What Is La Defense, Paris?
La Defense, Paris is the largest business district in Europe. It covers the communities Courbevoie, Puteaux and Nanterre. It’s located northwest of the city center, and it can be reached via Pont de Neuilly, a bridge on the Seine. The area was developed in the late 1950s to house offices for French companies who were expanding.
The new skyscrapers replaced the old factories, shanties and farms of Paris. The modern district was named after the statue La Défense de Paris. Today, it’s still home to many French businesses, as well as international firms. La Defense, Paris is also a popular shopping destination – it’s home to the massive mall Les Quatre Temps.
La Grande Arche de la Défense – A Stunning Piece of Architecture
The first thing you’ll notice about La Défense is the Grande Arche. This massive, cube-shaped building was completed in 1989 and stands at 110 meters (360 feet) tall. It’s made of glass and steel and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris.
In the past, it was called La Grande Arche de la Fraternité. The inside of the Grande Arche is open to the public and houses a museum, conference center, and observation deck. From the top, you can see all of Paris!
The Esplanade du Général de Gaulle – A Relaxing Green Space
In the middle of all the high-rise buildings, you’ll find the Esplanade du Général de Gaulle. This is a large green space where people come to relax, have a picnic, or enjoy the sun. Every Sunday, the Esplanade is transformed into a huge flea market. You can find all sorts of treasures here, from vintage clothes to antique furniture.
The La Defense, Paris Business District – Home to Many Companies
As we mentioned, La Défense is home to over a thousand businesses. If you’re looking for a place to work, you’ll have no trouble finding a job here. Some companies headquartered in La Defense include Total, Areva, and Aventis (now renamed Sanofi S.A.).
There’s also a lot of financial activity in La Défense. Euronext Paris is located here, as well as the headquarters of many banks.
Entertainment in La Defense, Paris – More than Just Business
Just because La Défense is a business district doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do here. In fact, there are plenty of things to see and do in La Defense, Paris.
One popular tourist attraction is the CNIT – the Centre of New Industries and Technologies. It’s a large convention center that hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year. If you’re interested in learning about the latest technology, this is the place for you. It’s also the oldest building in La Defénse.
The area is also a big open-air museum, with over 70 statues and pieces of modern art on display. You can find works by artists like César, Alexander Calder, and Emily Young.
If you’re a fan of live music, you’ll be happy to know that La Défense is home to the Paris La Défense Arena. This massive concert hall can seat up to 40,000 people and has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Madonna, Rihanna, and UB40.
Renaissance Paris La Defense Hotel – A Bit of Luxury
If you’re looking for a place to stay in La Défense, the Renaissance Paris La Defense Hotel is a great option. It’s located just outside the business district and offers all the amenities you could want, from a fitness center to a spa. The hotel also has its own restaurant, serving French cuisine with a modern twist.
Whether you’re looking for a place to work or a place to relax, this massive business district has something for everyone. Come and explore La Defense, Paris!
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