Things to do in La Défense

So, why not begin your visit at an impressive venue, the Paris La Défense Arena located in the western part of the district, in Nanterre. Built in 2017 under the leadership of Christian de Portzamparc, this building resulted from a colossal project. With capacity for 40,000 spectators, the Paris La Défense Arena boasts the biggest modular auditorium in Europe. Every event hosted in the stadium offers an opportunity to enjoy a total immersion experience, thanks to its technological innovations. For example, the giant interactive screen is the biggest in the world, measuring 1,400 m² (equivalent to seven tennis courts). The promise of an extraordinary sports event for the Olympic & Paralympic swimming competitions!

Longing to see some greenery? A stone’s throw from the stadium, you’ll find the Parc André Malraux, also in Nanterre. Deemed the green lung of La Défense, this park tucked between the glass tower blocks is the district’s answer to Central Park. Its 25 hectares offer a host of activities, including water games in the heat of summer, a merry-go-round for children, jogging, an afternoon nap by the lake… You may even come across some local employees who prefer working outdoors than enclosed between the partitions of their open-plan offices.

And if you’re looking for something more bucolic, head towards the river Seine to visit the Ferme du bonheur. Located near Paris Nanterre University, this concept venue is a whole world by itself. The Ferme du Bonheur, a kind of vast stretch of countryside set between the towers, is a laboratory of both culture and urban agriculture. During a walk among the vegetable gardens and orchards, you’ll come across free-roaming goats and sheep. There’s no room for boredom here! With festivals, electro music, concerts, agriculture workshops, culinary activities and much more, this merrily undisciplined venue won’t fail to offer a change of scene.

Let’s go back to the heart of La Défense, beneath the Grande Arche to be precise. Here, in Puteaux, we find the Cité de l’Histoire, a huge interactive museum that you can visit alone or with the family to learn about key events in the history of humankind. Among other family-friendly activities, this is one of the most enjoyable. The tour is divided into three interactive sections that call upon the very latest technology to plunge you into a totally immersive time-travel experience. Relive the glory days of General de Gaulle through authentic reconstitutions, delve into the daily life of Victor Hugo with a 360° show, follow an enormous timeline to learn about key dates in French history… And the highlight is a unique tour inside Notre-Dame de Paris, through an amazing 45-minute interactive voyage. And if this adventure gives you an appetite, take this opportunity to stop off at the museum restaurant.

Just a 2-minute walk from the Grande Arche you’ll find Europe’s biggest shopping centre which is also the most visited in France: Westfield Les 4 Temps. In this window-shopping temple of 130,000 m² and 230 shops, you’ll find everything you could possibly need… And even what you don’t! And because shopping makes you hungry, pop up to the 3rd floor for a quick snack and, while you’re there, treat yourself to a film at the cinema!

And on the other side of the La Défense square, the Westfield CNIT, a muste-see, combining shopping, conference center and train station.

Your walk continues along the esplanade de La Défense, still in Puteaux. This gateway to the district of La Défense, with its shimmering glass buildings and contemporary art installations dotted along the promenade, is like an open-air museum. If you’re into architecture or modern art, this walk is a feast for the eyes, providing a fabulous glimpse of the beautiful treasures this district has to offer.

Among the exhibited works you can admire two of Joan Miró’s fantastical characters Westfield Les Quatre Temps, the gigantic Public Bench by Lilian Bourgeat, and the Takis Pond at the esplanade entrance. Stop for a moment at the edge of this work of art to admire the façades of the buildings reflected on the water’s surface.

And what better way to end your adventure among the skyscrapers than sipping at a cocktail with your head in the clouds? Head for the 19th floor of this hotel to visit the Skyline Paris Lounge & Bar. Admire the exceptional elegant setting and a view over Paris and the Seine that will take your breath away. The perfect way to round off your high-flying evening.