Nanterre
Introduction
Located in the western suburbs of Paris, Nanterre serves as the prefecture of the Hauts-de-Seine department. You will find this commune situated just northwest of the center of the French capital.
Before you go
Before you visit, understand that while the skyline is often associated with the city of Paris, La Défense is not actually located within its official limits. It serves as a purpose-built business district where skyscrapers are concentrated in one area to preserve the historic character of Paris.
The district sits on the borders of three communes in the Hauts-de-Seine department: Nanterre, Courbevoie, and Puteaux. Although it is not an administrative unit of Paris, its proximity makes it a prominent landmark for those exploring the region.
Getting there
You can reach the area via several transit options, as it serves as a major office hub well connected to the rest of the Paris region. You can access the district using the métro line 1 at La Défense or Esplanade de la Défense stations.
Alternatively, you can travel by train and tram. The La Défense station serves RER lines A and E, Transilien L, Transilien U, and Tramway T2. Note that because the RER A and E stations are located in zone 3, they cannot be accessed with a T+ ticket. If you find the complex station layout confusing, look for the color-coded signs of the Les Quatres Temps shopping centre to help guide your way.
Where to stay
Staying in the La Défense area provides a convenient base for exploring central Paris via a direct metro connection and offers easy access to Versailles. While this business district is characterized by a landscape of steel and concrete with limited nightlife, you can expect larger rooms and efficient service compared to the more traditional flair found in the city center. Choosing a hotel within the heart of La Défense ensures proximity to the Esplanade de la Défense, where you can experience a retrofuturistic atmosphere as you navigate the various walkways and metro stations.
If you prefer to stay further from the main business hub, you can choose accommodations in neighboring municipalities such as Courbevoie or Puteaux. These areas may offer different rates, though they could increase your travel time and complicate your transit. For those seeking a more distant option, Nanterre offers various locations, including some situated near the RER station or further away from both the city center and the main business district.
Food & drink
You can find a variety of dining options depending on your preference for atmosphere. For quick bites or local staples, rue de Bezons offers budget-friendly eateries including a bakery and Turkish joints. The 4 Temps area provides numerous food and snack locations, while the La Coupole underground gallery offers convenient restaurants and express cafés. If you prefer more upscale dining, several sophisticated restaurants are located within the hotels of La Défense.
For your wine experience, visit Apogé to explore a wide selection of French wines. This venue functions as a bar, merchant, and oenology school where you can receive expert advice from the founders. You can sample many different wines by the glass or taste any bottle before making a purchase on their terrace.
What to see and do
Explore the architectural evolution of the area by wandering through La Défense, where each building reflects different historical trends. You can visit the Grande Arche, a high-rise that resembles a hollow cube, or see the CNIT, which features a massive unsupported concrete span. For a deeper look at local history, the Musée de La Défense displays various plans and scale models of the district's development. If you prefer more contemporary structures, the unique Notre-Dame de Pentecôte church offers an unusual design, while the Paris La Défense Arena provides a domed space for sports and concerts.
Experience the contrast between urban life and nature by visiting Parc André Malraux, where you can capture photos of the skyline against the greenery. Nearby, you can see the colorful cylindrical concrete towers of the Tours Aillaud, which represent a distinct 1970s architectural experiment. For those interested in sacred architecture, the Nanterre Cathedral offers an interesting destination. You can also enjoy the outdoors at the Jardins de l'Eau Retrouvée, a park featuring fountains and a large playground.
- View public art throughout La Défense, including Le pouce by César Baldaccini, the abstract Spider by Alexander Calder on the Esplanade, and Bright Trees by Vassilakis Takis.
- Visit local landmarks such as the Cité de l'Histoire, Colosse, Ikaria, and the Monument aux fusillés du Mont-Valérien.
Three days in Nanterre
Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the area surrounding La Défense. You can walk through the Esplanade or visit the Grande Arche to take in the views of the surroundings.
Day two, you can travel toward the nearby areas of Courbevoie and Puteaux. Alternatively, you can explore the local sights near the CNIT or find your way to the La Coupole area.
Day three, you can head further out to see Versailles or visit the neighboring area of Bezons for a different perspective of the region.