Xmas Markets at La Defense

I've been in Paris for close to 5 months and I still hadn't seen La Defence so on an abosultely freexing cold evening mid-week (after skipping class) we headed off to the Xmas markets there. I have never been so cold. It is like a massive wind tunnel.
I'm so used to seeing beautiful old buildings in the centre of Paris where it is illegal to build above 6 stories that to come just out side and see this concrete jungle was a bit of a shock but the markets were lovely. The space in the middle fits the Arc de Triumphe in the middle - it is absolutely huge.
The xmas markets were very pretty, not that much nice stuff in the stalls. Jewellry, scarves, little nicknacks. There were lots of food stalls selling awesome things for xmas. Got some lovely salami and honey cake. There was a lot of German influences with the dinner food - sausages with bread and roast pork dishes. How big is that saucepan full of potato tartiflette - almost like potato bake but not bakes - like a hot potato salad.
This photo doesn't really do it justice but the view from under the arche is amazing looking back into Paris along the Boulevard. A nice christmassy evening had by all ;0
I went again with Rach and we tried hot cider and vin chaud, didn't try the xmas beer and the hot vodka was probably taking the warm drinks a bit too far!