Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Boulogne are these impressive conservatories, which opened in 1898 and are home to
a large collection of tropical plants.
www.fft.fr
; 2 av Gordon Bennett, 16e; adult/child €10.50/8.50, with stadium visit €15.50/10.50;
10am-6pm Wed, Fri-Sun; Porte d'Auteuil)
The world's most extravagant tennis museum
traces the sport's 500-year history through paintings, sculptures and posters. Tours
of the stadium take place at 11am and 3pm in English; reservations are required.
Fondation Louis Vuitton
As exciting as the world-class works of art displayed in this
stunning contemporary art centre are, what really inspires is the 'iceberg' architecture
design by Frank Gehry - 12 curvaceous giant 'sails' crafted from 3600 glass panels.
La Défense
Architecture buffs will have a field day in Paris' business district, located in the western
suburbs. Begun in the 1950s, today La Défense showcases extraordinary monumental art
and is the only place in central Paris where you'll see skyscrapers.
LANDMARK
GRANDE ARCHE DE LA DÉFENSE
La Défense's landmark edifice is the white marble Grande Arche, a cubelike arch built in
the 1980s to house government and business offices. The arch marks the western end of the
Axe Historique (Historic Axis), though Danish architect Johan-Otto von Sprekelsen deliber-
ately placed the Grande Arche fractionally out of alignment. It's not possible to visit inside
or access the roof.
MUSEUM
MUSÉE DE LA DÉFENSE
Set to reopen after renovation in early 2015, this museum evokes the area's development and
architecture through drawings, architectural plans and scale models.
