La Defense, Paris
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.
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
