La Defense (April 27)

Take line 1 of the metro as far west as you can go and you'll be at La Defense, a high rise and office tower district just beyond the arrondissements of central Paris.  We were serenaded for a couple of stations.

If you like public art work on a big scale, or architecture, or the built environment, this is the place to go.  I spent hours here.  The most imposing, impressive, and most famous structure of the area is the Grande Arche. It dominates the enormous piazza area.

It's at the western end of the grand axis formed by the Champs Elysee, the place de la Concorde, and the Arc de Triomphe.  This shot is taken with the Grande Arche behind me.

Buildings have interesting angles

 and reflections are everywhere.

This Miro piece is very well known.

You'll find intricate tiling

sculptures galore

and colour.

Places to sit are far from traditional

and even the usual street furniture is done with a twist

The gardens are beautiful, and the plantings extend to pinot noir and chardonnay grapes.

I took way too many photos to share here, but this is one of my favourite pieces, complete with the real life counterpart.

 The day was fuelled by a viennoise au chocolate for breakfast

 and a croque madame, wine and coffee for lunch in a bistro looking out onto the arch.