Located in the northwest of Paris, the La Défense district is known as one of the largest business districts in Europe, boasting 30 million square feet of office space spread across 71 towers. However, it’s not just a business district; it’s also a highly cosmopolitan area. Let’s discover its hidden secrets together.
First things first, here is a map with all the places mentioned in this article :
Admiring the Grande Arche
1 parvis de la Défense, 92044, Paris La Défense Cedex
Also known as the Grande Arche de la Fraternité, this imposing office building, inaugurated for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution, remains an iconic landmark in the La Défense district.
Although access to the roof is no longer possible, admiring the Grande Arche from the outside is an impressive experience in itself. Its modern and bold architecture, combining glass and white marble, makes it a perfect photography subject. The view from the Parvis de la Défense offers a striking contrast with the historic buildings of Paris.
We love: Its modern design against the Parisian sky.
Visit La Défense Artworks
15 place de La Défense 92974 Paris La Défense Cedex
It is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about La Défense district but it is an amazing open-air museum. No less than 69 art pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries are freely accessible – when you know where to look.
You can discover the Pouce (the thumb) by César, the characters of Joan Miro, the Fontaine Monumentale by Yaacov Agam, a piece of the Berlin wall, as well as many more wall paintings, statues and different kinds of installations.
We love: the three artistic tours (freely available) have been created for you to discover the different pieces.
For more information and to download the artwork map, visit: https://parisladefense.com/en/discover/artworks/
Take a walk in the André Malraux park
39 Av. Pablo Picasso, 92000 Nanterre, France
At a short walking distance from the Grande Arche is the André Malraux Park, constructed between 1970 and 1978 mostly on the cuttings from La Défense construction site.
The 60 acres of the park were designed by Jacques Sgard to fit seamlessly into the urban landscape thanks to curves and swirls.
It is composed of large lawns – perfect for family picnics – and more covert areas which are ideal to rest a bit. You can contemplate the birds nesting in the reeds of the pond or read a book in the shadow of the maples.
We love: that the park has no fences and is open at all times.
View from the Japan Bridge
Pl. Japan Bridge, 92800 Puteaux, France
Hanging about 16 feet above the D914 road, between the Pacifique tower and the Kupka building, the Japan Bridge offers an amazing view of La Défense district.
It was built in 1994 by the architect Kisho Kurokawa and inspired by traditional Japanese bridges. It is a thousand feet long tunnel made of glass and steel, hanging from two arches meeting in its center.
The view of La Défense’s different architectural constructions is breathtaking.
The bridge connects to the two buildings through enormous cuts.
We love: that it’s freely accessible.
Wander in the Les Quatre Temps shopping center
Parvis de la Défense, 92092, Paris La Défense
The shopping center Les Quatre Temps opened in March 1981. It was the largest shopping mall at the time, thanks to its 150,000 square yards of space. Even though its surface area has been greatly exceeded by others since its opening, it remains the most visited shopping center in France.
At first, Les Quatre Temps was supposed to house several luxury boutiques but it was decided that an Auchan (big supermarket) and other mass-consumer-oriented brands would be better suited.
You can wander in its 219 fashion, interior decorations and electronics stores – and many more.
There are well-known brands such as Camaïeu, Body’ Minutes, Desigual, Kiko, Xiaomi, etc.
We love: the fact that you can also watch a movie at the UGC and eat at one of the 46 restaurants in the mall.
Go to a movie in the UGC theater
Mall Les Quatre Temps 92092 PARIS-LA-DEFENSE
Discover the UGC cinema, an incomparable cinematic experience in the heart of one of France’s most emblematic shopping malls. Its cinemas are equipped with the latest technology and offer every comfort.
With a diverse program featuring the latest blockbusters, auteur films and international works, UGC promises magical moments on the big screen. The cinema is huge and includes a projection room in the dome, a true architectural marvel that stands out from the landscape.
We love: the diversity of films on offer, including auteur films that aren’t shown anywhere else!
Cité de l’Histoire
Sous la Grande Arche 1, parvis de La Défense , 92800 Puteaux
Embark on a captivating journey through the ages at the Cité de l’Histoire, just outside Paris. This revolutionary immersive experience transports you to the heart of humanity’s most defining moments, thanks to extraordinary shows.
This exceptional venue offers three unique experiences for the whole family. Immerse yourself in French history, relive major events and meet emblematic figures, all in a visual universe inspired by different eras.
We love: the fact that every moment is an encounter with the past, an emotion shared with the whole family!
