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La Defense City Breaks

A modern side of Paris

La Défense, Paris, is the city’s premier business district three kilometres outside the centre. Most of the neighbourhood was built after the 1960s, so it shows a more contemporary side of the city, standing out against the mediaeval heart. It puts a modern spin on the classic Parisian atmosphere. 

This part of Paris is certainly unique. While the city’s historic hub features quaint little cafes and traditional pâtisseries, La Défense is filled with trendy international food trucks and looming skyscrapers. In fact, of Paris's 24 skyscrapers, you’ll find 20 of them right here in La Défense. 

You’ll be well-connected to all the action here. La Défense is directly linked to the city by the Historical Axis of Paris. This ten-kilometre route runs all the way from the Louvre, connecting some of Paris's most famous attractions like the Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. 

In Paris, La Défense hotel options are plentiful. As it’s a thriving business area, there are a lot of places to choose from – and some great deals to be had, too. If you’re looking for a less touristy experience, with a wide selection of restaurants and easy public transportation, La Défense is a top spot.

Explore our map of La Defense

Your La Défense questions, answered

The district is named after a statue erected in the area in 1883 by French sculptor Louis-Ernest Barrias. La Défense de Paris honours the soldiers of the 1870 War, and you can still visit it today. 
If you like clean, contemporary neighbourhoods, you can’t go wrong. It caters to the business crowd, so there’s plenty of after-work entertainment and great public transport into the city centre. 
It’s absolutely worth a visit if you want to explore a different side of Paris. Plus, it’s straightforward to get to from the city centre, with the RER, metro, and tram usually getting you there in 15-20 minutes. 
The 110-metre Grande Arche is La Défense’s most iconic landmark. It’s one of three arches on the Historical Axis of Paris, along with the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.