. Situated in the heart of the city, the 438 stylish guest rooms are all equipped with the hotels innovative signature Westin Heavenly Bed. There are also fine dining options for hungry souls like Le First restaurant Boudoir Paris, Tuilieres Bar for those in need of a drink and La Terrace Fleurie for people wanting to dine with a view.

Photo of Forum des Halles courtesy of Wikimedia.org
 

Fontaine des Innocents

Address: Square des Innocents
Arrondissement: 1st

About the Fountain des Innocents

The Fontaine des Innocents is named for the cemetery that was originally located in this region of Paris. For six centuries the Cimetiere des Saint Innocents lay in the location. It was thought to be a child cemetery (hence the name) although no one can be certain. 

In the mid 1500’s, architect Jean Goujon designed the Fountain to commemorate the deceased and the cemetery that once stood in the square. It was actually built into the wall along the intersection of Rue St. Denis and Rue au Fers (modern day Rue Berger). Goujon soon found himself at the helm of the French Mannerist and Renaissance sculpture boom. Shortly after the fountain’s creation he was named the official sculpture of King Henry II and also took on the sculptural aspects of the Louvre’s 16th century extension.

The Fountain itself was one of the last erected in the great Renaissance era that swept Paris. Goujon made sure to sculpt his superior’s Coat of Arms and first letter of his name, an “H”, into the fountain. He also paid tribute to frequent patron Catherine de Medici by inscribing her initials and Coat of Arms too. The typical Mannerist style in which the fountain was made features tall, thin nymphs and “putti” or naked, plump little angel boys; both common quotations in Goujon’s work and many other works’ of the era.

Square des Innocents, nearby Les Halles, was made in memory of the cemeteries heydays and the fountain was relocated here two years of the Square was officially opened. After the move, the side of the fountain previously attached to the intersection wall was sculpted to match the rest by Augustin Pajou. It remains this way today.

Getting to Fontaine des Innocents

You can get to Fontaine des Innocents easily by way of Metro Line 4’s Les Halles station. It is just south of the Les Halles attraction.

Fontaine des Innocents Hotels 

Here is a short guide to hotels near Fontaine des Innocents.

Located at 66 rue de Malte, this tourist class hotel is the right price for a low budget, basic stay. Just 1 mile from Fountain, two star Hibiscus Republique is near the Republique station. Rates start at a low 44EUR per night.

Located at 29-31 rude des Ecoles, the Sully Saint Germain is positioned on the left bank in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The hotel oozes warmth with tapestry hanging from its walls and beautiful stone walls throughout. There is also a fitness quarter as well as a marble and wood bar lounge. The Sully is sure to make your stay feel like home. Located just under a mile from the Fountain, the 3 star Sully Saint Germain is near the Cardinal Lemoine tube station. Rates start at 101EUR per night.
 
The Golden Tulip Washington Opera was built in 1620 and renovated in 2005. The hotel was a former town home of Madame de Pompadour and boasts a Louis XV facade. The interior is done in classic Parisian style. The hotel backs up to the Palais Royale and is situated in the heart of the city. With an address of 50 rue de Richelieu, the Golden Tulip Washington Opera Hotel. The four star Golden Tulip Washington Opera hotel, is located near the Pyramides tube station is merely a mile from the Fountain.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org

La Defense

Address: Place de la Defense
Arrondissement: La Defense area runs through several arrondissement.
 
Hours for Grand Arche: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Tickets: Adults 9EUR; Children 7.50EUR

WWW: Grande Arche

About La Defense

At the end of World War I, the city of Paris planned to build up parts of their city, mainly along Triumphale Way from the Arc de Triomphe to La Defense.  The idea was to have a row of visually stunning skyscrapers in a Modernist style to update the bustling section of the city. Many plans came from infamous 1930s architects like Le Corbusier. Unfortunately for them, us and the city of Paris, the plans failed to materialize when the Great Depression hit France along with the rest of the world.

In 1931, a new architectural competition made head way, however the height of the buildings was not unlimited as it had been in the previous contest. The end of the avenue, at La Defense (which was named so in commemoration of the war in 1870), was the only place skyscraping structures were allowed. For the second time, a lack of funds got in the way of the building project. The main focus was turned to the La Defense region rather than the avenue in its entiriety. In 1951, the projects finally went under way and the result is a grand row of astounding buildings like the Coeur Defense, Tour EDF and Defense Palace.

The final touch to La Defense, which is now a thriving business center, was the Grande Arche de la Defense. Plans were initiated by architect loving French president Mitterand. His vision of a modernized, 20th century, Arc de Triomphed was constructed by Otto van Sprecklesen. The unique cube shaped “arc” features a tour and a fantastic view of Paris.

Getting to La Defense

You can get to La Defense by exiting Metro Line 1 by way of the Grande arche de la Defense station.

La Defense Hotels 

The charming Citea La Defense – Place Charras is an apartment building that features lofty studios and an ideal location that is a mere 7 minutes from the Grande Arche de la Defense and La Defense strip; the center of the city is only 15 minutes further. They have comforting amenities like an indoor swimming pool, laundry facilities and a breakfast room. Rates at this 2 star budget conscious hotel is a low 38EUR per night.

Located in the heart of the La Defense region of Paris, Mercure Paris La Defense 5 has a very steamlined, modern look within its 507 rooms. Spacious is not an understatement for the Mercure as its 5 meeting rooms hold 200 people with ease, making it an ideal setting for business meetings or any event. Rates for this visually pleasing 3 star hotel start at 105EUR per night.

The Sofitel Paris la Defense Grande Arche hotel is a prime example of some of the La Defense districts stunning architecture. The hotel features modern and comfortable amenities in all of its 384 spacious rooms. It is ideal for business or pleasure with its family friendly atmosphere and business facilities, including 10 meeting rooms. The location is ideal for those who want to explore the rich history of Paris but don’t want to a hotel that is in the middle of hustle and bustle. Rates start at 142EUR per night at this four star stunner.

Photo of La Defense courtesy of Wikimedia.org