La Défense is a business district in the Paris metropolitan area. Located just west of the city, it is Europe’s largest purpose-built business district. Hosting approximately 25,000 permanent residents and 45,000 students, it is also a popular tourist area that is visited by 8 million people annually. The striking glass and steel structures are some of the tallest buildings in Paris.
The district is named after the statue “La Défense de Paris” by Louis-Ernest Barrias. This monument was dedicated in 1883 to honor soldiers who defended Paris during the Franco-Prussian War.
Please enjoy these photos of La Défense that were taken by Dewey Rodefer, a French-American born in Paris who is currently completing his masters in Architecture at ENSA Paris-Val-de-Seine.
