Definitive guide

La Défense

La Défense is one of the largest business districts in Europe. Its streets are filled with highrise hypermodern buildings and peppered with modern art pieces.

Paris’ La Défense neighbourhood is Europe’s largest purpose-built business district. The area is home to some of Paris’ largest constructions, which include around 20 skyscrapers and more than 70 glass and steel buildings overall.

One of the district’s most prominent constructions is the Grande Arche de la Défense. The Arche is a monumental cube-shaped building that stands 110 m (360 feet) tall.

La Défense district in Paris
Author: Ilya Grigorik. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

At the top of the Arche de la Défense is an observation deck that offers a stunning panoramic view over Paris. Additionally, you’ll also find a restaurant and an exhibition area dedicated to photojournalism. You can get your ticket to the panoramic terrace here .

The Grande Arche de la Fraternité, as it is also called, is meant to act as a counterpart to the Arc de Triomphe. Rather than honouring military victories, this granite and glass structure is a monument to humanity and humanitarianism.

Aside from the imposing towers and office constructions, La Défense is also home to luxurious hanging gardens, squares, and fountains, as well as a permanent open-air exhibition of over 70 contemporary art pieces.

Location

3 km (1.9 miles) northwest of Paris city centre

Schedule

The Grande Arche de la Défense is open at the following times.

Day
Mon-Sun
Day Opening time Last admission Closing time
Mon-Sun 10:00 am 6:30 pm 7:00 pm

Tickets

To avoid queues, you can get your tickets for the panoramic terrace at the top of the *Grande Arche de la Défense *here .

Adult
€15.00
Adult 3-18 years old Students 19-26 Over 65
€15.00 €7.00 €10.00 €12.00

Transport

Method
Lines
Stops
Method Métro RER Tramway
Lines 1 A T2
Stops La Défense La Défense La Défense

Sights

Among the many modern art pieces and statues displayed in the Défense neighbourhood, the following are the most famous.

Grande Arche de la Défense

César’s Thumb

Miró’s Two fantastic characters

Calder’s Red Spider

Agam’s Fountain

Serra’s Slat

Selinger’s The Dance

Venet’s Two Indeterminate Lines

Takis’ Bright Trees

Mitoraj’s Tindaro

Young’s Four Heads

Blanc’s Green wall

Barrias’ La Défense de Paris

Morellet’s La Défonce

Bottazzi’s Peinture de 216 m²

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Introduction
La Défense