Takis Basin, urban oasis
Espl. du Général de Gaulle, 92400 Courbevoie, France
Discover the magic at the heart of La Défense with a visit to the Bassin Takis, an urban oasis that transports you to a world of serenity and contemplation.
The Bassin Takis is much more than just a body of water; it’s a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
We love: letting oneself get carried away by the tranquility of this place.
Urban Soccer
85 Av. François Arago, 92000 Nanterre, France
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Discover the excitement of indoor soccer at UrbanSoccer in Nanterre, with 8 quality soccer pitches bookable online. Play 5 vs. 5, organize birthday parties or enroll your children in soccer camps.
After the match, relax in the clubhouse, sip a beer or soda, enjoy fresh pizzas or share tapas. During European matches, the center transforms into a vibrant bar broadcasting the matches.
We love: sharing unique moments at the heart of sporting action!
More information and reservations (website in French)
Island of Puteaux
Allée Georges Hassoux, 92800 puteaux
On the island of Puteaux, sport reigns supreme. A variety of associations, from soccer to dance, and a lively skatepark for teenagers. Enjoy every imaginable sport here!
The Palais des Sports boasts an exceptional swimming pool, with indoor and outdoor basins, as well as luxurious spa facilities. Rejuvenate with saunas, Jacuzzis and much more, all in a heavenly setting.
Explore the unspoiled nature on the island of Puteaux through captivating exhibitions. Discover the richness of local ecosystems and take part in wildlife exhibitions. From enchanting gardens to ecological trails, immerse yourself in a natural world of exceptional beauty in the heart of the island.
We love: this enchanted interlude where you can do whatever you like, to suit your mood.
More information (website in French)
CNIT
2 Pl. de la Défense, 92092 Puteaux, France
This futuristic landmark, nestled in the heart of the business district, invites you to a unique visual experience.
Discover lively shopping galleries, dynamic event spaces and avant-garde architecture that pushes back the boundaries of design.
Whether you’re an art lover, a shopper or simply curious about the extraordinary, the CNIT promises an unforgettable escape.
We love: the crossroads of contemporary style and architectural daring.
Cybergame Courbevoie
47 Av. de l’Europe, 92400 Courbevoie, France
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
It’s the first laser game in the Hauts-de-Seine region. Explore a 580 m2 labyrinth on 3 levels, where every nook and cranny plunges you into the heart of the action.
Cybergame is more than just a laser game, it’s a total adventure. Relax in our lounge bar, challenge your friends in our games room equipped with table soccer, shuffleboard and basketball, and prolong the excitement in our “after game” room.
Whether you’re playing solo or in a team, you’ll find: fun, adrenalin, strategy, skill, cooperation – it’s more than just a game, it’s an experience where every moment counts.
We love: the variety of games and the “after game” room to recharge your batteries.
Information and reservations (website in French)
Secret Musical Workshop
Cour aux statues, Esplanade de la Défense, 92060 Puteaux
Explore the musical mysteries hidden in the heart of La Défense during our “Secret Musical Visit and Workshop”. Accompanied by Patrice, a renowned composer and instrument designer, you’ll discover an experimental workshop inaccessible to ordinary mortals.
Follow a secret path, take a back staircase, and plunge into the bowels of La Défense.
During the two-hour workshop, learn about musical improvisation, invent melodies with unique instruments, and enjoy an exclusive live performance by Patrice.
A unique sound experience that will awaken your creativity. Join us for an exceptional musical adventure in Paris!
We love: discovering a secret corner and experimenting with instruments!
Information and bookings (website in French)
Kids Palace
39 Rue du Moulin des Bruyères, 92400 Courbevoie, France
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Welcome to Kids Palace, the kingdom of fun for little adventurers aged 0 to 11!
Inside this exceptional playground, every child is invited to let his or her imagination run wild. Rolling, sliding, jumping and climbing through modular courses, materials and colors have been carefully chosen to ensure both fun and safety for little explorers.
At Kids Palace, parents can also relax in an air-conditioned area specially designed for them. Keep a watchful eye on your children as they enjoy themselves in complete safety.
We love: the well-designed adult area, where you can eat and relax with friends. Perfect for your little ones’ birthday party, for example.
Information and reservations (website in French)
Tip: look at other spaces on this Instagram page for potential English speaking spaces.
Team Break and its themed games
Immeuble Jean Monnet, 11 Pl. des Vosges, 92400 Courbevoie, France
Explore the exciting world of escape games at Team Break in La Défense, Paris! With a varied choice of captivating scenarios, intelligent puzzles and immersive settings, each room offers a unique experience.
