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On July 9, we gathered at 8:30 for a tour of modern architecture and public art in La Défense. Located east of Paris, aligned with the Arc de Triomphe, it is known as "Little New York." The area centers on a new rectangular Arc de Triomphe; its upper platform has no cars, featuring a large plaza with advanced urban planning. Modern geometric buildings line both sides, with numerous public artworks displayed in the plaza or among the structures, such as César’s giant bronze thumb, Calder’s Red Monument, Miró’s painted figure sculptures, artistic fountains, and water towers. Walking down the tree-lined avenue leads to Daix’s sculptural site, where the Arc de Triomphe is visible in the distance ahead, and the Eiffel Tower stands to the right.
Then, taking Metro Line 1 to the Champs-Élysées station, we visited the most spectacular bridge over the Seine, the Alexander III Bridge. It is 107 meters long and 40 meters wide, with the Petit and Grand Palais in front and the Hôtel des Invalides in the distance. We watched passing boats and gazed at the Eiffel Tower, the National Assembly, and the Louvre.
Walking along the Seine, we arrived at Place de la Concorde with its obelisk, then entered the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) to visit, rest, and have a picnic.
After 3 p.m., we took Metro Line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt to browse the flea market. This is Paris’s largest market, offering everything from daily necessities to high-end art. Is it genuine? Of course, you must keep your eyes open to avoid being deceived, but it is worth broadening your horizons and learning something new, making for a unique travel experience.