La Défense

La Défense stands apart from the rest of Paris neighborhoods by being a primarily office-focused district.

A Brief History

The La Défense district of Paris took its first steps in the 1950s, when authorities chose this area on the outskirts of Paris, previously intended mainly for residential and industrial use, to create a major financial district.

Furthermore, to improve traffic flow and preserve the views along the Historic Axis, the "Dalle" was built. A platform that ingeniously conceals all transport links and creates a pedestrian zone offering stunning views of the Arc de Triomphe in the distance.

The central business district that makes up La Défense in Paris is not actually a French commune, as its territory is shared among three municipalities: Courbevoie, Nanterre y Puteaux, which are all part of the Hauts-de-Seine department.

The origin of its name

As a fun fact, the name La Défense comes from a bronze statue of the same name, erected in 1883 by Louis-Ernest Barrias to commemorate the soldiers who defended Paris during the Franco-Prussian War. Who would have thought?

What to see in La Défense

Inaugurated in 1989, it is an office building standing 110 meters tall and 112 meters deep. It is so large that it could fit the Notre-Dame Cathedral within its arch, and it is particularly striking because of its contemporary white marble outline.

More places to visit in La Défense, Paris

Although this area is known for housing the headquarters of numerous French and international companies, including the European Banking Authority, it is also an incredible place to sightseeing outside the city center of Paris, as is Eurodisney or Disneyland Paris.

Among the best things to see in La Défense are the enormous Les Quatre Temps shopping center, the bronze statue that gives the district its name, the lovely Parc André Malraux, and some of the contemporary artworks scattered throughout the area.

Likewise, we also want to mention the large Christmas market held in La Défense every year, where you can find all kinds of crafts, trinkets, gifts, and plenty of traditional seasonal food. It's the perfect plan if you're spending Christmas in Paris.

How to get to La Défense

The La Défense central business district is very easily accessible by public transport. Below, we list all the possible ways to get there:

• RER Train: Line A, La Défense Grande Arche station.
• Tram: Line 2, La Défense Grande Arche station.
• Bus: Nos. 73, 141, 158, and 159.

In addition, by 2024, RER Line E trains coming from Gare du Nord Stationare expected to stop at La Défense. So no matter where you are staying, getting there won't be difficult.