A few weeks ago, I decided to visit La Défense. Last year, I saw the modern buildings in the distance from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. It intrigued me and I decided to go check it out.
La Défense is the major business district of Île-de-France and the complete opposite of Paris in terms of architecture. Paris has old charming buildings whereas La Défense has modern architecture. La Défense is located just outside of Paris on the West in Puteaux and is served by Metro Line 1.
It is mostly super modern & ultra chic although there were some really old run down buildings in the area too. When you walk around on a weekday you see everyone in formal business attire talking on phones, having meetings in cafes etc. but on the weekend the office buildings are deserted. There is a great shopping centre there called Les Quatre Temps too with all the major shops.
The coolest thing about La Défense is the Grande Arche which is not just an arch but a building with actual offices in it. When you walk up the steps to the top, you can see the Arc de Triomphe & Paris in the distance and it’s a wonderful view.
Personally, La Défense reminded me a lot of Docklands in Melbourne because it is modern, cold and a little soulless. But I have a love for modern architecture and I had a great time photographing it.
From Melbourne to Paris (And Back Again) 