La Défense -Day 3

La Défense is a major purpose-built business district in the outskirt of  Paris. In the 1960s, Charles de Gaulle led an effort to level the area and concentrate skyscrapers in a single business district, rather than altering the character of downtown Paris with large commercial buildings. La Défense is probably one of the  most modern and imposing landmarks in Paris, situated at the western end of the Axis Historique (I'll explain it bit later). 

Kevin and Thierry - Thumbs up!

Nice view from la Défense! Looking straight ahead is the Arc de Triomphe.

You  can see better the Arc or Triomphe in both pictures.. This is also a partial view of the Axe Historique (see below).

The Axe Historique

I'll refer to the Axe Historique quite a bit throughout the website so it is good to have really good look at the map.

The Axe historique ("historical axis") is a line of monuments and buildings that extends from the centre of  Paris to the west. It is also known as the "Voie Triomphale" (triumphal way).  La Voie Triomphale is an amazing nine-kilometres long linear route which dominates central and western Paris. This route is consists of some of Paris' most famous landmarks like the Louvre,  Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe and ends up right here at La Défense with its Grande Arche.

Lunch at Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus is a French steakhouse, with more than 71 restaurants, Hippo is a well-known brand spread all over France.  Hoa and I we used to love eat there so we told Kevin that he must try to eat there.. 

Posing in front of  Hippopotamus sign!

The restaurant looks pretty casual to me but for some reason I remember it to be a fancier restaurant. 

We used to go to the Hippo in the Opera area so maybe it was a bit more upscale than this one here at la Défense.

Next... Notre Dame de Paris