La Défense is the main business district of the Paris region, located west of Paris across the towns of Puteaux, Courbevoie, and Nanterre — it is not part of Paris proper. The district has the highest concentration of office towers in France, organised around a large pedestrian esplanade lined with public artworks.
Highlights
The Grande Arche
Completed in 1989 for the bicentennial of the French Revolution, this monumental arch closes the historic axis running from the Louvre through the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.
The esplanade and its public art
Sculptures by César, Miró, Calder, and other artists scattered along the pedestrian esplanade.
Les Quatre Temps
One of the largest shopping centres in the Île-de-France region, directly connected to the esplanade.
Infos pratiques
Tips
La Défense is mostly visited outdoors and for free (esplanade, public art, architecture); only a possible visit to the Grande Arche rooftop is paid, and its opening conditions vary — check before you go, as hours are not consistently stable.
How to get there
RER A, "La Défense — Grande Arche" station (terminus, very fast from central Paris). Metro line 1, same station. Tramway T2. Several bus lines also serve the district.
Opening hours
Nearby
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