la defense – Liberated Traveler

My top 10 Métro stops blog series has ended, yet there are some sights that deserve some recognition. The problem is, there isn’t really anything major to see in the area other than one or two sights. Today I am featuring those Métro stops.

1. Porte de Clignancourt

The Marche aux Puces of Saint Ouen is one of the best flea markets in the world. Yeah, that is pretty big. There is a vast range of items and prices. If you enjoy garage sales or antiques, this place is for you. The area is a little less safe than some other areas in Paris. Watch your items carefully. The first market you will see is not representative of the rest of the markets. Walk through the first set of white tents to get to the good items. For great directions, check out this blog.

2. Buttes Chaumont

This park is so different from any other park in Paris. The landscaping drapes over the hilly terrain. Peaked on the top hill is the temple. Grand bridges connect areas, as water flows below. Be prepared to see beauty.

3. La Défense

The Esplanade and Grand Arch are a unique view of Paris. You can easily spend a whole day in this area observing the architecture, shopping, and eating.

4. Château de Vincennes

It may sound a bit idiotic, but I had no idea that there was an actual chateau at this métro. This stop has another sight worth visiting as well: the floral park. I spent an entire day walking through the gardens and chateau. I had never heard of either of these sights until I decided to ride the métro to the end line.

5. Porte de Vanves

You can probably tell that I enjoy a range of markets. This flea market is supposed to be a secret gem. Apparently vendors from the Marche aux Puces of Saint Ouen come here early in the morning to find bargains. Beat them to the punch by hunting for your own bargains.

6. St. Denis

If you enjoy following the royal line, you might be interested in visiting the church that is the final resting place for several kings. There are a variety of Henry’s and Louis’ to please any enthusiast.

Like what you see here? These posts have been the stepping stones I’ve needed to start my book. I am currently working on designing an eBook based on the content shared in the Paris by Métro blog posts. The posts are condensed, unedited versions for what you will see in the book. This has been a great place to get feedback and ideas for how to improve my initial idea. If you are feeling extra generous today and you’d like to offer some tips or suggestions for what you’d like to see, please let me know! After all, this book is for you.

1. Saint Paul

2. Cité

3. Palais Royal/Musée de Louvre

4. Abbesses

5. É cole Militaire

6. Saint Sulpice

7. République

8. Opéra

9. Charles de Gaulle -Etoile

10. Place Monge

Show that leg!

An insect hotel would be worst nightmare…

This may be my favorite photo of the day.

I give La Defense a thumbs up!

Anyone else see a familiarity to the one in Chicago?

They were playing petanque (boules) on their lunch hour. I think we need to get a set for work.

This was the exterior of a building.

I journeyed to an area in Paris few visitors see. It is Monday in Paris which means many places are closed like markets and some museums. The museums that are open are probably crazy busy, so I wanted to escape the crowds and visit the modern city. I knew there was a Grande Arche and an esplanade, but I had no idea how much there was to see and do there.

First, the arch is HUGE! Notre Dame could fit under it. I’m sure there are sights you can see inside, but I stuck with an exterior perspective. If you look far into the distance, you can see another famous arch: the Arc de Triomphe. Some think that the arches line up, but not quite.

Walking down from the arch you see sculpture, skyscrapers, and green space. The area is broken into areas given different names. Some areas include Iris, Bellini, and Vosges. I spent a little time in Alsace since that is a place I want to visit someday. That was my only logic for picking the area. I don’t think I even fully explored the entire space. There is so much to see and do that you can easily fill a day in this area if you’ve spent a fair amount of time seeing all of the other musts.

If you need to get your shopping bug cured, there is a mall with more than 250 stores. Feeling up for a movie? There is also a cinema and many restaurants. This is where I stopped for lunch to fill my Italian craving. I met an older businessman from Holland that spoke English well (I originally wrote spoke good English and then realized I should probably use proper English myself). Tables in France are so close we basically were sitting together, so why not have a little conversation.

Something possessed me to think it would be a good idea to walk back from the Grand Arch to the Marais where I am staying. That is over a 10k walk after all of the other walking I did (which probably over 15k all together). There was a 10k run yesterday, and I was thinking I’d like to get some exercise and do a 10k walk. Well, I did it. Seeing major landmarks along the way provides motivation. On my way home I passed the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde, Tuileries, Louvre, and Hotel de Ville. I passed a lot of other places, but I’m not exactly sure what some of them were. Let’s just say that putting my feet up feels pretty good right now.

So, if you are a seasoned Paris visitor, or have plenty of time to explore, it may be time you finally made it out to this other Paris. It is an easy metro ride and worth viewing to gain perspective on the modern, business world of the city. If you are coming in 2020, there will be a major exposition it seems. If you plan your travels that far in advance.

Have you been? What were your thoughts?