Grande Arche de la Défense
The huge Grand Arche de la Defense is designed as a modern version of the Arc de Triomphe
La Grand Arche de la Defense is found in the business district of La Defense in the commune of Puteaux, just west of Paris. It is also called the Grand Arche de la Fraternite or simply as La Grand Arche.
The Grande Arche de la Défense or simply Grand Arch is designed as a modern version of the Arc de Triomphe, only dedicated to humanity and humanitarian ideals rather than the military victories the Arc de Triomphe represents. It was designed by a Danish architect, Johann Otto von Spreckelsen, and a Danish engineer, Erik Reitzel. All architectural responsibilities were awarded to Paul Andreu when Spreckelsen resigned in 1986.
The Grande Arche de la Défense does not stand on its own. It is the end of a line of monuments that runs through Paris known as the Axe historique. It also forms a secondary line with the Eiffel Tower and the Tour Montparnasse, the two highest buildings in Paris.
It is approximately a cube with a width of 108m, a height of 110m and a depth of 112m — a massive structure when seen up close. It is angled at 6.33 degrees, an angle that is similar to the angle of the Louvre which forms the other end of the Axe historique. This angle was made necessary as a result of the various public transport systems that run below it. It was the only way that an adequate foundation could be laid. The Grand Arche de la Defense is made from a pre-stressed concrete frame that has been covered in glass and Carrara marble.
The Grand Arche de la Defense is not only a tourist attraction. It additionally houses some government offices on two of its sides.
It is worth noting that it is possible to see the Arc de Triomphe from the Grand Arche de la Defense on a clear day. This is definitely a sight worth seeing if you have the time. You will not be able to access the roof however since access was closed to the public following an accident in the elevators to the roof in April 2010. Despite this, the Grand Arche de la Defense is definitely worth taking a look at.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesGrande Arche de la Défense Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: 1 Parv. de la Défense, 92800 Puteaux, France
Grande Arche de la Défense Reviews
Rated out of 5
A Modern Marvel in Paris
I was truly impressed when I first saw the Grande Arche de la Défense. Even more so when I learned it was built in the 1980s — I honestly thought it was just 5 or 10 years old! Its modern design feels so fresh and timeless.
What makes it even more fascinating is the alignment: the Grande Arche sits perfectly on the “Axe historique” — a straight line that connects some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, from the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe all the way out here to La Défense. Standing there, you feel like you’re part of a living timeline of Parisian history, stretching from past to present.
Paris never ceases to amaze at every turn, and the Grande Arche is a must-visit if you want to see how the city blends history with modernity.
Dmytro Maliuk - a week ago
Definitely worth a short visit to see the newer and more modern "downtown" area of Paris. The defense plaza has a lot of great shops, mall, restaurants and other things to do while you hang out downtown.
I decided not to go up in the observation deck but just enjoying a relaxing morning loitering around the area and sightseeing the building architecture and designs.
Thankful that it's a clear sunshiny day because it lends to better pictures with the right angle. Recommended to plan for 1 to 2 hours walking around the downtown area.
Bret Bowman - 5 months ago
La Grande Arche is kind of random but really beautiful even though its kind of random to think about that they decided to just build a massive cube but its actually really nice you also have a really nice view from there.
Smudlinka01 - 4 months ago
This time was my first visit to the defense area, and although i did not go in this modern arch, i loved the architecture and the big space in front of it. Also the skyline from there is very nice and you have two malls on either sides.
Mike Aoun - 8 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER / Tram Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M1 or RER-A or T2 | La Défense | 0 minutes |
How to get to Grande Arche de la Défense by Metro / RER / Tram
By Metro, RER-A or Tram: exit at La Défense Station and you are there.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Photo Gallery
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A close up of the stairs leading to the Arche de la Défense add a sense of scale to this huge monument cc licensed photo by Justin A. Wilcox -
Photo Credit: Daniel_Hache - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Edgardo W. Olivera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Edgardo W. Olivera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Shepard4711 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dany13 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: OliverN5 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Seb MAR 2 - cc license via Flickr
