At the end of the first World War, plans were made to develop the axis from the Arc de Triomphe at the Etoile to La Défense, an area at the edge of the center of Paris.
Numerous plans were submitted for the Voie Triumphale or Triumphal Way as it was known, most of them with endless rows of impressive skyscrapers in mostly Modernist style. Many of the plans which were submitted in 1930 came from renowned architects like Le Corbusier and Auguste Perret. None of these plans were realized, mainly due to the Great Depression in the 1930s.
La Défense
In 1931 though, the authorities organized a new competition, but the intent was to limit the height of the buildings along the Triumphal Way. Only at the end of the long avenue, at the Défense, were towers allowed. This was recommended by the authorities as towers close to the center would obstruct the view on the Etoile.
Most of the 35 (French) entries in the competition were either classical or modernist style, but again none of the plans were actually realized due to lack of funding. The main focus now moved from the Triumphal way to the Défense area, or La Défense. The name défense originates from the monument 'La Défense de Paris', which was erected at this site in 1883 to commemorate the war of 1870.
A Forest of Towers
The result is a mix of mostly cheap towers of different heights. The tallest of them, the GAN tower, measured 179 meters (589 ft). The height of several towers, and in particular the GAN tower caused a public outcry as the 'forest of towers' disturbs the view on the Arc de Triomphe as seen from the Etoile. Partly in response to this criticism a new monument was built at the entrance of the Défense as a counterweight for the Arc de Triomphe: The Tête Défense , also known as the Grande Arche de la Défense.
Click here to see other pictures
Click here to see other pictures
La Grande Arche – a bit of a hollow experience?
With a slight resemblance to a large hollow television the Le
Grande Arche is a fine modern building within the interesting and relatively
newly redeveloped district of Paris, La Defense. The building could be seen as a
testament to the power of television to attract such large crowds even though
there is clearly nothing on.
The top of the Arche provides extensive views all the way to
the Arc de Triomphe. This alone makes The Grande Arche worth the trip there for
the trip up. But the view is fascinating as opposed to spectacular.
There is often a variety of cultural exhibitions and events,
which take place within the Arche. A fine restaurant, brasserie, and gift shop
can also be found at this interesting attraction.
I’ve never been a big fan of La Defense; perhas after all the
old and glorious architecture of Paris, the modern building in La Defense seem
too plain and hard. And it is a bit like Canary Wharf in London, where there is
a lot of activity due to the workers in the various offices there, but little
else. Worth a trip …. Once….:)
Click here to see other pictures.
This monument is huge. It lies about half way between the Arc de Triomph and the Grand Arche de La Defense. It has something to do with the military however there isn't much information around about it. It was built in 1877 by Pierre Koenig, the artist being Albert Feraud. It takes up a large grassy knoll and is actually quite attractive. But no one really goes here....we walked to the Grande Arche for the fun of it and as a result passed by; but I don't think anyone else does this. Too bad....it's probably worth seeing.
Click here to see the one picture.
Click here to see the one picture.