Admittedly, I often miss the feeling of being lost in a concrete jungle, also known as New York City. Feeling so small amidst such grandness has a certain appeal. Perhaps it’s the feeling of so many lives being lived vertically, that behind each window another story is unfolding. And simply to look up is to feel alive! Rather than hop on a jet and cross the ocean I hop on the 1 train. Destination: La Défense.
Recently I had some business to tend to in Neuilly Sur Seine, a wealthy suburb to the west of Paris. What most appealed to me were the views of the skyscrapers ahead, or what is actually Paris’s major business district. Beneath a moody sky, I decided to walk. My Italian lunch date awaited.
I crossed the Seine from the peace of a small French village into the energy of concrete motion.
En route I was impressed with the many artistic displays, both on the ground and in the architecture.
One particular place is my favorite. A wooden boardwalk behind the Grande Arche, overlooking a blanket of trees and a cemetery. It is here where we often sit. And I think of the many lives once lived below and the many being lived above.
Soon La Défense will be wrapped in holiday lights. A view from the top of the Grande Arche beckons.
It’s so funny because although I can appreciate how different being in La Défense feels – almost like being in large American cities – I’m so glad the center of Paris isn’t that way (although that could change due to Sarko’s architectural plans and height-limit modifications) – but at least we’re only a metro ride away from it should we need our corporate, fast-paced fix!
The appeal and charm of Paris is that it’s nothing like big American cities, yet a contained ‘industrial playground’ exists in such close proximity. May Sarko never take the charm out of Paris! Leave the Parisian skyline alone!!
Ha! You even have a picture of my tower, facing my desk!!! I could’ve been looking at you from the window 😉
Great blog as uge!
Next time I will wave and hope that you see me (otherwise I will look like a lunatic ;))
Ohhh… you just made me fall in love with La Defense! Really! It looks pretty magical, if you ask me!
Yes, you must go! Though on the way there I did miss crossing the Brooklyn Bridge…ah NYC.
love the pic of those tall skinny sculptures….it’s one of my fav things at la defense.
I’m the same…when I miss Chicago, I love a nice walk in La Défense. When I’d first moved to Paris, I thought about moving there but was told the area degenerates in the evening, after closing hours. Still, wonderful architecture and the sculptures all over the place are fun. Thanks for the virtual tour!
BTW, I’m pretty sure the roof the Arche is closed for the time being because of problems with the elevator…you may have to wait a little for your beckoning voew!
It’s definitely not a place to live as I too heard it’s ‘less than scenic’ at night. What I also like about it on day trips is the lack or cars, and of course the art and architecture. Sort of like visiting a outdoor museum. Will wait for a visit to the Arche…
It’s so nice to see La Defense through fresh eyes (and from the outside…) I’m usually rushing through, cursing the crowds, looking for an exit, etc. Thanks for this post…
Thanks for helping me see La Defense in a new way. I am like you and really miss the concrete jungle of NYC. La Defense always seemed to pale in comparison and not give me the “fix” I need, but you’ve given me new inspiration to give it a go. But obviously, I’m glad the *rest* of Paris does not look like this. When I get homesick all I need to do is take a walk around the City of Light and marvel at her beauty to remember how lucky I am.
There is nothing quite like the concrete jungle of NYC, nor the undeniable charm of Paris. We are lucky indeed!