From mystery to action, Team Break promises unforgettable moments. For a tailor-made escape, choose Team Break and plunge into the adventure of your choice!
TeamBreak also offers quiz games, including the very popular “Donut Quiz”, a fun way to show off your culture with friends and family! For more information and reservations, click here (website in French).
We love: the variety of themes to choose from!
Information and booking (website in French).
llucity
15 Le Parvis de la Défense, 92800 Puteaux
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Explore the infinite possibilities at Illucity in La Défense! Immerse yourself in breathtaking virtual worlds with our varied selection of virtual reality experiences.
Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, a thrill-seeker or an explorer of new dimensions, Illucity offers a diverse choice to satisfy every desire for escape.
Experience the extraordinary, push back the boundaries of reality and choose Illucity for an unrivaled immersive adventure!
We love: the quality of immersion and the diversity of games!
Information and reservations (website in French)
Blocbuster
48 Square des Corolles, 92400 Courbevoie, France
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Nestled between La Défense’s Arche and Esplanade stations, this brand-new bouldering gym invites you to enjoy an exceptional experience in a warm, relaxing environment.
Their dedicated openers carefully create and renew the boulders, offering an exciting variety for all levels.
With walls offering a diversity of profiles, everyone can experience the unique pleasure of climbing, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber.
We love: the fact that this gym also offers different areas for training, relaxing and working out.
Attend an event at the Paris La Défense Arena
99 Jard. de l’Arche, 92000 Nanterre, France
Welcome to an avant-garde venue that goes far beyond the norm, immersing every audience member in a totally immersive experience.
This ultra-modern venue, the largest in Europe, redefines the codes of emotion by offering unprecedented versatility. From 15,000 to 40,000 spectators, every event, whether sporting or cultural, is a promise of the unprecedented.
Experience extraordinary moments in a venue that sublimates the senses. An experience not to be missed, because at Paris La Défense Arena, the extraordinary becomes the norm.
We love: the super-modern feel of the venue, equipped with top-quality giant screens, and the simply insane choice of shows.
Book a private tour of la Défense
Duration : 2 hours
Discover the vibrant heart of Europe’s economy on our exclusive guided tour of the La Défense district, Europe’s leading business district, home to over 3,600 companies.
Meet landmarks such as the Grande Arche, CNIT and First Tower, while exploring the latest architectural works such as the Alto Tower.
Book this activity for a captivating experience, with commentary in French or English, and explore the history, aesthetics and features of the imposing buildings that define this unique urban landscape.
We love: to discover the district in a totally new way, full of anecdotes!
Eat at a food truck
From January 15, 2024, Monday to Friday:
- 2 Food Trucks on the Grande Arche forecourt
- 2 Food Trucks on Cours Valmy
- 2 Food Trucks on Place de La Défense
- 2 Food Trucks near Bassin de Takis.
Blend in with the crowd and do what businessmen in a hurry do: order a meal from one of the food trucks at La Défense. They change daily, and are carefully selected by a team of 36 hand-picked testers (employees, local residents and students).
This year, 20 food trucks have been selected to share the six designated locations.
World cuisine, vegan cuisine, burgers, sandwiches, seafood and much more, there’s something for everyone.
Two coffee trucks are also on hand every morning from 7.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., so whether you prefer coffee or orange juice, you’ll find something to wake you up.
A schedule is published every week, so you can find out where each truck is based on the day and location.
Hub 3 Brasseurs (Flammekueches and craft beers)
84 Espl. du Général de Gaulle, 92400 Courbevoie, France
Welcome to the Hub des Trois Brasseurs La Défense, where the alchemy of memorable moments comes to life! Their proudly home-brewed craft beers, paired with tasty flammekueches, are a must.
Every visit, every beer, every meal is guaranteed to be a unique and exceptional experience.
We love: the quality of the beer.
Skyline Lounge Bar
2 esplanade du Général De Gaulle, 92400, Courbevoie
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Located on the 19th floor of the Hôtel Mélia, the Skyline Lounge Bar offers a panoramic view of Paris thanks to its rooftop concept.
In the lounge or on the terrace, you can choose from a wide selection of cocktails (the Mezcale Mule alone is worth a detour) and tapas, while enjoying the view.
Although the restaurant’s specialties are cocktails and tapas, the cuisine is equally good and innovative. On the menu: porcini and truffle ravioli, wagyu beef and red mullet.
Expect to pay €28 on average for a starter/main course or main course/dessert, excluding drinks.
We like: the affordable and high-quality food.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
